pAll the drama and sensuality expected of an historical romance, plus a sensitivity to the realities of life in a very different time and world. Ursula Le Guin/ppIn 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion./ppEnchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome,