Meet the Characters...

(drawings copyright © Hal Huestis)

It takes a volcanic eruption for thirteen-year old Aurea to realize how good she had it living on her family's country villa. Now her stubborn, independent nature will either save her or destroy her as she struggles to survive the destruction and make it safely home to her family.

Melina is Aurea's eleven year old slave, an innocent, curious girl from Germania who has been with Aurea since they were children. Melina looks up to Aurea as she would an older sister, always trying her best to impress her mistress but meeting with mixed results.

Vibius is a twenty-five year old chariot horse owner from Capua. The tip of his nose was accidentally cut off as a child, leaving him both physically and emotionally scarred. He has never been with a woman, and he becomes obsessed with Aurea when their paths cross.

Aurea's mother is very strict and traditional. She can't understand why her daughter would want anything other than to follow in her footsteps, to get married and be the mistress of her own household. Claudia's cold demeanor has not helped her connect with her daughter.

Aurea's father is a successful wine merchant who hasn't left Nuceria since he was eighteen years old. On that occasion, he took part in the Pompeii amphitheatre riot of 59 A.D. His father and brothers died in the fighting, and Marcus returned home a broken man.

Vesuvius

Home

Copyright © 2002-2005 Tom Cantwell