"But he told us what has happened!"

"Once more Olaf", Eirik said calmly while he kneaded his son's shoulders that were tense with restrained fury, "these are the ravings of a man in fever. He might well have accused you or even the One Eyed One himself! Apart from that, he hasn't even uttered a name, just a few sounds. The fever isn't broken yet; Spurius and his herbs do work wonders, but not that fast." The young Northerner half-turned and glanced at his father, scowling; he was well aware of the fact that Eirik wasn't just trying to relax his taut muscles but was effectively keeping him from getting up as well.

"It's true", Spurius added and turned to Philandros again, "it's the fever speaking, so, for the sake of your friend, nothing he says should pass the walls of this chamber since he's not himself; it is important that you understand this, Olaf." The Roman gazed at Eirik's son who returned the look with a defiant glare. "And if it wasn't the fever speaking", Spurius remarked, "then Sextus is guilty of attempted murder. And this", hearing a soft moan he turned to Philandros again, "is a case for the legal authorities, not an enraged lover. I know you don't like Sextus, that you have a private score to settle, and all this means that you're all too ready to jump to conclusions right now when it comes to his person."

Olaf opened his mouth to object but remained silent, thinking; after all, there was some truth in what the Roman said, he had to admit that. The young Northerner felt the sharp edges of his rage go blunt. "I can't have him get away with this", he finally said. Eirik squeezed the young man's shoulders, and Olaf looked up. "If Sextus has tried to kill him, he won't. But mind what Idris said: Philandros was alone when he tumbled down the cliff. Felix immediately searched the place - nobody could have escaped unseen, so wait until there's evidence, real evidence, not a man's feverish ravings. And lastly remind yourself why Spurius and I are in hiding - because we are accused of something we never did."

The young man's muscles relaxed, and he heaved a sigh that seemed to come from the tips of his toes. "You're right", he said at last. "I won't do anything rash, you have my word." "Good", Spurius smiled and returned his attention to the Greek.