Athenian Slave (Book 2)

Chapter 48

Chapter 48

The street bustled with people shoving their way through groups which had gather together. Stalls having sprung up on the edges and showing their ways to all who would stop a second and glance, and shouting out to let those who did not stop know what they were missing. Jostled here and there, were those trying to find their way through the crowd. And others cursed as they were knocked to one side, turning their anger on small youths who darted in and out of the crowd only to have disappeared by the time any anger was turned on them.

From horse back this could all be seen, and the fit animals easily cut their way through the crowd, the majority of people wisely chose to avoid them, creating a path for them to traverse. Others knocked into them, and found themselves a little shocked at a group of horsemen before them. Having walked in their own bubble in such a loud and riotous street.

Most glanced their way, gave a comment or too to their companion and then were on their way once more. Some ignored them completely, their own lives so much more important. Others however, stopped in their tracks to watch them pass. Those he knew recognised either the men themselves or mark he had had all of his men mark on their round shields they went nowhere without. News would soon reach the ranks of Athens that Alexios was back in town, and he expected more than one invitation at his door by the time he entered it this day.

Tightening his arm around the waist of the wide eyed and trembling female before him. She was not happy to be here, that much he knew and accepted, as he had sworn to take care of the issue…he just needed to find out the root cause of it. If an initial meeting with the perpetrator did not produce a response from her which could tell him either way as to his guilt then he would make sure Hagne told him the truth. He would make sure he had a reason why she could not refuse him the next time he asked.

But a small part of him gnawed at the rest, screaming at him to wait. That he would shatter something fragile unless he waited for Charmion to tell him the truth herself. Too finally gain her full trust in this issue was the only thing keeping them separated in any way at all. Not that he would let it get between them on any level that counted, as long as she knew she was safe, which was all she needed. Or he hoped that was all. As soon as possible he would make sure they were once more on their way back to the solitude and rolling hills of the vineyard villa. His men, his mind and his woman all needed the peace provided there.

He just could not have left her there without him. Not only because he wanted to ensure her safety himself, not that he did not trust his men, but he was responsible for the safety of his own wife, or he was not worthy of her. But because he could not stand to be away from her for any particular length of time, as the darkness crept back in slowly and insidiously while she was away from him. As selfish a reason as it was, he knew he would be unable to sleep without her warm weight snug against his side every night. Just the thought of it sent a shudder of revulsion down his spine. If he had to work every day of the rest of his life to ensure he went to bed beside her and they were safe to sleep for a full night, then he would most willingly do whatever it took to do so.