That night Volusius actually had a strange dream. There were flames in the distance across the Tiber River, but he paid no attention to them. With the trees of Caesar's gardens beyond the city walls surrounding him, he stood quietly with his eyes fixed on a serpentine green dragon. 

Unrecognisable even to himself, Volusius looked like a wolf in the middle of the night. The wind rustled a tattered, ghostly cloak, moonlight shone on a lupine helmet, while in his hands a long sword of unknown workmanship glowed with an eerie light. He was afraid, but not for his life, and even the advance of the massive dragon did not shake his resolve. 

He did not know how the dream ended, for the rays of the sun woke him from his sleep. 

Strange as the dream had been, he awoke refreshed in his own room, albeit with the usual reluctance to get out of bed. 

The room was a sober one, as befitted a good citizen, furnished only with the bare necessities: a bed, a night table, a wardrobe and a mirror, in an apartment that was nevertheless one of the most spacious and well-lit in the condominium, located in the good neighbourhood of the Aventine Hill. 

The living room was not unlike the bedroom: a floor of small ceramic tiles on which minimalist furniture had been placed. There was a small table at the far end of the room, the first place a potential guest would look when entering, around which were three triclinia with a red mat and cylindrical cushions of the same colour, while to the left was the dining table, whose only decoration was a tablecloth in the same red as the triclinia and curtains that closed the window behind them. 

In fact, in addition to the white of the walls and the brown of the wood, the dominant colour was red, very similar to the imperial purple used in public buildings, as if to make this room his personal throne room. Beyond these two spaces was the most important room: the kitchen; and honestly, at that moment, he needed a good breakfast. 

He put his feet on the floor and sat up in bed but found he did not have the strength to get up. Dawn had come with his rosy fingers, and he had been gently awakened, but that did not make it any easier for Volusius to get up. It was not the fatigue of his body, nor the work that awaited him that kept him lying on the bed in his room, but the image of the beautiful and sad Varuclezia had remained in his mind like a curse, preventing him from sleeping peacefully. 

Right... left... he had continued to toss and turn in bed, unable to think of anything but her; and now, though his body and mind were full of energy, his mind was almost empty. My gaze was sad, and he wished he could do something about it. 

“A strange dream with a dragon, and it is a woman who will not let me sleep?” said Volusius smiling. 

He remained for a long time with his gaze lost in the direction of the white wall. Then followed a long yawn and finally made the final and not easy decision to get up. He gave himself a push upwards, rubbed his eyes with his fingertips and then advanced to the wardrobe from which he took blue dress and dark trousers. He dressed without much haste and yawned again as soon as he reached the threshold of the room. 

From there he entered the living room where I, no less sleepy than he, yawned as I walked past him. I too had a heavy step, arms that didn't want to stay up and a face that would have noticed a wall only by banging its head against it. No, knowing me, maybe not even banging my head against it. 

“...” (Volusius). 

“...” (Varuclezia). 

“...!” (Volusius). 

“...” (Varuclezia). 

“...!!” (Volusius). 

“...?” (Varuclezia). 

“What the...” said Volusius before turning sharply, “...and what are you doing here?!” 

“Easy. It's early morning!” said I, squinting and putting my hands to my ears. He may be a gentle and generous man, but he doesn’t know how to behave this early in the morning. 

“What on earth are you doing here?” asked Volusius in a more resigned tone, but not at all composed. 

“I was sleeping,” replied I, followed by another yawn. 

“This is my house!” 

“Yes, I know.” 

“...” 

There was a moment's pause in which Volusius was taken aback by the strangeness of the situation. I stood half asleep in his presence. I stood half asleep, intent on moving my eyes around the room to prevent my eyes contacting his. 

And so I waited. Waiting for Volusius to make the first move. The problem was that he had no idea how to react in such a situation. He did not want to be rude to a woman. Certainly not to someone who seemed as incapable as he was of keeping his eyelids open. But for obvious reasons, he didn't want to know about intruders in his house either, welcome or not. And it's not like a pretty young lady like me wasn't welcome in his house. 

