Romulus came toward Emilia and her father about sunset, after the wounded had been made comfortable and the treaty agreed upon. They were in the doorway of the priest’s tent. The Roman general looked very tall and handsome and full of authority. His shining helmet and shield, short sword, and light body armor of metal plates overlapping like plumage were as full of proud and warlike strength as the wings of an eagle. He bowed before the two; then he looked at the maiden.
“It is nearly a year. The time has not gone quickly.”
“He told me,” explained Emilia, “that if after the Saturnalia I wished to return, he would send me home.”
“And do you wish to go home, my daughter?” asked the priest.
Emilia looked up at Romulus.
“I will go home,” she said, “with my husband.”
And the news ran through the camps that Romulus had taken a Sabine bride.