When Tubruk returned, he put down a tray with a jug and bowls of freshly sliced fruit. Octavian fell on it with delight, and Tubruk smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm as he sat down and waited for Alexandria to speak.

“It’s about Octavian that I want to speak to you,” she said after a pause.

“Would you like me to have someone show him the stables?” Tubruk replied quickly.

She shrugged. “He knows what I’m going to say.”

Tubruk filled a cup with cool apple juice for her, and she sipped at it as she collected her thoughts.

“I own a part share in a metalsmith’s in the city, and we took Octavian on as an apprentice. I won’t lie to you and say he was perfect. He was almost wild for a while, but he’s a different boy now.” She was interrupted by the sight of Octavian trying to cram melon slices into his mouth. Tubruk saw her look and stood suddenly.

“That’s enough for now, lad. Go and find the stables. Take a couple of the apple pieces for the horses.”

Octavian looked at Alexandria, and when she nodded, he grinned and scooped up a handful of the fruit, disappearing out of the room without another word. His footsteps echoed for a moment, then all was still again.

“He doesn’t remember his father, and he was a street urchin when we took him in. You should see how he’s changed, Tubruk! The boy is fascinated by the skills Tabbic teaches him. He’s good with his hands and in time I think he could make a fair craftsman.”

“So why have you brought him to me?” Tubruk prompted gently.

“We haven’t been able to let him out onto the street for nearly a month now. Tabbic has to walk him home each evening and then come back alone in the dark. The streets aren’t safe even for him these days, but Octavian has been badly beaten three times since we took him on. The first time, he had a silver ring stolen, and we think they look for him in case he is carrying something else. There’s a gang of boys involved. Tabbic has complained to their masters when he knows who they are, but the third beating came right after that. It’s breaking the lad, Tubruk. Tabbic made him a knife but he wouldn’t take it. He said they’d kill him with it if he pulled a blade on the gang, and I think he’s probably right.” She took a deep breath to continue.