They were lucky enough to find an abandoned farmstead with the roof still intact on the house.

Decius signaled Maria to stop. "We'll have to risk stopping here. I don't think we're going to find any better accommodations."

Maria laughed tiredly. "What? Can’t you just conjure up an inn?"

He swung off the horse and looked about. "I could wish we were further from the road. But at least we'll be out of the wind. And there's room inside for the horses. I think we can risk a fire. Assuming we can locate fuel."

Decius held out his arms and took Kita from her perch in front of Maria and set her down by the doorway. "You did well, girl. Very well indeed." The child smiled secretively and went to peer into the house.

Maria slid off Jupiter's back before Decius could assist her. She turned around and held her face up to be kissed. "Didn’t I do well too?" she asked provocatively.

"Middling fair," Decius smiled as he enfolded her in a crushing embrace. "Do you feel up to gathering some kindling? I'm going to sacrifice that dead tree over there on the altar of domesticity."

"What did Priscus put in that sack of provisions?" she asked curiously.

"Two skins of wine, several days' grain ration, cheese, some stale bread and a small kettle."

"Ah. An unlooked for benefit. We can heat water for something warm to drink." She smiled at his appalled expression. "I've herbs for it. No honey though," she added regretfully.

Decius took his pack inside the house. "We're in luck. The owners must have fled at the approach of Thrax's armies. They left a few useful items for us. An oil lamp for one thing. A water bucket for another. And plenty of charcoal." He picked up the bucket and took the reins of the horses. "I need to get them watered. You and Kita gather some kindling, and I'll get a fire going as soon as I can."

"Yes, sir!" Maria saluted him which made Kita giggle.

"When you've finished with the kindling, you can rub down the horses," he commanded sternly.

"Sir! Yes, sir!"

She saluted again and Decius laughed. He watched as Kita took Maria's hand and the two headed toward what must have been a stable or a byre. He was turning to lead the horses to the nearby stream when he became aware of a four-legged shape slinking toward the stable. "Maria!" he cried desperately, "Run for the house!"

The bewildered woman looked back and saw Decius sprinting toward her, sword drawn. She didn't perceive any danger, but clearly he did. So she picked up Kita and turned to run when a hysterical barking drew her attention elsewhere.

"Monstro?" The dog jumped toward her and then capered joyously at her feet. "Oh, I thought I'd never see you again!" She stooped and let the dog lick her hand and sniff at Kita. "You poor thing. Did you follow us all this way?" She rubbed Monstro's neck then knelt and hugged him.

"Dog!" Kita smiled and patted Monstro's head.

"What in the name of—is this a dog?" Decius demanded.

"Yes," Maria smiled mistily. "Mine. Maximinus gave him to me. He's part wolf."

"I thought he was all wolf." Decius inspected Monstro critically. "Well, a small wolf." Monstro growled but spoiled the effect by wagging his tail. Decius sighed and knelt, extending his hand for the dog to sniff. "Nice to meet you. Monstro." He shook his head. "What a name she saddled you with, boy."

Monstro barked, as if agreeing and Decius grinned. "Well, this does solve one problem at least. I've been concerned about how I was going to guard you both and sleep at the same time."