Methodios, accompanied by his retainers, strides purposefully into the ruins of what had been an example of the glory of Rome.
"These ruins are a good setting for these proceedings" he mused "There reflect the state of our Empire".
Spotting Apionnas Vringas among the fallen colonnades, he walks to him and gives him a military salute.
"Hail, Senator Vringas... I wish to express my thanks in advance for the effort you put into setting up this meeting in the hope of resolving the differences between the Basileus and me. Has the Basileus arrived yet ? I have not spotted any other vessel in the harbour but yours and mine. Will he show up at all ?"
Bookmarks