The day was overly long as he waited for the evening to come. He hadn't remembered the dream when he first awoke, but then he came across the artifact amongst his things and it all came back to him. It didn't look like anything that would be important but it must be, he reasoned. It was simply a small stone plaque - the sort that would be hung in a house shrine to the goddess Tanit...Her, the goddess of the city and the people of Carthage. He busied himself with making a map of all the places where he'd buried the treasure for Domna...or whoever she was. It wasn't of the nature of a regular map that clearly showed where things were. It was coded. He'd show her how to use it, whenever she and Celus returned. He spent the rest of the afternoon further considering thoughts he'd had on the way home this last trip - thoughts about quitting the business. He'd been lucky so far, but that could end any time. He didn't want to end up like Sergius, crippled to where he couldn't even defend himself properly. Neither did he wish to meet the fate of Captain Hannish and so many others he'd sailed with. He was by all rights a wealthy man and had enough to last him the rest of his days. Truthfully, the thing with Hannish had shaken him up. They'd been within a foot of one another less than a minute before that wave hit and took the captain. It could have been him too. And now there was Domna and this house and place. He always had liked it here and he more than liked her. He was confused about her though. Why had he never seen her until this time? Had Sergius kept her hidden from sight for fear of her being stolen away by another? Why did the woman in the dream look like her? What did she mean by the things she said? A reward? Why was the goddess speaking to him? His mother Sidoni had been a priestess of Tanit before she was tempted away from such things by his father - if that counted for anything. She'd taught him that the goddess possessed many moods and they were not always the most agreeable. It was best to stay on her good side. He turned from staring out at the sea wondering if he really could or really wanted to end his career as a pilot and a carter, and settle down to a landlubber's life. The sun was sinking low in the sky. He supposed he should go and make something for supper since he was the one home all day. ***** These vendors don't seem to be in the list: Shirt by Clay Clothing - love it!! It's a very nice shirt to work with. Pants by Sickleyield - same for them. Background made in VUE by me. Thanks for coming by. Hope your week is going splendidly! Rayvn