Redsand Canyon Apogoitevménos

It was not Aquene who had cast a cold front over Arsenio’s features. He had only wished to avoid reacting in a poor way. Even in her words to him, in the way that she framed it so that it appeared her mind was open to other possibilities, the mercenary could see that she had decided already. Her heart was tied to her duty, the same as the Roman. Were it not for his present company, the Greek might have cursed at the ground.

Damn Germanicus for his stunted communication. Damn him for this, Arsenio thought with a sour expression. Even as he considered his journey back to the vale, his heart was heavy with the news that their friends would never join them. He worried how Tamar might take this development.

Aquene, it is clear that you feel a duty to Mereo and its soldiers. You say you have not decided but your words have made their choice. You have only spoken of what greater good you would do if you remained behind, nothing of what good you might do if you were to leave. I do not need to be placated like a child, Arsenio said to her with a half-smile.

You will be welcome in Epoch, if ever you should change your mind or grow tired of the military ways. It was unlikely for a healer. The Greek man did not believe that Aquene would ever be able to set aside her obligation to those who were most at risk of injury. You are still a friend to myself and to Tamar. He would not risk that relationship.

The redstone figure dipped his snout to her and offered one wag of his tail before turning and leaving the mother behind.