A young Roman girl talks her father into taking her along on his trip to the Pompeii markets. Along the way she enjoys the sights and learns new things about the country she lives in from her father. They visit old friends of her father along the way, and she listens in to the stories they share while dining.

Arriving in Pompeii is the best part for Mira, who has never before been further than the closest village. Seeing noble Romans and courtesans carried in litters; eating at a caupona for the first time, and going to the theatre to hear musician and watch dancers is the highlight of the trip.

All good things come to an end, and her father heads for Herculaneum because Mira longs to see the town she's heard so much about.

But Gods are fickle beings. Although Mercury gave them safe passage to Pompeii, he is also the god of thieves. On the road to Herculaneum a band of thieves lies in wait for weary travellers.