Hadrian's Wall runs from Luguvallium to Segedunum, bisecting the country. Marcus and Esca pass through the gate on an early summer morning, mounted on small, sturdy ex-cavalry mares. Esca has returned to his native Briton dress. Marcus is disguised as an oculist in a purple cape. A silver talisman covers the scar of Mithras on his forehead, and a sign advertises the Invincible Anodyne of Demetrius of Alexandria, a certain cure for all diseases of the eye. Marcus's disguise is not entirely a sham. In their packs are salves for eye afflictions, supplied by Uncle Aquila's physician friend, Rufus Galarius.
With Chilurnium well behind them, the two men pause for a mid-day rest, although following the tradition of the Legions and hunters, they eat nothing. The two plan to crisscross the.....
