"Tell us where you come from Shu-shu," Azdrubaal said, passing her the plate of bread. "And look up when you speak. We'll have none of that sort of thing here. We're no slavers. You understand?" "Aye," she blushed, raising her head. "I am from far away East. Horse people. Men come and kill people in village. They take young ones for slaves. Takes long time - many, many moons. We come on Silk Road to Berytus. Then we get on ship to Alexandria for slave market. I get away. Hide in ship. Then I fall asleep. When I wake up ship is coming here to Carthage." She shook her head. "I never on ship before. I am sick from it. Terrible!" Azdrubaal laughed. "I know that well. Where did you learn Phoenician, Shu-shu? From the slavers?" Finally, Domna brought in the last bowl. They could eat now. "Aye, milord." Her head went down again and then she remembered what he'd said. She was very anxious to please them. The words streamed out then. "I learn many things from them - not all good, but I am good. I do not steal...except food and clothes sometimes. You know - hungry and cold. I cook. I know to weave cloth, grow food. I know horses. You have beautiful horses. I see them in pasture when I come on road. Kind old one in market tells me to come this road. Ask at houses for servant work. He gives me food too. I share food with Koji and he is my friend. He brings me rabbit, so I cook it. Good dinner from Koji. Everyone tells me "Go away!" but Lady Domna. One man throw rocks at me and Koji. I have hurt on hip from rock." "Oh dear. What a horrible life you've had Shu-shu. You don't have to steal food here - nor sleep in the barn." Domna patted her arm and turned her lovely eyes on Azdrubaal. "Can she stay?" Azdrubaal shrugged. "You have no...issues?" She knew what he meant and shook her head slightly. "I don't either, and I don't see why not. Celus? Do you have any objections to a little help around here?" "Nay, milord! None at all!" Celus was more than happy to have someone else about. He missed the other servants and his departed wife terribly. "Shall I prepare a bed in the servants' quarters then?" "Aye, Celus. Please do...but after we finish supper," Domna answered. ***** Zoom for details. Background made in VUE and Photoshop. Finally, Celus appears! He does have a face and you'll see it a couple of pictures down the road here. Oh, you figured it out Odile :D Not surprised though. Thanks for stopping by and your comments! Rayvn