Story Summary

As we continue reading the story Caedes Intellecta, it is important to remind ourselves of what has happened previously and the events that we can expect to read about in the upcoming chapter. So, let's review and get ready for the next part of the story!

Story Notes

Pseudolus has so much news to tell Selene: Livia informed Pseudolus and Maecenas of her veritas: the truth, which is that she had no motivation to want Marcellus dead. Neither she, nor anyone in her household was responsible for his death. The news of the death of Anna will also come as a great shock to anyone who hears it. What will Selene think of Livia's suggestion to go speak with Marcellus' widow, Julia?

And if he does meet with her, what information could Julia share about her husband's death? The image above is from a statue depicting the suffering of Laocoön, a tragic Greek figure. In the expression on Laocoön's face, we can see Pseudolus' internal struggles.

Pseudolus quickly left Livia's house with these thoughts running through his head. He felt that he was either the luckiest man or possibly the most cursed. Amazed, he though, "Will I even survive this investigation? And if I do, will I be a better man?" Still, shortly after that, he decided to continue his investigation because it would benefit Marcellus' memory to know the truth. And also, there was Anna! Who could have thought that she needed to die? Her death required a response as well. The next step would be to talk to Selene to get her perspective, then hopefully to meet with Marcellus' widow, Julia.