Chapter 17

‘You are very kind, sir,’ stammered Felix. ‘Thank you, sir!… May I go now?’

‘Why not?’ The Prefect and the Captain of the Guard marched up the steps of the Praetorium. Felix thought he heard a chuckle, but did not look back as he made off for his horse—and Darik.

At the prison, Voldi was astonished when his half-hysterical friend hugged the breath out of him. The good news was so incoherently spluttered that it was some minutes before the amazing tidings were made clear. They pounded each other on the back and shouted joyously. Soon the prisoner was out in the sunshine, squinting against the unaccustomed glare, and affectionately patting Darik on his glossy shoulder.

‘Where to, now?’ inquired Felix, suddenly sobering. ‘I have been so happy to see you freed that I’ve had no time to think about your leaving. I’m going to miss you, Voldi!’

‘And I shall miss you, Felix,’ said Voldi, with deep feeling. ‘Something tells me I should return to Arabia and report to my King. He deserves to know what has become of Fara, and the faithful Ione should be told. And I must see my family.’

‘But—you will be coming back, I think,’ said Felix.

‘Unquestionably,’ said Voldi. ‘King Zendi will doubtless consent to my return—on a special mission.’

‘Do I know what it is?’

‘I’m sure you do.’

‘Ticklish job, eh?’ reflected Felix.

‘It could be that,’ agreed Voldi.

They mounted their horses to ride back to The Agrippa for personal belongings that Voldi had deposited.

‘If there is ever anything that I can do—if you should get into trouble—if you should suddenly need a friend—’ Felix was saying.

‘There is no one I would rather trust, Felix,’ said Voldi. ‘But this is a one-man undertaking—and strictly an Arabian duty… I shall try to be careful,’ he added.

‘Careful!’ scoffed Felix. ‘That sounds funny, coming from you!’