“It's not a direct threat against them”, Idris reassured both youths with a smile. “It's more that I’ve happened to come into the focus of ... a quite unpleasant person. And since Eirik and Spurius are so vulnerable right now, I'd thought it best to find another hiding place for them.” The Silure deliberately omitted that he thought it likely Philandros, too, would come into Aricia’s focus, given his long-standing close connection to Sextus. The young Greek, he figured, had enough to deal with for the time being. Philandros met his eyes with a scrutinising gaze. “There’s more to it all, isn’t it?” he observed after a few moments. “Yes”, Idris admitted flatly, refusing to go into details but softening his reluctance with a smile.

Ignoring Olaf’s scowl Philandros gave up coaxing more information out of the Silure. “Can you at least tell me why you’re here this morning?” he finally asked with an exasperated sigh. “I mean, I appreciate your company, but I’m sure this isn’t just a social call.” Rufio, who’d left it to Idris to decide how much of the story should be revealed to Philandros, set his cup aside and leaned forward. “Hylas sends you his regards”, he said. “Hylas? I haven’t heard from him for days! How is he? Does he really work for this investigator now, or is he already up to something else?” Rufio chuckled good-naturedly at this flood of questions. “He’s fine, Philandros; and yes, he’s still working with Felix, though I have no idea what he actually does, apart from looking pretty and feeding the cat.” Rufio and Idris exchanged a grin. Philandros, knowing Hylas for a long time, chuckled softly.

“He was very upset to hear of your accident, and he’s asked me to tell you that he has just the right medicine for you to get well soon.” Despite the slight twinges of pain it caused him, Philandros couldn’t help but raising an eyebrow as he noticed the amused grin on both men’s faces. “And what would that be?” he asked finally, his voice not entirely free of suspicion. Rufio chuckled. “Felix’s cat, Flora, has had kittens, and they are sweet enough to break any man’s heart at first sight. There’s still one little sweetheart left who’s looking for a new home.” Olaf looked interested, though a little doubtful. “Kitten good for broken bones?” he asked practical-minded. Three pairs of eyes were directed at the young Northerner as if he’d suggested roasted cat for dinner. “Really, Olaf, sometimes I believe you think with your stomach”, Philandros good-naturedly teased the blushing Olaf, who had realised his error and now offered a sheepish grin. When the young Greek looked at Rufio again, a wistful smile was on his face. “I’d so love to see them”, he sighed. “But as you can see”, he lifted his good arm in a helpless gesture, “I cannot even think about going out.” He didn’t see the small smile on Olaf’s face who well knew the solution to his father’s last riddle to Philandros.

“Another reason why we came here”, Idris said slowly, “is to collect our friend’s horses. I forgot they were stabled at your house. That’s why we’re calling in at such an early hour; for one they’ll need them to get out of town, and also because I don’t want too many people to spot us at your gate.” Philandros nodded slowly. “Of course you can take them with you at any time.” Olaf jumped to his feet. “I’ll make them ready”, he said curtly and dashed out of the room. Rufio and Idris glanced first at each other, then at the door through which the youth had vanished, looking puzzled. “Did I say something wrong?” Philandros sighed and carefully shook his head. “No, he’s just devastated to lose Eirik again so soon. I know”, he continued swiftly, seeing the look on Idris’ face, “and I’ve told him he won’t lose him, but still …”

Their conversation drifted from one topic to the next, Philandros told the amused Rufio the story about how a certain dinner guest had wrecked the triclinium. After a while Idris cleared his throat. “There’s someone else who sends you his regards”, he said with a tentative smile. “Sextus also wishes you a speedy recovery.”