The two men stepped forward, and formally embraced.
'Let them come out,' Odenathus called over his shoulder.
Isangrim, Dernhelm – his darling boys – Julia, and Maximus, Calgacus; all here, all safe.
'The throne of the Caesars is too high an eminence for weaklings like Quietus, or even for men like us,' said the Lion of the Sun.
Safe back in the arms of his familia, Ballista agreed.
And all unnoticed at the back, Zenobia scowled and whispered to Maeonius Astyanax.