"Whatever the lady likes," Athos says to the bartender, sliding two more gold coins over the counter, aware that the greedy expression on the man's face will serve Athos' purposes well, for money goes a long way to buying the loyalty of those around him and Athos has more money than most thanks to his family. He raises his heavily portioned glass of red wine to her, thinking he might also switch given that he finds the liquor to be weak and empty.

The night is young, of course. There will be many opportunities to do just so later. "Have you visited this strange city of lights before?"