Lion Head Mesa Kourasménos

The Greek man could not help but chuckle at the soldier’s response.

But you are still here, hmm.

It was said as a statement and not a question, for the auburn guard did not need the grey-whiskered man to give him a reason. Arsenio did not shift his gaze away from their path, but he did smile to himself. Was that a soldier’s duty that kept Germanicus on the mesa, or was it something deeper? Akashingo was rife with intrigue, indeed.

I have learned that the Pharaoh is a spoiled child with too clever a mind. A man who basks in pretty, lavish things. I do not think he trusts me, but I do not think he believes I am anything more than a fisherfolk, a strong man, and a fool.

Arsenio breathed deep and picked up his pace so that they could cover ground more efficiently.

The lady Queen is different. She grows sharper and sharper with each passing day. The mad king gives her shape with his charm, and she is like a warrior’s spear. It will not be long before she is fitting of her title.

This information was nothing special, nothing Germanicus could not have gotten on his own.

The Pharaoh wishes for me to report to him, to tell him all who visit his queen, her maids, to make sure that they are unspoiled. He is possessive. Arsenio laughed.