Chapter 16 - Wise Judgment
The day of Antonius's return to the capital was drawing near.
It was around that time that another company of Knights arrived to assist with the reconstruction effort.
The Strategoi Knights.
Their commander, the renowned general Isakios Agrios, soon came to pay his respects.
"Your Highness."
Though a knight, Isakios carried himself with the ease and grace of a court noble as he bowed deeply.
"When word reached me that you had been caught in the landslide, I was greatly relieved to learn you survived."
"I apologize for causing concern."
Antonius replied with unusual modesty.
Isakios smiled warmly.
"You have weathered a worthy trial. You are a grown man now. His Majesty must be very proud."
"I am still far from deserving such praise," Antonius said. "I merely had the good fortune to be aided by some exceptional individuals."
Theodoros blinked.
"Oh?" said Isakios. "You mean Sir Theodoros, I presume?"
"Yes. But not him alone."
Seeing the old commander's curiosity piqued, Antonius pointed toward the reconstruction site.
A small figure could be seen hauling debris, pushing loaded carts, and hurrying from task to task without pause.
"That one."
Isakios narrowed his eyes.
"That lad? A servant boy?"
"Indeed. Yet he possesses remarkable strength and, I confess, a finer sword arm than my own."
Nearby, Ioannis's eyebrow twitched.
Theodoros looked away.
"For one who will someday inherit the throne, he would prove an invaluable retainer."
Then Antonius cast a brief glance toward Ioannis.
"Regrettably, the Nikēphoroi Knights have many demands upon their time."
A faint sigh escaped him.
"I fear a talent such as his may not receive the attention it deserves."
Ioannis immediately opened his mouth.
Antonius continued before he could speak.
"If it would not inconvenience you, Commander Agrios, might I ask the Strategoi Knights to train him?"
"Oh?"
"My hope is to someday bring him into my service as an attendant and bodyguard."
A smile spread across Isakios's face.
"I see. Now that is interesting."
"Would you consider it?"
"Certainly."
The answer came without hesitation.
"Then I would be delighted to have him."
"Please wait."
Ioannis finally forced his way into the conversation.
All three men turned toward him.
The commander of the Nikēphoroi Knights wore a strained smile that failed to hide the sweat gathering at his brow.
"There is no need to trouble another company with this matter."
Theodoros closed his eyes.
That slight curl at the corner of Antonius's mouth was all too familiar.
"That mon—"
Ioannis caught himself.
"That boy. Andri."
His jaw tightened.
"Effective immediately, he shall be promoted from servant to page."
A satisfied smile appeared on Antonius's face.
"You have my gratitude for your wise judgment, Commander Phokas."
Only then did Ioannis realize he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered.
Outside, Andri trudged past carrying several sandbags stacked across his shoulders.
A murmur of amazement rose from the workers nearby.
Antonius looked satisfied.
Ioanis released a long, weary sigh.
"Where would you have me carry this?"
Andri hurried off with the barrel before anyone could answer.
Antonius's gaze followed him across the worksite.
For a brief moment, the young prince seemed entirely unaware of the conversation around him.
Isakios studied him quietly.
Then he glanced toward Theodoros.
Theodoros closed his eyes for a moment and exhaled through his nose.
When Isakios looked back, a faint smile lingered on his face.
