Yes, with more company

The two women sit side by side on the edge of the fountain, getting to know one another. In almost no time, their heads are almost touching and when your spymaster places her hand on the ragged looking noblewoman's thigh you feel a twinge of envy at their comfortable bonding. Your interactions with the same young woman always feel full of tension, what is it about her that ties you tongue in knots and makes you feel like a teenager?

Alexia seems as intrigued by Sandrine as you are and for a while, you are content to let the two young women chatter softly as you resume your look-out for the assassin whose presence you sensed earlier. Despite your best attempts to locate the malign presence, you have no luck. In part perhaps, because once again you feel the pull of the Temple of Ares; whatever waits for you within the hall of your father here in Athenapolis is different from anything you've ever experienced before. The longer you remain in one place, the stronger the pull becomes. Perhaps sensing your growing agitation, Alexia turns away from Sandrine and moves quickly to your side.

"Oh good, I see some of the others coming now." Sure enough, you see Barticus and Galeon striding confidently up the boulevard. It is a measure of how focused you had become on moving onward that Alexia spotted the pair before you did, but the pleasure you feel at the sight of your two companions far outweighs the irritation at your lack of awareness. Galeon ignores your offered hand and sweeps you into his arms like you are no more than a small boy hugging you wordlessly. Barticus is less physical, but you can see the relief in his eyes when your right-hand man finally puts you back on your feet.

You feel another stab of guilt at the way you suddenly left camp and resolve to do better next time the gods call you. With a private smile at that ridiculous thought, you introduce the pair to Sandrine who is starting to look overwhelmed by the way your friends keep appearing out of the darkness. You make no attempt to hide her gender, but keep your suspicions about her station in the city's peerage to yourself. Barticus in particular is happy to exchange pleasantries with Sandrine; he always had an eye for the fairer sex, and even with the smudges on her face and dressed in her ragged clothing he clearly sees her potential. A little irritated that everyone seems to have an easier time charming the mysterious noblewoman than you do, you decide to end the small talk and finish this adventure.

"Alexia," you nod towards the center of the city during a lull in the pair's conversation, "Time to get moving. I want to get to the temple district by dawn."

"Yes, Sire." Alexia agrees, but instead of turning her attention to moving on, she glides gracefully to your side, clearly with something on her mind. Her voice is pitched low enough that only you can hear. "You should consider sending either Barticus or Galeon back to camp to call off the search and let them know all is well."

Your advisor is right as usual, you have to send word, and the messenger must be someone who can restore confidence to what must be a tense situation. You consider the pair helping Sandrine to her feet. Of the two Galeon is better prepared to take charge of the Kalion forces in your absence. But remembering his bear hug, you wonder if he will even allow you deeper into the city without him. For that matter, if there is going to be trouble, Barticus would also be useful in a fight...