Commerce Officer of the Maximus Army—what a pleasant name!… Pigeris displayed a happy smile, brushed the dust off his robe, and turned to leave the dock.
Crying sounds echoed throughout the port area as families in Pompeii, supporting the elderly and carrying the young, with bundles on their backs and pushing carts loaded with belongings, walked tremblingly on the road leading out of the city under the watchful eyes of armed rebel soldiers…
This scene reminded Pigeris of the tragic fate his family suffered in Little Asia. He felt not an ounce of sympathy; rather, he felt a bit of resentment: compared to the cruel and greedy Romans, Leader Maximus was still too merciful. He should seize the Pompeians' properties, demote them all to slaves, make them transport goods at the dock day after day, or toil under the scorching sun to repair the city walls…
