Sulla was astounded by the fact that he had found the leader of the Frumentarii in the East, Flaccus himself, stuck in this squalid city in Mesopotamia. Sulla watched Flaccus go, waited three minutes, then drained his own cup and took the piece of papyrus which lay under the cup of Flaccus.
Sulla went into the upstairs portion of the tabernae, where he had his own residence, and quickly changed his appearance by changing his clothing, adding a local hat, and brushing out his hair.
Then, it was out into the streets. Sulla knew which ones to avoid by now - he had been in the city for almost a month, the whole time attempting to dodge the roving patrols and the secret police of the incoming Persians.
He made his way roundabout, approaching the city gates on the far west side of the city, then turning in. Eventually he came near Flaccus' residence, and gave the streets a quick eye - it seemed to be clear.
Sulla trepidatiously mounted the steps up the inn to Flaccus room, then knocked once, quickly. The door opened almost immediately, and Sulla rushed in, taking off the stupid looking hat.
"Flaccus!" Sulla exclaimed, hardly able to contain himself. Flaccus motioned to his lips with a single finger, the universal sign for quiet. Sulla nodded, abashed.
"Where are the rest?" Flaccus asked. Sulla shook his head.
"Two were caught at the gates, and another three were captured during an alley fight. Two more disappeared in the middle of the night, and my own aide, Terentius Titus, was killed by drunken soldiers," Sulla reported. Flaccus nodded.
"Those who disappeared - they were caught by the Persians?" Flaccus asked. Sulla shrugged.
"There is no way of knowing, but I suspect so," Sulla reported. Flaccus nodded once more.
"Very well. I have set up a system to insure our rescue. The Praetorians should already be on their way here. We just have to hold out as long as we -"
CRASH! The small, rickety door to Flaccus' abode crumpled and in poured several Persians. Sulla made to grab his dagger, tucked inside his clothing, but was knocked aside. Flaccus leapt over a chair in an effort to reach ihs own weapon, but was kicked int he ribs in mid air.
"You will be coming with us," one of the hulking men ssaid in perfect Latin. Flaccus and Sulla both looked up, temprorarily dumbfounded, then were bound and gagged, and dragged out of the inn....