The Stay at Lorenzo's (36)

Meli and Lorenzo smiled and spoke to each other in half whispers as they approached us on the training field. I place my fingers to my forehead and then touched the back of them to my chest before bowing deeply at him with my other hand extended out in a flourish.

“Thank you old friend.” he replied to me. “It is not easy finding good soldiers when war is upon the land.” he admitted softly and sadly. “I believe they will be perfect protection from outsiders.”

“With the creepers planted around the estate, I see them having an easy time guarding this place.” I remarked at him. Lorenzo blushed slightly but the smile did not disappear from his face.

“The creepers are just a secondary precaution.” he returned hesitantly. “My guards are treated like family as much as guards, but you already know this.”

“It is best to have a second defence when you have such wondrous plants that cannot defend themselves.” I admitted. “But placing these,” I began as I pointed to the patch of creepers, “may not be healthy if someone stumbles upon this place by mistake.”

“Best a reputation of fear than over kindness.” Lorenzo retorted with a shrug. Meli was glancing at him as I felt her confusion at his words. “As a former thief, I believe nothing is an accident in the end.” he admitted slowly. His smile faded as Meli looked darkly at him. “I have left that life far behind me but have learned much from that youthful career.”

“And still you wish only to create plants that will heal and not harm making me question your motives for walking away as you did.” I replied bluntly. Meli glanced from me to Lorenzo and back as I saw the realization of who had brought the creepers here.

“Who created the creepers?” she asked Lorenzo pointedly.

“They are not created.” he admitted. “Unless your bird here has lied to me for my own good.” he added quickly. Both now stared at me in silence.

“They are cross between one of Annianka's earlier little plants and a species I brought from somewhere else.” I admitted in Atlantian to her. “I had them in place here before Lorenzo even become the original owner's adopted son and heir.” I explained. “He knows they can be as deadly as the original but they have better a temperament because of Annianka's creation.” I concluded. My eyes had remain locked with Lorenzo as I spoke in Atlantian to Meli.

“You will not share the foreign words with me so I must believe that those creepers are much more than what you have explained to me.” he stated calmly.

“Many things cannot be fully explained even between old friends.” I replied softly. We nodded in unison as I sense the same acceptance to hiding much from each other under our oath of friendship. “If my nose does not fail me, supper will be ready soon.” I added with a smile.

“That chef you found from Chin is truly a remarkable boon for my troops.” he stated. “But from his own words, his young son that follows his culinary footsteps, will surpass him” he added with a smile. I chuckle at this comment.

“Chilörąn will out do his father and many others on this earth but not simply in the kitchen.” I returned still chuckling. The boy in question ran out of the main house to stand before Lorenzo. He bowed in native Chinese tradition to him before turning to bow to me.

“Yes Chichi, we will be in for supper in a moment.” Lorenzo answered the unasked question.

“You may head in, I will join you all shortly.” I excused myself. The child remained standing by me as the other slowly filed into the house. Sert held back at the edge of the training field being watched closely by the woman he had spared during training. I signalled to him to enter which he obeyed grudgingly. The woman raised one hand to her eyes then her heart before motioning at Sert's back. I shrugged to her and waved her forward as I stood still with but the young Chinese boy next to me.

“No attempts upon this place since your secret visit two years ago, sir.” Chichi reported in Chinese with a salute.

“Is it hard for you remembering you have already been an adult before?” I asked quietly in the same tongue.

“Yes, since I kind of like some of the female guards you found for Lorenzo.” he replied with a lewd smirk. “But luckily they do not mind it much when I mistakenly crawl into their beds with them.” he added giggling.

“You never had the chance at a real childhood Brother Famine.” I remarked. “You should try to enjoy the relaxation of it.” I chided him.

“But Overlord Order, my duties here do not permit such luxuries.” he returned harshly. “And I do not need a childhood to feel like a complete being.” he added bluntly.

“One day in your next life or two you might be drafted to join me in Atlantis.” I warned him softly. “Keep yourself well hidden until then Chichi.”

