“Mama, why is Baba acting strange?” Calliope asked.
Adara looked from the door back to her two children, and smiled. They were dirty, and tired, but still managed to do their utmost to help.
“Your father has had a very difficult time without us. He’s also angry he could not speak with us yesterday.”
“But we’ve only just arrived and already…”
“He has much to do.” Adara sighed, thinking of the baths. “Come, finish your food and we’ll go take a nice warm bath to clean you both.”
“Yes, Mama,” they muttered in unison.
Outside the door, Lucius stood in the muddy courtyard staring up at the night sky. He sighed heavily, and turned to Barta. “I’m going to do my rounds.”
“Yes, Praefectus,” Barta answered, falling into step with Lucius as he went to Briana and Einion’s cubiculum door and knoc
