My recent tour of Aila's defenses found them all in good order. Presidium (modern Khirbet al-Khalde), which commands the Wadi Yetm gorge, the northern approach into the city, had already been placed on alert. It is time to return to Petra. From the dispatches, I have been receiving, there is much to do there.

The dispatches tell me that Centurion Aurelius Marcus Erminarius has successfully completed his mission and that he has been dispatched to Motha, as I had requested. My cousin, Rabbel, has been informed of developments and, armed with knowledge of current conditions on (and beyond) our borders, he awaits the pleasure of the Amicus Princeps. Rabbel will be an excellent choice as representative. His military experience, gained while serving as a Tribune in the Parthian Wars, will (I hope) give his words concerning our military readiness considerable weight with the Friend of the Emperor.

Malichus, my Chamberlain, remarks, "My lady, the court docket in Petra is filled and it awaits your attention."

"I know," I reply. "But I have received word that a certain frumentarius has been making inquiries in Joppa concerning our ports on the Red Sea but so far he has not sent me word of his possible arrival in the Province. Do you think that perhaps he intends to visit incognito?"

"Frumentari are always extremely secretive." observes Malichus. "I would not be surprised if that is so."

Scarcely hearing him, I continue, "Well, I will remain here until the first of next week before departing -- just in case he should happen to arrive unannounced."

I have made a complete recovery from my bout of pneumonia although my doctor still insists that I continue to "take it easy."

Artemadorus, my doctor has been silent until now. "You really should wait until the weather is warmer. Right now, it is too cold in Petra. Wait here in Aila at least until the weather in the heights warms a little. Why, just last week Petra experienced a snowfall!"

"Thanks to you, I have made a complete recovery from my bout of pneumonia," I reply. "I am grateful for your skill and advice but I have responsibilities. I must get on with the business of administering my province."

"It is too soon for you to go traveling about the country in the middle of Winter. YOu are not strong enough," he insists. "I strongly urge you to continue to listen to my advice."

"I will. I will be sure to be wearing my warmest robes when we enter Arabia Petraea. I look forward to the rare sight of Petra covered in snow."

The doctor throws up his hands in frustration. "All right then, go if you must; but don't blame me if you have a relapse."

"I will not. I promise that I will be careful." I smile at him but he continues to bluster for a while before surrendering at last to my most powerful weapon -- a winning smile.