They talked for another fifteen minutes before being called to dinner. They rose and Tlachtga took Publius’ arm and led him to the dining room. It was all she could do to dislodge herself. They sat down at the table, Publius to her right and Oroveso, her father the high priest, to her left. Ever aware of her father’s eyes analyzing everything, she was cautious of every move. Dinner was a scrumptious affair. When all the afternoon’s proceedings were complete, Tlachtga took the opportunity to walk with her guest in the gardens. At length they sat down on a bench. Publius wasted no time in his amorous advances.
“I’ve never been so enamoured by anyone like this before. What are you doing to me?”
“I have to admit you are having the same effect on me. But what can ever come of it?” asked Tlachtga sadly.
“We can be friends.”
“You’ll probably want more than that.”
The next instance Publius had Tlachtga in his arms, kissing her passionately. Tlachtga made no attempt to discourage him. He reluctantly pulled away and asked her.
“So when will I see you again?”
“How about Saturday in two weeks time. I’ll try to be there about three o’clock?”
“That’s fine.”
“Do you want me to send a galleon to pick you up?”
“Yeah, that would be nice. We'd better be getting back.”
The guests stayed until they had to leave to catch the departing tide. The camaraderie between everyone was unbelievable and belied the fact they were entertaining the enemy.
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How beautiful are the meadows.
How sweet the rivers that flow to the sea.
God and man are at peace in the lands of Avalon.
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Chapter Two.
On the appointed day a galleon pulled alongside the harbour. Here was the pride of Rome. A chariot was waiting to usher the guests to the temple where Tlachtga, Lhiannon and Oroveso were waiting. And soon the Druid entourage was climbing the gangplank bound for Londinium. As the galleon pulled away from the wharf, two sailors led Tlachtga into the captain’s cabin where, seated behind his desk, was the proconsul.
“Wow, what a surprise, I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Publius got up from his desk and rushed over, threw his arms around Tlachtga and gave her a kiss she would never forget. Tlachtga was powerless to resist. When they had exhausted their passion, they sat down on the couch.
‘Would you like a drink?”
“Yeah, that would be nice.”
Publius rose and poured two drinks, then came and sat down beside Tlachtga.
“Tell me what you think.” he said. “That’s straight from the cellars of Rome.”
Tlachtga had a few sips and sighed. “Wow, that’s beautiful.”
“I’ll give you a bottle to take home with you,” said Publius.
They sat in silence sipping their drinks. Then Publius took Tlachtga’s drink and set it on the table. The next instance he was stretched on top of her.
“Publius, not here, anyone could walk in! Be patient and I’ll give you what you want.”
He threw himself back on the couch and gasped, “God, I’m nuts about you!”
Tlachtga lay there like a cornered rat, torn between her heart and her mind; if her father caught her, she would be strung up and quartered.
