With every step Turga took, water splashed out of half the bucket, and he was suffocated by the weight of the water. It looks heavy. With an impressive bang, the fat man placed it within reach of the tool bag, then frowned, stood up, and clutched his back.
"There's a good pack mule now," said Theodoric. "Your wife asked me to make you train harder and turn your fat into muscle."
"I am out of breath and unhappy, Master, please forgive me," Turga said with an expression that was half serious and half painful.
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Okles stood up and said: "It seems that the wine is hot. Mr. Theodoric, can I find someone to help feed the children while I clean and bandage their wounds?"
"Of course. It won't take long, right?" he asked.
"No, just let them drink. Give me a list of all the supplies I want to buy, name your prices, and you can be on your way before the sun gets too hot." Once he heard the list, he Care had to be taken to ensure that Theodoric did not charge him half a day's wages. Or stab him.
"You are right, master. Turga, where is your wife? Ah, here you are, Pansy." Theodoric said when he saw her coming.
Her name is Pansy?A
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Okles looked at the woman, who looked nothing like any kind of flower, and the fat, strong, sweaty man, who was her husband. They made a beautiful picture. However, everyone said that he and Della were also a strange combination. It turned out to be a bad game.
Theodoric said, "Mr. Androchus wants to wash his children and feed them at the same time. You will be of help. Here is a cup," and he took it out of the sack he was carrying Hand it to her. "Thank you."
She took it gracefully, nodded, and said, "Is it Master Androcks? What do you need me to do?"
He picked up the cloth and ointment and said: "Pick up the cup, fill it with water, let them drink it slowly, and I will clean it for them." Slowly, only take a small sip, otherwise they will spit it out every time When this happens, the corpse-eaters tighten their grip on their throats. I put a lot of honey, so it was a full cup, no more. "
Androchus leaned over the children and opened his cloak again, pleased to see that they were all awake and aware. To be honest, he had been worried that the nigger wouldn't wake up, but he did. For the first time he saw the color of their eyes. Bright yellow, almost like polished gold. This is really amazing.
"How are you?" he asked.
"It's broken." The white-haired man said accurately. The black one smiled slightly, which gave Androx a little hope. The white man asked: "Kill him first." Please master? Kill him first. "
"You do care about your brother, don't you?" Androx said, giving the boy a gentle, approving smile. After all, loyalty is the first virtue.
"He's not my brother," said the boy in white. "But."
"Yeah. We'll talk about that later. I'll kill him first. Now, let's get rid of these disgusting bags."
With lightning speed, he stole the knife from the woman's belt before she could flinch. Let her chew it well. He cut the bag open with it and tossed it aside. It was the cheapest slub he had ever seen, and it was falling apart anyway. Then he politely returned it to her.
She pretended to take it as if nothing had happened and put it back in its place. Then, she said calmly: "The black one comes first?"
"Yes. But wait a minute. Now that I think about it, I'm going to take them to the grass," he said. "If I wash it on that dirty cloak, it will never come out clean." Then he gently took one in each arm and placed them in the softest place he could find.
"Okay, go for it. Slow and easy. Make sure he finishes his sip before giving him the next one." Then he looked at the dark-haired child and said, "Listen, kid, I know how hungry you are, You want to drink it all up as quickly as possible, but you can't do that. Your stomach is as weak as anyone else's. Slow and easy. Got it? You'll be full. Take your time and take it easy."
The boy nodded. Pansy raised his head, frowning when she sensed how weak he was, and gave him a sip of wine. His lip began to tremble as she took the cup away. If there had been more fluid in the kit, he might have cried. A kid wouldn't be that happy to take a sip of wine. This made Androx frown.
Now that Pansy was feeding him, Androx began washing clothes at Kit's feet. He was careful to use only a small amount of water from the pouring bowl; wiped, rinsed, and dried with a clean cloth. Drink too much at one time and he'll catch a cold. The boy made no resistance, although he shivered several times in the cold water.
