Chapter IV: CCXXXXIV
Domitian’s astrological chart indicated that he would die in the noon hour, and probably at a particular noon. Knowing that all he had to do was stay protected by trusted guards for an hour each day made him fearless…until that particular noon seemed to be coming close. He began to test ways of defying fate—by trying to change other people’s predicted causes of death by killing them himself.
But that’s a story for a later time. Right now, he’s pretty proud of himself.
There’s no evidence that he and his family were within view of Vesuvius when it erupted, but there are indications they visited Herculaneum, and there were plenty of other luminaries in the area at the time. Anyway, our Domitian has a habit of appearing places where everyone says he is not.
I suppose it’s too much to hope the persons carrying the unwilling Domitian will drop him on his pointy head?
His problem may be that he’s already been dropped one time too many….
If Dom is wearing as little under that wrap as it appears, I don’t suppose it’s possible that one of Vulcan’s bombs . . .
Great week, Klio! Didn’t check the site for a few days, and woohoo!
Woohoo, thanks!
But, unfortunately, Domitian has parked himself at a safe distance 😛
Hey Klio: It’s been days now without another exploding bear or raging volcano. We need more, lots more. DRW
Monday’s comic will post late in the evening. Work-work took over the weekend, alas 🙂
I must say, Klio, I really appreciate the diversity of your characters. It’s refreshing how they differ in facial features and body shape.
Thanks, Rick. I try hard to make the characters individual and diverse, but it can be a challenge to keep from falling into shorthand. Sometimes I sketch faces on the train (while trying not to look like that’s what I’m doing).
Recently I looked at a lot of Roman portraits (busts and paintings) to refresh the well, too.