<div align="center"><strong>~Galo, in the outer courtyard~</strong></div><br/>As the troop came to a stop in the outer courtyard, slaves ran up to secure the horses and mules and to collect the bags. Galo dismounted and immediately began giving instructions as to the contents and intended recipients of the various bundles. The vast majority would be going to the kitchen, either as flavouring, side dishes or delicacies. Of the rest, approximately two thirds were intended for the Infirmary, while the remainder Galo had reserved for himself.<br/><br/>A slave boy of about fifteen moved to unload Galo’s bags from his horse as Galo finished talking - only to have his arm griped in a calloused hand before he could even begin to untie them.<br/><br/>The boy looked alarmed at Galo, who said in a low voice, “Do not touch my bags. I will unload and deal with them myself. Understood?”<br/><br/>The boy nodded, mute and wide eyed as he backed off and after a moments hesitation moved to collect bags marked for the Infirmary. Feeling cruel - the boy should know better, they all should by now! - Galo snapped at him agin, “Leave that one as well, I will take that. I have to be certain it is stored quickly and properly.” A lie, of course, it was nothing that could not wait until either he or Autolycus had time to take care of it, like all the other bags. He just wanted to make the boy squirm.<br/><br/>Galo gathered his bags; one over his shoulder, carrying the rest in his arms, including the one for the infirmary. He wondered if anyone save the medicus would be there - perhaps one of the new gladiators or house slaves had managed to hurt themselves or step too far out of line? He thought it likely, there was usually an injury or two on a first day. Still, he had no intent to stand and gawk for long, merely to drop off the bag and leave. If he were lucky he might have time to clean himself up, shave and get changed before being summoned.<br/><br/><strong>~~</strong><br/><br/>Meanwhile, Porcius had collard one of the slaves, an older dark haired woman, “Inform the Dominus that we have returned and that the trip was successful - or if necessary, inform Nakia if the Dominus is busy.”<br/><br/>The slave nodded and strode off towards the inner courtyard.<br/><br/>Porcius did not bother to watch her go, instead after a quick enquiry with one of the other guards stationed outside, marched in the direction Guard Captain Burrus for his report, sparing only a glance at Galo as he went past.<br/><br/>Oh for a soak in the baths, he thought to himself. He could hardly wait.<br/>