It occurred to Androx that if he didn't do a good job at this, the problem might resolve itself. If the box became sick, or the wound rotted, while he was so weak, he would die in his sleep, and the other box would be easier to carry alone. He smirked, carefully cleaning the wounds on his ankles that made the rig inhale sharply and squirm slightly in pain. After cleaning the wound, he applied ointment to it. Fortunately the head nurse was kind and the red stuff was the best. Finally, he tied a new piece of cloth as a bandage, tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it hurt, and worked his way up.
The gash around Kit's ankle was almost certainly caused by the handcuffs, and the woman probably knew it. If the boy turns out to be a runaway slave, and A
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okles is accused of stealing, then A
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okles must find a complete list of gods and curse them. The last thing he needs is to be chased around by savages looking to enforce the law.
But there is no other way now. He continued to do the laundry and Pansy continued to eat (very slowly, to her credit).
Theodoric, the merchant, threw a fresh thick blanket beside Androchus and said: "Here you go. I don't like to see them trembling like that. Wrap them up after washing them. That cloak should be burned." Ankerix smiled politely, nodded, and spread the blanket in front of the fireplace where the cloak was.
When they turned the little boy on his side to wash his back, he kept falling over, so Pansy held him while Anderkless tried to dig the dirt out of the fur on his tail. After bandaging him with ointment on the worst bruises and rashes, Anchorex laid him on a new blanket.
"Thank you," Toolkit said weakly, and Ankerex was glad to see a little more life in his eyes.
"You're welcome, kid." Then he and Pansy did the same to the white man, having to stop him from drinking too fast. He was so eager that he kept trying to take a puff, and with each puff the boy took, Pansy's face wrinkled tighter and tighter. It seemed difficult for her not to give the hungry child what he wanted, but she did as Andros said.
It took less time to wash it because there were fewer white cuts, but Androx made sure to get the job done right. After he is cleaned and fed, A
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okles placed him on the blanket next to the other and tucked them in to rest. Then he smiled and said, "You owe me, kid."
"I know. Thank you." The boy in white said, his voice full of sincere feelings. Then he smiled, trying not to let it turn into a frown, tears gathering in his eyes again.
Andrew stood up slowly, straightened his waist and legs, trembling with pain. He said: "If I can, I want you to sleep. I'll wake you up in a minute for some water and some wine. If you need anything besides food, just say it. Understand? I want to stay where I can see you." The place."
"Let's see if we can sleep." White Goat said, as if he still had any doubts. It took a few minutes, but sure enough, they were asleep before the count of thirty. If Androcles learned anything from his military career, it was exhaustion. If there was anything else, it was dead, he thought with a smile. If Athanasius had not died, he would have laughed.
Over there in the carriage, Pansy and Theodoric were discussing something animatedly, and Pansy kept nodding in the direction of Androques. Turga folded her arms and listened, nodding in agreement from time to time. None of them seemed happy with the subject. The other three were packing their bags in preparation for the day's trip, each watching him carefully, trying not to be noticed.
Androx sighed, suspecting that someone was plotting against him. They were probably debating whether to kill him or continue playing the honest businessman's game. Regardless, he was pretty sure it was a ruse, and the longer he played along, the less likely he was to get sliced open. He sat on a rock and began sharpening his sword as if nothing had happened.
He realized that it had been a while since he sharpened his leaf-edged sword. Not seen since the end of the war in midsummer. Although it is only summer, it seems that many years have passed. It made him feel old, but he dismissed the idea.
It was a bright morning, even though his body ached and he wanted to collapse and sleep for a week. The sun was not yet high enough to warm the ground, and the autumn air tasted sweet and pleasant, almost like grapes picked from the vine after the first frost. Pines and cedars, with some flat leaves he didn't recognize, surrounded the intersection like fortifications. The air is filled with a strong autumn feeling, crisp and refreshing. As far as he could see, most of the green had been replaced by bold yellows and vivid reds. Various songbirds flew around, whistling to each other. If he paid attention, he could almost hear the running water and smell the moisture in the air.