He nodded to me before we walked into the house together for the evening meal with most of the guards of the estate. I mostly sat in silence listening to the clips of conversations I could hear or sense within the feasting hall. Meli was taken by Lorenzo charms as badly as he was beguiled by hers. They spoke mostly in whispers to each other with only a few momentary passing moments of blushing. I knew that from what I read in their minds that it was the flora that tied them closer together. I just hoped he would not be surprised or scared learning that Mekiliean was slightly over three times his age.

As for Sert, he was still blind as the young warrior woman fussed over him. I had not informed Lorenzo that I selected an Amazon for his guards. But I could never have imagined she would fall prey to Sert's boyish charms and honourable strength upon the training field. My presence was the only thing holding her back from dealing with her heart like the Amazons would normally. I did not fear Sertian resilience at surviving an Amazon rape but he would never be the same after-ward if she did succeed.

“Simply learning one technique of combat is foolish.” Sert commented. “Better to learn as many as possible so you can face all circumstances properly.” he continued.

“But some techniques are much stronger than others.” the amazon at his elbow responded.

“While others that appear weak, hide strength from view.” one of the older male soldiers countered.

“Soft fist can do as much damage if it hits multiple times.” Chichi commented as he passed by.

“Like the blunt end of a staff can take an enemy down without killing them.” Sert remarked.

“But most would blindly use an edged weapon when something less deadly could do the job well enough.” the older soldier commented.

“Strength can be shown without killing.” the Amazon admitted. “But best to never leave a foe alive to attack you again.” she added softly. I partially turned in my chair focusing on their conversation.

“But some foes cannot simply be killed or they return much worse when you meet them in their next life.” I stated toward them. Sert nodded pensive about my words. The amazon glared back at me. A flash image from my mind to hers had her gasping for air while the old warrior chuckled.

“I only kill those I know are slated for Tartarus without question so I may be happy in the Elysium Fields.” the old guard told them.

I turned away knowing I was going to say more to the older man than he could accept or face. He abhorred the violence that he had been raised with his whole life. I saw him reborn as a monk in a far off land final having the peaceful life he wished for even if being here made him happy and proud. I left the table at this point stopping near Sert before leaving the hall.

“She truly likes you and will do anything to gain your heart as you have gained hers.” I whispered to Sert in Atlantian. “Beware since he is ten times your age little Amazon.” I whispered to her in their tongue. “I retire for the night.” I announced to the room. I did not look back but heard the soft footfalls of one of the guards escorting me as I left the hall. I waited until we were closer to my room before turning to face them.

“It is good of you to return.” she told me softly.

“You have no purpose here Callistra, leave!” I retorted bluntly.

“I was nearly gone when you arrive.” she purred at me. “Could not help delaying until we had a chance for a family gathering brother.”

“Why would you wish so badly to see me now, I wonder?” I returned mirthlessly.

“Because it has been centuries.” she replied smiling nicely. “Rest well brother, I will be gone long before morning arrives.” she added with a chilling giggle. And then she was gone leaving me standing alone in a hallway by my bedroom door.

“Just another silly game of hers.” I grumbled before going to bed.

We ended up staying another two full days here while Meli worked in the garden and Sert and I trained the troops. I did keep a watchful eye over Sert and the amorous Amazon but she seemed geared at winning him over by words and common actions than physical means. I had feared trying to explain to Lorenzo about losing a good guard and to Annianka for have Sertian return mated to an Amazon.

But Meli did get a chance to understand much as some of the local physicians and herbalists visited the estate to procure treatments from Lorenzo. I had but to mention that she was a healer and would love to learn about the Greek methods for her to receive a few more tomes about the medical practices of Greece. I knew that most of the ideas within would appear rudimentary for her but it was a good start at learning non-magical healing. The other world had many ailments that could not exist in Atlantis that she could now understand and treat physically without her healer's magic. The one problem I had not foreseen was the infatuation Meli had caused in Lorenzo.

