Aelius Carpe has returned in triumph to the city of Carpena with Princess Selene. During their parade, concealed bowmen attack, striking down many in the procession. While the injured princess is brought to safety at Casa Carpe, soldiers conduct a search for the attackers but are unable to find them. It is eventually revealed to Tribune Amantus that the attack was staged by Carpe and Selene in order to deceive the Senate into believing the princess requires protection.

1. Carpe Diem
a Roman conspiracy from the ‘Bayko Baron’

2. • A fanfare of trumpets announces the triumphant
return of Aelius Carpe to Carpena

3. • The City Fathers greet him from the rostrum

4. • The parade moves on to the Temple of Apollo – where Carpe’s plunder is
already on show

5. • While behind him the entourage and menagerie of Princess Selene enters the
forum – yes, that is her pet panther in the litter!

6. • Ousted from Cyprus by her kinswoman, Cleopatra, the Princess seeks the help of The
Senate – Aelius Carpe is her….. Friend and protector

7. • As her carriage comes in view concealed bowmen atop the Sempronian
baths take aim

8. • Still others take aim from the flank

9. • Chaos engulfs the parade as retainers slump, as the goblet spills
from the princess’ nerveless hand

10. • The panther is rudely ejected as the stricken princess is
transferred to the litter and hurried into the protection of
Casa Carpe

11. • The escort charges into the baths…

12. ……And the tavern – but the birds are already flown

13. • In desperation a general search is ordered, while the princess’ menagerie is left to its
own devices

14. At the Domus Petronii the children howl with delight
as their new pet sees the soldiers off

15. • While at the Faun House another piece of the Princess’ livestock has
already found safe shelter

16. • While a further casualty is taken at the cistern when a soldier
offers….. help….. To the wrong young woman

17. While elsewhere, another comes face-to-face with a woman he once
made a promise to

18. • Even the insula tenement blocks of the poor are searched

19. • Hope surges for a moment when the raised horrea at the granary are
found – but with no result

20. • No haystack is left un-needled – but all to no avail

21. • As the reports come back Tribune Amantus must accept his failure

22. • The tribune presents himself at Casa Carpe to report his failure

23. • To his surprise his welcome, despite the corpse on the couch, is
remarkably warm

24. • So warm in fact that he is even introduced to the real Princess Selene – a
few retainers and an unfortunate double is small price to pay to convince
the Senate she is threatened

25. • While outside the citizens get a little free entertainment as the venatii
from the local gladiator school turn out to round up the beasts

26. • …. And so we say Ave et Vale to sleepy Carpena…. For the
moment