34
Pomade scent filled the corridor before Argolicus reached the atrium. Sura was squinting at the newly painted frescoes. He looked the same, overdressed in colorful silks, but the lines beside his mouth were deeper as though he was turning old before his time.
“Sura,” Argolicus said. “What can I do for you? I didn’t expect to see you here.”
They stood eye to eye. Sura glanced down, then looked up again. “I have an announcement that I’m sure will please you.”
Now what? Hadn’t Sura done enough?
“Yes.”
“I don’t know how to say this.”
Argolicus waited.
Sura glanced down, then at the frescoes. Then he spoke as if addressing the pool. “I am withdrawing my accusation. I came to tell you first.”
Argolicus drew back his head. His heart seemed to stop, and then pounded. What was Sura up t