“I do understand how import you are to Melchia but I still wished you could remain here with me.” he stated softly to her. I saw Sert stiffen at his words with his Amazon reacting to his tension. She moved to stand by me and through unmoving lips spoke to me.

“Is he hers?” she whispered.

“Like a brother to her.” I replied softly.

“Like Master Lorenzo, I wish he could stay.” she continued softly.

“Should I send word to Queen Aurora that you found your true mate?” I returned. My lips barely moved from the slightly upturned corner of my mouth.

“She would not allow it since I am unproven as a warrior in her eyes.” she responded sadly.

“Then show him your heart before we leave.” I retorted. I did not hide my words as I spoke now in Greek. “Prove your bravery and I will be your witness to Aurora.” I stated loudly to her. She glanced up at me once before marching to Sert. She took his hand and pressed the palm against her cheek.

“My heart is yours warrior.” she told him. He looked in shock back at her. “Forever!” she added. A moment passed as they stared at each other in silence. I could read in Sert's mind that he understood but did not know how to react. But in true Amazon fashion, she grappled on to his shoulder and face, forcing a kiss on his lips. Meli chuckled as she nodded to Lorenzo but her laughter was lost in the cheer that came from the guards around us.

And with this, we parted. Sert drove the cart with Meli at his side while I sat in the back. Our travel was brisk but I seemed to find reason to remain a day or two in nearly every town we crossed along our path to the small fishing village we would use to cross over to Circe's Isle. Sert received a chance to see Spartan warriors in action even if we never reached their town. We also meet many other foreigners crossing Greece from noble houses to noble houses, learning as they went like my companions did.

Interlude: Meli's Plants (10)

“What would you like to see first?” Lorenzo asked. He had led them into a normal looking inner garden that housed mostly scrubs and a few trees common in the lands Greek. Meli looked around the garden but nothing seemed special to her eyes or her earth senses. “Maybe a sign of my little friends true nature might help.” he whispered. He walked forward as he whispered under his breath in a foreign tongue. Meli was about to comment when the central mass of bushes slowly crept away from a trap-door in the middle of the garden.

“I could not even sense that passage.” Meli stated annoyed. She could feel the plants that had recoiled giggle at her words. “How did you get the plants to lie?” she asked without moving forward. He had knelt at the edge of the door to open it.

“I asked them nicely because I grew them from sprouts for such a purpose.” he answered calmly. “Is not this the way of things for the Alton?” he returned to her. She moved quickly to reach him still staring at the creepers around her.

“Yes and no.” she hesitated. “You must have found a way to give them consciousness.” she added as realization darkened her face.

“No.” he answered with a chuckle. He pulled back the trap-door fully to reveal a ladder leading downward. “As I explained originally,” he began, “I grew them and asked them to do so and they have but nothing more that I know of.” The plants remained clear of Meli's path as she peered down the hole. Lorenzo had climbed halfway down the ladder. “They will not harm you or anyone that shows no violent intentions toward someone within my garden.” he added as he continued down the hole without looking back.

Meli scanned the creeper plants that did not move to block her path; neither down nor back to the house. She peered down once more before carefully stepping down onto the ladder. She slowly and cautiously followed Lorenzo glancing up every now and then to make sure the creepers had not closed the trap-door over them. Lorenzo had a oil lamp lit and ready when she finally reached the bottom. She looked down the passage to see a dim light, once back to the top of the hole which was still open, then at Lorenzo.

“My earth sense could not feel any of this while I was on the surface.” she stated to him accusingly. He smile benignly at her but said nothing as he motioned her to follow him. “It is easier to explain than to play a big secret like this.” she muttered at his back. They walked down the passage lit only at their end by the oil lamp. The light brightened as they neared the chamber. Meli stopped and stared in awed silence at the sight before them.