Finally, Pansy, Theodoric, and Turga stood beside him. They didn't have a hand full of supplies for him, so they didn't approach him to complete the deal. Instead, they wore maces on their hips and shields on their backs. A
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okles doesn't support them.
Master Theodoric smiled and said: "Master Androcks, we have a proposal for you."
"What is that, Mr. Merchant?" Androx replied, feigning disinterest. He's played this game before.
"These toolboxes shouldn't be yours, right?" Because you said you just found them last night. Pansy loved them. She and Turga have been married for ten years and have not been able to conceive a child. We want to take them away from you. We'll even replace your cloak and give you a day's worth of rations for your trouble. "As he spoke, Anchorex heard movement a few steps behind him. The other guards were there.
Androx didn't answer. He suspected they were going to grab those things, and now that he thought about it, he didn't want to give them up. Until they get stronger. Of course not a robber. Exhaustion and irritability might have clouded his judgment, but even so he didn't believe they could save the children from death. Would the robbers wait a week in a stolen car and feed the children until they recover? Not likely. Best case scenario, they throw them on and hope the gods have mercy. No, for Androkle to truly fulfill his oath, he must personally ensure that the children survive.
Androcles was still sharpening his knife, watching Theodoric carefully out of the corner of his eye. Just as the man was about to speak, Androx interrupted him and said: "You know, Master Theodoric, my wife left me for the same reason. I have tried hard for 15 years, but I still can't make her Pregnant."
Pansy opened her mouth to say something, but Theodoric motioned for her to shut it.
Master Theodoric said in a soothing tone: "I'm sure you understand the pain of loneliness that an infertile couple has to endure. I pay my people well - those little toolboxes They will be taken care of and live in a good home. You are on the road alone, you don't plan to raise them by yourself, do you?"
Androx asked nonchalantly, "What if I did this?"
"Then you'd better sell them into slavery. At least they can learn a skill and have a regular meal." Theodoric replied decisively.
"How much do you think I can sell it for?" A
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Not that companies would buy kits at this time, Okles thought. They would wait until he let his guard down and crack his head open like a nut with the mace.
Master Theodoric almost answered, but chose to refuse. Pansy couldn't remain silent any longer and blurted out: "Caught by crows! You stole them from slave traders in the first place. If you didn't starve them to death before finding a buyer, you would still sell them Dropped it. I can tell who the gangster is at a glance, and you are the worst kind."
A gangster?A
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Okles? He tried hard to hide his anger; she had directly insulted his reputation. The shadows of his fathers probably trembled with humiliation. How dare a savage bandit say something like that to an honorable man?
Before he could think of a suitable retort, Turga said: "Where is your shield, soldier? A soldier without a shield is not a soldier, is he?" The man rubbed the head of his mace, eager for blood.
"Sold. It's heavy," Androx said, starting to get really angry.
Turga said: "You got those scars from the arena, right? Stealing a coin and running away like a ferret."
Androx just snorted contemptuously.
Theodoric said: "Mr. Androchus, I'm sure you understand how this feels for us. I heard of a soldier who retired with a big bag of silver and a farm in the country, and you with just a gold coin. Where did all your money go, you were on the road alone without any supplies? And your story about finding them on the road, like old sandals with broken laces? And you were a mess. You see Look like a bum, or worse." He put on a nonchalant look and said, "I was just trying to get you over there because I don't want to get in trouble, and you have the money, but Pansy wants the toolboxes. And you are a kidnapper and a thief. I have to respect my people."
"How much did you pay me for these toolboxes?" Androx asked, looking carefully at his blade. The person behind him may not be as ready as others. Maybe he should attack one of them first. He might catch a person off guard.
