the tribe’s bridge to the Romans. Fluent in their language and customs, she had navigated their negotiations with sharp wit and disarming charm. Her beauty had been a tool as much as her intellect, a distraction in tense dealings. But commerce and diplomacy meant nothing now. Without a common currency or laws, her skills seemed useless. Still, she remained observant, watching for any sign of order in the chaos. She knew that survival often depended on knowing when to trade and when to strike.