I've always wanted to write a political action adventure! So here's the first installment of what will hopefully be a interesting look about the aftermath of Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas. I also thought that Proteus was such an interesting character deserving of his own story.
Following the events of the returning of the Book of Peace and the disappearance of Ambassador Marina, the court of Syracuse was in disarray. What people formerly thought was the safest and secure Polis was now under scrutiny. Proteus had explained the situation about Marina as diplomatically as possible. But now there were tensions between Thrace and Syracuse that hadn't existed before, it was a diplomatic nightmare. Not to mention when The Book of Peace closed; floods, earthquakes, and various natural disasters plagued the kingdom. Luckily, the jewel of the kingdom, his highness, the ever perfect, ever loved, Prince Proteus was back from his absence and working like he'd never stopped.
Proteus leaned on one armrest and touched his face the only sign that he was less than happy about the proceedings.
"We need more guards around the perimeter of the tower in order to safeguard against intruders."
"Ambassador Baru, we should be concentrating the defense inside the tower itself."
The council of twelve had been going back and forth for hours debating the best way to reform security on the tower and book.
"What does Captain Devas say?"
King Dymas sighed clearly tired from all the bickering, "He says that he can defend against many things but defeating the gods is a high order."
"We should increase the budget for the guard." Ambassador Shia said.
"And where do you supposed we get the money from?" The King asked.
"Raise Taxes if you must." She said.
"The guard doesn't need a bigger budget, it needs better training." Ambassador Claudius argued.
King Dymas pinched his nose in annoyance. Proteus was itching to speak but he'd been the center of attention enough for a while. Proteus noticed a small door open in the back of the room and he followed the small messenger that entered as he crept up to the King.
Dymas took his eyes away from the council for a moment to listen to the messenger. The brown haired messenger whispered into the King's ear, Pombom, Proteus half remembered his name, he was a nice kid and had a talent with horses. The King nodded and patted Pombom on the shoulder in thanks. Pombom crept away again and disappeared out the door.
King Dymas started tapping his index finger on his thumb. Proteus knew his father's impatient ticks. Clearly the King was eager for the session to be over. King Dymas was usually a polite man, to see him fidget was rare.
"Why don't we build a vault? The book is too vulnerable in the tower."
Proteus took a breath and taking his hand away from his face he stood. All the eyes in the room turned,
"Ambassadors," Proteus started putting his hands behind his back, "If you will allow me, I'd like to assemble a list of proposals from our commanders and if the council agrees, we will reconvene in a few days to discuss and decide on them." Proteus looked at Marina's empty seat and then smiled, "I'm sure everyone here has many other matters to attend to, and I will be sure to keep in mind all that has been said here today."
Ambassador Nexus stood as well, his place in the center made him a natural focus, "I support Prince Proteus's motion, all in favor?"
Everyone raised their hands.
"Motion passed, this issue is tabled until Thursday." Nexus said, some of his brown hair falling out of his hat, "We await your proposals Prince Proteus."
"Thank you ambassadors," Proteus nodded and got down from his seat.
"This concludes the council session for today." Ambassador Nexus said closing his ledger.
King Dymas almost jumped out of his seat. "Thank you ambassadors." He managed to say. Proteus watched his father leave with a little too much bounce in his step. Pombom must've brought good news. Which was so rare nowadays.
Proteus left the council's room and flagged down a messenger. A boy with gold hair came over, "Yes highness?"
"Can you deliver these notes to the Generals?" Proteus asked quickly scribbling down a note in his immaculate handwriting, "And this to Captain Devas?" He handed the messenger another note with three copper coins and a smile.
"Of course your highness." The messenger grinned bowed and left.
Proteus had asked the officers for proposals about the tower problem. Hopefully they could come up with something.
"Oh Proteus!"
Proteus turned to see his father jogging in the most dignified of manners toward him.
"Do you have a moment? I'd need to talk with you in my office."
Proteus nodded, "Sure." And then he smiled, "Am I in trouble?"
Dymas pat his son on the back with a laugh, "Is there something you should be in trouble for?"
"Of course not father." He smiled, "I've been in prison all week, I haven't had the time." He joked.
