The Island

He wrote words that displeased the emperor. He spoke ill of him in the Forum. He was exiled to 
an island whose name and location he didn’t know. No one on the ship said a word to him. He 
was met at the pier by a white-haired man with a slight stoop, lined cheeks, and wrinkled hands. 
“I am your minder. I am to look after you,” he said. “To make sure you stay on the island until 
the emperor allows you to leave.” The minder gave the young man a yellow scarf. “You must 
wear this at all times. No one can talk to you.” “Not even good morning or good afternoon?” 
the young man asked. “Not even good morning or good afternoon. I will get you what you need.” 
“Have you minded others?” “Yes, there have been many others.” “When did you come to this 
place?” “I don’t remember exactly. Long ago, the emperor must now be a very old man.” “The 
emperor is a young man. Not yet twenty-five.” The minder fell silent. “At least tell me where I 
am.” “I can’t tell you.” “Why?” “Because I don’t know. I was not born here.” “Why did you 
come to this God forsaken place?” “I wrote words that displeased the emperor. I spoke ill of him 
in the Forum.”