So it was that Volusius just looked at me, puzzled and observant. I remained motionless. Probably Volusius was hoping I was thinking an excuse to tell him. He wanted at all costs to avoid the embarrassment of being the one to start a conversation that he did not know how to begin or how to end. 

Thus he remained silent, until he noticed that I was holding up with my right hand the trousers of a pair of pyjamas that were too big to be mine. 

"Am I mistaken or are these pyjamas mine?” said Volusius, even more confused, but in a courteous and humane tone. Despite the strange situation, he did not forget to behave like a respectful citizen. He also seemed to be sure that, for some reason, noticing this detail gave him control over the strange situation. He really didn't know me. 

I let out a big, long yawn. Then I lowered my gaze to myself, just to check, thereafter I brought it back to Volusius. 

"Yes. Yes, they are,” said I. 

“And exactly... what would stop me from grabbing you by the hair and throwing you into the street?” said Volusius. 

“Because it would be a shameful thing to do...” replied I in a tone that emphasised the obviousness of my answer, “...and because the neighbours would wonder why I'm wearing your pyjamas. You know. People talk and I don’t think you want to be known as that kind of man.” 

“...” 

“...?” 

Volusius puffed. 

“Can I at least know why are you wearing my pyjamas?” 

“It's not like I can sleep naked in someone else's house! It would be inappropriate...” said I in a justifiably offended tone, “...and then I think people would start to malign you even more. A man of your stature with a naked stranger in his house! What will people say?” 

Volusius couldn't help but think that this answer made a certain amount of sense... as strange as it might sound. He also realised that with this woman in front of him, there was little to reason with. He rubbed his eyes with his fingertips, trying to make sense of everything that was happening to him, while I continued to explore the little realm that had been created in this apartment. 

“Do you like nymphs, dragons or treasure?” said I suddenly, walking over to a small table with a sword resting on it. 

“All three things... I think,” said Volusius, not understanding the point of the question. “Can I help you?” 

I quickly sprinted towards him and squared him from top to bottom. 

“Hm! That remains to be seen,” said I. 

I looked at him suspiciously. He did not seem the type to go in search of nymphs and dragons, as he used to do as a child. Then I walked back around the room with very curvy hip movements. Volusius hadn't noticed before, but it wasn't just my eyes that were ravishingly beautiful. I also had a very slender, curvaceous body, like a snake, with nicely curved, firm breasts and a small bottom that was... was... 

“So where do you want to do it? There?” said I, pointing to Volusius' bedroom. 

“Eh! What? Over there what?” said Volusius, who immediately perked up and pretended not to... appreciate me with his gaze. 

“Breakfast,” said I, walking in the direction indicated. “You look like the kind of guy who likes to have breakfast in bed.” 

“Hey! Hey! Where do you think you're going?” said Volusius, grabbing my arm. Unfortunately for him... and for me, that was the arm I was using to hold up my pyjama trousers. There was no need to explain what would happen if that arm was removed. There was a hiss of something sliding down, followed by a dull thud. 

“...” (Varuclezia). 

“...” (Volusius). 

“...!” (Varuclezia). 

“...?” (Volusius). 

“Ah!” (Varuclezia). 

Red in the face and no longer as dazed as before, I immediately pulled up my trousers in embarrassment. 

“That was really rude of you,” said I. 

I had an offended look on my face. Although for a moment Volusius could have sworn it was a look more suited to a sullen child than an embarrassed adult. 

“But, but...” began Volusius, before letting it go. He had finally realised that arguing with me was a waste of time. “Not that I was expecting visitors, but I suppose even a clumsy girl like you has to eat breakfast,” said Volusius, heading for the kitchen. “I'll get everything ready, you... put on something your size.” 

He took the clothes he had left on the triclinium and went into his room. He went into the kitchen. He lit the fire to heat some soup left over from the previous day. He took two loaves of bread and put them on a tray with two glasses. Finally, he placed a jug of water on the table and waited for the soup to boil. He leaned his back against the wall and looked with crossed arms into his own room, where the... guest was quietly dressing. 

