Dimensions
114 x 180 x 20mm
When Perennis Felix, favourite of the Roman Emperor and would-be enemy of all, heralds his arrival in Glevum (modern Gloucester) with the arbitrary execution of a slave, there are few who dare question his actions. Indeed, a feast in his honour is universally approved in the cause of self-preservation.
Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, and his patron, Marcus Septimus, are among the reluctant citizens at the celebration. It is one occasion on which Libertus is thankful for his lowly status - he revels in his anonymity while more esteemed guests, his patron among them, are subjected to Felix's misplaced humour.
But the festivities come to a sudden end when Felix appears to choke on a nut and dies in front of a stunned gathering. And soon the ever-vigilant Libertus notices the mysterious disappearance of at least two guests - one of whom he has very good reason to suspect is not all he seems to be. Is it possible that behind Felix's apparently accidental death lies a much more sinister explanation?
