By mid afternoon, on the same day that Tak and Nikah ran together around the walls of the City of the Goddess half a world away, the Emperor's Foreign Legion set sail from Ephirum. By midday, half had departed, and the remainder waited patiently at the dockside while the Hellenes brought more ships to be loaded with men, equipment and supplies. Artur stood at the ramp and exchanged words with each of his comrades as they boarded, slowing the process considerably and causing his brother Javi to question if they would be done by nightfall.
"What is your rush Javi? It is a beautiful day is it not? Are you so keen to go to war that you would begrudge me a few words with each of our friends?"
By now a large crowd of curious Ephirum citizens had gathered to watch the legion embark and Artur ordered a rope to be strung across the dockside, keeping them from mingling with his men, further impeding their work.
"Not a soul came to watch us leave for Teshka," he said to Javi. "But things are different now. Look Javi! That woman there is beckoning to you. No doubt she seeks a kiss from a handsome hero of the legion. Do not disappoint her!"
Javi walked over to the woman, who momentarily moved her veil to one side, showing her full face as he approached. But he had known it was Kailyn from the moment his brother had pointed. As he met her at the rope, she reached out and cupped his face with both hands.
"Oh Javi! It is so good to see you, to touch you once again! And where is Han? I want to see him too."
"He has already sailed."
"When you see him you must tell him I spoke to you here. Tell him he is much loved by his mistress. Oh Javi, I am so sorry about what has happened. It was my father! None of this was my doing. But you know this already. Here, come close to me! Hold me! And do not worry, Javi, I will put this to rights and you will be back with me soon, as will Han."
She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him to her.
"Please," said Javi. "I am with my brother now, where I belong. You should try to forget me."
"Oh Javi! You are being brave, but there is no need. I will have you back soon, I promise. You must have faith. Look, there is an inn across the way. I shall take a room for a few hours and we can be together. There is plenty of time. Come Javi!"
He grasped her arms and pushed her away.
"No!" he said
Kailyn looked at him in confusion and then said, "Javi, you are hurting me! And why do you not address me as mistress?"
"I am not your slave. I was wrongfully taken from the streets of Ephirum and sent to that horrible place near Magara. It should never have been. I am happy now, back with my beloved brother in the legion. This is where I belong! If you love me as you say, can you not leave me alone?"
Javi looked into her eyes above the line of the veil and saw, within the space of a few moments, her shock turn to sadness and then finally to scorn. She shook her arms free from his grasp and slapped him hard across the face.
"My aunt was right! Look how my kindness to you has been rewarded! Well, I shall handle you more properly when you are returned to me. And make no mistake, Javi, you shall be returned to me. You are my rightful property and I have not relinquished you...nor shall I ever. Han also! Tell him!"
