But as they came closer, she noticed their interest in the walls. The men, who carried no packs or parcels, seemed grim as they spoke to one another, watchful of the guard towers. Even more telling was their complete disinterest in her. Soldiers, even those on a serious mission, invariably looked for women of her calling. They were always eager for a comfortable night’s lodging, food, drink, and fleshly pleasures whenever they could get them. Amorite soldiers were especially lustful and profane. Ah, the men had spotted her. “Hello, my fine friends!” she called, smiling and waving. They turned their faces away. Odd. They were young, but not so young they should be embarrassed by a woman’s attentions. Or had that been disgust on their faces? An uncomfortable feeling curled in the pit of her stomach. It had been years since she had felt shame or the desire to cover her face and hide. Not since the first few weeks she had been in the king’s company.
