10
Argolicus thrust up to parry Nikolaos’ sword. Nikolaos had become adamant that a murder and a market shortage inquiry were not excuses to avoid practice. They were out after daybreak in the space in front of the stables.
“Good, you are getting better,” Nikolaos said, signaling a stop. “What’s even better is you are not panting.”
Argolicus rested his sword against the stable wall and dipped a cloth into the large water barrel. “What concerns me,” he said, wiping his face with the cloth, “is how we can use this if the unrest turns into something more violent. Roman citizens are defenseless against armed ruffians, even if they have pitchforks and staves.”
“A sound reason for you to discover the discrepancy and how it can be remedied,” Nikolaos said.
Argolicus picked up his sword and s
