As I approach Phaistos, I see a horse ride in before me. "Perhaps I should have been more subtle," I think. It is no matter, though, as I was sent for by the brother of the King.

My acquired home wants me dead, and I know it. Last I left, it was twisted and wrong. Enemies abounded. Wolves surrounded my love. Generals stood in the slippers of Kings. What a simple gambit! Invite the kidnapper back with an insult all know he is sworn to avenge. Search for the man that died in my arms and that I saw buried? Julian falls too low to use his dead brother so..

Perhaps it is not he, but another. Perhaps the General, I think, perhaps his lapdog, Con. Someone will meet me on the matter.

As I come closer to the gate, I spot the silhouette of a woman moving toward me. As we move toward one another, I recognize her to be Phia, commander of the guard, once my job, though the guard was different then. I grip the handle of my labrys as I slow Dragon to speak with her.

"Greetings." She is smiling but wary.

"Hello, Phia."

She cocks her head to one side, not expecting me to know her name. "Your horse is not of our stock.."

I cut her off. "Nay, it's not. Far more powerful."

This angers Phia, as I knew it would. I will not be toyed with. Greeted by the Commander of the Guard, and not a lackey? Why the pretense of kindness when she's clearly come to seize me.

"Why the insult to Crete, Northerner?"

Why does she not address me by name. All know me. Have times changed so much?

Phia grows uneasy at my silence. Not lacking in experience she sees my hand wrapped around my axe handle as well. She adjusts her footing, ready, and I notice. Dragon, too, notices, and shuffles back two steps.

"Perhaps you could dismount as we speak?"

Smart lass, I think. Shame to have to kill her to get into the city. But I will have a confession first.

"You will not be arresting me without stating your reason, lass. Nay, you shall not be arresting me without confession, and a fight."

"Why should you be arrested? Identify yourself and you shall have your reason." She doesnt know me, it seemsm but she wonders if my name will reveal my origin, I can tell. SHe will have cause to arrest me once I reveal it, so I hold my hand to Dragon's side, palm backward, pinky finger extended.

"Hehe, you have that right. Romeo."

The nature of her stance changes at the name. She relaxes as much as she is able.

"I thought so as you approached, given the tales of your mount. But Romeo would never insult this land, so say the tales. Though, for some reason, and perhaps it is your archer in the bush that commands my respect, I believe you."

At this Camius uncovers himself. No use hiding when you are found.

"Everyone will be happy to know you've returned."

"No, I am only looking for Julian."

She looks concerned over my curtness.
"He is not here."

I dismount, shaking my head, and begin walking Dragon past her, finished with our conversation.