"You know of the rumors in the city, don't you? I couldn't help but overhear the talk in the streets and the souk, yesterday." "Aye, rumors of war and the Romans...again. I heard them when we ported. They aim to control world that we all know and take control of all our ports. There were some sailors in the tavern who'd just come back from Messana and some from Corsica. They said pirates and mercenaries had taken it over. It's a little close to home for the Romans, and the Greeks are furious. The sea will be on fire with great wars very soon, I fear." "I wouldn't sell your ships just yet." Domna looked around the room, her eyes filled with sadness. "I love this house too, but if you would consider it, we should leave and go elsewhere. Start over." Azdrubaal stroked her hair and smiled. "Where would we go that war does not follow?" She shrugged. "Gades? Massalia? Tangier? Rabat? I don't know." "Massalia's a pit and so are Gades and Tangier. I'd prefer you weren't around a lot of cutthroats, pirates and thieves. I'd say Rabat would be the best. It's not a port on this sea. That's what they want - control of all the ports and the trade in the Mediterranean - never mind that we invented it all elsewhere and brought it here," Azdrubaal scowled. Domna kissed him and that made him smile. "I'm starving." They passed the day making their plans: what they would take and how they would take it. This would necessitate Azdrubaal going into the city, finding Captain Solomon and paying him to round up a crew and then some for taking them there. That evening, after supper they were walking out to sit on the wall and watch the sun go down. They were halfway there, when Azdrubaal remembered he was going to bring out some wine. "I'll be right back. You stay right here and wait for me." "I will! Don't be gone too long, love." Her smile made his heart melt like butter, and he felt himself a very lucky man. If anywhere he'd prefer to go, it would be back to the Orient. That however entailed a very long and very dangerous voyage. He'd work something out. He always did. ***** One more moment of sweetness and light before the action. I had to play with dynamic cloth a bit more :) Background made in VUE by me. Thank you for your wonderful comments, dear friends. Have a great day! Rayvn