The boys buy an eccentric slave called Mushki at an auction. Grumio finds his position in the household gradually usurped as the new guy impresses Marcus. Stylax, however, has a sneaking suspicion that Mushki might be a psychopath.

The boys bump into old school friend Fabianus, who is now a hot shot lawyer living the high life in Rome. Through him, Stylax reconnects with old flame Cordelia. Meanwhile, Grumio finds something unusual hiding in their wardrobe.