The Immortal Scrolls by Kristin Secorsky

may I help you?” asked the baker.
    “I would like two loaves of this bread,” she said pointing to a long, fat loaf. She handed the baker a few coins, and he wrapped up the bread.
    Androcles watched her silently. She was very independent. She must resent having a guard , he thought. He wondered if she often snuck away from home and walked about the shops. This was probably why her father had employed him.
    Araceli thanked the baker, and they left the shop. She headed for the next shop on her list. He followed her silently as she went to a shop that sold wine. Araceli purchased a small jug of wine. Androcles wondered why she did not just send servants out for these common items. Did she just want an excuse to get out? he wondered.
    They passed by some outside vendors selling fruits, goat cheese, meats, fish, and other goods. Araceli stopped in front of a fruit vendor. She plucked a grape off a bunch and popped it in her mouth. She grabbed the bunch of grapes and handed some more coins to the vendor.
    “Try this,” she said, holding a grape up to Androcles’s mouth.
    He opened his mouth, and she put the grape in his mouth. His lips brushed her fingertips. Androcles was shocked at how comfortable and natural she acted around him. He forgot his place momentarily. “It’s very sweet,” he said after he chewed it. “Thank you.”
    Araceli smiled. “Come with me,” she commanded playfully. “I have one more place I want to go.”
    “Yes, domina,” he said dutifully. He followed her to a small shop. They went inside, and Androcles saw that it was shop that made and sold sandals and boots.
    “May I help you?” asked the shopkeeper.
    “Yes. My brother needs new footwear,” she said as she pointed to Androcles’s feet. His boots were old and worn.
    “Araceli, no,” he protested.
    “He needs a pair of boots and a pair of sandals. Preferably a sandal that doesn’t lace up the leg too high,” she said, remembering his injury.
    Androcles wondered why she was being so kind to him. He’d never expected such generosity. He knew it would do no good to protest and went along to make her happy. The shopkeeper fit his foot in a new sturdy pair of boots and lightweight sandals. Araceli paid the shopkeeper almost all the money she had left. Androcles wore his new boots out and left his old ones with the shopkeeper. His injured leg already felt more stable and easier to walk on. Androcles carried his sandals and the wine, and Araceli carried the food as they walked through the crowded, muddy streets. She headed in the direction of her home, but then she turned another way. They walked away from the streets of small homes and shops, past the large estates, and off to a small wooded area.
    “Domina, where are we going?” he asked, a little confused and a little curious.
    Araceli stopped under a tree. “Right here,” she said. She looked around and sat down.
    “Here,” he repeated. He watched her sit down and take out a small wine cup from the bag she had been carrying when she left home. Androcles handed her the wine jug and watched as she poured some wine and broke pieces of bread off. He stood there and looked around into the trees. They were alone.
    Araceli looked up at him and laughed. “Why don’t you sit down, Androcles?” she said, stretching her hand out at the spot next to her. Androcles sat down a few feet away from her. He positioned his leg where it would be most comfortable. She handed him some bread and grapes.
    “Well, take it,” she said, urging him.
    He reached over and accepted the food from her. He felt like the most unprofessional guard ever, but how could he resist her? She was so sweet and generous. “Thank you, domina,” he said. He ate in silence, looking around the field and the trees. He could still keep a look out for trouble and please Araceli.
    “Please call me Araceli,” she said. Araceli looked at him and chewed her grapes in silence. “What’s wrong, Androcles? You don’t enjoy