It was a massive underground cavern naturally formed with a small lake nourishing a elaborate irrigation system for a massive underground plant grouping containing flora from southern Egypt to the borders of the northern Carpathian mountain range of Greece. More abnormal looking vines crept out of their way as Lorenzo started moving toward the other plants. Meli could barely sense what she saw which made her a little nervous and edgy as she followed him slowly.

“This is the garden your friend spoke of.” he stated calmly to her. “Some are normal plants while others are hybrids I have created from splicing different plants together to make new hardier plants for the area.” he continued. He pointed out a few of the newer breeds to her. “And most have greater medicinal values than the original plants.” he concluded.

Meli stared as she touched each with her earth sense. They were very happy and talkative with her. They explain to her about the creepers that had mystic abilities that hide them from prying eyes so they remained safe. Too many would want to cause them harm by collecting incorrectly from them which would damage them and even kill them in some cases. She was astonished with all the information these plants could give her including, in some cases, the method used to create them.

Lorenzo smiled at her knowing she was speaking with them as Kestrel would do. He might not be able to hear them himself but he could feel that they spoke and, in most cases, he could receive the emotions that came from them. He envied her and Kestrel this great talent they had with plants but he accepted his weakness without much concern. He may not be able to hear them but he could feel their life and knew it was more than most other could do around plants.

“These are incredible.” Meli interjected. She was no longer cautious as she walked easily between the plants discovering as she moved about each of these new plants. “I have a few seeds from plants of my land but I do not know if I can get them to grow here.” she stated suddenly. Lorenzo was about to reply when he realized that she was saying this to the plants and not to him directly.

“I am sure I can arrange whatever you need for them so my plants can have new friends.” he whispered calmly. Meli turned and knew with one look that her words had been out loud like she did in Atlantis. She blushed having slipped into her Atlantian behaviour around flora instead of keeping it in her head. “I know it was to them you spoke but I had to add my helping hand to you as well as to my plants.” he smiled at her.

“I am sorry, it is just a habit to speak to them.” she uttered.

“I am usually speaking to them out loud myself so I understand completely.” he replied.

“If it is possible,” she started slowly, “I would like to collect seeds to bring back to Atlantis with me.” He nodded and motioned to the plants before showing her to an empty patches.

“I believe a seed exchange as acceptable.” he stated easily. “But I would ask that you explain to me any special properties your plants may have so I can add them to the listing for my garden.” he concluded. He collected a tray holding a few very simple gardening tools for them to use. They spoke for hours as they planted then collected seeds from the flora in this underground garden.

Paths of Knowledge (35)

“Here.” I interjected. I held out what appeared to be a small research journal to her. “Read it quickly since it must be returned before it is noticed missing.” I added with a wry smile. She stared at it in my hand like it was a snake poised to strike.

“You stole it?” Meli shrieked mortified.

“It was borrowed to give you an idea of what can be learned here.” I retorted. Sert had hunkered down to place his face between us. I could feel his stare, like Meli's, at me. Their thoughts had them ready to order me to return them to Atlantis on the spot.

“Semantics!” she exclaimed. “It is stolen property and you must return it now!” she continued angrily. “We will first ask the noble for permission to read his research documentation.” She added before turning away from me. Sert had sat with his back toward us. I sighed deeply as I read their thoughts.

With but a twist of my wrist and hand, the book vanished as quickly as it had appeared. It returned with a few dozen others of my private library hidden away. This like some of my other specialty tomes was a truthful copy of the one in Lorenzo's hands. If she had read in it at the right moment, Lorenzo's words would have appeared in it magically as he wrote them.

It was a small trick I had been using for many centuries with the permission of the more enlightened minded beings. My single and small looking copy contained every word those great thinkers had written as they wrote it. This gave me the most complete and up to date library that could ever exist. My ruse was a test to see if Meli would give up the honourable path to gain knowledge. It was the corrupted path offered outside of Atlantis that I was happy they refused to walk it.

