Marfisa knocked, but it was not her nephew Fossegrimus who opened the door, but a young girl. She had a beautiful and well-groomed appearance, confident blue eyes and long blond hair gathered into a tail with a long fringe covering the left side of her face. Her expression was polite but distant. 

Come in," she said. 

"Ehm... hi?" Marfisa replied politely. The young girl curtsied to her and let Marfisa inside. 

Marfisa did not know how to react. That girl had to be Isalinda, the fiancée of Fossegrimus, but it was not her presence that made her uncomfortable, so much as everything else. 

Despite her well-groomed face, she wore a simple, poor white linen robe that seemed to have been hastily put on over wet skin. 

The flat, if one could call it that, looked more like an abandoned house: the walls had exposed brickwork and the only window there was without glass. It smelled damp and musty. There were no bookshelves or even shelves; just bare, ruined floorboards covered with stains. A small wooden table stood by the north wall. Two chairs sat on opposite sides of this table. 

The room's sole occupant, apart from the girl herself, was a large wooden crate. It was open at both ends, revealing the dark interior. 

Marfisa looked at Rolandus, who was as uncomfortable and astonished as she was. Not that she expected every person related to the imperial family to be rich, but that.... there were no words to describe it. Is it possible for a citizen of Rome to live in such conditions? 

The girl spoke up. "Fossegrimus' mother sent me to fetch some food. Do you want to favour?" 

"Sigismunda was expecting us?" asked Marfisa. 

The girl considered her answer before speaking. "Not exactly." 

Marfisa and Rolandus looked into each other's eyes and in unison said: "That damned green-haired witch! Always one step ahead of us." 

"Anyway..." said Marfisa, "...do you know where Fossegrimus is?" 

Isalinda hesitated. "I don't know if he's here or not," she finally admitted. "He wasn't here when I came back from my last errand. He probably went out again." 

Marfisa and Rolandus did not know how to behave: that dwelling and situation there made them feel lost. 

"Anyway, have a seat. I have just done the shopping, so I can cook you a good breakfast, while you await" said Isalinda. 

Marfisa and Rolandus sat down, while Isalinda entered in what looked an improvised kitchen. 

"There are no clean dishes, so please use the ones from the crate," said Isalinda unapologetically. "It would be best if you eat off your hands, since the plates and cups are all dirty anyway." 

Marfisa and Rolandus exchanged looks, but the most puzzled look was Marfisa's. Butter... she was frying fish with butter instead of olive oil, and while waiting she had served them beer. 

"Are you sure you are cooking the right way?" said Marfisa. 

"Please don't tell me that you've never eaten anything with butter before," replied Isalinda. 

"Well, no," said Marfisa, "that's a thing for peasants and barbarians." 

Rolandus laughed. "Marfisa, I am a barbarian." 

"What do you mean?" asked Marfisa. 

"I'm from Thule, remember?" he said. 

Marfisa blushed for the embarrassment, but Rolandus replied with a smile, then turned to Isalinda and said: "You instead? Where do you come from?" 

"Situna," answered the girl. 

Marfisa and Rolandus looked at one another, but their expressions did not change. Both were as confused as ever. 

"Ah, Situna. Of course," said Rolandus. "But why haven't we heard of it before?" 

"Because Situna lies far away from the civilized world," said Isalinda. 

Marfisa smiled sarcastically, then said: "Then surely Fossegrimus should have mentioned it." 
"Maybe he didn't think it was important enough for you to know," said Isalinda. 

Marfisa raised her eyebrows and looked at Isalinda, but the latter ignored the question. 

"Have a drink while you wait," offered Isalinda. "Or rather, try to drink something... if your fancy tastes allow it." 

Marfisa took the mug and tasted the contents. It was a sourish brown liquid, smelling like old cheese. She made a face and handed it to Rolandus. "You try." 

Rolandus, who enjoyed trying new drinks, drank it down. "Yuck!" he declared after he had swallowed. "I'd prefer wine any day." 

