Philandros stared as first Eirik, and then Idris left the caupona--he could hardly imagine what the german felt, though he had nothing but sympathy for the older man. When Idris followed rather than Spurius, that surprised him--he had fully expected the roman to follow his lover--obviously there was something more to the relationship of the three men than he had first thought.

Olaf leaned his head into the greek's shoulder and began to cry very softly after Eirik left--was he losing his father so soon after finding him again? He knew that the two men travelled a lot for their trade as entertainers, but he had hoped to get to know them at least a little before they had to go! He felt Philandros' grip on his hand tighten, and the boy's other arm slip around his shoulder to caress his neck.

Philandros looked at Hylas, and asked him to come sit with them after Spurius left. He was telling him that he was annoyed that both men had left so suddenly, as if they now wanted nothing to do with Olaf--but the way Hylas explained it, Eirik needed some time to take in Olaf's decision, and Spurius went to comfort him. As for Idris, he wanted to ensure that Eirik reached their residence safely.

Philandros was somewhat mollified, but he seized upon this last statement. "You know where they are staying?"

Hylas started to nod, but then added something else. "Idris will be back--he still has to negotiate with Felix about some business...."

Hylas cheerfully ignored the glare which Felix shot him, though he didn't say anything more about what they were going to discuss--but Philandros had a pretty good idea. He listened as Philandros explained what he had in mind, and wanted the boy to catch the two travellers and put over his proposition...just as he was finishing, Hylas looked up to see Idris reënter the caupona.

"Here is Idris now--I'll let you tell him what you want, since it involves him as well!" Hylas sat back, and was pulled back to the table with Felix as Idris took a seat at Philandros' invitation.

Philandros poured wine for the Silure, and began: "Idris--you must do me a huge favor--actually, you and our two departed friends!"

Idris listened, but didn't say yet that he'd accept--he wanted to hear the 'favor' first....so Philandros continued to explain what he wanted the man to do for him.

"Tomorrow, I leave for Green Acres--for how long I can't say yet--but for various reasons which Hylas knows, Olaf can't go with me; what I want, is for you--and Eirik and Spurius--to keep him company at my domus! Consider the house as your own--I have only a few servants who are absolutely loyal to me...so no one need know that the three of you are there. Use the time to get to know Olaf--and to keep him happy until I return.

"Will you do this for me?"