The heat of the day shimmered in the air as the sun began its descent into dusk and white herons began their evening songs as they came home to roost. He took the large white birds as an omen that Zeus watched over him and Zanon nudged the horse forward into a rocking canter. It had been a long day and he was nearly back at the stables before he slowed his horse to a lively walk. Ignoring the deep and burning pain in his left hip, he made it home at last. He'd lasted two hours this time and maybe if he just practiced more, it would hurt less!

A stable hand appeared to assist him in dismounting and Zanon rebuffed the gesture with a laugh and a joke. 

"I'm not quite in my dotage yet. Maybe next year old friend." 

"Yes Your Highness." he answered, standing back as the Prince dismounted with some effort.

It wasn't with the old ease from ten years ago, but Zanon had still managed it on his own. He was twenty-nine not ninety-nine! Patting the stallion's neck, he turned away and headed off, leaning on his cane far more than he'd like. The distinctive shuffle of a triple step with walking stick as it hit the ground, had become his own personal theme song and he worked through it. 

It had been a successful day and he'd guided his son well enough to make it through another session of horsemanship. He smiled at the guards outside his door and entered his private quarters. As if materializing from every possible corner, servants appeared from nearly every direction, descending like locusts on a field. 

Zanon stood quietly with his right arm outstretched in the center of the dressing room and patiently withstood their multiple ministrations on his person, still leaning on the cane with his left hand. While one person removed his clothing, another fetched the perfumed oil and strigil, he seated himself patiently on the stool, remaining accepting. In one way it was soothing to have the familiar comfort of human touch to ease the mental strain of the day. But on the other hand, it again brought home the duality of being here again. Driving home that he was no longer fearlessly riding chariots onto the frontlines of the enemy ranks to lead his legions of loyal men.

As the servants worked, his thoughts drifted back to how startled he'd been that first night among the throngs of other soldiers on the first evening before battle. Learning to literally know how to dress oneself, strategizing with his highly respected older brother until the wee hours of the morning, sleeping for only a short nap only to begin a twelve hour rigorous campaign, was incredibly challenging; and ultimately rewarding in every way. Standing at the heart of legions of men ready to do and die in battle had given Zan a courage he never knew was within him. A pride and respect, a deep and heartfelt bond of belonging to a vast brotherhood like nothing else in his world had given his life a purpose he never knew before. 

The scents of Myrtle and cistus drew him back rudely and painfully from his memories of vigorous good health and once again relegated him firmly back to the sidelines of his current life. Oiled and scraped, he was freshly clad in a light chiton in the heavy heat as full night descended on him. Fortunately, Zanon's physician entered with a box each of Papaver somniferum and Datura. He gestured to the cupbearer to come forth and thanked the Giatrós. The majority of the servants left the room so that their was only the cupbearer and his doctor remaining. After he'd explained, demonstrated and prepared the higher dosage, Zanon smiled at him easily and listened with only half of his attention. Maybe it was because he didn't want to admit that his leg and hip were hurting more now. Or more honestly, that he already knew the next step in upping the dosage as even a simpleton could work it out. 

The night was only just beginning and there were still hours to fill with prospective company. Zanon tasted the doctored red wine, no longer reacting to the bitter taste that could not be hidden with even the strongest of Port. Perhaps a visit to a beautiful young courtier? Maybe dig up Yiannis for another rousing night on the town? What was his sister up to? Perhaps getting something to eat was a good option. Yes he was due for a good meal! 

Handing the cup to the cupbearer, Zanon exited his quarters in search of good food and perhaps a bit of company.