Contents
Chapter 11. Before: Maris
Overview
Iola confronts Maris after Matius’ nephew seeks her out, warning of peril if Maris’s mother learns of it. Inside, Maris’s mother wields godsblood, secures a forbidden scroll from Nej, and openly plots both Matius’s downfall and exploiting his son.
Maris rejects their cynicism, choosing faith, even as blood on the scarf ties her to the looming conflict.
Summary
Returning from temple duties before the First Feast procession, Maris finds Iola waiting with the emerald scarf Maris had given to Matius’ nephew. Iola reveals he came to the villa seeking Maris and warns the liaison is dangerous, especially if Maris’s mother discovers it. Maris denies any involvement but is shaken by the risk.
Inside, Maris observes her mother working with godsblood and concealed parchments, hinting she may have overheard. The city prepares for the grain procession as Maris’s mother criticizes Maris’s temple commitments and laments not placing her with the scribes.
Nej arrives with a restricted scroll requested by Maris’s mother. She coldly muses that Matius will die soon and declares she will focus on his son next, treating sex and manipulation as political tools. Her reputation for ruthless alliances and indulgences underscores her strategy to control the Forum and the Lower City’s sentiment.
Maris recoils at her mother’s methods and the expense of godsblood, contrasting them with the hunger across the river. Nej affirms their view that power must be taken, warning that brutality rules the world. Maris, however, asserts faith in the gods and her future stewardship of the judgment stone, choosing conviction over coercion.
Alone, Maris studies the scarf and sees the faint stain of Matius’s blood, a quiet omen binding her to the conflict her mother intends to ignite as drums of the procession sound across the city.
Who Appears
- MarisNovice and Magistrate’s daughter; confronted about Matius’ nephew, rejects manipulation, clings to piety amid rising political danger.
- IolaMaris’s caretaker; warns Maris about the peril of Matius’ nephew’s visit and her mother’s ruthlessness.
- Maris’s motherAmbitious Magistrate; uses godsblood, obtains secret scroll, plots Matius’s death and to exploit his son.
- NejMaris’s uncle and senior scribe; delivers restricted text, endorses pragmatic, ruthless politics.
- Matius’ son/nephewLegionnaire who sought Maris at the villa; his blood stains the scarf, making him a target.
- Magistrate MatiusPolitical rival; discussed as nearing death, central to Maris’s mother’s schemes.