I am eventually escorted to the barracks. A lieutenant takes my report then lets me go so I can clean myself up. I wipe the mud off and I decide to clip my hair back in the Spartan fashion. The barracks are large and spacious but the barbers’ office is also the trophy room. Tripods commerating great victories in battle and the names of distinguished soldiers are everywhere. While the barber is at work shearing them off I grab a piece of charcoal from one of them and write two brief letters, one to Anna telling her about Darius and Ranae, and the other to a friend, Cleon the Metic. Afterwards I wipe the little hairs off in my tunic, throw it into the laundry pile, replacing it with a local uniform. Then I head off to the courier office to send my letters off. “Sorry sir, there is no problem to get the letter to Knossos but there will be a delay to Athens. Admiral Georgios left with the fastest ship after General Agrafiotis.” the duty officer tells me. I know Anna will find out sooner or latter so I add a PS telling her of Georgios errand, that he will be back soon and arrange that she be informed as soon as his ship returns here. As I finish I overhear talk about a reception. Sounds like a good place to look for Minos.
I walk to the reception and look around. I spot Kuros immediately. There is a young man that looks like the general. Strange. Ares looks bored and uncomfortable. I don't blame him. Its not something I miss at all, formal functions. Although you’re rarely hungry after a state dinner, I'll grant you that. I spot Luna and Ephiny. Its been a long time. I wish for all the world to go say hello to them. I still owe Luna my life. I move on and take on a position near Rilla and Minos. From here I came see Louisa and can tell that she dose not look well.
As a servant comes by I make to inspect the platter, but whisper, “Proton Basileon, a word if you please,” Minos turns pale.
“Han! What are you doing here?” Rilla asks me much too loudly for my comfort. The assassin keeps sending larger and larger groups against me and I am in a very crowded room.
"So," Minos drawls, "You're still rushing into trouble head first without even looking back,"
I smile and am glad he caught on quickly, “There are some things that really can’t be avoided. Can we discuss heroism elsewhere, please?”
He relaxes slightly after this but I think nothing of it.