To be honest, Volusius had no idea what to do. He could hardly be blamed if his first thought had been to throw me out. After all, I was an intruder. But now that he was getting used to my ways, he realised that she didn't mind my temper. Now that he thought about it, there was a beautiful woman changing in her room. Volusius raised his finger to his lip. He knew someone who would give anything to know that and be able to gossip about it for half the city. 

“Do you have a comb?” said I. 

“This isn't a hotel,” said Volusius. 

“Yes, but you do have a comb, don't you?” 

“...!” 

He didn't mind my temper, but perhaps it was better to enjoy it in small doses. 

“Top drawer of the bedside table,” said Volusius. 

I left the room shortly afterwards. I seemed to have become a different person. Much calmer and with an almost supernatural bearing. I brought back to his chest that indefinable feeling he had when he first saw me. Time seemed to slow down as I passed, and the light bent before me. It seemed to illuminate me only in the most appropriate way to bring out my unnatural beauty. 

He made me comfortable at the table, where I remained with my eyes fixed on the wall. I could tell that I did not know what to do either, now that I was in the situation he wanted me to be in. 

Volusius watched me in silence. The look on my face was sad. The strands of hair fell over my eyes as if to hide a deep despair, at least until I turned my eyes to him. At that moment, although Volusius had done or said nothing, my eyes sparkled with hope, though Volusius could not understand why. 

The soup was finally boiling, and Volusius' thoughts turned from me to something else. He poured the soup into two bowls that he had placed on the tray and then brought them to the table, where we both began to eat breakfast. 

I looked as if I had not eaten a hot meal, however humble, for some time, but when Volusius saw the clothes I was wearing, he noticed at once that they were of good quality, too good for one who had trouble getting food. 

I particularly liked the bread, even though it was old from the day before. I did not want to leave a morsel, but fortunately I also thought of Volusius and left a piece for him. Volusius sat down beside me and began to eat. 

“What is your plan for today?” I asked. 

“To get rid of an intruder as quickly as possible?" replied Volusius, intent on eating. 

“Yes, I think that is a good plan, but I also think there are better ways to spend your day...” I replied, before taking a sip of water, “...you would dare to abandon a needy maiden in her time of need. You need to learn how to be a gentleman who knows what is needed.” 

“Don't use the word 'need' as if you know what others need,” replied Volusius. 

“I do. You clearly strike me as someone who needs nymphs, dragons and treasure..." replied I, “...you've got dusty enough under paraphernalia and paperwork.” 

“Then may I know what has brought you to my house in such a... special way?” said Volusius, breaking the bread and handing me half of it. “It's not every day that such a beautiful nymph comes to my house, and please don't tell me it was to sleep.” 

I dipped my spoon into the soup and got as serious as my temper would allow. I leaned my elbows forward and said with dreamy eyes: “I'm looking for someone to share an adventure with.” 

Volusius could only reply with a “Huh?” 

“I'm looking for someone to share an adventure with, and it's very difficult to find him,” said I. 

“I repeat: huh?” 

“I have a good adventure and I need a hero to carry it out, so I can write an epic story about him.” 

“Yes, I understood that so far. How that has anything to do with sneaking into my house, I fail to see.” 

“It has to do with the fact that I needed a place to sleep... it's not like I could wait outside in the cold to talk to you," I answered him pointing out the obviousness of the thing. “What would people say if they saw a young maiden sleeping cold before the threshold of your house? Reason!” 

“I am quite sure that I am not the one of the two who is not reasoning.” 

Volusius huffed and rubbed his eyes with his fingertips: I was a pretty nymph, but I really put him through his paces. 

“And you would have chosen me for this adventure because...?” 

“I know that ever since you were a boy you liked stories about nymphs and dragons. You snuck into the forest of Hercynia to find one.” 

“Damn Sofia.” 

