Chapter 11 Across the Frontier Summary

Hadrian's Wall runs from Luguvallium to Segedunum, bisecting the country. Marcus and Esca pass through the gate on an early summer morning, mounted on small, sturdy ex-cavalry mares. Esca has returned to his native Briton dress. Marcus is disguised as an oculist in a purple cape. A silver talisman covers the scar of Mithras on his forehead, and a sign advertises the Invincible Anodyne of Demetrius of Alexandria, a certain cure for all diseases of the eye. Marcus's disguise is not entirely a sham. In their packs are salves for eye afflictions, supplied by Uncle Aquila's physician friend, Rufus Galarius.

With Chilurnium well behind them, the two men pause for a mid-day rest, although following the tradition of the Legions and hunters, they eat nothing. The two plan to crisscross the land beyond Hadrian's Wall until they...