~Belen, Phia’s Personal Combatant~


Romeo bypasses the Commander rather rudely before I step out in front of him from the shadows, “Lord Romeo, I do not think the Commander was finished speaking to you.” If only looks could kill as I move from the front of his nasty tempered horse. Phia stands back with Camius, who is still appraising the female for good or ill, but at least less likely to kill someone. Audible curses from Romeo are heard. He looks back noticing maybe the long ride and a high dose of paranoia may have made him a bit more defensive than need be. Phia is unarmed, except maybe for her eating dagger. She is dressed comfortably for a walk in the gardens or the vineyards and nothing more. I on the other hand am fully armed and remain still with my arms crossed behind my back and from the reach of Dragon.

“Lord Romeo,” Phia begins gently, quietly walking towards him without fear, “We had heard of what had occurred…times are not so certain anymore, but I wasn’t given orders one way or another. I recognized the horse, more than the man. You can understand that after so many years that it would be hard for me to remember you. I was Luna’s aide.” She stops an arm length away from Romeo, but close enough to run a hand over the rump of Dragon, who uncharacteristically accepts the touch. “Magnificent creature…”

“What do you want?”

“News from Agia Triada,” Phia resumes a more business-like attitude and takes a position next to Romeo and invites him to walk with her. “News has been slow in coming. My intelligence has been foiled or misled for months. Something is afoul, few dead though.” Phia waves away a groom to take Dragon’s reins. I remain a respectful distant away from my commander along with Camius. With everything Phia says Romeo drops a degree of annoyance towards her. He wonders what more she knows or what she can provide him with. “I will leave you to see to your horse, unless she can be trusted with the grooms. I invite you to dine with me, not alone of course. Camius is welcome to join us as well. We’ll talk more then and as I said, Julian is not here. Luna was the last Noble here, but that’s been awhile now. I’m afraid I’m the only higher ranked person around, aside from yourself, Lord Romeo.” With a slight bow Phia turns her back in trust that no dagger would find a sheath between her ribs.

I gesture to the hidden bowmen in the courtyard; two women neatly hidden seem to materialize from the bushes and flowers. Even a slight bemused grin is seen on Camius face, “Not bad.” He muses under his breath. “No wonder she…

“Excuse me Lord, Romeo,” I interrupt walking closer to Dragon’s hind end.

“Gods almighty…WHAT?”

“You are not under our surveillance, but if you would wish a messenger, Panos will serve as such.” I motion to the youth that has started to brush off the thorns, blood and leaves from himself. “Maybe your man could teach him a thing or two about walking if you should need of him.” I say the last part in jest as I do not expect Romeo to accept our hospitality without suspicion. His nod is barely noticeable. I bow before returning to my own liege and barely missing the hoof of Dragon that was more annoyed by her having to stand than being attended.

…