I did in part hope she spoke with Lorenzo about this since the real tome sat in clear sight in his estate or in his hands. Lorenzo was smart enough to realize this was a test and either feigned confusion at the impossible event or become enraged casting me out as a thief. The later could give me a chance to observe my two companions as they devised a way of reaching Circe's Isle without me. It sounded cruel but, in a way, it would be good to know that they had that ability to survive without me.

Lorenzo to my surprise waited at the gates to his estate with his journal in hand. Meli sputtered next to me as she glared at the book she recognized being in my hand but a few moments before.

“But how can it be back here?” she choked out. Sert turned to look as I felt the same confusion forming in his mind though he remained silent. Lorenzo looked from Meli to me shrugging his lack of understanding. “The book!” she added. She pointed at it while Sert dismounted over the side to stand by her.

“My research journal?” he returned bewildered. I remained passive showing none of the merriment I felt at that moment. “It has been in my hands all day.” Lorenzo explained. “And the only one in the set that appears this way.” he added.

“How were you able to hand me the book he is holding?” she glared at me. “It must be a fake.” she surmised. Lorenzo walked over with his book open to show his notes to Meli. “You did not leave us to return it so where is the book you showed me?” she screamed at me. I pointed to the tome in Lorenzo's hands in silence. With a flick and twist of my wrist behind Meli's back, my copy of the journal reappeared in my hand for Lorenzo to see.

“If he has stolen my journal or bewitched it some how I would need proof young lady.” Lorenzo remarked. “Noble Melchia has visited often and helped greatly with my research with plants of other lands.” he challenged bluntly. Sert glanced confused from the noble to me spotting the book in my hand. Lorenzo and myself started to snicker as Meli turned to see the matching book in my hand.

“How can you have an identical book?” she muttered in disbelief. I opened mine to show the same script she noted in Lorenzo's journal. “It is the same writing ...” she gasped.

“Because they are my words young miss.” Lorenzo stated softly. “Open it to the last section so she may understand better you old trickster.” he ordered. I leafed through to nearly the middle of the book to find the last written page. Lorenzo had his open at the fourth page before drawing his quill from the spine of the book. He slowly wrote the words “not the same” in his book. The words slowly appeared as he wrote them in my copy. “It is a way of keeping each other informed.” he explained. “If something happens here that requires more knowledge than I have, he would know and come to my aid.” he continued softly. “His capture journal changes to reflect the book I am using to make it easier to recognize.” he added with a shrug.

“But you said you had to return it before it was discovered missing!” Meli glared at me. “Why the sudden subterfuge?” she added insulted.

“I could answer that question,” Lorenzo began slowly, “but I believe it is clear.”

“The hunger for knowledge can corrupt as easily as the hunger for power.” Sert stated softly and slowly. Meli turned to glare at him. “He offered you an easy path to gain knowledge under darker guise for you to prove your honour.” he added with a quick nod of his head.

Meli glared at Sert as she slowly accepted the book from my hand. She held it closed in her hands as she closed her eyes. I could feel the great debate coursing through her mind as she held this source of knowledge. After a loud suffering sigh, she forced the book back into my hands.

“I believe it would be better seeing and speaking directly with the noble about his experiments than reading his private notes.” she admitted. I smiled as the book vanished from my hands once more. I could feel that Sert was still unhappy with my methods but remained silent about it.

“I am master Lorenzo and I welcome you into my home.” he stated with a bow. “My guards will have the cart and horse brought in while we discuss.” he continued. “I am sure you will have much to speak of since I believe as an Alton you would be more skilled in botany and herbalism than my old friend is.”

“I did not know you had knowledge in the plant sphere?” Meli asked me. She seemed perplexed by learning this about me.

“He knows many things that most would never suspect.” Lorenzo returned with a soft chuckle.

“You must know many things to always be of service to others.” I corrected quickly.

“Even very dark knowledge to face the darkest of times safely.” Sert remarked with a half smile. I sense the thought forming that brought understanding to his mind. “Like how to fight with honour against dishonourable foes that try to drag you down to their level.” he concluded softly.

