Publisher's Synopsis
Does Ulixes have a secret power? Why does the bully, Nero, Minerva's owls, and big trouble follow him wherever he goes?
Join Ulixes and his friend, Britannicus, the nine-year-old heir to the Roman Empire, as they search for the stolen Statue of Minerva. Can the boys survive traitors, poison, and dungeons? Following Seneca the Sage's advice, they calm their emotions and use clear heads, racing through Rome looking for the Sacred Token. Gaining the magic of wisdom, Ulixes learns to step back from the first flush of anger, and to enjoy each present moment in time.
Ulixes, also called "Uli," is an eleven-year-old boy working in the fields trying to stay out of the way of Nero, the Roman Emperor's stepson. Nero, a year older, always appears at the most unexpected moments to give Uli a hard time. He has no idea why Nero dislikes him so much.
Uli dreams of learning powerful, complex words that can be used in debates to help people see the truth. He often sneaks into the Senate to listen to his idol, Seneca the Sage. Seneca tutors the Favored Sons of the Roman Empire: Britannicus, Nero, and Titus. Uli wishes he could learn wisdom from the great philosopher, like the royal heirs. With the help of family and friends, Uli hesitantly becomes the servant of Seneca the Sage, who allows him to listen as he tutors. At his new job, Uli must use his wits to remain clear-headed around Nero.
Suddenly the sacred Statue of Minerva is stolen from the garden of the emperor, Augustus Claudius. Uli and the young heir, Britannicus, forge a friendship, teaming up to find the statue and save the empire. During their adventures, the boys learn to let go of things they can't control. Uli takes wrestling lessons from a master and thinks they are useless. Or, perhaps he does find that they do come in handy at the right moment. He teaches Britannicus how to play the cornu, a metallic instrument that his father uses to message troops in battle. In return, Britannicus teaches Uli reading and writing. Uli will have to learn how to get along with the quick-witted Diana, the daughter of the Master of the Guards.
Watch for Book 2, The Magical Needle of Cybele, from the 7 Tokens of Rome Series! Ulixes and Diana encounter river rapids, swamps, and rebels, as they attempt to rescue Britannicus and Nero, held captive in the Island of Britannia.
