Heracledes had visited Amendolara before to construct a courtyard for a local family. Recently, however, the name "Amendolara" had become a hot topic among the freedmen of Thurii's port. The story of the mercenaries who annihilated the Lucanian tribal coalition and became citizens of Amendolara, with their leader, Juleios, rising to the position of consul, was on everyone's lips. Even more astonishing was the rumor that their slaves were freed and might even gain citizenship in the future. These extraordinary changes made Amendolara the subject of widespread discussion and envy.
Even Heracledes, a seasoned craftsman who had seen much in his life, couldn't help but feel intrigued. "If this invitation is indeed from Amendolara, their promises must be reliable, right?" he thought to himself.
Eager to seize this opportunity, Heracledes asked the emissary, "Can I bring my son? His skills in construction are as good as mine!"
"Of course," the emissary replied without hesitation.
