H) You decide that it would be safer to follow Justus. After all, he seems to know where he is going. Soon the three of you emerge into the sunlit interior of the Circus Maximus. What a sight! Chariot teams colored red, blue, green, and white race around an elliptical track, each competing for the prize. Wild and unruly fans wave banners with the color of the team they support. In the center of the race track stand large statues of the patron gods of racing, Neptune, Castor, and Pollux. The chariots drivers try to knock each other off the track and into the concrete walls. Some chariots carry two to three men each. As the race nears its completion, the cheering intensifies. The green team is in the lead with the red team close behind! What a race! The fans of the red team shout, “Red! Red! Red!” as the red team pulls ahead. In the end, the red team is declared the winner and flowers are thrown from the stands upon the victors. The riders each bow before the three gods and exit the stadium. Wow! “We Romans sure know how to entertain ourselves!” you say to Flavius. Just then, two sword wielding soldiers approach the three of you. “Excuse me. I think you forgot to pay.” says the taller soldier. Justus begins to blush. “Come with us.” they say as they grab you by the arm. It’s a good thing Roman citizens have certain legal rights, because you’re going to need all of them!

THE END  

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copyright Jay D'Ambrosio 2000