"Not so fast," said the officer. "Where is the girl?"
"What girl?" demanded Mallius Lepus.
"The daughter of Septimus Favonius, of course."
"How should we know?" demanded von Harben.
"You abducted her and brought her here," replied the officer. "Search the room," he commanded, and a moment later a legionary uncovered Favonia and raised her to her feet.
The officer laughed as he ordered the three men disarmed.
"Wait," said von Harben. "What are you going to do with the daughter of Septimus Favonius? Will you see that she has a safe escort to her father's house?"
"I am taking my orders from Caesar," replied the officer.
"What has Caesar to do with this?" demanded von Harben.
"He has ordered us to bring Favonia to the palace and to slay her abductors upon the spot."