The Magnaura

[The Lemongate]

Anastasios Neokaisareitis enters the Senate chamber. He is dressed in simple, efficient clothes, but his tunica cannot conceal the fact that he wears a light chain shirt underneath it. Even though it is still early morning, it is clearly visible he has been up and about for some time. Those Senators who know of him realize he is probably returning from his tasteless exercises at the Campus Martius.

He takes a seat near the section reserved for the Asteri. Though his demeanor is calm, there is a certain uneasiness about him. Careful observers notice he is not at his best in this hall of debates.

A few quick glances around the room show that many Senators have arrived. Most noticeable among them, the Grandmaster of the Order of St. John, Makedonios Ksanthopoulos. There was much talk about the Order and its leader in the City. Some thought of him as a holy man giving his life for a noble cause.

"Heh," Anastasios chuckled lightly, "nothing in this world is noble."

"Then again," he mused, "he has his fixations, I have mine. Why should I judge him?"

He realized his gaze had strayed a tad too long towards Comes Ksanthopoulos and quickly looked away, hoping the inappropriate gesture had not been caught.