Volusius rubbed his eyes with his fingertips, thoughtfully. He really didn't know what to think. Just then he heard the door open and saw Varuclezia going away. “Oh, well, I can tell when I'm not welcome. Anyway, I'll come back later to see if you've changed your mind.” I gave him a smile and closed the door behind me, leaving a very confused Volusius. 

The room was strangely quiet, and there was an immediate sense that something was missing without my presence. He glanced at the bedside table, then reached for his sword. 

He saw the morning light shining on its blade, and as he watched, he felt the love for a treasure he had conquered with his own hands, the pride of having proof of his talent. Then something of the Ulpians, the Elians, but most of all the Vopiscans awoke in him, and he longed to go in search of nymphs, to face dragons and find treasure. He looked out of the window and was reminded of the old days of Hercynia, but also of the days of the dragon. The burning houses, the crumbling walls and his promise to take revenge on the dragon. He thought of the gold jewels that would glitter in his lair. 

Suddenly, the noise of city life entered his apartment and he returned to the present and his duties. In the blink of an eye, he was once again the quiet Volusius Ulpius Vopiscus, son of Virgilius, and no longer the Isengrimus who now existed only in Sofia's stories. 

Not even an hour passed before Volusius somehow managed to return to his daily life. He left the house with a large leather satchel and went to the tavern. But he could not help getting my picture out of his head, and from time to time he had the feeling that he saw a green hair hiding in the crowd. When he reached the tavern, he calmed down and took a deep breath before sitting down at one of the tables in the courtyard. 

It was quiet in the morning, barely frequented and mostly by birds hiding among the plants in the courtyard. It was a good place to spend some quiet time. There were no disturbances or distractions that could arise while he was working, except for the thoughts he brought from home. 

He still managed to get rid of my presence and set to work. He took out some papers and got to business. 

He could not tell how much time had passed, but at some point he became aware that a shark was circling his table. Wide circles grew tighter and tighter until a small head with platinum blonde hair emerged from the surface of the water (i.e., the surface of the table). 

Her rosy eyes peered out like a ravenous predator. It looked at the papers, then dived down again, disappearing to the right and reappearing to Volusius' left, where she looked at the papers on the table again. She disappeared again. Then she reappeared between Volusius's legs, climbed up and sat on his lap. 

Have you ever seen a cathyzus? They are adorable. It is impossible to look at one without wanting to hug them (as much as they dislike being treated like children). Sofia lifted her head and looked at him with soft eyes. 

"What do you want, Sofia?" said Volusius, rubbing his eyes with his fingertips. 

"What makes you think I want anything?" 

"..." 

"I was thinking... since you're always so nice to me, how about I come to your house and make you a nice lunch?" 

"Let me guess..." said Volusius, rubbing his eyes with his fingertips again, "...prepare a nice little lunch with the ingredients from my pantry." 

"Well, that would be very nice of you." 

"Have you spent more than you should have again?" 

"Oh, come on! You can hardly say I never rewarded your kindness." 

Volusius gave a snort, then saw a green hair peek out from around the corner. Volusius grabbed Sofia and hid under the table, only to discover that the green hair was none other than one of the plants that decorated the tavern. 

"Oh, my gods, a plant..." said Sofia, lifting her head above the table, "...who knows what dark thoughts it is plotting." 

"..." 

"Who or what exactly are we hiding from?" said Sofia, now trapped under Volusius' arm like an old parcel to be thrown away. 

“I'm not quite sure,” replied Volusius. 

He put Sofia down, not quite sure whether he was pleased or disappointed by my absence. In fact, he couldn't tell whether he didn't want to be seen with Sofia or by me. What was certain was that Sofia gave him a peck on the cheek and ran off. “Well, I'll see you at lunch!” 

“Oh gods! Why do strange women always happen to me?” said Volusius resignedly, but before he could sit down again, he had his answer in the distance. 

“Because otherwise you would get bored!” cried Sofia. 

“Misfortune never comes alone,” said Volusius. 

As midday approached, Volusius returned to his apartment and threw himself on the bed. 

