There was a small scream and more scuffling, which made Tor laugh. “What?” Mathos demanded, turning back to look up at them. “That’s what you said yesterday!”
Tor laughed harder and shook his head, not bothering to reply.
“Fine,” Mathos said, standing up and dusting his hands on his legs. “You stay there, and we’ll just give the dried beef and apples to someone else.”
He walked back toward Heracles just as a small blond head appeared above the ditch. “Beef and apples?”
“No, no.” Mathos waved his hand airily, not turning around. “You don’t want any. Fair enough. Carry on about your day.”
The rest of the child emerged, scrambling up the bank onto the side of the road. She was wearing a brown homespun hemp shirt that was far too big and dirty breeches that were far too short. Her face was thin and dusty, her feet were bare, and her long blond hair was tied back in a scraggly braid. Lucilla had never met a child, but she couldn’t imagine that this one was older than about nine or ten or that food was something she had much of.
The girl took a small step forward and then hesitated, her face riveted on the three horses and their intimidating riders.
Mathos ignored her and made his way to Heracles to rifle through his saddlebags. From where Lucilla was sitting, transfixed, she saw him pull out an old apple and a big piece of dried beef.
He turned slowly and faced the girl, before taking a massive bite of the apple and chewing loudly. “Mmm,” he said as he swallowed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Delicious.”
The child took an uncertain step forward and then froze when Mathos took his own big step toward her.
He stopped immediately and they both stood, a few feet apart, staring at each other.
The girl watched him chew and swallow and took another step forward.
Mathos held out the apple, not saying anything, and after a few more seconds, she darted closer, snatched the apple, and darted back again, already shoveling it into her mouth.
Mathos smiled and asked gently, “What’s your name, darlin’?”
The girl was immediately defensive. “What’s it to ya?”
“Nothing,” he replied with a shrug. “Just wondering. Would you like some beef?” He held it out for her, and she stepped forward to snatch it before cradling it against her chest like a treasure.
“Eat it,” Mathos commanded. But the child shook her head and stepped back.
“Eat it, and I’ll give you more.”
The girl’s face fell as she looked between him and the beef.
“What’s wrong, apple pip?” Mathos asked in a gentle voice that made Lucilla try and remember if anyone had ever spoken to her with so much kindness. She didn’t think so.
The girl’s lips quirked up at the sides. “Apple pip?”
“Yeah, you look like an apple pip to me.”
The girl shrugged, as if adults did things she didn’t understand all the time.
“If you tell me the problem, maybe I can help you,” Mathos pointed out. Lucilla could see that his shoulders were tense, and she knew he was concerned about the delay on the road, but he kept his voice gentle and kind.
“Can’t eat it quick enough,” the girl admitted sadly. “S’posed to be back already. There’s work to do. That’s why I was rabbiting when....”
“When you fell into the road and frightened the horse?”
She gave a small nod. “Sorry.” She flicked a glance across to the three horses, her face softening. “Gods, I wish I could have a go.”
Mathos grinned at her as if she’d impressed him. “Tell you what, if you promise to eat it yourself, I’ll give you the other piece.”
The girl nodded frantically. “Promise.”
“Cross your heart and hope to die?”
