“That’s just as well,” Adara laughed. “We weren’t expecting over seventy guests!” She hugged Dagon again. “It is good to see old friends.”
Dagon looked at the Metelli and nodded, his face thoughtful. “It is indeed.”
“Come!” Lucius said. “Phoebus and I will show the men the stables and barracks.”
Adara watched Lucius wade into the midst of the warriors he had missed, noticed how happy he was, less thoughtful than he had been. It was a joy to see him that way, but she felt a familiar uneasiness at seeing them ride up, for it seemed that every time they came for him, they took him away or brought some ill-omened news.
“Come, my girl” she said, taking Calliope’s hand. “Let’s check on our supplies. I think a feast will be in order!”
“I love parties!” the girl said, dancing up the hill ahea