Marfisa grinned. "They say that the people of Situna eat fermented mare's milk and drink honey water." 
"Oh, really?" Rolandus said. "And you seem happy enough?" 

Marfisa stared at him, then burst out laughing. "How dare you! I would rather die than eat that disgusting stuff." 

"If they drank wine there too, maybe you wouldn't mind," suggested Rolandus. 

"Do you want more?" asked Isalinda. 

Marfisa nodded. 

Isalinda took another cup and poured some of the yellow liquid inside. "Here, try this." 

Marfisa's face clouded over again. "That's worse than the last one!" 

"Perhaps if you don't expect much, it won't be so bad," said Isalinda before going back to the kitchen. "At least it isn't milk." 

Marfisa shook her head and drank the rest of the liquid without comment, until someone opened the door and a sensation of uneasiness filled the room. A pale young man entered the room long black hair that covered part of his face. 

He looked good, as far as could be seen, although he avoided meeting their gaze. And although he looked like a handsome young man from a good family, he wore a poor and simple garment, devoid of any decoration. He looked wet, as if he had just come out of the river, although the fabric was completely dry, if clinging to his body as if glued by water. 

"Fossegrimus?" exclaimed Marfisa. 

"Ah! Aunt Marfisa" said Fossegrimus recognising Marfisa and then sat down next to them without saying anything. A strange aura filled the air and for the umpteenth time Marfisa and Rolandus looked into each other's eyes, a strange feeling of unease running down their spines. 

The dark-haired young man seemed like a creature from a nightmare, something that should not have existed. His long and lucid hairs seemed almost twitching as dark tentacles, made of blackness and shadow. 

A feeling of eeriness filled the air, yet he didn't do or say anything. He only began to wave his hand as if drawing something in the air. Marfisa didn't know what to do nor Rolandus. 

"What is that boy doing?" he muttered to Marfisa, "Is it normal?" 

"I don't think so," said Marfisa, "but I'm too afraid to ask. You know… I'm not used to this type of thing." 

Marfisa looked at Fossegrimus, who had now drawn with his finger many symbols in the air and on the table. It was a strange gesture, without any clear purpose and without meaning. Isalinda seemed to understand Marfisa and Rolandus thoughts. She putted the breakfast on the wooden crate they were using as table and said: "Don't worry. Its normal. He will stop soon." 

Fossegrimus stopped drawing and waited the breakfast to be serve. It seemed that that movement was a strange quirk of his without any meaning. 

They started eating the breakfast. Fossegrimus looked calm, therefore Marfisa tried to ask him where his mother Sigismunda was but wasn't Fossegrimus who answered. 

"You can see her later today in the temple of the goddess Vesta..." said Isalinda intruding herself in the conversation, "...or you can find her at lunch at the thermopolium near the basilica." 

Marfisa did not like how Isalinda had answered in place of her nephew, but let it pass. 

"Can't you tell me where she lives?" said Marfisa. 

"Sorry, miss Marfisa," said Isalinda, smiling, "Fossegrimus doesn't talk much." 

Fossegrimus nodded. 

If you need a place to stay, you can sleep here tonight. You can easily find Vesta's time. Anyone can tell you where it is. 

"Well thank you for the offer and the breakfast" said Marfisa. 

After breakfast Fossegrimus and Isalinda left and went their own way. Marfisa and Rolandus followed them for a while to then changed direction: towards Halmyris' temple of Vesta. 

"Why didn't Fossegrimus answer your question?" asked Rolandus as they walked. 

"He never does," said Marfisa, "I think he's a bit shy... or I hope he is." 

"I think you are right, but don't worry..." Rolandus said smiling, "...we will have some more occasions to get to know each other." 

"Is not knowing each other the problem" said Marfisa. "Have you seen how Isalinda was behaving? She looked like the mistress of the house. A very poor house. I'm worrying she is exploiting Fossegrimus for her own benefit." 

"Don't worry. Isalinda is a very kind and decent lady. Don't forget she is engaged to Fossegrimus." 