Theodoric gave Androx a blank look. "I guess...let me think about it. In some places, the price of a child is already less than 100 silver coins, and those kits are in shabby condition, right on Raphael's doorstep. I think I can give you the value One hundred and fifty denarii of goods, whatever you want, as a fair exchange.”
"Why can't you pay me in silver?" Androx asked with a silly smile.
"I don't have that kind of silver with me," replied Theodoric, immediately turning pale and evidently regretting having said that.
"Don't you have any of that silver with you?" You have enough cloth for twenty cloaks, and this is just enough. Don't you have a hundred and fifty silver coins? How are you going to change my gold coin into change? It's worth at least a hundred silver coins in itself, you know that. "The most important thing is to get out of the pen they're trying to put him in. Without his old jumper, he has no real defense. Maybe he should starve it instead of selling it; a shield like that lets This makes the fight much easier.
Androx looked at the three people in front of him. They became visibly uncomfortable under his gaze. He couldn't hear any movement behind him, but he could feel the guards standing there contemplating killing. He could feel it in his heart. Do they really not know he's targeting them? Or are they playing the same game as him?
Master Theodoric said: "Of course, I have enough change. I have a lot of silver. Just not enough money to give you, and not enough money to do business."
Androx asked: "Who helped you load the car?" The real danger was probably Turga and Pansy. He must deal with these issues as early as possible if possible.
Theodoric looked surprised. "I...one of my men did it. When I was busy," he stammered. "Why do you ask?"
Androx looked toward the fire and noticed the kits furtively watching the proceedings. They only rested for a few minutes before they must have been awakened again by the conversation. How would they feel hearing this? Not that he really cared, he reminded himself.
"You said what I look like to you, so let me tell you what you look like to me. I think it's a little weird that you're dressed like a guard, but that's okay. Your explanation is good. But the weird thing is, you spend It took you so long to find something in your shopping cart, it's like the first time you checked. I bet you haven't found the silverware yet, right? You don't know where it is," Androcks said, loudly. All the boys could hear, "Because you are robbers and you stole the car." Then he gave Theodoric his most intimidating look, which was pretty good. They didn't answer.
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Okles frowned and stood, straightening his waist and legs. Even though he was taller than anyone but Tulga, to their credit, they didn't back down. "You've got to be kidding me," he said to Sky. "I have things to do. First the toolbox, and now this. The gods are bastards. You know that, Theodoric? The gods are bastards."
Androx made a gesture of stretching his arms and legs. He then announced, loud enough for everyone to hear: "I will not sell the children to you because you stole that car and probably killed the owner of that car. As a righteous man , it's my duty to kill you all, so here's my deal: you give me any supplies I want for free and leave me and the toolbox here. You won't tell anyone about us. You Don’t say anything about slaves or runaways. In return, I won’t kill you and hang your bodies as a warning. Sound like a deal?”
Someone snorted behind Androx. He looked back and saw three guards standing a few steps away, maces in their hands.
Theodoric said: "We seem to be at an impasse. I have no doubt that we can kill you - no doubt at all - but it is possible that you will take one of us with you. What you gain from these props Is the money worth your sacrifice?”
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okles said: "I won't give anything to a thieving piece of trash like you. And they're not for sale at all. I'll either find them parents or another good family instead of handing them over to slave traders." Or gangster." This statement surprised him a little, but as soon as he said it, he knew it was right. He's obligated now, that's all. The eaglets were staring at him, their golden eyes shining in the morning light. He sighed in a bit of frustration, but he didn't really feel it.
"We're not as bad as you think, Southerners. We may be bandits now, but it's not like..." Pansy said, but she was interrupted by Angele.
"You're not bad at all. Tell me, did you stab your master while he was sleeping, or while he was awake? I'm curious."
Theodoric readied his mace and shield and said: "This is ridiculous. Let's kill him like we should have done from the beginning."
