Joseph awoke early, intent on heading to Callicles’ caravansary for woven sacks of lime whitewash, and the exotic creation imported from northern Europe, soap. Hitching the horses, he was greeted by Brutus, who asked him where he was going.
“I’m heading to Callicles’ market to pick up more items before he leaves.”
“Would you like me to come along to assist you?”
“Sure, I could use the help and the company.”
Brutus climbing aboard, Joseph drove to the caravansary. Callicles’ slaves were taking down tents and awnings, and packing unsold merchandise in preparation for leaving town. The trader was standing by his personal wagon with his nephew, going over inventory lists, as Joseph and Brutus stepped from the wagon and walked up.
“Good morning Julius,” Callicles said with a weak smile, having another hangover.
“Greetings Callicles, did you enjoy yourself last night?” asked Joseph.
“Definitely, but I always end up paying for it in the mornings. You’re here for the merchandise?”
“Yes.”
“I had my slaves pull it from the wagons, ten soap bricks and 15 sacks of lime whitewash. It’s sitting next to this wagon on a cart.”
“The price is?”
Callicles smiled and answered, “For you Julius, 40 denarii will do, just so my slaves won’t have to load it back in the wagons.”
“That’s a deal,” said Joseph, handing him coins from a leather pouch.
“Thanks,” Callicles replied, again looking to his inventory list, “Do you need a slave to haul it?”
“I have Brutus.”
“Good, I’m rather busy, so forgive me if I seem preoccupied, we have to pull out at three.”
“Where are you heading?”
“South, stopping at Daphinos for a few days, then onto Heraclea and Mansahir, then to Antioch, Damascus, and Jerusalem, then to the port of Caesarea for resupply. That’s our last stop, we start back on Mare Internum coast road for Nicomedia and Chrysopolis from there.”
“When will you be returning?”
“Five or six months, depending on sales and availability of stock,” Callicles answered, looking Joseph in the eyes, “You’ll have more meat for me when I get back here, right?”
“Yes indeed.”
“Well, I thank you again, for the fine meats, and for your fine hospitality,” said Callicles, shaking his hand. As Joseph walked off with Brutus hauling the cart of goods, the trader called, “We’ll see you in late summer or early fall Julius!”
Joseph turned and waved, Brutus opening the door of the wagon.