About a week after the messengers were sent out, one returned to Theodoros' residence and after some time of thinking, the governor called on Klemonos. As the older man entered the Strategos' chambers, Theodoros looked up to greet him. "My friend, I have received news. My father gave me a mission and I will take it. I have already ordered my servants to ready my bodyguard, for I will leave shortly but there is something I have to ask of you first."

"What is it?"

"I will leave Laodike and the kids here. Watch over them as you'd watch over your own family, swear that to me." The older man nodded and bowed: "I will protect them with my life if needed. May Mithras bless you on your way."

"Thank you. May he bless you and this town. Until we meet again." And with that Theodoros left his chambers to join his bodyguard, already assembled in the courtyard.