Vinnie and Mandy followed Varius.
They were walking down a road of large, flat stones.
"Where is the forum?" asked Mandy.
"On Palatine Hill, the oldest part of Rome," said Varius.
"What is the forum?" Vinnie asked.
"Look around," laughed Varius. "We're here."
They were in an area filled with people and stalls.
Everything seemed to be for sale.
"Would you like some figs?" asked one merchant.
"Look!" said Varius.
A toy seller held up a wooden horse with wings.
"What's happening there?" Vinnie said, pointing.
People were standing in a big circle watching two men fight.
The men held swords and shields.
"I can't look!"
said Mandy, covering her eyes.
Varius laughed.
"They are gladiators!" he said.
"Gladiators?" asked Vinnie.
"Highly trained fighters," explained Varius.
"They are just practicing now.
But people pay to watch them fight."
"Do they get hurt?" asked Mandy.
Varius laughed louder and said,
"Gladiators fight to the death."
Mandy's face got very white.
Vinnie and Mandy followed Varius through the forum.
"Look at those buildings!" exclaimed Mandy.
The forum was filled with temples and statues.
"Septimus will be in the main office building," Varius said.
"Most Roman officials work there," he added.
They walked a little farther.
"Here it is," said Varius.
The children followed Varius into the building.
Varius walked over to some men.
One man smiled when he saw Varius.
"Septimus, I am sorry to interrupt you," said Varius.
"No problem!" laughed Septimus.
Then he saw Varius' worried face.
"What is the matter?"
Varius introduced the children and told him what Mandy had overheard.
"Brutus is so jealous," said Septimus.
"We cannot allow him to carry out his plan."
"We'll help," said Vinnie and Mandy at the same time.
Septimus nodded.
"I will find Aquila and warn him."
Mandy's cheeks grew red.
"But what about the horses?" she yelled.
"Tell Aquila's stable boy to guard them carefully," he said.
"And find Master Antonius," he said to Varius.
"He will be supervising the race.
Tell him this news. Go quickly!"
Varius and the children headed to the stables.
A boy carrying a bucket was hurrying by.
Varius stopped him.
"Where is Aquila's stable boy?" Varius asked.
"Young Melus?" replied the boy.
"His mother became ill suddenly.
He had to rush home."
"Oh no!" cried Mandy.
"No one is watching the horses!"
"Where does Melus live?" said Vinnie.
"His father is a butcher.
You know where to look."
The boy hurried away.
"Come!" said Varius sharply.
"Time is running out!"