I lead my horse down the crowded street into the Agora. Going past the olive and wine merchants I quickly reach the area I’m looking for; the horse market. It is not as big as the Trojan market but Heraklio still boasts a fair one. I ask for a specific merchant that I know, Orthoboulos. I greet the old merchant.
“Master Jihanus! What brings you here?”
I smile slightly, “I’m going on a trip again. I won’t be needing Philip again I fear.”
I lead my horse up to old Ortho so he can look at him.
At last he tells me, “He is a very fine horse. I’ll give you the best price that I can but the market for war-horses ain’t the best for selling anymore since the pirates.”
I sigh, “I know. I appreciate your efforts.”
“How about 2 Talents?”
Very odd. While a good horse could fetch this price this is still a very large amount of money. Like a years salary. I decide not to bargain with Orthoboulos. I head back out down across the square. I walk past the jewelers, the lamp seller and stop in front of a black smith with a small portable forge. I look at my sword. Should I sell it too? It is very recognizable and if ever I need a sword again I can use some other weapon.
“Lord Jihanus!” the cry of a familiar voice interrupts my musings. I turn around.
“Anna. The gods smile.” I say as I kiss her on the forehead.
“Are you here for weapons?” she asks me pointing at the shop. “Is all well in Knossos? And Lady Varilla? Come give me news.”
“I, um, no I’m not looking for weapons.” I’m a bit overwhelmed with all her questions. I tell her as much as I can.
“So what are you doing back here?” she finally asks me.
“I have some business I need to attend to in Chios,” I tell her, “I actually should go meet with the captain of the ship.”
“You must come eat supper at the palace before you go.” Palace life seems to suit her. She is certainly not the terrified being I first met in a bar! I am certainly very pleased that she is far more self confident.
“All right.” I agree. I turn and walk across the Agora into a far less crowded side street. I turn into another side street and am completely alone. I turn again into a back alley that will lead me eventually to the harbor road when the assassin attacks me.
--To be Continued--