...as the odd contraption opened its door. She took another sip of henqet and stifled a burp. They really were a motley crew. And, she realised with a start, plebian Romans were amongst them.

Rome had a price to pay...she wondered if she could bribe Anubaherk to bite on command. Then she caught sight of Ptolemy lurking in the background.

"Oi! You fratensising with...hic...the emeny?" She shook her head. "Damn Greeks!"