Standing on the ancient Acropolis, Fabius breathed the air. It was good to be back in his provincial capital. He had done everything he could to prepare for the war in Ilium and although the situation with the ambassadors to Byzantion caused him concern he had already taken the decision in his mind on how much longer he would wait and what he would do should no word from Thracer be forth-coming.

But for now he would make up for lost time and socialise with the consul, his family and his bride-to-be