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“May I talk with you for a little while?” I asked.

He gestured toward the empty chair across from him.

“What are you reading?”

He closed the book. “It’s a treatise on ancient military strategy by a writer called Aeneas Tacticus.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“Does it?” He glanced down at the cover. “I’m not reading it for interest. I’m looking for examples that might persuade my uncle that we need to change our approach with Agrias.”

“Is Arcadius mentioned? Are you finding anything useful?”

He shook his head. “Not really. And yes, he is mentioned in several places. He was a master of strategy. Never defeated.”

“I think—I think my strategy could have defused that situation today, even without your intervention.”

He put the book on top of a stack of others. “Your strategy of charming the wits out of that poor soldier? I think you’re right. He nearly fainted. I suggest caution when wielding that power.”

“I’ve never tried to influence someone that way before.”

He sat back and seemed to study my face. “Had you stayed at Casa Caligine, you would have learned many ways to influence someone.”

“I don’t want to make a habit of influencing people by charming them.”

“I’m not sure you can help it, little bird.”

Something in his look made my temples grow warm. “I want to leave Corlivo behind and forget the training I received there.”

His expression softened. “I think you have many gifts, and I can understand why you’d want to explore some of them.”

The idea of exploring some of a courtesan’s gifts with him leapt unexpectedly into my mind, and the traitorous flush spread from my temples to my cheeks. Where had that thought come from? I pushed it away firmly. “Why did you decide to come with us today? Was it only out of concern for my safety?”

“Partially.” He stacked a few stray pieces of parchment. “With my uncle away, it’s a quieter day than I’ve had in many weeks. I thought it might be interesting to see your reaction to the orrery.”

“Was it?”

He smiled. “You’re truly fierce when it comes to learning something new.”

“Fierce? I thought I was a little bird.”

He laughed. “I was mistaken. You’re a falcon.”

Many books and scrolls were piled on his table. The map of Vendel, which I had seen on my first day at the villa, stuck out from under a stack.

“Have you made any progress asking your uncle for funds for a new expedition to search for the caves?”

“No success there, I’m afraid. He’s very protective of the treasury right now.”

“You’ll convince him.”

He picked up his pipe, packed it with dried leaves from a little pouch, and lit it.

“Do you have any maps that show the whole continent?” I asked.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I’m sure I do. Let me see.” He tucked the pipe between his teeth and went over to a corner where several large rolls of parchment leaned against the wall. He chose one with worn edges and brought it back to the table. He pushed books and papers to the side to make room and unfurled the large document.

I came around the table to stand beside him. After studying the map for a moment, I touched the northwest corner. “Here is Vendel. We know the caves are not here.”