He halted and said harshly, "If I am about to be sent back to the
barracks--"
She looked over her shoulder. Tears stood in her eyes. "Oh, not that,"
she said. "Be not afraid of that. Be glad! You are about to be honored
and pleasured."
"What?"
"In fact, the highest honor and the noblest pleasure of which _you_ are
capable." She stamped her foot, caught her breath and strode on. He
followed in bewilderment.
They crossed an open peristyle, where the first stars mirrored
themselves shakenly in a mosaic pool. Beyond was a door inlaid with
ivory, Venus twining arms about beautiful Adonis. A Nubian with a sword
stood on guard. Eodan had seen him about--a huge man, cat-footed, but
betrayed by his smooth cheeks and high voice.