Yiannis stroked the neck of his chestnut stead. But even as he tried to soothe the beast, it seemed more like he was just letting the excitement transfer from one body to another. You could feel it in the crispness of the morning air. A certain portent of everything waiting to unfold. The Senators were gathering for an important meeting in the Dikastrio. The reports from First Prince Vangelis's mission in Tangenea were due. Yiannis could imagine the royal family receiving their own missives at the same time. Excepting that outcome, though, today was exciting to him for another reason. The business of the day had obligated certain arrivals from the outlying provinces.

He ventured another look outward. The view was stunning. The whole tableau of humanity spreading out before him. Level by level, from, the Dikastrio to the agora to the lower city. Each humming with people, even as the avenues grew narrower and more labyrinthine. Thinking of this as the pinnacle of Grecian society was pleasantly dizzying. Just one more incitement to the giddiness that was apparently infectious. Yielding just a bit, he allowed the beast to canter them a few steps closer to the gate.

But give an inch and it'll take an ell. The chestnut reared up on its hind legs, braying triumphantly. Rather than discipline it, Yiannis only laughed. A carefree, rolling sound. At the same time, he had started to wave his arm wildly. At just that moment, after all, he had sighted what he'd come here for. Yes, it was all wasteful of energy. But there was no reason to wait any longer. The noble house from Valaortis had arrived in the city. Which meant that Timaeus was finally be ready to race down through the whole length of the capital. Yiannis knew how impatient his friend could be. Good thing the Prince was already at the starting line.