“Dost thou fear that I shall escape?”
“Nay; but the shackles must be worn until Pandataria is reached.”
“But the hands of this child are free,” she protested.
“Ay, but I cannot help thee. Come!” he said, speaking to his soldiers. “Forward!”
The curtains were drawn together, and the party continued on their way. The prisoners suffered in silence until they arrived at a small inn where the horses were changed. Then they were allowed to alight. But the water they found there was brackish; the wine bitter. Immediately after the horses were changed, the order to proceed was given. As they neared Terracina, the air cooled by the sea gradually began to invigorate them. It was near evening when they neared this small town; but here they were again compelled to move on. They were led down the steep cliffs of Terracina to the shore, placed in a small boat, and rowed to a vessel that awaited them. They were soon on their way to Pandataria.
Refreshed by the salt breezes, Agrippina and Psyche sat upon the deck of the vessel and watched the smooth sea reflecting the setting sun. The great orb was just hovering in glory over the waters, and the skies were aglow with small flaming clouds, clustered near the horizon. The peace that always comes with the sunset hour brooded over the waters.
“What island may that be yonder?” asked Agrippina, turning to the officer who stood near them.
“Ponza, my lady.”
“Ah! ’Tis the island where they have imprisoned Nero.” She looked in the opposite direction and saw another island. “What is that one named?”
“Ischia.”