"Isidora? But how can this be?" Isidora was another priestess, though older than Olympia. She was known to be a little troublesome and occasionally flirtatious, but the girl was generally well behaved and tended the temple well.

"Oh it's awful! The Emperor has made an announcement that she has tried to seduce him and he will see her punished! She has claimed her innocence but all are against her. The Pontifex Maximus is in an uproar and cursing her. They're preparing a place for her outside of the city! Please, you must come!"

Coelia swiftly stood.

"Olympia you will stay here and tend to your duties. I will see what this is all about."

Coelia marched swiftly from the Temple towards the palace. She did not run, for it was important that she act as befitted her station, but she did move at a quick pace, and allowed her guards to clear the crowd for her. She could see a large gathering in front of the palace and heard shouting, but the crowd was not clearing quickly enough for her. She was incensed! Her position was one of great authority - had the times changed so much that she could no longer maneuver to the front of a crowd - or that a child had to inform her of what was happening to one of her Priestesses?

A hand grabbed her elbow and she started. Her guard moved to detach the offender but she waved him off at the last moment.

"Lucius! What are you doing?" She hissed. "Leave me be, I need to get to Isadora."

Lucius Claudius Antonius was a relative of the Empress and had enjoyed many privileges since the Emperor had come to power.

"No Coelia." He told her, and she inwardly cursed at his familiar way of speaking. "You mustn't interfere or Theodosius will have you as well. They are out for blood right now."