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must!”
    “Because… because we met on the road at an inn?”
    “The plague or the Persians could strike us all down tomorrow. Live safe with me. Safe within villa walls as the terrible plague rages all about the land. And I’m not paying, anyway—Octavian is our host.”
    She glanced at her maidservant. She could see in Circe’s earnest eyes that she should go with the rich and famous man.
    Phaedra turned back to Mark, as she decided, “Alright then. If being with you will allow me the hospitality of Senator Octavian, then I’ll be honored.”
    Mark reached across the table and took her wrist. “Forget him . The fates have brought us together. The fates and the stars. You’re a witch, aren’t you?”
    Phaedra smirked. “By the gods… not really. I know I’d said I was but I’m not a witch enough to say I’m better than all the other dabblers. I’m really a city daughter through and through.”
    Mark took a deep breath. “No, you pulled me. I could smell you from the road. The wind shook the trees and I woke up. I could smell you.”
    “I smell?”
    “Like magic! Like roses and honey and fish sauce!”
    She glared at the bowl of fish sauce on the table.
    He continued, “There’s wild magic in the air. It’s destiny. Your witchcraft led me to you, and all its wild smells of the rich black soil of the darkest forest, admit it!”
    She shook her head and put her hand on her heart.
    “Senator Octavian lives up the north road. Now I have someone to protect, as we both go—who knows what kind of revolting drunks hang out in those old cemeteries. The honor is all mine. I do hope you were headed north.”
    “Oh my Pegasus, yes we were!” She kicked her maidservant under the table as she said to Mark, “You would do all that just for me?”
    Mark answered, “I’m very busy. I’ve many chores and duties. But I must always have beautiful women in my life too. I have to make Octavian jealous.”
    Phaedra lowered her eyebrows. “Your manners are outstanding to want to protect me so much. But I won’t show up on your arm like your whore. I’m not some senator’s wife.”
    He laughed. “Yes, they do have a reputation. All the noble women of Rome, do.”
    “And men.”
    “For now, just help me make Octavian jealous. That’s an easy game to play. Ride with me in my carriage—that will give us some time to get acquainted. I’ll send a driver to yours so your maidservant arrives safely. The road will be more fun if you’re with me, just you and me.”
    Phaedra laughed nervously. “I suppose I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” She frowned. “I won’t appease your boredom in any lewd fashions. I won’t be made fun of. Your naughty tricks will all be on Octavian, if you play games, but not on me!”
    Mark gave a crooked smile. “You must think that’s all I do to everybody.”
    She readily nodded.
     
     
    Chapter five
     
     
    On the coast of Egypt, the Palace of Alexandria was built in the Greek style with fluted Corinthian columns. It looked down on a vast market plaza, harbor complex and monumental lighthouse.
    In a long narrow apartment hidden within the palace’s inner walls stood Ptolemy’s witch, Sorceress Thrace. To the blue smoke billowing from her magical fire, she intoned, “Mirage, mirage in my hand, who is the fairest in the land?” The flames flashed green. She saw her aged face reflect back to her. She asked, “What do I need to regain my youth so the young pharaoh will want me? What do I need for my skin to smooth?” She smelled mint. “Mint again?” She leaned over the fire and let the smoke dry her. “Phoenix from the fire! Phoenix from the smoke! Phoenix from the heat! Phoenix from the ash! Sweet bird of youth be reborn in your mountain nest!”
    She fainted and fell to the floor. In her sleep, magic spoke to her, “A new witch this way comes. She travels with far-off war drums. She will die or you will, instead. You cannot both keep your head.”
    “Speak