23
“Is it true? Is it true?” Rufus called from his shop as Argolicus approached the house.
“Rufus, what do you mean?”
“Look around. The rowdy crowds are gone. We heard it was you.” He nodded toward the other shopkeepers who had stopped their trade with the last morning shoppers and were staring at him in admiration.
“I spoke to a small crowd.”
“It was you.” Rufus began clapping and the others joined in.
Stunned, Argolicus nodded toward them all. “Since they are gone, let’s all return to our lives. Isn’t it time to close down for the afternoon siesta?”
“Indeed it is. And we can close in peace,” Rufus said. “Here, take some peaches.”
He handed three peaches to Argolicus. Suddenly, the others were offering gifts, plates, cups, a tunic.
“But I…” Argolicus felt tears welling.
Eboric a