Dymas laughed out loud, "Don't joke about that Proteus, you nearly gave me a heart attack you know."
They walked to Dymas's office and Dymas went to his desk. Proteus always loved his father's office. When he was a boy he would sit in it and imagine himself as king. He would pester his father with questions all day.
"So what did you want to talk about?"
Dymas smiled at his son, truly glad he had him back. Seeing the man he had grown to be brought a swell of pride to the king's chest. He had his mother's eyes and hair, the king's height and build, well, when he was young.
"Oh! There's someone I would like you to meet! I think you'll really like her."
Proteus smile faltered for a moment, he had expected another engagement to be set up, but not so soon. Well, he had been lucky thus far and tried to remain positive.
The king missed his son's moment of doubt and continued, "But later, I've got a job for you. There's news of a new drug called Nadai coming in from the east. I want you to find the source and stop it, if possible."
Proteus accepted the papers from his father and they both sat at their respective seats. Dymas behind the desk and Proteus across from him just off to the right.
"A new drug?" Proteus looked over the report, "That's not good news." He said gracefully sitting down in the leather chair.
"It's very potent, and highly addictive." King Dymas sighed, "three people have already died from overdoses." He shuffled through the numerous papers on his desk.
"I'll see what I can do."
Dymas looked at his son, he could tell he felt the deaths of those three people very deeply. Proteus cared for the people of Syracuse, each man, woman, and child, about their safety, their hopes and their dreams. Dymas could see that Proteus's sense of duty was vast, but he carried such responsibility easily.
Proteus's expression recovered and he smiled at his father. "I saw you fidgeting during the meeting father. What was it that Pombom told you?" Proteus lifted an eyebrow.
"oh, an old friend-"
Suddenly there was a commotion from outside of the office door.
"Wait! Wait! You can't go in there!" One of the attendants exclaimed.
The door to the study slammed open and a warrior strode in dressed in a yellow tunic a sword at her hip. She paused for a moment seeing Proteus and then refocused her attention on the king.
"Traea! You're here!" Dymas exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Dymas." She said the threat in her voice heavy, "Where's Marina?"
Proteus blinked and looked at his father who suddenly looked very sheepish.
"Your majesty! I'm sorry I…" one of the attendants ran in.
"It's alright Laeorio. I can handle it." Dymas smiled.
The attendant looked at all the faces in the room and then bowed and closed the door meekly.
"They're clearing out her room." She walked up to Dymas's desk and put a hand on it, "are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Do you want to sit first?" Dymas offered.
"No. I want answers." She slammed her hand on the desk for emphasis, "Now."
Proteus swiftly got up and put an arm between her and his father holding her back. "watch your tone."
"Oh Proteus. She's not…"
The warrior glared at Proteus, "I'm going to want answers from you too. So hold your horses pony tail."
"Pony tail?" Proteus gaped, is my hair really that long?
Dymas laughed.
"Stop laughing Dymas, where's Marina?" she demanded desperation on the edge of her voice.
Dymas hesitated not knowing how to break the news.
"I swear to the gods. If you don't tell me I'll kill you right now. What happened to Marina?"
Proteus looked quickly between the warrior and his father, "She's left Syracuse." Proteus answered for his father. Dymas had called the woman Traea, Traea was Marina's best friend.
"Left? Left where?" she was practically hysterical.
"With Sinbad, sailing around the world." Proteus couldn't help but smile. Marina had talked about this woman at length.
"She's sailing?"
"That's right." Dymas nodded
"Around the world?"
"Of course." Dymas confirmed. "She's fine as far as we know. Better even."
The relief in her eyes was so real it hurt both the men looking at her.
"Thank the gods." She covered her face, "I thought she was dead." She let out the most exasperated sigh anyone had heard. "For goodness sake, she took off ten years of my life."
Proteus moved his arm away confident the woman wouldn't attack his father.
She flopped into the last chair and leaned her head back.
Dymas looked at the young woman. "You alright Traea?"
She waved a hand in acknowledgement and let out the longest sigh anyone had ever heard, "So she actually left huh?" she said to the ceiling.
Proteus and Dymas looked at each other.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. There was a lot happening at the time." Dymas explained.
