It was another eight months and a few more storms before they got back to Carthage. Azdrubaal had several private clients who on occassion asked him to bring them special items. One of these was a pilot like himself who had retired five years ago. His arm had been badly damaged by a hawser in a freak accident and was fairly well useless. Sergius-Petrus had requested that Azdrubaal bring back a certain artifact from Ras al Hadd near the mouth of the Erythrian Sea. The pilot had secured the piece as reqested and now made his way on horseback to the hills southwest of the great port city of his people. It was twilight when he arrived. He was greeted by Sergius' guard Celus, and told Sergius-Petrus had died in the spring. He offered to fetch Sergius' widow, for Celus knew who Azdrubaal was and that his former master trusted the pilot and called him a friend. Azdrubaal had never seen Sergius' wife, but he knew her name was Domna. He didn't expect the beautiful woman that stood before him. She apologized profusely and explained her husband had died in his sleep. The physician said his heart had stopped, she explained. "May we speak inside?" Azdrubaal asked her. Odd that Sergius' heart should stop. Last time he saw the man, he was in fine shape - save for his arm. Then again, a lot of things could happen in a year and a half. "Do come in," Domna replied turning to lead the way. "I expect you're hungry after your journey. I was just sitting down to have a meal." He was hungry - and for more than food. Domna had a very enticing walk. Very! But for now, he wasn't going to mention the artifact unless she asked. Cheers and thanks for your comments. Hope your week is going great! Rayvn