Have you ever seen sad eyes? Despite everything that had happened, he could not get my image out of his head. So he stayed and enjoyed the silence of the midday break, when the street was finally empty, and everyone was at home eating. A sweet silence, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the sweet silk of the sheets, then he felt something heavy sit on his stomach. He had half an idea who it was. When he opened his eyes again, he found the little Sofia straddling him. 

She bent over him and woke him with a sweet, tender kiss. 

"It is time to get up my dear..." said Sofia with honey in her voice. Then she waited for Volusius to wake up. “I will go and make you some dinner, but if you like I can give you a snack first” she said with a lusty voice, giving him another kiss. 

Volusius opened his eyes but made no reply. He was just letting his mind wander. 

Sofia looked at him a little confused. That was strange. This was far from the reaction she had expected. Had he slept badly? Was he tired from work? Or rather... 

“...?” (Sofia). 

“...” (Volusius). 

“...!” 

“...?” 

“You're thinking of a woman, aren't you?” said Sofia, taking Volusius by surprise. 

“No,” said Volusius, in a reaction too defensive to be believable. 

Sofia smiled mischievously. 

“Come on, I know a man in love. Do your eyes light up when you are with her?” 

“I'm not in love with Varuclezia!” 

“So it’s Varuclezia, the woman from the tavern. Has she talked to you about nymphs and dragons?” 

“I bet you have your hand in it!” 

“Oh, come on! It's about time a young man from a good family like you got a girlfriend, and then you got buried under all that paraphernalia and paperwork. You're not the dreamy boy you used to be....” said Sofia, “...and anyway, the customers are getting bored with your youthful adventures. What they need is a good love story." 

“Wait! You told her where I live so you could be a gossip?” 

“Oh, come on! She likes to write stories, I like to tell them, and you liked to live them. Where's the brave little wolf of old?” 

“He has grown.” 

Sofia looked at Volusius, squaring his face in search of lies and finally gave an even more mischievous smile. 

“You like her!” said Sofia suddenly. “You've got a girlfriend now!” 

“What?!” cried Volusius. 

“Come on, you can tell me. Remember your promise,” said Sofia, taking his arm and poking him with her finger. 

“She's not my fiancée!” 

“Yes, but you like her.” 

“If I have a girlfriend, you'll be the first to tell everyone.” 

Volusius puffed, not knowing what to do with her. 

“...” (Sofia) 

“...!” (Volusius) 

“...” 

“...!!” 

“...” 

“...and what does that smile mean?” 

“Come on, I know a man in love!” 

At this point Sofia's mischievous grin became almost frightening. 

“Well, well, well...” said Sofia, ignoring him, “...we'd better get to work now. That way next time you'll have more time for your girlfriend.” 

“She's not my... ah!” Volusius let it go. He had had enough of women who could not be reasoned with. 

“Oh, well! Now that you're engaged to her, you can't do with me certain things anymore...” she said, sliding off the bed and going toward the kitchen, "...it would be disrespectful to your fiancée.” 

“Hey! Hey! You don't get to decide who's engaged to who!” said Volusius as he sat down halfway on the bed. 

“I can't hear you. I must make you lunch!” she said cheerfully, disappearing around the corner. 

Silence fell in the room, and Volusius stood confused for a moment, looking at the door, then fell onto the mattress, muttering: “Nymphs and dragons...” he exclaimed, “...I think I have already found the dragons.” 

Meanwhile, in the next room, Sofia smiled cheerfully and just as cheerfully she hopped into the kitchen, where she found me intent on cutting slices of meat and preparing that day's lunch. I wasn't too sure what Volusius liked to eat for lunch, so I had to make some assumptions based on what was in the pantry. When in doubt, not knowing his tastes, better avoid preparing anything too strange and exotic. I could have asked Sofia, but as you know, she slipped straight into Volusius' room to do... stuff, and it seemed rude to interrupt what they were doing there. 

“Good morning,” said Sofia. 

“Good morning,” replied I. 