The woman sat up and smiled, "that bitch left without me." Her grin was too happy.
Dymas coughed, "Language young lady."
"Sorry." She looked over at Proteus and then bowed her head politely, "I'm sorry for calling you pony tail your highness."
Proteus smiled, "Don't worry, you're not the only one who thinks I should cut my hair."
The woman looked pleasantly surprised at his joking reply and then pursed her lips. "So this Sinbad, I've heard he's a pirate?"
"He's a good man I assure you." Proteus said immediately. "He'll treat Marina well."
"It's good of you to stick your neck out for him." She said straight faced.
Proteus opened his mouth in surprise but before he could reply she spoke again.
"But if you say so I guess I won't have to go after her." The woman smiled genuinely this time.
"Will you go after her?" Dymas asked knowing that the Traea would if she felt she needed to.
She paused for a moment in thought, she seemed to contemplate the idea. Then shook her head grinning ruefully, "No." She leaned back, "As long as she's happy that's all I that matters."
Proteus looked at her in surprise and she smiled at him, "I trust your judgement your highness. If you think Sinbad is of fine character, I'll have to live with it." She shrugged, "And I know Marina can handle herself. That woman is fierce." She said it with such a look on her face that Dymas had to believe it.
"So you're not angry at her?" Proteus asked.
"Of course not. And as much as I would love to go tearing across the seas to hunt this Sinbad down and make sure he treats Marina well…" She took a breath, "I have responsibilities here or so I've been told." She looked at Dymas closing the issue. "But I do have questions, I expect they'll be answered."
Dymas smiled, "Of course," He held up a hand, "but first introductions. Traea this is my son Proteus. Proteus this is General Astraea, Chief of strategy and tactics. She just returned from Italia."
They both stood and shook hands. "It is an honor to meet you your highness."
"Just Proteus please." Proteus smiled already well inclined toward the general.
"Then you must call me Traea." She replied appreciating his firm but not overbearing grip.
Dymas smiled as they exchange greetings, "Proteus this is the person I wanted you to meet, what do you think?"
Proteus's immediately tensed and he glanced at the general to his left, she didn't seem to be nervous at all as she glared at the king.
She put her hands on her hips, "What do you think? Really Dymas? Am I piece of meat?"
"Um… You seem like a very nice person." He said honestly but unsure exactly how to proceed.
Traea grinned at the prince, "I'm glad you think so. We would've spent a lot of time together."
"Excuse me?"
Dymas laughed awkwardly, "Well, Traea is one of the trusted officers I asked to…"
Proteus suddenly realized what his father meant. She was one of the people who would have helped him escape. She wasn't to be his next fiancé.
"Oh! Thank you." He bowed his head a little surprised.
She rolled her eyes, "No need to thank me, you ended up not needing the help."
"Traea has been away for two years helping our allies." Dymas explained, "But I asked her to return because of the things happening here. Now that she's back I was hoping you two could work together to resolve some of our problems."
Traea returned to her seat, "Speaking of which, what exactly has been happening while I was away? I heard there was a god involved."
Dymas quickly filled the general in with Proteus helping where he could.
"The gods really are nothing but trouble." Traea sighed when they'd finished.
Proteus made a noise of agreement while Dymas frowned at both of them.
"Who's the new ambassador?" Traea asked.
"Voreliam, at least for now." Dymas sighed. "But he didn't expect to get pushed in so suddenly. Marina was supposed to have… well. He's what we got."
He was supposed to have slowly taken over Marina's duties and officially take up the mantle when Marina and Proteus were married.
Traea frowned, "And what's being done to prevent the book from being stolen again."
"I'm working on that right now." Proteus said, "The issue poses some unique problems." Namely how to keep the gods from getting something they wanted, if that was even possible.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to offer my assistance." Traea said, the problem was intriguing to say the least.
Proteus smiled, "I'd appreciate the help."
"Oh Traea, I also want you to guest lecture on strategy and tactics in the officer's school." Dymas said, "And I'd like you to lead a training seminar for the other officers about some of the battles you fought."
Dymas expected complaints, the general did not get along with her fellow officers very well. But he was surprised when he instead received silence.
"Alright." She agreed without protest.