"...but even so I feel worried about them both. Have you seen how they live? I hope that Fossegrimus does not risk ending up in a bad situation because of her." 

"Let's stop worrying..." Rolandus interrupted Marfisa, "...Fossegrimus will come out of this fine. They are just two kids who want to be alone, without parents around. Anyway... what do we know about Situna?" asked Rolandus. 

Marfisa thought for a moment. "Well... only that Situna is one of the most northern kingdoms in Europe." 

"Yes, I remember now. What else?" 

"If I remember well, many slaves come from Situna to Rome, because there's plenty of poverty in Scandinavia" said Marfisa. 

"You know something more?" Rolandus asked. 

Marfisa tried to recall any information she could remember, then said: "I remember rumours about fanatics destroying temples there. Maybe Isalinda is a refugee?" 

"Fanatics... like the one who destroyed the library of Alexandria and the temples around the city of Tyana?" said Rolandus. 

"That might be possible." 

They arrived in the temple of Vesta. There was a small garden with plants and trees. Some benches were placed along the wall, which is built in the shape of a bow. The temple itself was circular and open on all sides. Inside the temple stood a statue of Vesta, surrounded by several altars decorated with sculptures depicting various mythological scenes. At a quick glance, they were easily recognisable as myths of Greek origin, but on looking more clearly, Marfisa noticed some images of unclear identification, which she recognised as being of probable Sarmatian origin. 

The influence of the Scythians in the local culture was not strange, Halmyris being a cultural crossroads. Oliverius himself, king of the Sarmatians, was a siren from the Mediterranean. 

Marfisa looked at the statue of Vesta. She was the patron of the hearth fire and the family home, but she was also considered to be the mother of mankind. Why the mother of mankind, Marfisa wasn't sure. But for sure in ancient times, when lighting fires was difficult and the world was dark and gloomy, Vesta was the one who kept humanity alive. 

Marfisa and Rolandus burned incense at one of the temple altars. There was a step in front of each altar, which allowed even a short person like Rolandus to make a sacrifice in person without being lifted up like a child. If there was any proof that numerous catizi lived in that city, there was none better than that. 

While praying, they saw the mist rising around them, then they heard footsteps coming from the stairway leading to the centre of the temple. With a start, Marfisa and Rolandus turned around. A woman walked into their sight. She had long, lucid as if freshly washed and wavy black hair, which well adorned her curvy body. Her skin was white and contrasted with her dark dress. Her eyes were of a deep blue half hidden by her umbrella she used to protect herself from the sun. 

"You seem disoriented. You are not used to the famous Halmyris fog that comes and goes" said the woman, while the fog disappeared as quickly as it came. 

"Do we know you?" asked Marfisa. 

The lady laughed and closed her umbrella, then she said: "Come on, it wasn't that long ago. I recognised you." 

"Sigismunda?" said Marfisa. 

Sigismunda smiled and nodded. "To what do I owe your visit to my city?" 

"We want to use some books of your library…" started Marfisa. 

"I see… Why? Do you wish to find out more about the Sarmatians? About the ancient Sirens?" 

"No," replied Marfisa, shaking her head. "Actually, we need something else. We seek someone. And we think that you can help us." 

"And who might that be?" asked Sigismunda. 

"Madalgarius," said Rolandus. 

Sigismunda raised her eyebrows and said "Oh, him. The boy you fought Medulfa for." 

"...!" (Marfisa). 

"What? News travels fast and you two were pretty loud that night from what I heard." 

"'One time! One time I went crazy and now everyone is talking about it!" said Marfisa. 

"Oh dear, no need to get so heated. Everyone knows anyway that the great Marfisa is refractory to the call of love. No one will believe it." 

"...!" (Marfisa). 

"Back to us. What do you hope to find in my library?" said Sigismunda. 

"What do you know about golden apples. The ones described in the myths?" said Marfisa. 

"Golden apples? Oh yes, I remember hearing about them once. But what does this have to do with Madalgarius?" 

Marfisa showed the golden apple she received from Madalgarius. 

