Fabricius had been worried for sometime now about the situation in Rome. Anarchy in the streets, people's homes being attacked and burnt, senators and officials being attacked in the streets. He was worried about his mother Flavia Octavia, his daughter Claudia Procula, his servants and retainers. He knew that Titus Lucretius Tricipitinus, commander of the Flavii guard, at the Domus Flavii would do his duty and protect the villa and it's occupants, but he felt he had to return to Rome to be there when the Emperor Maximinus the Thrax arrived to render justice.

The Egyptian scribe of Fabricius entered the room and approached the desk where Fabricius sat reading reports and signing orders. Fabricius looked up from his work "Ah Ptahhotep what brings you here on such a nice day with such a large smile?" Ptahhotep rarely smiled that is why Fabricius always teased the scribe because he was so serious most of the time.

"Lord I have a message from Rome. It is from your mother."

"Well let's have it. I am always anxious when my mother writes to me. The woman has a propensity to write nothing but bad news."

Fabricius checked the seal on the scroll to make sure it was not tampered with and when he had satisfied himself that all was in order he broke the seal and began reading the scroll.

"My dear son I hope this message finds you in good health. I send you my greetings and those of your daughter Claudia Procula. The child grows like a weed and is of a sweet nature. She is walking now and is a great pleasure in my life. The servants spoil her and your brother gave her a puppy that is a big as she is.

The situation here in Rome is very unstable at this time. About two weeks ago, Titus Lucretius Tricipitinus, told me that a bunch of Petronius Magnus had burnt the townhouse of the Cinni. I sent messengers to the Cinni and told them that they were welcome to take refuge at the Domus Flavii. Titus also gave orders to our guards to kill anyone in a mob who were carrying torches to burn the villa. I have given refuge to many of my friends and their families they had no where else to go. So the old villa is getting filled with people and their belongings. I had all our valuable items packed away in the cellars so they will be safe and also to make room for the items of our guests.

I do hope you can get back to Rome in the near future. There are some things that I cannot put in writing that you need to know. Also it is my opinion that you should be here when the Emperor arrives. Your enemies may take advantage of your absence and do the family injury.

I close for now. May the Gods watch over you my loving son."

Fabricius put the scroll on the table and motioned to Ptahhotep. "I want to see Lucius Cornelius Flavius and Flavius Aetius as soon as possible. Pack your quills and parchment Ptahhotep we are going to Rome! Also inform the master of the Aggamemnon that I will be sailing for Rome in two days. Oh and have that fancy butler that runs this pile of marble to get to the shops and buy some of that expensive silk cloth, jewelry, spices, and perfumes for gifts for my mother. Also make sure he buys a lot of very nice things for my little daughter. Make sure one of my treasurers goes along with him to protect my interests. I have a suspicion that the man is not entirely honest."

Ptahhotep bowed and left the room and Fabricius went back to his scrolls and maps. He knew that the whole household would be in turmoil soon packing and getting ready to board the Aggamemnon in such short notice.