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Vinnie and Mandy followed Varius.

2
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They were walking down a road of large, flat stones.

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"Where is the forum?" asked Mandy.

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"On Palatine Hill, the oldest part of Rome," said Varius.

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"What is the forum?" Vinnie asked.

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"Look around," laughed Varius. "We're here."

7
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They were in an area filled with people and stalls.

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Everything seemed to be for sale.

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"Would you like some figs?" asked one merchant.

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"Look!" said Varius.

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A toy seller held up a wooden horse with wings.

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"What's happening there?" Vinnie said, pointing.

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People were standing in a big circle watching two men fight.

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The men held swords and shields.

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"I can't look!"

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said Mandy, covering her eyes.

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Varius laughed.

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"They are gladiators!" he said.

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"Gladiators?" asked Vinnie.

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"Highly trained fighters," explained Varius.

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"They are just practicing now.

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But people pay to watch them fight."

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"Do they get hurt?" asked Mandy.

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Varius laughed louder and said,

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"Gladiators fight to the death."

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Mandy's face got very white.

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Vinnie and Mandy followed Varius through the forum.

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"Look at those buildings!" exclaimed Mandy.

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The forum was filled with temples and statues.

30
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"Septimus will be in the main office building," Varius said.

31
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"Most Roman officials work there," he added.

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They walked a little farther.

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"Here it is," said Varius.

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The children followed Varius into the building.

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Varius walked over to some men.

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One man smiled when he saw Varius.

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"Septimus, I am sorry to interrupt you," said Varius.

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"No problem!" laughed Septimus.

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Then he saw Varius' worried face.

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"What is the matter?"

41
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Varius introduced the children and told him what Mandy had overheard.

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"Brutus is so jealous," said Septimus.

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"We cannot allow him to carry out his plan."

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"We'll help," said Vinnie and Mandy at the same time.

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Septimus nodded.

46
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"I will find Aquila and warn him."

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Mandy's cheeks grew red.

48
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"But what about the horses?" she yelled.

49
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"Tell Aquila's stable boy to guard them carefully," he said.

50
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"And find Master Antonius," he said to Varius.

51
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"He will be supervising the race.

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Tell him this news. Go quickly!"

53
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Varius and the children headed to the stables.

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A boy carrying a bucket was hurrying by.

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Varius stopped him.

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"Where is Aquila's stable boy?" Varius asked.

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"Young Melus?" replied the boy.

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"His mother became ill suddenly.

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He had to rush home."

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"Oh no!" cried Mandy.

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"No one is watching the horses!"

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"Where does Melus live?" said Vinnie.

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"His father is a butcher.

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You know where to look."

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The boy hurried away.

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"Come!" said Varius sharply.

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"Time is running out!"