"Am I leaving you ask?" says Orodes. "Yes, as a matter of fact." He realizes that the lively lady only just denied him what he wanted and begins to tire of her presence. "You know, I have much to do and haven't much more to discuss."

"Yes, King." said Shaquilat meekly, or at least what she hoped sounded meek.

"So, I command that you take your leave and do whatever it is you will be doing....packing up to follow me I guess." Orodes turned and began to walk back towards his erstwhile palce.

"My King?" called Shaquilat.

"Yes?" replied Orodes turning.

"Where will be going? To Jerusalem directly?"

Orodes wondered how much he should divulge. "Do not worry little flower," he said with all conceit, "we will face the Romans and beat them down no matter what."

"That was not what I meant, sire. I do not even begin to think to hypothesize that the mighty King of Kings could be defeated. I only want to know how much rations to bring. For if we march halfway, I am set. Any farther and I need to buy supplies now."

Orodes caught on, "Do not worry," he deflected, "whatever you need my caravan shall provide you with. The spoils of the Romans will more than compensate."

Shaquilat was running out of ideas to pry the information out. Perhaps she would have to follow him to his bedchamber after all...
"His majesty is most gracious," she said, bowing her head.

"He certainly is," said Orodes, proud of his wit in dodging the questions. Shaquilat searched for something, anything to get the destination out, but she had nothing.

It was too late. "Good night merchant princess. We will be seeing your lands soon enough." He turned and took his leave.

Shaquilat watched his back as he walked away. Did that mean they were marching south? How far south? All the way down and around the Dead Sea and then back north? Maybe he meant after the Romans were defeated? There was no way to be certain. She left unsure what to report or act on.

--------

The next morning the Parthian host rose early. By dawn the caravans were packed and the soldiers already filing out of their camps. All Damascus cheered them off, glad to be freed of the burden of a huge army and court of sycophants.

A vizier asked his King, "Where is the King of Kings taking us?"

"Philadelpheia. And Victory."


OOC: Shaq can either follow or run ahead. But she doesnt know the destination of the Parthians. They are not crossing the river apparently, if she wants to scout.