"Really?" King Dymas asked surprised, "'I'd expect you to at least try to get out of the seminar."
She shook her head, "I think I've used up all my selfishness for today. Besides we should be prepared."
"Prepared for what?" Proteus asked.
She looked at him and then smiled, "Confrontation maybe. The gods are fickle."
Dymas laughed at the absurdity of the thought. Traea leading an army against the gods.
Traea shrugged grinning.
Proteus couldn't help but notice the gleam of knowing in her eyes. With it came a sense of foreboding. It seemed she actually expected and was ready to fight the gods.
"Well, I'd like to sit in on some of those lessons. If you'll allow me." Proteus expressed his interest.
Traea was once again surprised. "If you want. But I doubt you'll find it particularly engrossing."
"Well, I think it's better than some of these boring council meetings." He smiled.
Traea looked at the prince, obviously she knew him, you would have to live underneath a rock to not know who he was. He was, to put it simply a paragon of virtue. Unquestionably loved by his people to an almost absurd degree. Noble, charismatic, intelligent and kind. Truly the epitome of Syracuse royalty. From what Marina had said, he was even more likeable up close. Traea had to admit, so far Proteus was holding up. She was naturally skeptical of anyone who was adored so much but he was living up to his reputation. Despite pledging her life and service to this man, it was the first time she'd seen him up close. From afar you didn't notice how expressive his face was. He was long and lean, his face and the rest of him. He was more handsome than the portraits and statues made him look. He had an easy friendliness and a way of listening that made it look like he truly cared about what the person was saying. A devilish thought made her want to see if she could piss him off, but she quickly dismissed it.
"Traea, how was your trip here?" Dymas interrupted her thoughts.
"Fine. We had a little run in with some man-eating sheep but nothing we couldn't handle." Traea returned to the conversation seamlessly.
"I want to hear about that." Proteus grinned.
"Come to my talks and you might." Traea smirked, "But fighting sheep isn't exactly the foremost study on warfare."
Suddenly there was some pawing at the door. Traea perked up and then smiled. "Sorry. Do you mind if I let him in?"
"Go ahead." Dymas smiled.
Traea swung herself over the side of the armrest and opened the door letting in a very ugly dog.
Proteus instantly smiled delighted, he had a soft spot for animals.
The dog nudged Traea's hand wiggling under it trying to get pet. Traea obliged, "Proteus this is Machai, Machai this is Proteus, Berani." She pointed to the prince.
The dog instantly pranced up to the elegant prince and sniffed his hands.
"Hi Machai." Proteus smiled, "Hello to you too." He rubbed the dog's ears. Well, ear. The other had been chewed off. Proteus looked the dog over, he was no beauty queen. He was mostly speckled brown with a white splotch on his chest and one white paw. He had a barrel chest and good legs. His short brown fur grew a bit patchy where there were scars. His heavy chisel shaped head was accompanied with a powerful jaw. He came up to Proteus's knees and reminded him of a hunting dog, but no hunting dog he'd ever seen. Despite the rest of the features, Machai's eyes were an iridescent gold, triangle and soulful. Though he was less than perfect looking he was a happy thing. His whip like tail beating back and forth so much it looked like he was wiggling. He had a doggish smile on his face as Proteus pet him.
"You're a good boy aren't you?" Proteus nearly laughed as the dog tried to lick his chin.
"Do you remember me boy?" Dymas came around his desk and pet the dog as well.
The dog turned to him and sniffed his robe with enthusiasm clearly remembering his friend. The dog looked a bit off balance trying to eek out a petting from both of the royals who gave him their attention.
Traea smiled and sat back down, "He's happy to be back."
"I hope you didn't pick up too many strays this time Traea." Dymas looked at her.
Traea laughed, "Just a few birds… and a lamb."
Proteus raised an eyebrow, "Not from the man-eating sheep herd right?"
"He eats grass." Traea defended herself and the lamb.
