Decimus Aelius Blandus went down the line of ships for what seemed like the hundredth time. He examined every component of every vessel scrutinizing their seaworthiness and strength. He knew that this might well be his one and only chance to succeed in his chosen profession—merchant.

Decimus had a plan in mind to reach out to the great port-cities of the East with products from the Po River valley. He prayed to Mercury and other gods to look favorably on this undertaking. He knew he could not do it alone, and he would have to work out favorable trading partners in Brundisium, Corinth, Rhodes, and other places as well. What he really longed for was to reach fabled Antioch and Alexandria. Bringing the precious specialty olive oils of Apamea and other Syrian towns to the West was one of his unique dreams. Surely, other merchants could be found who would want a stake in such a venture.

The port of Ravenna did not attract the best trading ships of the Mediterranean, but Decimus took heart in that a number of this bunch were new and seemed to be well masted. He especially liked Neptune’s Trident and Secunda. He put his hands to his hips and breathed out slowly. Pharnaces, Decimus’ nomenclator, stood with his master and awaited direction. He knew a great deal rested on the decision of which ships to hire for the first leg of the journey—from Ravenna to Dyrrhachium by way of Brundisium.

“Master, that Greek ship, the Gennaios might make a decent third ship for your fleet,” Pharnaces hoped he hadn’t spoken out of turn. Decimus could be testy when trying to worry out the best solution with significant funds involved.

Silence. Then, Decimus threw a stone into the sea. “Pharnaces, how much do you know about ships?” Pharnaces shrugged, “Master, frankly, very little. But, I trust your eye, and you had noted less than an hour ago that she had a fine bow and that the main mast looked particularly durable. I think you have already made up your mind regarding the other two vessels. We no longer pause in front of them as we march up and down the dock.”

Decimus laughed. “You may not know ship design, Pharnaces, but you know your master all too well. I want you to convey the specifics of my offer to the captains of the Neptune’s Trident, Secunda, and Gennaios. Let’s see if they are men who can be dealt with, eh?”

Pharnaces smiled and went off with haste to follow his master’s orders.