(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{From here}

Sinric leans Athelstan into their rooms. It's clear he hasn't slept there either. Even the mead cup sits on the table when he left it.

He draws Athelstan towards the bathroom. "Will you bathe with me?" His voice is soft and gentle. "Your clothes smell rather strongly of goat."

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"That is my thought also." Sinric nods. "If possible I will delay his gelding. At least until campaign."

He toys with the bread again. "I wonder if I could convince Constantine to send him away to study."

[athelstanthescribe]

"He's young for serious study", Athelstan says thoughtfully, "but it's a possibility. He's the perfect age to learn to read and write."

[thewidewideworld]

"He's bright and interested. And my Emperor will respect that. He likes his birds to follow their passions. He was overjoyed when I wanted to learn to read."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And he won't want to keep Luka there and teach him himself, as he did for you?"

[thewidewideworld]

"He might but he won't take Luka on campaign. Maybe I can talk him into sending Luka away to study while we travel..." He trails off, lost in thought.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And find a reason why he shouldn't have Luka gelded before he goes. He's still many years from the changes it's meant to prevent, after all."

[thewidewideworld]

"If we must, Probus and I will instruct Luka to feign illness. Constantine won't send him to the knife if he's unwell."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods. "He's too caring a man for that, especially as even one more year will make little difference to the outcome."

[thewidewideworld]

"That he is. And already my heart breaks to loss him. I hope you and Ragnar are together and strong when the time comes. For I fear I will need support from both of you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"If it's in my capability to give it to you", Athelstan promises quietly, "you will have it."

[thewidewideworld]

"Thank you." He reaches over to squeeze Athelstan's hand. "I hope because I have time to prepare, I can be strong in my own world but even so, I will need time to grieve. And here I will be safe to do so."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes", he agrees, "with no need to ever watch over your shoulder for bandits or - anyone else who would do you harm."

[thewidewideworld]

"Or fear that I must appear strong in the wake of his loss."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Among the others of his retinue, you mean?"

[thewidewideworld]

He nods. "It will be best for me to slip away during the confusion of breaking camp, while his Spatharioi hold vigil. That could take several days, especially if there are other wounded. No-one else will notice if I come or go for some time."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods. "So you'll remain with him until the end, then go. Perhaps with the help of this man Castor, if he's there?"

[thewidewideworld]

He nods. "I can't leave him. Not until I must. I be at his side till his final breath." It is a promise made to the core of his being.

"Castor will go with him, unless some reason binds him to stay behind. If he does not, it will be one of his lieutenants; all of whom I trust." And trust is not something he gives lightly any more. "I had thought to bring Castor into my confidence but... I don't know how to tell him what I know without explaining how I know it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Are there any in the city known and trusted as seers?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Such things are outlawed in a Christian city. Witchcraft and magic are tools of the devil."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes", he agrees sadly. "Even the wise women who only mean to help may be accused, though often a blind eye may be turned there."

[thewidewideworld]

"And predicting the death of the Emperor is high treason." He shakes his head. "Castor is a good man and a dear friend. I can't help but wonder if I might be better to simply tell the truth. As strange as it seems, he might believe me."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan considers that.

"It's a risk. But even if he thought you were going mad, surely he could never suspect you of plotting the emperor's death."

[thewidewideworld]

"No, that he would never do. But he might try to prevent that which cannot be changed."

[athelstanthescribe]

"There'd be nothing he could do until the very last moment", he says thoughtfully. "Keep Constantine from being wounded."

[thewidewideworld]

"But he would try. And I fear perhaps lose his own life in the trying."