Proteus looked at Traea, a hint of a smile on his face. He'd never had the chance to meet the General because she'd been out campaigning for most of her career. But he'd learned plenty about her from Marina who'd receive letters and tell him about the warrior's escapades. From what he gathered she was incredibly intelligent and charming, a fearless leader of her men. She'd become sort of a legend to him. Of course, with Marina and Traea being close friends he had to take it all with a grain of salt. But now he wished he'd met the warrior earlier, she was genuinely funny and likeable. He could tell she cared very deeply for Marina and was uncowed in the face of royalty from her glare and subsequent pony tail remark. She was obviously a warrior, with strong shoulders and a trim waist and a natural athleticism that showed in the way she moved. She was tall, only a few inches shorter than he. She was both naturally and sun tanned and had the whitest teeth he'd ever seen. He wanted to say she was Spanish in ethnicity but something told him that wasn't quite right. He had trouble placing her age as well, he knew she had to be around Marina's age, but her skin didn't show any signs of aging, yet her place as chief of strategies and tactics, not to mention her friendship with his father seemed to put her older than he. Traea was free with her smiles and words, he'd like to see what kind of conversations they'd have. He watched her smiling at the dog and his father, genuinely pleased with both, warmth practically radiated off her. Despite the happy aura her eyes held just the hint of sadness.
Proteus left the dog to his father who was doing enough playing for the both of them.
"You miss her don't you?" He asked.
She looked up at him and sighed, "Yeah." Traea remembered the nights they'd sit giggling to each other. Sneaking out of the palace and complaining about the court over sweets. Marina admitting that she wanted more, she wanted to see the world and go on adventures. "Machai really liked her." Traea smiled looking at the dog who pranced around the king happily.
Standing she formally gave him her thanks, "Thank you."
Proteus blinked confused, "What for?"
"For telling her to go." Traea grinned, she'd been okay staying away for so long knowing a good person like this prince was looking after her Marina. Traea put her hands on her hips, "You really are all you're cracked up to be."
Proteus smiled liking the honesty, "Well, so are you."
Traea grimaced, "Marina told you stories didn't she?"
Proteus laughed, "They were good stories."
"I doubt that." Traea sighed. "I must look like an ogre to you." She made a face surprising Proteus again with her lightheartedness.
Dymas watched the two engaged in conversation. He was glad the two got along. Proteus always had trouble making true friends due to his birth. Dymas secretly worried about him. His son who took on more than his responsibility, who cared so deeply for his people that it hurt sometimes. Proteus's only real flaw was that he was too good of a prince. His drive to make Syracuse a great place had pushed him far beyond the reach of normal people, even Dymas couldn't reach him now. His son was on a pedestal of sorts. Dymas wondered not for the first time if Proteus knew what people saw when they looked at him. How him just being in a room changed people. Proteus needed someone who not only could stand next to him but also push him. Dymas knew Traea could do that. Very few were aware of the warrior's talents, but Dymas had an inkling that she was beyond his comprehension. Her strength of character had surprised the king time and time again. He had offered to give her lands and a title once, her service had more than earned it, but she turned him down. She told him that it was a time of peace and she had done nothing to deserve it. He had given it to her anyway in secret, when she found out she glared at him for a week. Most of all though she was genuine, genuinely kind, genuinely human, genuinely herself, which was something they all needed more of.
"Dymas, I have to go report to the other officers."
Dymas got up from petting Machai, "Of course. Go ahead dear."
She nodded, "The meeting is at noon right?" She asked Proteus.
"Noon, see you there."
"Looking forward to it." She nodded. Traea went over to Dymas and kissed him on the cheek, "I'll see you later." She turned to the dog, "Come on Machai."
The dog got up and ran after her. His paws having some grip issues on the tiles. Machai slid into the door with a scrabble, bounced right back and ran out after Traea.
Both of the royals looked at the door and smiled.
"Well, that was Traea." Dymas held out his hand, "Quite fun isn't she?"
Proteus laughed, "You could say that." He glanced at the door, "Is there anything else you need from me father?"
Dymas shook his head, "Go ahead Proteus."
Proteus bowed to his father quickly and left to go do some more work. Proteus closed the door behind him and wandered down the hall off to do his work. Only to be engulfed by a group of sailors.
They thumped him on the back and greeted him.
"Proteus! That's where you were!" A sailor grinned, "we've been looking everywhere for you."
