6
The sun’s heat grew as they rode back to town. Eboric’s red hair flickered in the light like a beacon leading them to Squillace. Kunimund followed behind the creaking cart with Quintinus’ body covered in cloths. Sunlight glistened on the stubble in the empty grain fields on both sides of the road.
Argolicus looked at the fields. His first promise to the curia at the council seemed unreachable. He would never have a conversation with Quintinus about the over-pledged grain. Proba rode by his side in silence.
“I wanted to talk to your father,” he said.
“I remember,” Proba said. “Something about contracts.”
“Yes, not specific contracts, but the shipment of grain away from Bruttium.”
“Ah, number totals. Maybe I can help. What do you need to know?”
“You’ve seen the people in the streets
