14
The next day while Proba was packing ledgers getting ready to leave, Argolicus decided to visit Pennus, the minor grain dealer who had spoken at the council. He idly thumbed through one of his father’s journals waiting for Nikolaos to return from arranging a visit.
As he read the journal entries, he found his father noted details. His father jotted things down, but Argolicus relied on Nikolaos and his constant scribbling. While he might see new plants in a garden, Nikolaos would know the name of each plant. He could not see himself keeping a journal.
Nikolaos came into the study. “He can see you now.”
Argolicus closed the journal and stopped his musings. He smiled at Nikolaos, “Let’s go.”
* * *
Pennus lived not far from Quintinus’ house. The building was old, large, and well-kept.
