Suetonius unrolled the scroll, studied the page for a moment, and cleared his throat. I am delighted, my dear Pliny, to hear of your safe arrival in the province. You must be diligent in examining the financial accounts of the cities, for it is clear that much is amiss. Still, in every province trustworthy allies can be found if you carefully seek them out. I needn’t tell you what great confidence I place in your judgment. Please do not hesitate to consult me when questions arise. Trajan.
Post scriptum: The empress sends her fondest greetings to your lovely wife who, we both feel, will be a support to you in the difficult days ahead.
Suetonius went out, closing the door softly behind him.
***
“She still doesn’t speak?”
“A god has taken away her wits.”
“Broken her shoulder and one leg too. Scratched up her face pretty badly.”
“All that, I can mend,” the healing woman said. “Was it you who found her?”
“My son. He and his brother were out looking for our scattered livestock.”
“Here, dearie, sip this.” She held out a cup of boiled herbs to the figure that lay on a bed of rushes in the little hut
“So many of our own are injured, why bother with her?”
“Money in it maybe? Look at her fine clothes.”
“If we knew who her people were.” The headman got off his haunches and went out.
“Now, dearie,” the healing woman leaned close and whispered, “just who are you?”