CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
As they left the farmhouse, the sounds of the wailing woman echoing in the warm night air, Philippe drifted back as far to the rear of group as he dared. He lost sight of the others, following the clopping of hooves on the packed dirt road. He knew that once they arrived back at the Eternal City, Henri would remember him and this rare opportunity to himself would end. He offered up a silent prayer that Henri would stay to the main road rather than taking the more direct Straight Road. He offered up thanks when the party passed the Straight road without turning. Philippe could now spend time with his memories.
“You bear his mark; blest from birth by the god, his purpose for you awaits to be revealed,” Laurent de Lois had told Philippe long ago. Philippe’s hand absently s