“...” 

“...” 

“...!” 

“...” 

“...!!” 

“...?” 

“And what are you doing here?!” said Sofia. 

“How come you all have the habit of screaming in this house?” asked I. “If you must know. I'm making lunch.” 

“Yes, I can see that but, but...” Sofia looked at me bewilderingly. 

“Seriously, is it so strange to see someone making lunch?” 

“But, but... but, but, but...” 

Drawn by the confusion, Volusius too headed to the kitchen where, seeing Varuclezia cutting meat, he had no different reaction. 

“What the... and what are you doing here!” said Volusius. 

“Seriously, isn't it obvious what I'm doing?" said I in a confused and stern tone. I lifted the knife and moved it up and down as I scanned each word. “L-U-N-C-H, I'm preparing it. What is it with people here that they don't understand the obvious?” 

“But is it normal for her to do that?” said Sofia, pointing at me but looking at Volusius. 

“I'm not sure,” replied Volusius. 

“I am very normal...” said I, going back to cutting the meat, “...you, rather...have a very imaginative way of waking you up.” 

“No, it's not that... we do it from time to time, for fun, I mean...” said Volusius in embarrassment. 

“Yes, I mean, it’s just a little game of us...” added Sofia equally embarrassed, “...we don't do anything strange.” 

“Sure, sure, sure. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You are not the first young people to look for a bit of fun. I too have had my fair share of movement...” said I, "...one of my playfellows was a real dragon. Anyway. Here!” said I, handing Volusius a stack of three plates, glasses and cutlery, “Set the table!” 

“Why me?” 

“Because here in the house you are the one with the muscles, aren't you?” 

“I would be the master of the house!” 

“Alright, alright. I set the table and you cut the cold cuts...” said I, taking the plates and disappearing before Volusius could say anything, “...oh, dear! These plates are too heavy for a man! Thank the gods there is a woman in this house.” 

“Did what I think just happened happen?” 

Sofia had a hard time keeping herself from laughing, but out of respect for the host she stifled her laughter. 

“Go ahead, I'll take care of the cold cuts...” she said as she walked to the chopping board, "...you rather...” and here she spoke in a low voice so as not to be overheard by me, “...why don't you and that girl have a nice conversation? Perhaps you could ask for a date while you're at it.” 

“I cannot ask such a thing of a woman I have just met!” whispered Volusius. 

“Yes, you can...” replied Sofia, “...or the great Isengrimus is just too shy?” 

“...” 

We sat around a table, and I am not ashamed to say that I looked like a child who was about to enjoy this lunch. A happy, smiling child. Volusius smiled to see me so happy. He liked my smile. I mean... from time to time he tended to look at my breasts, but he was genuinely happy for me. I looked up and Volusius pretended to look the other way. 

“So...” began Volusius, trying to start a conversation. 

“Come on,” whispered Sofia, nudging him with her elbow. 

"I..." 

"Come on, come on, come on!" continued Sofia. 

Damn women, thought Volusius, not sure whether he was referring to Sofia's interference or the effect Varuclezia was having on him. Why must women be so problematic? he thought. Because otherwise you would be bored! 

“...” 

Great, now I can hear Sofia's answers in my head too. 

“So... you said you were looking for someone to share an adventure with?" said Volusius. 

My eyes lit up and, ignoring the plates and glasses, I placed a map on the table. 

I cleared my throat and said in a high tone: "Dragons love to fill their lairs with treasure: they steal it from men, cathysus’ and cercopes, gold and jewels wherever they can find them; and they guard their booty as long as they live, or until someone robs them, which is often not the case in neighbouring villages if I want to avoid reprisals. 

Not that they care much about the market value of their treasures beyond their glitter and aesthetic beauty, and they are adept at excavating rock in the elegant halls where they live. If stories are to be believed, they are often happy to keep other people's treasures as long as they can show them off in their own lair. But it is a good way of ensuring that you will never get your hands on your treasured object again. 

Anyway, as I said, it's been a long time since dragons have been seen much in the empire.” 

