"I know, I've looked better," I say to them. Mari raises an eyebrow. "Please, have a seat."

They each take a seat in the chairs directly opposite of me.

"We both know you have had better days, Louisa," Varilla begins. "You know if there is anything we can do, we are here for you."

"Must have been quite a shock meeting Agrafiotis' son earlier," Mari says gently.

"Wait a minute. The General has a son? And he is here?" Varilla asks. "But Agrafiotis left this morning, I thought."

"Yes. And I have sent Georgios after Arie to inform him that his son awaits him here."

"Oh, Louisa," Varilla sighs.

"That is not a bad thing. I know Arie will be pleased to meet his son. At least some joy may be found here though much worse things have been discovered this day," I tell them, lowering my head.

"What do you mean?" Mari asks gravely.

"When Julian and I arrived at Corwin's tomb, we found it empty and the man who had been guarding the tomb at the time was found slain outside; his throat cut from ear to ear."

Silence fills the room momentarily. I shiver as a sudden chill overtakes me and I pull my light shawl tighter around me.

"No wonder you look so ill, my dear friend!" Varilla says. "I hope someone gets to the bottom of this and soon!"

"I assume that Julian has stayed behind to investigate," Mari says.

"He has. A group of men from a nearby village arrived, before I left, to assist him. So, there is nothing for me to do, but sit and wait, until we hear from Julian." I pause momentarily, and then continue. "In the meantime, a small reception is being planned for this evening for Nikolaos Artistides, and I am to dine later with my childhood friend, Lord Ares. And, hopefully by tomorrow, Arie will return."

"Louisa, I really think you are putting to much on yourself. Why not slow down and take some rest?" Varilla asks.

"I fear if I remain idle, I will dwell too much upon the chaos my life has become and wonder if it will ever be calm again."

"It will in time. But truly, Louisa, please be careful as to not make yourself ill," Mari adds. "Speaking of ill, I am in need of rest myself."

"How is your arm?" I ask her.

"Still quite painful, but I am beginning to mend. I just have to take it one day at a time. If you will both excuse me?"

"Of course. Do take care," I tell her.

"You do the same," Mari replies in all seriousness as she departs our company.