"Madalgarius said he wanted to find the origin of this and said that he would search for information in the land of the catizi and you have the most well-stocked library in the region" said Marfisa. 

Sigismunda took the golden apple from Marfisa's hand and examined it carefully. "This is… interesting. Have you ever seen anything like it?" 

"Never. It is just a gift we brought from Madalgarius, but I suspect it is being given to him by Varuclezia." 

Sigismunda immediately became serious, then said: "It's getting midday, maybe we should talk about it in a nearby thermopolium while we order food." 

"Fine for me", said Rolandus. 

With Sigismunda leading the way they walked through the streets of the city. They passed by numerous buildings of varying architectural styles, some with mosaics in the pavement and others decorated only with carved pillars and capitals. 

In the end, they entered a small restaurant and ordered lunch. After a few minutes, they were served the food and ate in silence. 

While Sigismunda was eating her pheasant pie, while Marfisa ordered sautéed snails and Rolandus a soup. To drink instead... 

"..." (Rolandus). 

"...?" (Marfisa). 

"...". 

"...??". 

"Is that beer?" said Rolandus. 

"No!" said Marfisa looking away. "It's... wine with a strange colour." 

Rolandus laughed. 

"Nice to see you are having such a fun time, but it's better going back talking about the golden apple and its tree..." said Sigismunda, "...yes. Madalgarius consulted my library to search information about the golden apples. He was interested in the book of the De fabula Nymphae Veterae ". 

"What did he find out?" asked Marfisa. 

"I don't know. When I questioned him about it, he only replied 'a lot and nothing'." 

"Well, what can you tell me about the golden apples? Were there any references to the golden apples?" 

"Only one thing," said Sigismunda. "They are probably being produced somewhere in the Comedarum mountains." 

"Where?" asked Rolandus. 

"It seems that the closest settlement to the area where the gold apples grow is the town of Maracanda, which is near the border with the kingdom of Serica." 

"That's it?" asked Marfisa. "A single reference in a book written hundreds of years ago? What if those trees existed in a different place? If it were a historical fact, we would have found traces of them in the past or records of people who visited the area." 

"Yes, you're right," said Sigismunda. "But until now no one ever reported finding a golden apple tree." 

"So why is Madalgarius so interested in this matter?" said Rolandus. "It doesn't seem smart trying to find a legendary tree with so little information written in a distant past." 

"You know. Sometimes love makes you do stupid things", said Sigismunda looking at Marfisa. "Besides Madalgarius is a man mysterious as the thing he is searching. Who knows? Perhaps he wants to visit the region and examine these trees himself, until he finds the right one." 

Rolandus turned his head towards Marfisa and said: "You really screwed it up by rejecting him. Now we have to go look for him all the way to Maracanda." 

"Perhaps he'll be pleased to see that you were searching for him?" said Sigismunda. 

Marfisa blushed. 

"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure that Madalgarius will understand that you were just scared. Did he really hurt you?" said Sigismunda. 

"No, it wasn't like that," said Marfisa. "He simply embarrassed me in front of everyone." 

"Everyone?" asked Sigismunda. 

"Maybe not everyone" replied Marfisa. 

"Maybe?" 

"It was only Astulfus. A very nice guy I know." 

"Astulfus? The guy who always stumbles when he fights?" 

"Yep, that's him." 

Sigismunda smiled at seeing Marfisa so ashamed. It was strange to see her so guilty about something like that. 

"And... you been intimate with this Madalgarius?" 

"...!" (Marfisa). 

"Oh my! It is really strange for you to show interest in a male without first being intimate with him." said Sigismunda amused and surprised. "He must have really impressed you a lot, if you want to chase him to the ends of the earth, without having had... fun with him first." 

"I..." said Marfisa. 

"If you're uncomfortable discussing this matter with me, then you should feel forced to do it." 

Marfisa remained silent. 

"I've seen that Madalgarius is very handsome." Sigismunda continued. "His presence alone awakens your senses. You can't help but be captivated by him." 

