Nodding her approval as both of the boys beat against the Sybil’s door, Ceres says, “I guess she can’t hear us because of all the noise in the neighborhood.”

“I guess … OOPS!”

“What is it?”

“I think he door just opened.”

Moving to the entryway, the Vestal says, “Great – then she must’ve heard us after all.

“Sibyl ?”

“I don’t hear her.”

“Yeah. Me neither.”

“Let’s just go in then – she probably opened the door and went back to her meditations or ministrations or contemplation’s or…”

“We get the idea m’ … uh, Ceres.”

Laughing softly, the Vestal moves through the now-opened doorway.

“Great Jupiter, it’s dark in here!”

“Just a minute please m’ … uh, Ceres.

“Right.” Looking in the direction of the Vestal, the older boy explains, “If we give our eyes time, they’ll adjust to the darkness enough for us to find some torches and light them.”

Standing as still as a statue in the Forum, Ceres replies, “What a great idea!” “Gratiae.” Slowly moving across the room, the boy bites back outbursts as his knees find the hard edges of tables and his elbows brush against fabrics separating the rooms of the domus from each other.

“Found it !”

“The Sibyl ?”

Scowling at his brother through the darkness, the boy replies, “Nope – but I found a torch, and some oils to help it burn.”

“Great !”

Punctuating her outburst with a smile as the torch catches fire, Ceres looks around the room and says, “I wonder where the Sibyl is ?”

“Maybe she’s at the Triumph.

Carefully walking across the room crowded with only-oracles-know-what, the Vestal lifts baskets and looks in amphorae as she replies, “You’re probably right – so I’ll find some bay leaves and leave her a note telling her of our visit, and my taking some leaves for laurels.”

“Uh … m’lady … uh, Ceres ?”

“Yes”

Holding an unscrolled scroll in his hand, the boy replies, “Looks like the Sibyl left a note for you !!!”

“Huh ?”

Clearing his throat, the boy reads:

Postscriptum: I got a ticket on the Voyage of the Golden Phoenix in payment for my gifted … talent. I’ll stay on the ship as far as Athens. From there I’ll travel to Delphi where I’ll commune and consult with the Great Gods and Goddesses – not that any of this is any of your business. I’ll be back in about III months. Take care of the place. Or else.