Philandros' grip tightened on Olaf's shoulder for a moment or two, then relaxed again. So Olaf had run into Giton--but how did he know that the german was part of my house? He gave a soft chuckle as he rubbed Olaf's hair; easy enough to figure out--he saw the blond and followed him, as he would any item which caught his fancy! Giton was always like that, running after some new shiny bauble like a raven from the tales they had heard as children. Picturing that, caused the greek to sigh deeply.

"Olaf..." his voice was low, "tell me how he is doing...I haven't seen him since early summer!" He noticed that Olaf was looking a bit uncomfortable, and wondered why. "Does he hate me?"

The german looked surprised, and he had to force himself not to laugh at the way the gods worked things in life. "No! He not hate you at all--he thinks you hate him! Is because he make you go to that party...where...you nearly get taken as I was!"

When Olaf looked at his friend's face after a long silence, it was to see confusion there, and finally a sad smile. "Olaf, people are so stupid--they think they can know what another one is feeling, and that is almost never true! Giton I have known more than half my life...and still he would think something like that!" He gave a soft chuckle and settled back into his pillows.

As Olaf leaned over to see if he needed anything, Philandros patted his cheek and shook his head. "Too many games, Olaf...too many games. Tomorrow, you tell him to come see me! Tell him...." Philandros dozed off at last under the influence of the small bit of drug Spurius had specified for the final drink of the evening, and Archelaus had carefully added to the cup which his master habitually used.

The sound of noises from downstairs caused Philandros to stir fitfully. Morning's glow had barely begun to enter from the garden...who could be making so much noise so early? The cobwebs cleared slowly, but Olaf was already heading downstairs his tunic thrown on quickly. After some raised voices--with a decidedly germanic accent--and quieter replies, he heard the sound of multiple guests climbing the stairs.

Archelaus entered first, a bit annoyed, but deferential. "Master, some visitors to see you--Rufio Sergius and that Idris who wrecked our dining room! I can send them away..." The old man's voice sounded very hopeful as he added that last.

"It's all right, Archelaus...send Deimos up with some food, and a bit of willow-bark tea for me...just give me a moment will you? Is Olaf out there?" The german appeared instantly at the door at hearing his name, and Archelaus left to get things organized.

Philandros blushed as Olaf assisted with the chamber pot, then cleaning things up with wet cloths...but the boy would have it no other way. "Idris--I ask him about my father--but he say no more than that there is good reason, but no real threat as yet...you maybe learn more?"

The greek knew how much Olaf worried, having just found his parent again...and nodded. "I'll do what I can--but from what I've seen, Idris won't be an easy nut to crack." He looked at the chitons Olaf held up and groaned. "I don't think so...not yet...just a light cloak and the blanket?"

Once Philandros was settled to his satisfaction, Olaf went to the stairs and called for the two visitors to come up. The darker of the two was Rufio, who Philandros remembered from Green Acres...and he grinned when Idris walked in.

"No wine cups this morning, Idris--I promise! Rufio, you are looking well...I wish I could say the same!" Philandros gestured with his good arm to the bruises which could be seen, and the bandage which covered part of his wavy red hair. Olaf pulled up stools for the two guests, then sat on the bed so he could assist Philandros.

Idris laughed as he gave the greek a long look. "I see that Spurius fixed you up very well--but then, he was always a good healer!" He shot a quick glare at Olaf, who sat up a bit straighter. "And I will not tell you where your father and Spurius are going!"'

Philandros nodded, which made the blond boy growl, but at that moment Deimos entered with a tray of cheese, rolls and fruit, and his twin followed closely with a pitcher and cups on another silver tray. He poured a cup of warm liquid for his master, and from a second pitcher, a different drink for the others.

Olaf spread a bit of cheese on a roll and handed it to his ex-master, and gave him the cup of willow tea when he was ready for it. The trio conversed idly as the food was served then the twins left.

"It's good to see you Rufio...but why are you two here so soon after Idris' messsage last night? Does it concern the threat to Eirik? How serious is this threat?"