"Well, it's true. And the more I looked at him, the more attracted I become, but it wasn't because..." Marfisa had difficulty speaking, "...it's just that...we talked about many subjects. He is intelligent and kind and... he..." 

"Yes?" 

"He had a magical sword and a magical ring, and a golden apple infuse with fey magic..." said Marfisa, "...then I started making questions, he made questions about me, and we started to talk..." 

"My dear Marfisa. This is what love is" Sigismunda smiled. "It's being enchanted by someone you could easily hate, but instead you admire and respect them, because he admires and respect you. That's why Madalgarius is so attractive to you." 

Marfisa blushed again. 

"And you little friend?" said Sigismunda, looking at Rolandus. "I suppose you are not here because you are in love with Madalgarius." 

"No, no I'm not..." said Rolandus, smiling "...I am more the type who appreciates breasts and hips than strong shoulders. I will leave Madalgarius to Marfisa, I am here to check everything will have a happy ending." 

"A true friend" exclaimed Sigismunda. "You don't mind leaving Marfisa to Madalgarius." 

"Not at all. I had my chance with Marfisa. We weren't made for each other." 

"But you cared so much for her..." 

"Ah well, it's a shame, but it happens." 

"The gods never allow us our wishes, do they?" said Sigismunda. "Or maybe they grant them to us in the strangest ways. But still, I hope Marfisa and Madalgarius will find happiness together, as Fossegrimus and Isalinda did." 

"Let me guess. You visited them and were surprised to see what their home is like." 

"That's putting it mildly!" said Marfisa. "That... home is more an abandoned ruin: walls with exposed brickwork, window without glass, ruined floorboards... not to mention the furniture!" 

"And yet they seem content..." said Sigismunda with a smile, before completely changing attitude and becoming more serious, "...there are many mysteries in this world, Marfisa, and not all are hidden in the Hercynia forest. Perhaps when you return from your little adventure to the east, I will reveal some of the arcane mysteries you have been trying to unravel. But not today. For today you'd better concentrate on finding your Madalgarius." 

"...?" 

"However, let me give you the same advice I gave Madalgarius. Do not try to reach the place where the tree with the golden apples is, for even the green-haired witch does not dare to approach such a place. I know that she was the one who... set off this little adventure of yours, but mind you, as much as she seems to have control over everything, there are consequences that even she cannot foresee and perhaps your adventure has already gone off the rails." 

Rolandus looked at Sigismunda and smiled. 

"I understand, Sigismunda, you want us to stay away from the golden apple tree. And I promise myself that I won't let Marfisa go near it." 

Thus she spoked, but Sigismunda's gaze became even more serious, and she grabbed Marfisa by her forearm. 

"Do not go where the golden apple tree is! Is a place where unspeakable horrors roam and even death dies." 

"...?" 

I don't have to tell you how dangerous a place that even I dare not enter. Nor should I tell you how thoughtful Marfisa and Rolandus were when they returned to Fossegrimus' house. Neither the squalor of Fossegrimus' house nor Isalinda's barbaric cooking could distract them from their thoughts. Probably the only time Rolandus and Marfisa thought of anything else was when Isalinda started to comb her hair. She stood there with her hair dry, while her clothes were damp as if she had put them on without drying herself. But apart from this small curiosity, nothing could shake them. When evening arrived, they lay down in what could barely be called a living room, where Fossegrimus gave her the only blanket in the house. 

But Marfisa couldn't sleep. 

Her heart beat faster every time she thought of the golden apple tree and of her adventure. It had seemed so simple when she told Madalgarius about it, just a little walk through a forest and then a visit to a strange tree in the middle of the forest. And yet... 

No less agitated was Rolandus' sleep. How on earth did Isalinda and Fossegrimus sleep in a house without windows? And to say they had given them the only blanket they had. Isalinda and Fossegrimus, on the other hand, slept in what used to be their bedroom. A room without a bed, furniture or anything that would make it an ordinary room. If at least they had a couple of rugs or a rug-mat... the floor was bare wood and not of the best one. 

