Felix and Livia are being pursued across the Roman empire, from the darkest, dampest corner of Gaul to the dry, desert sands of Tadmor. They must reach Rome by the Ides of April to rescue Livia's brother before he is sent into the arena to do battle with lions--and perhaps a vicious ostrich or two! Along the way, the pair are helped (and hindered) by a selfish sacred chicken, a foolish camel, and a grumpy magic carpet as they encounter bandits, a shipwreck, and a false accusation. Will they save Livia's brother in time, or will they all fall victim to the chicken's curse? A classic adventure of friendship, fate, and fortune, from the winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Children's Fiction.

Frances Watts is the author of more than 25 books for children, including the picture book Kisses for Daddy, Parsley Rabbit's Book about Books, a Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year; and Goodnight, Mice!, winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Children's Fiction. She is also the author of the medieval Sword Girl series as well as two young adult novels, The Raven's Wing and The Peony Lantern.