Chapter 1 - 9 Summary

In Chapter 1, twelve-year-old Chloe lives and works as a slave weaver in the Italian region of Samnium in an old hut halfway up a mountain. In Roman law, she is of age to be married, and lives with Melissa, a thin, middle-aged slave weaver who teaches Chloe how to weave. Chloe struggles with the task. Their overseer is a man named Davus, whom Chloe hopes will not notice her mistakes. Chloe is of Greek origin, from her mother's side, who came from the island of Eresos. Melissa sings to Chloe about the island.

In Chapter 2, as Melissa sings of Greece, Chloe learns about her heritage and her culture. Chloe's father is Laevinus, who helped chase after pirates, one of whom is Elpenor. Elpenor is hidden by his brother, Anaxion, in a cave. Melissa continues weaving as she sings, and Chloe asks...