Mark of the Thief

At the gates of Rome, which are intended to keep out barbarians, Felix has a private conversation with Nic, offering him olives and questioning him about the bulla and his mark, a blood-red circle of fire trailing smoke. According to Felix, the mark means Nic is in trouble, noting that the barbarians may be inside the gates. When red-cloaked guards approach, Felix warns Nic to relax, but they grow suspicious. As Nic silently reflects that Caela will need to set herself loose, she begins banging fiercely inside the wagon. Alarmed, the guards tell them to move on and put her in a cage. Realizing that Caela can read his thoughts, Nic communicates that they are safe, and she calms down.

As they cross the Tiber River and ride through Rome, Felix points out landmarks—the aqueduct that brings water into and sewage out of Rome, the fine buildings, including the Flavian Amphitheater, statues of gods and the emperors. Reflecting that the city is built from the materials he mines, Nic asks if they are in Elysium. Felix replies that Nic is part of the city. As they approach the amphitheater, Felix points out a bronze statue of Nero, who he says almost destroyed the empire.