Summary

In Chapter 14, Hadrian has spent the night at the tavern in case Royce returns. He spent the evening talking and drinking and looking for Royce to return. With no way to complete the mission, the next morning Hadrian saddles Dancer and starts back to the University. He is angry at Royce for leaving him behind. He times his arrival at the University for after dark. He keeps his horse saddled because he plans to tell Arcadius what happened, check on Pickles and then go he knew not where. Hadrian does not know what to do with himself. He does not want to be a career soldier. The only thing he sees as a positive to the trip is that Pickles has secured a future.

Hadrian enters Arcadius’ office to find Royce there. Royce looks at him in surprise. He asks how Hadrian had survived...