11 I A Big Announcement Rome, 45 years later in a.d. 303 “Well? So, what’s this big news?” Maximus asked on arriving at his friend Titus’ house. Titus gave him a coy look, enjoying the effect his invitation was having. “Well, just imagine, I’m going to—” He paused and looked at Maximus, who hung on his every word. It must be said, Titus had done all he could to arouse his friend’s curiosity. For three days now, he had been telling him over and over that he would soon have big news to announce. Maximus had imagined all sorts of possibilities. He and Titus had been friends for so long now that they knew each other down to the fingertips, and Maximus was a bit annoyed that he hadn’t been able to figure out Titus’ secret. Next to them, Aghiles, Maximus’ slave, watched with amusement. He knew Maximus’ lively, impatient character. Titus’ delaying tactic was driving the boy crazy. Aghiles knew Titus was a smooth talker, and he had a flair for the dramatic as well. Despite his efforts to create suspense, his news might be nothing special after all. But Aghiles was curious to know what it was all about. “I’m going to...”
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