“No, you didn't actually say that” interrupted Sofia. 

“Well, I'm saying it now. Anyway, we were saying that you don't see dragons in the empire anymore, at least not the ones that plunder towns and villages, except of course the one that plundered the capital three times. After all, it is easy to pillage a town, but harder to hide afterwards. 

There are indeed many dragons in the forest of Hercynia, probably taking the gold from the towns that pay tribute to them or contenting themselves with the treasures that have accumulated there over the centuries, but there is one that seems to lurk nearby, less than a week's journey away. 

One day it took to the air, perhaps in search of prey, and was spotted in the mountains east of here, and I went to look for it. The first thing I heard was a tremendous beating of wings, the creaking of pines, the shaking of leaves and finally a serpentine shadow silhouetted against the sky. 

I was exploring these woods near the town of Arretium with some supplies and was so eager to find a dragon that I took a good look. From a great distance I saw it descend like the roar of a storm. Then it swooped down and disappeared into the sea of trees. 

At the same time all the bells of the surrounding villages rang, warriors armed themselves, people hid, but I ran deeper into the forest. No one went as deep as I did, nor would they have dared to go further had they known there was a dragon, but I dared. I was not afraid. The forest was teeming with strange things, there were rumours of ghosts, but there was no need to fear them, for I saw none. But there were wolves, bears and boars, which did not make my path easy. I drank the water I could find along the rivers that flowed down from the mountains, and rationed what little food I had, not caring how I got back, to complete my mission.” 

“That seems a bit exaggerated,” said Volusius. 

“Exaggerated or not, my stubbornness is in your favour. Indeed, when I had little left to sustain me, and had despaired of the possibility of finding the dragon's lair, it was then that I saw it: an immense wound along the side of the mountain, and within it a bed of gold and silver piled beyond a small lake. 

From time to time the dragon crawls out to hunt, but he always keeps an eye on the entrance to the cave as best he can, and it is risky (as well as unprofitable) to try to get in just for a measly piece of gold. What's more, you risk getting caught during the escape, and I had no intention of becoming his snack. I wasn't sure what to do until the beautiful Sofia told me about a daring hero who, as a child, loved nothing more than chasing nymphs, dragons and treasure; twice champion athlete, good fencer, second in his elocution class and a law graduate.” 

“I fail to see how that last detail is relevant,” said Volusius. 

“There's a bloody treasure! Gold in spades and I'm a helpless maiden, I must be careful who accompanies me,” replied I. 

“More than fair,” said Volusius. 

Anyway, once I'd found this cave, all I could think about was how to make this dragon work for me, and that's where you come in, my dear Volusius. An intrepid hero who knows how to use a weapon. For you, the glory of decapitating this monster, for me, the glory of writing down your exploits, and for both of us, a nice piece of gold to live on". 

“I warn you..." said Sofia, "...if Volusius gets any richer, I will become his mistress and live off his earnings as well”. 

“More than fair. Then you will?” I said, putting my hands on the table and leaning forward. 

My eyes were dreamy, and Volusius must have noticed that something had changed in me. The suffocating sadness was gone, and there was only joy and enthusiasm. 

Volusius had never completely forgotten his childhood, nor the oath he had sworn the day the dragon had sacked his city. 

“You say that the dragon hiding nearby is the same one that plundered the capital?” 

“Ah, I could not tell you that, but there was much treasure.” 

Volusius didn't know exactly what to feel. He lowered his gaze, then raised it again. 

“Tell me, why come to me? I'm certainly not the only one who can slay a dragon. In fact, it's certainly not wise. I bet a group of soldiers could do it better.” 

“No, it must be you. It must be a hero who sets an example in the hearts of the people,” said I resolutely. 

“You know, your eyes are beautiful when they are not sad.” 

I blushed. I did not know how to react to that sentence. 

“Oh well, that's it..." said I, eyes gleaming in all directions, "...so do you agree to be my hero?” 

At this point it was Volusius who blushed. 

