AFTER THE RACE, it being the only one run because the rest were canceled on the account of the sudden downpour—it rained heavily the rest of the day and into the earlier evening—Rubio, Aurelius Falco, Ben-Atar, and his son Daniel joined Marius Atilius at his lavish villa. A sumptuous banquet was scheduled, the Festival of Minerva being the primary reason, the other, an after-race party of sorts for the chariot drivers and their faction leaders. Although dismayed that his two Red drivers had crashed and not finished the race, Atilius was still in a jovial mood. He welcomed the two winning charioteers with open arms and an open-door-policy; his villa was at their disposal. He greeted them at the door of his domus and escorted them arm-in-arm through the ostium and into the…show more content… “I thank thee!” The Jew shook clasped hands over his his head. “Wine—here!” Atilius barked, snapping his fingers. Two servants instantly dispensed goblets full with wine to the honored guests. “A toast, my friends!” Atilius urged, taking up a goblet of wine, raising it on high. “A toast to my honored guests—Aurelius Falco and Rubio Artorius! Brothers of the Red Faction!” “SALUTE! SALUTE! SALUTE!” Umpteen goblets rose, wine sluicing over the brims, then emptied as the toasting guests drained them dry. Rubio gulped down his wine with gusto as did Daniel and Simon Ben-Atar. Always the temperate gentleman, Falco merely sipped his goblet of wine. He smiled, then gestured to the man in the silk tunic and yarmulke. “And a toast for my dear friend, Ben-Atar,” he said, raising his goblet. “Leader of the Whites and a fine gentleman to boot.” “SALUTE! SALUTE! SALUTE!” came the cries. “Many thanks! Many thanks!” Ben-Atar exclaimed, expressing his gratitude. “And thank your for inviting me, Atilius.” “Welcome, you are, good Jew,” Atilius replied, nodding. “I am glad you could attend. Now all the faction leaders are here
