Marcus and Esca release Cub into the forest. Marcus takes off the wolf's collar and puts it in his pocket. Now that the wolf cub is fully grown, it is only fair to free him into the wild amongst his own kind. If he returns home on his own, then it will be the wolf's choice to remain with men.
Marcus's leg is healed now. It is twisted and scarred, but he can use it almost as well as ever. Still without prospects, Marcus is thinking of working as a rich man's secretary. His uncle is expecting a dinner guest, the Legate of the Sixth Legion, a former comrade at arms, Claudius Hieronimianus. With the old soldier is a member of his staff, Tribune Servius Placidus. Marcus recognizes the youth, with skin.....
