Winter was drawing in – the wind was stronger, the waves higher, the rain more cutting, often harsh sleet that bit the face. Felis left his house wearing a leather cape over his tunic and the green and white scarf that he had found on the beach wrapped around his neck and chin. He made his way down the narrow streets towards the port. Although dawn had only just broken, smoke spiralled upwards from his neighbours’ chimneys and voices from within indicated that they had risen – if only to light the fire, there being no reason to venture outside their houses. Reaching the quay, the laurel wreaths nailed to the doors of the residencies of the wealthier folk heralded Christmas - for those who adhered to the Christian religion. A number of people believed in pagan deities: the mystical masters