“And it only took you five years and seeing it through a friend for you to understand?” I commented back with a chuckle. Sert smiled sheepishly at me as he nodded. “We will go around to the back training field to spar with your guards while you show Mekiliean your work in progress.” I stated slowly. “The hidden garden.” I added with a nod.

“Sounds acceptable to me if it is to the noble lady.” Lorenzo replied easily. I watched as Lorenzo lead Meli through the gates and a pair of guards arrived to escort the cart and mounts around the outer wall to the larger side gate. Sert walked next to me as we walked with the cart through the larger side gate. I lead Sert down a small stone pathway between the stable and main residence spotting a handful of guards patrolling the inner grounds. Waiting for them at the field was a half dozen mixed house guards from differing nations. They sat on their heels and knees but rose as one when I entered the field. Sert glanced at each of them seeing the different weapons but all had the same matching armour.

“We divide them between the two of us to practice them.” I announced to Sert. He nodded back to me in silence as he eyed the one side of the field. Sert watched me as I used simply hand signals to direct my three into practising basic moves. He mimicked my motion but seemed taken back as he spotted them using some of the techniques I had taught him.

“You have many students?” he asked. We both had entered the sparing directly signalling for single challenges. I was done my three quickly while Sert face the last of his cadre. I signalled mine to stop and watch as the two defeated guards of his did the same.

Sert held back as he faced a female opponent which could be his undoing. The sword strokes rang true as they clashed in perfect symmetry of artful beauty. The four men and the other woman nodded at each move until the twisting slash come up. I could see it in Sert's mind that he held himself back but would not allow himself a dishonourable blow. His sword snapped hard slapping like thunder against his armoured forearm before twisting the blade around hers. The razor edge of his sword was coming down quickly toward the unprotected back of her neck. I nearly screamed for him to stop but froze as the blade twisted in his hand to slap hard against her neck pinning her to the ground. She glared up at him angrily. He ran one thumb across his own throat in a clean slash then tapped the back of her neck with the flat of his sword.

The silence was heavy as they all looked in awe at this near death hit that never happened. Sert's sword flipped back to line his forearm as he stepped back. He held out his other hand to her in silence. She looked up at him glaring. I motion to the others to hold their position knowing this fight may continue if she so chose. I felt her wanting to slap his hand away and attack him barehanded. Her nostril flared as she decided her actions. Her body suddenly rolled under her before she launched herself at Sert.

His sword clanged as he tossed it behind him facing her unarmed with open hands. He grappled her wrist and twisted her in his grasp locking her arms inside his. With a quick sweep of his foot, he had her pinned to the ground under him.

“The dead cannot continue fighting.” he whispered in Greek to her. She froze under him. “This session is done between us.” he stated softly. He released her from his grasp walking slowly backward away from her. She twisted to look at him before slowly gaining her feet.

“Then why not end it proving me as weak?” she retorted in harshly accented Greek. “I would expect no less from any man I face.” she continued. Sert stood still, his arms at his side seemingly relaxed. I saw in his mind that he was more than ready to face her.

“My honour will not let me harm the dead.” he said softly. Even with my presence, the others back away in silence to give them all the space possible. “And by facing me without fear, you show strength not weakness.” he continued. She looked from him to me in silence. “You still live which means you will learn as I have done.” he added. Her eyes remained locked upon me as Sert turned and walked back to his two remaining trainees. I brought my fist to my chest slowly before flinging it toward her as my hand fluttered open. She smiled at me before nodding to me her acceptance and defeat.

“Sir!” she called. Sert turned to look at her. She slammed her fist to her heart solidly before flinging her open hand toward him. “The heart of this warrior beats because of what you have taught me today!” she stated loudly. “May I continue our lessons?” she asked softly.

“Yes, if I may learn why a botanist requires such truly devoted and elite guards?” he countered. A chuckle rose from around him.

“His plants are precious and rare.” she replied.

“In the wrong hands, they could be a danger to all of Greece.” another added in.

