Welcome to our home and hideout at the estate of my dearest cousin, ▶ Rufio, the Villa Rufiana in the vicinity of Pompeii.

Come on, friend, sit down where it pleases you. Eirik and I have just arrived from Pompeii where we had been hiding at several places until we finally wound up here. Isn't his place just marvellous? You just have to sample the wine! Rufio has discovered a few amphorae in one of the dilapidated shacks. Maybe the slaves had stashed them and couldn't take them away as they had to leave? How fortunate that they have escaped Piso's eyes.

Would you like to recline and share a cup with me? You are here for a reason, I suppose, so let's enjoy a good drop along with the story you came for. Such an effort from your side should be honoured since we aren't easy to find.

It's best I start at the beginning, I suppose, at least that's what one of the tutors always told me. So recline on the cushions and make yourself comfortable. It all began in ▶ Rome.