Let The Games Begin.

Maternity

I narrow my gaze at Taolo. "And you didn't think to rush this urgent information to me? Especially seeing the results of my live tests with your own eyes!"

     "Your mother didn't say she was up to something malicious, or I would have! She said she needed the sleeping tonic because she was to go overseas and dreaded the waves. I warned her that this combination could be lethal in high doses so she only needed two or three drops in a cup of tea for the night, and four at max if she intended to sleep later into the next day. I'm sorry princess." Bowing low, he adds, "Never again will I be so daft."

     "Yeah, well- that's not what she did, and you know that." I say, finally coming to terms with the reality of my mother trying to kill me. Shaking my head to dismiss the thought, I question, "So where is she then?" 

     "If the timeline checks out, she should be halfway to the coast of Turkey, just to the East of us. If you send someone out immediately after discovering her departure from the palace, it's likely they would have been able to intercede her and coerce her back by now."

A simple, "Hm", is all I give in response, considering I had sent Lucas out nearly three days ago and he hadn't returned. Bringing my hand to my chin in thought, I turn away from Taolo.

     "Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication between dungeon guards and the shift change cover never came. It was during this time she made her escape." I take a few steps forward and say, "Bind the letters. I'd like to take them with me. I will arrange for payment for your cooperation, and please," I turn around, raising my cobalt eyes to his, "bring any more news straight to me. I will wait outside."

Nodding, Taolo turned to a small work station, plopped down and swiped his arm across the table top to clear it. One curt nod later, I left the room and descended the stairs back to the main room. Two younger ladies were standing idly by the door. They perked up when I entered the room; I presume they thought I was the shopkeeper. Waving them off, I say, "I am not who you're looking for, but he will be down shortly. Now, If you'll excuse me..." I pass to their right, pushing the door open and stepping past it in one fluid motion. 

The hoplite captain was right where I'd left him, standing on the chariot. He was turning a flat, circular object over in his hand, which I quickly recognized as the excommunication seal. I didn't want to speak to him right away, so I simply stood there, halfway between the apothecary shop and the chariot, observing the town before me. To the immediate left of the shop is an empty spot, probably another road. Again, to the left, a worn, wooden stall that seems to be selling fine linen. Grateful that no one is standing idly, as I was, and observing me, I turn around. 

To the left of the shop is a fountain of sorts. Little children are chasing each other in circles around its base with sticks, acting as swords. I smile fondly at them, taking a few steps closer. The fountain is beautiful! It looks to be made of stone: a tall, slender woman in a chiton, holding a basket of colored fruit. Moving a few steps closer, I can now see her face. Gazing up at her unchanging expression, she seems so content. There seems to be a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Taking a deep breath, I move even closer. If it weren't for the edge of the fountain, I'd be nose to nose with her. 

A slight tug of my chiton startles me and I look down to my right. The children I witnessed running around the fountain are all standing beside me. The one who tugged on my clothes, a wild haired, bronze skinned girl with freckles asks, "Miss Lady, do you know why there is a big man standing behind you?" All of the children collectively glance behind me as I slowly turn around, sighing in relief when I realize it is only the hoplite captain standing guard maybe two of three feet behind me, arms crossed and on high alert. I also notice that even though his arms are crossed, his dominant hand is resting on the hilt of his sword.