As his eyes landed on Beth, he paused, his eyes widening in awe. She quickly lowered her eyes, cursing the hair that was drawing too much attention to her. Two-forty-eight quickly came to stand in front of her, blocking the man's view. The other servants in front of them glanced at her with irritation. Beth grit her teeth, hoping for the moment to pass as soon as possible.
Two-forty-eight replied, ignoring their stares, "Some shopping for the mistresses."
The soldier opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it, his eyes straining to see past the boy. Another soldier came forward, tapping on his companion's shoulder.
"You will have to return by sundown." The man replied, seeing that the other was awestruck. "You may pass."
"Thank you," Two-forty-eight replied, nodding his head curtly to the gods.