Proteus easily got free of the arms and clasped hands with the captain, "Rowdy as always Admentus." He pushed him jokingly on the shoulder.
"Guilty as charged." The captain inclined his head, "Come on, the boys and I are going to lunch you want to join?"
"Will there be any left if I join?" Proteus asked.
Admentus laughed, "I'm sure you can have scraps." He put a hand on Proteus's shoulder, "But it's nice to have you back."
Proteus grinned, "Yeah, well, I was actually enjoying my vacation."
Admentus laughed, "You slacker! You just wanted some time off!"
Proteus held up his hands, "You caught me." He put a hand on his chest, "I've just been looking for excuses to get thrown in jail." He looked at the rest of the crew who'd followed them, "And how have all of you been doing?"
They all smiled, "Very well your highness."
Proteus nodded, "That's good. I'm glad you're all back." He put a friendly hand on the shoulder of the smallest of them who was looking at him with wide eyes, "You must be new, how is it sailing with Admentus?" He grinned trying to put the boy at ease. "You can tell me the truth, I also think he's a little crazy." He winked.
"You're scaring my cabin boy." Admentus elbowed the Prince, "he's not used to royalty being so friendly."
"Sorry." Proteus grinned. "I promise I don't bite."
The boy nodded vigorously, "Of course not sire!"
Proteus grinned and turned to Admentus, "See, he believes me."
Admentus just rolled his eyes, he was just a bit taller than Proteus, with dark hair and green eyes. His face was a bit weathered from sailing under the Mediterranean sun for so long. The captain was twenty-five, loud, boisterous, and he had a reputation for being a trouble maker. Proteus and the Captain had gone to the academy together and met in their sword training class. Proteus liked the captain, he was easy-going, friendly, and a good captain.
They went down to the dining hall together and claimed their food and table. Several times during their meal people joined the table to talk to the prince who had escaped an execution. Proteus greeted them all warmly and chatted with them. He was in the middle of talking with the young lord of Agyrium when Priam, his clerk, came to get him.
"Your highness, the supply list for the refugees needs your approval." Priam nervously looked at the people at the table.
Proteus smiled wishing the young man would be less nervous. Priam was of invaluable help to Proteus. He managed to keep all the events straight and help him not get buried under a mountain of paperwork.
"Thank you Priam. Excuse me." He got up.
Everyone at the table nodded in farewell.
"There's also requests for aid from some of the lands in the east where infrastructure was destroyed last week."
Priam was twenty, wide eyed and fresh from the university. Blonde with freckles across his pert nose. He was a sweet young man, a bit skittish but exceptionally hard working. Priam still called Proteus by his title despite Proteus's attempts to get him to relax a little more.
Proteus took the paper Priam had and handed the young man his father's request. "Which refugee camp is this?"
"The one in the north your highness." Priam answered
Proteus nodded and pushed open the door to his office. He looked at the work that had accumulated on his desk and grimaced.
Proteus quickly dipped his pen in ink and signed his name. He waved the ink dry while getting updated.
"… there's been reports of wild Centaurs in the east and the roads in Entella are damaged."
Proteus nodded handing him the signed supply request, "Make sure this gets to the refugees as quickly as possible. And once you've done that you're dismissed for the day." Proteus smiled, Priam had been working hard this week. "Thank you for your help."
"But you're highness…" Priam took the paper.
"Get some rest Priam. Come back ready for tomorrow." Proteus smiled at the clerk's earnestness.
Priam pressed his lips together and bowed, "Thank you your highness." He left and Proteus closed the door gently behind him.
Proteus turned around and looked at the mound of papers that had accumulated on his desk over the morning. He sighed, that's what he got for taking a ten day vacation. Making his way to his desk, he skimmed the few on the top. Reports of swept out roads, and flooded fields. Requests for money, and aid from farmer's and nobles alike. He picked up one to scrutinize and walked around his desk reading the report. He swept out the bottom of his tunic as he sat down so that he wouldn't crumple it, eyes fixated on the paper.
Proteus took out a pen and dipped it in the ink. He quickly wrote a few notes and signed the bottom. He took the next one from the pile and examined it as well. His strong brows furrowed in concentration. His handsome face stern in thought as he rubbed his chin thinking about where to divert resources best.
