The Beggar of Volubilis

In The Beggar of Volubilis Flavia, Johnathan, Nubia and Lupus are faced with another task from Titus - find the emerald know as "The Eye of Nero." There have been rumors of the existence of a False Nero which has troubled Titus and is the reason he wants to have the emerald. The legend of the jewel is that whoever possesses it will rule the Roman Empire and the superstitious Titus wants the jewel at all cost. The last known whereabouts of the emerald is somewhere in Africa. For reasons best explained by reading The Slave-Girl from Jerusalem, life has been grim for everyone in Ostia. Flavia's uncle Gaius has disappeared - in fact it appears he drowned himself - but he actually sailed to Africa. Flavia's father is angry with her for a number of reasons but he has to sail to Alexandria. This gives the four friends the opportunity they need to fulfill Titus' request and locate Uncle Gaius. The emperor has provided them with money and a contact in Africa and so they set off. In Africa one mishap leads to another and the quest becomes one of survival on slender means. The Beggar of Volubilis is a superb adventure story set in cities and deserts of Africa beautifully written by Caroline Lawrence. The story has many moments of danger, intrigue and encounters with fascinating places and people. This volume is certainly among my favorites in the series.