“Say yes, say yes, say yes!” said Sofia. “Yes, Volusius accepts. Immediately.” 

“Oh, good. For a moment I was afraid you'd refuse..." said I, "I'll meet you at Porta Praenestina, at the Aurelian Walls, I'll hire horses. Don't worry, I'll take care of the equipment for the camp, you bring what you need and especially the sword.” 

I closed the door behind me, not even giving him time to reply. 

It was like being under a spell again. Volusius looked at the door, not quite sure if what had happened was real. The only thing that jolted him out of his strange stupor was the rustling coming from his room. A large rucksack dominated his bed while Sofia filled it with clothes and other useful things. Why the bed and not the floor, I have no idea. Maybe because little cathyzus liked to climb, or maybe because in the heat of the moment she was thinking of nothing else. 

“What are you doing?” said Volusius. 

“Oh, my goodness. Then Varuclezia was right when she said you don't notice the obvious,” said Sofia, placing the full rucksack on the floor and then dragging it barely in the direction of the door. “Of course, you wouldn't move at all without me.” 

“What makes you think I want to run after her?” said Volusius. 

“Because if she doesn't become your girlfriend by the end of the month, you won't be doing bed things with me ever again.” 

“If she becomes my fiancée, I could no longer do it with you anyway,” replied Volusius. 

“Exactly! You have no choice!” 

Volusius laughed as he had never laughed before. 

“Oh dear. I broke Volusius,” said Sofia. 

Volusius rubbed his eyes with his fingertips, then knelt and hugged Sofia, saying, “You really are a friend.” 

Sofia enjoyed the hug. 

“By the way, would you like to know what I saw a long time ago in the forest of Hercynia?” 

“Huh?” 

Volusius picked up a purple handkerchief and showed it to Sofia. It was folded into the shape of a flower. 

Many centuries have passed since my ancestor Lurius Ulpius Vopiscus led the legions into the forests of Hercynian. It is said that he encountered were-dragons, skin-changers and other creatures I shall not speak of. Finally, it is said that he met a nymph from whom my father and I are descended. 

Something similar happened to me in the forest that day. I cannot tell you whether the beautiful lady I met that rainy day was a nymph, but she gave me this, promising to keep it with me always, to remind me of the dreams that had brought me there." 

Volusius unfolded a handkerchief and revealed a ring. 

It was not a ring for a patrician, a senator or even an emperor, for the craftsmanship with which it was made was of a predilection that could only be divine. Whether it was fairy, Volusius could not tell, but it shone as if fresh from the forge, untouched by time and dirt. 

It was whiter and brighter than silver, and seemed more reflective, so much so that it seemed to belong to a metal unknown to them both. Around it were undulating rows of small metal spheres, forming eyes in which were set two small amethyst gems or one large one. 

Sofia held out her small hands, wrapped the handkerchief around the ring and said, "Now your dream is out there. Go and follow it." 

Volusius smiled. “Mind you...” he said, “...if Varuclezia becomes my girlfriend, you will have to cook for me... at your home, with your pantry.” Then, he put his backpack on his shoulder, his sword on his belt and walked out the door. 

“It’s a promise,” said Sofia. “I’ll offer you the best lunch of your life!” 

So it was that Volusius found himself outside the house with only the things Sofia had packed for him, and running as fast as his legs would allow, he made his way through the streets of the city until he reached Porta Praenestrina. 

He was panting when he arrived and saw Varuclezia waiting for him. 

“Bravo!” said Varuclezia, who was standing under the arch of the city wall waiting for him to arrive. “Way to keep a young lady waiting.” 

“Said the one who sneaks into other people's houses without permission.” 

And so, we set off, riding away from the city of Roma on a pair of horses. Who knows what his father would have thought if he had found out that he had disappeared from home with a young lady he had just met. Now that he thought about it, he was completely at the mercy of what Sofia would tell him. 

Don't worry about him. Despite appearances, she can be sensitive and discreet. Worry more about Volusius, who must travel with me.