Before he knew it three hours passed and the stack of unread reports had dwindled into two requests for irrigation stipends. Proteus put his pen down, the only sign of disorganization on his desk. He grimaced and rubbed his neck and shoulders where the stiffness always built up. He moved his long hair out of the way and tried to squeeze the tiredness out of them without luck. He got up and went to the window and looked out to enjoy the evening sun. Proteus leaned against the window frame and watched the city through the trees and spires. The people milled bellow going about their business and interacting with each other. From Proteus's spot above the city he could see everything down to the sea. There was the baker's shop that hadn't closed for even one day in eleven years. The old couple there were sweet to each other still. They had a daughter who helped them out around the shop along with her husband and probably would take over when the old couple retired. Their turnover's were to die for. The old woman worked magic on pastries. Proteus peeked at his desk. He could have a break. Besides, he had to work on that drug problem, he could gather some information in the city. Proteus snatched up his cloak and sword and pushed the window open. Looking around he checked to see if the coast was clear. Pulling his cloak tighter around him he swung out onto a ledge. He crept along it quickly and deftly leapt onto the outer wall.
Luckily the soldier patrolling was familiar with the Prince's exits.
Proteus raised a hand in greeting. "Hi Lenny."
"You're highness." The soldier didn't seem the slightest bit surprised when the prince vaulted over the edge of the wall. Proteus landed in a tree where he climbed down with the ease of years of practice. Landing on the ground he dusted himself off and headed into town.
It was a pleasantly warm day. Most people would say balmy, which meant pleasantly warm, but somehow Proteus go it stuck in his head that balmy meant a wet day of indeterminate unpleasant temperature. He knew that wasn't right but he couldn't seem to shake it off. Either way, the weather was fine. The mild climate of Syracuse was a blessing. With the warm weather the citizens seemed to be out in full force. A kid stared at him recognizing the prince.
Proteus held a finger to his lips and winked. The kid jumped and ran away. Proteus smiled and turned into a side street. It was less crowded, the street was just wide enough for two carts to pass each other. Proteus stopped at a door to a building that was rather nondescript. The Prancing Griffin was a sturdy building, built mostly of stone and wood. The tavern was pretty large, the entire front an expansive public eating house with some private dining rooms in the back. While the front was humble, the inside was well decorated and lit with sturdy tables and a well sculpted chandelier. There was eating space on a second floor balcony as well. The tavern itself was relatively normal. However anyone who knew anything knew that it wasn't a normal bar. It was a meeting place for most of the shadowy characters in Syracuse. The owner was the infamous Dolos the King of Theives who ruled over the court of the rouge. Proteus had accidently made friends with the man and found out about his night job after. Proteus knew that Dolos was important, he kept the crime from running rampant in the city and kept order among criminals. Besides, he was really good company.
Proteus looked around and was instantly found by the man himself. Dolos greeted him with open arms a sly smile on his face.
"Proteus! About time you showed up!" Dolos hugged the prince clapping him on the back, "You missed all the fun."
Proteus grinned hugging the man back. Dolos was nearly thirty with white blonde hair nearly as long as Proteus's. He was slim and his dark eyes were quick. Multiple knife scars covered his hands and arms. His nose had been broken and healed a bit crooked and his ear had taken some abuse over the years. He wore a green shirt, the collar embroidered with leaves tucked into plain breeches. Dolos was unfaltering clever and his wit quick. He had to be, unlike Proteus his throne was constantly under threat from vagabonds.
"People miss you at their card games." Dolos said with a grin, Proteus wasn't the best at cards and lost enough money to make everyone happy.
"Oy! Look who's here!" Someone noticed Proteus and shouted lifting his mug into the air.
"Proteus!" Nearly everyone in the tavern turned and cheered.
Proteus grinned and waved. Luckily Proteus was a very popular name in Syracuse.
Dolos chuckled, "like I said, they missed you." He led the way to a table in the back.
"How have things been going?" Proteus asked worried the tavern might've taken a hit in the past week.
Dolos grinned, "Never better. People are coming in from all over, business is booming."
Proteus could notice it was in more than one way, "That's a relief."
