As they were leaving the barracks, a runner with sweat rolling down his face dashed up to them. "You weren't in your office, sir," he said.
Nikias rolled his eyes. "I had noticed." He turned away.
"Sir, I bring an urgent message."
"I have work to do."
"Sir, please. It's from the king."
Nikias shut his eyes and massaged his brow. "What does Bull G- What does my king command?"
"There's a problem. You're needed at the palace."
Kalliphas straightened up. "I could take the note and find someone to read it."
Nikias looked at him sidelong. "Come along," he said. "I need someone I can rely on to watch my back. If we don't finish soon, the palace is going to become a slaughterhouse."
YOU ARE READING
Black Salt
Historical FictionAlexandria of the Ptolemies, a city seething with corruption and danger. Only Nikias of Athens stands between the kingdom and chaos, but his time is running out, for a dark power is moving in the dead god's city.