"Isalinda has nightmares at night..." said Fossegrimus to him before going to bed, "...so please do not enter our room if you hear noises." 

It was the first time Rolandus had heard Fossegrimus speak, and despite his eerie appearance he had a gentle voice. Rolandus tossed and turned in the improvised bed. But sleep didn't come, and after a while, he got up and went to the window. He could see nothing outside, but he was sure there wasn't any moonlight tonight. 

He took a candle and lit it, then he started to move towards the door of the room. He knew he shouldn't go, but he couldn't bear to lie sleepless in that room. He wanted to know what was happening in the other room, and he needed to ask Fossegrimus some questions, although he thought he might not like the answers. 

Fossegrimus was a kind boy, and ever since Marfisa had put this thought into his head he started to think more and more that it was possible that Isalinda was engaged with Fossegrimus only because of his money or because she needed a home. He knew it was none of his business, but... Rolandus extended his hand towards the handle but then stopped. 

He hesitated, and then decided not to open the door, but the idea of going back to bed and try to sleep again did not appeal to him. He was already wide awake, so why not stay awake and find out what was happening in the other room? 

Rolandus puffed and then bowed his head and said: "What am I doing? They're a boy and a girl, pretty young and alone in a room away from their parents... if they're not sleeping, they're doing things not to be interrupted." 

He was about to go back to sleep when he heard a noise behind the door of something rolling on the floor. Was it Isalinda who was having nightmares? Or maybe it was Fossegrimus? And what was she doing with him? It was certainly none of his business... but what if it was Isalinda needing help. 

And yet, Rolandus felt a shiver of fear. What if he opened the door and found them making love? He heard new noise and this time it really was the sounds of someone having nightmares. His heart beat faster and he felt like running away, but he still hesitated. After all, it was only two young people. He had seen couples in the street kissing and touching each other... perhaps he should just leave them alone, but more he stayed near the door, more it seemed to him that Isalinda was having nightmares and these nightmares seemed to be very bad. 

The sound of the floor rolling continued, then followed silence. The next thing Rolandus heard was Isalinda's voice. She spoke in a language Rolandus didn't recognize. She sounded frightened, or angry... or both. But he could understand no word of her. 

Rolandus went to the door and slowly lifted the latch and opened it slightly, trying not make any noise. The room was dark, yet he could recognise the silhouettes of Isalinda and Fossegrimus on the floor. They were sleeping: Fossegrimus placidly, Isalinda not, although her breathing was regular. 

"This is ridiculous," Rolandus said to himself. "They must have been dreaming and were talking in their sleep." 

He closed the door silently and returned to bed. As soon as he had settled under the blanket next to Marfisa, he heard another noise. The door of the bedroom was opening. Rolandus looked lazily out of the corner of his eye, no longer interested in what was going on, when he saw Isalinda's white hand coming out of the door. She was beautiful as ever in the pale moonlight, while her blue eyes shone in the night, but there was something odd Rolandus couldn't immediately understand, then he saw her hair moving. 

It's just hair, it's just hair Rolandus thought as he felt his heart pounding. It was only the wind. He turned over and tried to go back to sleep. 

But the hair kept on moving. Then the door was completely open and Isalinda was standing naked in the room. The moon moved, or perhaps the clouds had moved, releasing the moon, or perhaps some glass was reflecting more light into the room, but Rolandus could now see clearly. The hair... the hair was not hair at all! 

Yellow tentacles moved through the air, decorating Isalinda's head like a golden hairdo. Apart from her hair, Isalinda's upper body was still human, but her lower body was covered in thin purple scales, while her feet ended in fins. On the bottom of its back, however, was a thin, long tail that also turned out to be a tentacle, while the whole skin was covered in a thin thread of water like a fish just out of the river. 

I don't think I need to tell you how frightened Rolandus was and how small he was getting under the covers and in Marfisa's arms at that moment. But if you want to know how it ended, I think in the next chapter you will have to follow me.