There was a rattle of cart wheels in the street outside and then the sound died away abruptly as the vehicle drew up outside the inn. Cornius hurried to the door, eased it open a fraction, then quickly ducked outside, shutting the door behind him. Alexius and zenious heard a brief muted exchange before the cart continued round the building to the rear where there was a small yard with stalls for the horses of travellers stopping at the inn.
" D'you think it's for out of town ." She played her voluptuous red mouth.
" Just leave it, love." Alexius smiled charmingly as he pulled one of his lover golden hair and kiss it. " For once stop, your brain for thinking and precaution ." He warned her softly as he stared her .
Zenious nodded and stared down into her bowl for a moment before reluctantly picking up her spoon to consume some more of the stew . Shortly afterwards , they're both eating in silent in a heartbeat the cook reappeared, looking flustered as he limped over to the table and presented them with a fresh loaf .
Alexius smiled and looked at zenious in surprise " Wow, freshly baked ." He picked it up, tore it in half and thrust a chunk towards her before tearing into the warm doughy mass with relish. From the back rooms of the inn came the sound of voices and the scrapes of furniture and it was a short while before Cornius emerged through the low door behind the counter . He glanced round at the other customers then crossed the room to Zenious and Alexius's table.
" What now ?" Alexius muttered . " I'll bet he regretted, want his bread back for his new guest ."
" I doubt it."
Cornius leant towards the woman General and whispered " Follow me."
Zenious and Cornius exchanged a glance before zenious responded in regale tone . " For ?"
Cornius frowned " Just come with me, Ma'am . It'll be clear enough in a moment . I couldn't say anything else ." He made a slight nod towards his remaining customers. And looked back at the beautiful General of Rome who watched him in impassive.
" What's wrong ?" Alexius asked in firm tone with Cornius .
Cornius shook his head and sight slowly. " Please I beg you, General ."
Zenious pulled her red hood forward more and nodded as she quickly turned looked at Alexius and said .
" Let's go."Alexius left what remained of his meal and rose to follow the Roman General across the room as she follow the innkeeper who led her to the back of the inn. The other people in the room could not help eyeing Zenious as she passed by with astonishment and curiously. Alexius noted with a faint smile of amusement. Cornius went first followed by zenious, with Alexius last. Who had to stoop under the door frame . There was a narrow room behind and lit by a single oil lamp. By it's week glow Alexius could see the walls were lined with jars of wine and basket of vegetables and a net of fresh bread hung from a book close to two joint of cured meat . Clearly the innkeeper at well, even the customers didn't. At the far end of the room a door stood slightly ajar and the frame was brightly lit by a fire burning in the next room . Cornius entered the room , followed by the General who immediately pulled up her hood which cover her long curly golden hair . The room was generously proportioned with a wide table in the centre . A freshly stoked cooking fire crackled beneath the iron grill and provided the room with a rosy light . Seated on the far side of the table was a figure in a plain cloak. He looked up from the cheese and bread that had been laid before him and smiled as he saw Zenious , and nodded curtly in courtesy at Zenious and Alexius.
" Greeting, Lady and gentleman . It's good of you to join me !" Pallas waved them towards the bench opposite him. " Or rather, it is good if me to join you."
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When The Eagles Reached The Crown
Historical FictionEmperor Claudius's era and the scenario behind Germanicus Nero Coronation . The History behind accession of Germanicus Nero, as Rome Emperor replacing Britannicus . Artemis , Narius, Alexius, Valerius ,Zenious the five main characters have forged a...