Sailing to Sarantium

Vargos of the Inicii is a free man who has contracted himself out as a servant for the Imperial Post since leaving his hometown. His devotion to Jad and Heladikos are due to their courage, particularly in the face of danger and personal sacrifice. As such, when Crispin saves Kasia from a terrible fate at great risk to himself, he earns Vargos’ respect. When he offers to release him from his contract, because he plans to travel on the Day of the Dead, he garners Vargos’ loyalty. Vargos chooses to honor his original contract, despite the likelihood that the decision will lead to his immediate and painful death. When Crispin thanks Vargos for choosing to uphold his word despite the change in situation, he unknowingly cements Vargos’ commitment. Crispin’s courageous decision to save Kasia gains him not only one new, loyal companion, but two: “It was this artisan from Varena, though, a descendant of the legions, the Rhodians, the blood Vargos had been raised to hate, who had done the bravest thing he knew, last night and now. And Vargos was going to follow him” (147).

The trio leaves town early in the morning in the hopes of avoiding a violent confrontation.