Sandrine insists on staying

"We had better get back to camp." You announce to the assembly of stunned men and women. "I believe that events are going to start moving quickly now that I have been recognized by Olympus." You see Alexia and Galeon nod in agreement, and even the Lord Marshall seems willing to accept your decision, although he still studies you like a duelist eying up a possible opponent. Surprisingly, the only person in the whole party that refuses to let you guide her is Sandrine.

"I will leave you in these good hands then, my Lord." The spirited young woman, steps shyly away from you, deliberately distancing herself from both you and the other representatives of the United Armies. Unwilling to simply let her disappear again, you follow her. It is important to you to get Sandrine to the safety of your camp; the thought of what might happen to a young woman like her if she were taken is enough to make your blood boil.

However, try as you might, you are unable to convince Sandrine to remain under your protection. You could of course, even without your accension to godhood, have simply taken the slender young woman by ****, but especially with High Marshall Raxius watching your every move, you can hardly cause a scene like that.

"Be careful." You whisper in her ear as you hug her openly -_ let Raxius try to figure that out - _you grin as you press her firm body against yours. Once again you wish her breasts were not so tightly wrapped as you'd like to be able to feel them against your torso. Sandrine is a little surprised by this bold embrace, but after an initial moment of hesitation you feel her melt into your arms. You hold her for as long as you dare and then slowly release her still holding her firmly by her upper arms. You raise your voice so all can hear you make it clear that this young woman of Athenapolis is under your protection. "I am in your debt, my lady. Know that, and that you are always welcome in my camp."

"Thank-you, my Lord." She squeezes your arms firmly and pulls you even closer so you can smell the familiar smokiness of her scent, "I'm sorry I doubted you, Sire." Then it is her turn to lower her voice to a fierce whisper, "I know that you will find a way to end this awful siege."

And then, like a shadow, Sandrine slips away into the quiet early morning streets of Athenapolis.

Outside the North Gate of Athenapolis the troop of Hoplites from Polares escorting the High Marshall salute you and take their leave of you. Left with only Alexia and Galeon by your side you make your way rapidly back to your camp. As much as you want to head straight to your tent with Alexia, it is important for your men to see you back and safe, and you want to meet with Princes Victor and Barticus to hear how many of the northern cavalrymen are willing to temporarily abandon their mounts and join your hoplites.

"Well, Bruce," Alexia consoles you as you lead her back towards your tent, "50 men is actually more than I expected. You know better than I how those men feel about their horses. Asking those cavalrymen to give up their horses is akin to asking them to let others borrow their wives." You nod somberly, and when the flaps to your tent close you take the pretty redhead's hand in yours and pull her close. "Bruce, wait!" Her hands rest on your chest and push you away with surprising strength. "There's something important we need to talk about."