“I have never known plants to be dangerous.” Sert returned confused. I had but a second to place myself between Sert and the creeper that attempted pouncing on him. Sert stared passed me at the plant while I held it weaponless with the tendrils wrapped around my fingers.

“That is enough from you!” I commanded harshly. “Back to your position.” I ordered calmer.

“Did that plant react to my words?” Sert asked softly. The round of chuckles from the guards gave him an answer he did not wish to know. “I understand why such special guards are needed here.”

I chuckled before signalling a return to training having them work in groups which showed once more my techniques that had Sert knowing these where my students but he received more time than they had from me. We changed guard by midday but continued training until close to evening meal when Meli and Lorenzo finally returned.

Interlude: Sert's Army (9)

Kestrel was barely out of sight when the first small group of Greek children came running up to gawk at Sert and Meli as they sat on their cart. Meli already had a book in hand indulged fully into the written words leaving Sert glancing around in silence.

“Hard to move stuff if you have nothing to pull the cart.” one of the boys stated.

“Maybe he is as strong as a titan and can pull it himself.” one of the girls suggested.

“Like the legendary Herakles?” another chimed in.

“I know not of this Herakles but I definitely cannot pull a cart by myself.” Sert replied. He dismounted to walk around the edge of the cart to meet the children. “Our companion and guide has gone to find us pull-beasts.” he informed them.

“And you are doing what while waiting?” one of the half dozen asked.

“Guarding the cart.” he answered with a shrug. “A little hard doing it alone.” he whispered to them. He signalled with his head toward Meli as she slowly flipped the page in her book. “Do you think you and your friends could help?” he suggested. A thought had formed in his mind remembering the inn keeper that handed out food to the children. “I am sure we can make an agreeable deal.” he added. He deftly snatched one of the apples from the back of the cart showing it to the children. They shrieked at him before rushing off in all directions. Sert stood staring at them in total confusion as they fled.

“Maybe they are not hungry.” Meli commented casually. “But good effort and your diction was correct.” she added offhandedly. He sighed as he slowly walked around the cart with his shoulders slumped. As he completed his walk around, he spot the first child returning with a handful of friends at their heels. Each child, be it boy or girl, carried either a wooden sword or a long stick with them.

“Ready for guard duty sir!” the lead child called out. The others aligned themselves behind him trying to stand at attention like the first attempted. Sert chuckled as he handed out a fruit to each of them from the the two remaining baskets in the cart. Others arrived before the last member of the first group received their payment. In total, Sert had collected over two dozen children all armed and ready to help guard the cart with him.

“Make sure to spread out around the cart evenly.” Sert told them. He walked around noticing some would spar while other kept watched like a true army would do during the quiet times. “I must believe that part of the Greek army waited here for ships.” he commented to one of them.

“They had tents and practised in the fields just outside of town.” the child replied.

“Was not the best for the field but it will survive.” another one stated.

“Any large gathering of people can have that unfortunate effect.” Sert admitted.

“Why are you not besieging Troy?” one of the girls carrying a solid wooden sword asked.

“I am not part of the army here.” Sert replied softly. “My people cannot interfere in such matters unless directly asked.” he whispered to her.

“But you wear armour and carry a sword?” another pipped in.

“I am private guardian for my companions which allows me to wear such things.” he returned easily. “The Alton are not allowed to put our swords into others' conflicts.” he stated under his breath. He heard the words “He is an Alton!” spread around the circle.

“How can you speak Greek if you are not one of us?” the girl remarked. She had stopped walking to stand by him.

“I learned it from hearing my friends practice it.” he answered. “She is much better at learning from a book than I am.” he continued. The girl glanced from Meli to him. “It is why she is a skilled healer while I am but a soldier.” he added.

“I think you are smarter than you let others believe.” the girl replied in a hushed voice. “Best return to patrolling now, sir.” she stated out loud. She ran off to walk with the others around the cart. Sert laughed as he spoke to them as they passed his check point. He spotted Kestrel holding back with a pair of horses in hand. He hollered to him making him approach his entrenched position.