Dolos waved a hand at a waitress knowing what Proteus liked, "So are you here for business or pleasure this time?"
"Both." Proteus grinned. "There's this new drug, Nadai."
Dolos grimaced, "Let me stop you there. You don't want to get mixed up with that stuff."
"I want to know where it's coming from." Proteus dispersed whatever Dolos's preconceived notions were, "Three people have already died from it."
"Five, two were just found floating in the canal." Dolos informed him.
Proteus flinched, two more. "I was hoping I could get your help trying to stop it."
Dolos nodded, "Of course, I've told my friends that it's bad news, they're steering clear of it." He pressed his thin lips together, "There are a few places I know that sell it." The rouge wrote down a few names on a napkin and held it out. "Now, why does a young man like you want to know about Nadai?"
"I told you, I'm just a friendly neighborhood guy looking after his own skin."
Dolos smirked and handed the napkin to Proteus who looked it over. "Be careful trying to get information, they ain't friendly."
"Thanks." Proteus tucked the napkin into his robe, "I know it comes from the east, my best guess would be Arabia." Proteus offered. "But it's just a guess."
Dolos filed away the information, "It certainly helps narrow down the search, thank you." He accepted a drink from the server, "And I'll keep you up to date as we do our own investigations."
Proteus took his drink from the server with a thanks, "I appreciate it." He took a sip of watered down wine.
Dolos smiled, "You are certainly on task today."
Proteus smiled, "Well you know how it is. After that whole book of peace business I can hardly relax."
"Why's that?"
Proteus raised an eyebrow at the thief lord and straightened his collar with a smile, "the god's are hardly good for business." He fell to his background story. He was aware Dolos knew he was the prince, but it was never to be spoken out loud. Proteus relaxed in his seat, it was nice to be anonymous for a bit.
Proteus felt something nudge his leg and bark. Proteus looked down and saw a less than stellar looking dog paw his shoe and wait to be pet. He knew this dog.
"Dolos! Long time no see!" A voice said from Proteus' right.
Proteus looked up just as Traea noticed him and Admentus emerged from the toilet. They all stared at each other.
"What are you doing here?" They asked in unison.
Proteus looked at both of the people he'd last expect to see here. Admentus looked just as surprised as he felt. Traea was the first to recover.
"Machai, stop that." She admonished the dog who was pawing at Proteus's leg. She turned her attention to the prince with a smile, "Hey guys! I didn't expect to see you here. Do you know Dolos too?"
Proteus let the dog have what he wanted and nodded, "I do. We were just catching up." Proteus turned to Admentus, "I didn't know you came here."
Admentus laughed, "Not frequently, but I do enjoy dice against these guys." He looked over at Traea, "It's nice to see you alive."
Traea laughed, "Like-wise, I hope you kept up your spear work little guppy." She grinned and slapped him on the shoulder teasingly.
Proteus was mildly surprised that the two knew each other.
"We'll have to have a match to see." Admentus replied with a smirk, "And you must be Dolos, I'm Admentus, it's an honor to meet you."
Dolos shook hands with the captain assessing the taller man with a discerning gaze. It seemed he passed and Dolos smiled. "Nice to meet you." Dolos gestured to them, "Come, sit." He looked at Proteus, "If you don't mind of course.
Proteus grinned, "the more the merrier."
Admentus took a seat while Dolos and Traea hugged, "You've lost weight Traea." Dolos patted her arms.
Traea grinned, "Well I've been traveling a lot, carrying around extra weight is too inconvenient."
Dolos laughed, "And your tongue is as sharp as ever."
"You can thank the Sphinxes." She sat down, "It's always word play with them."
"So it is." Dolos made a sign to ward off ill will on his chest and sat as well, "When did you get back?"
"This morning." Traea accepted Machai's gift of a stick. "Imagine my surprise when I get back and I hear all this excitement went down without me."
"Oh, you didn't miss much." Proteus stretched out his long legs. "It was pretty boring for the most part."
The other two laughed.
Traea smoothed her hair back, "Still, I was hoping Dolos could fill me in."
Proteus nearly looked at her. He knew she's already been briefed on the situation. More so than most too. But he stuck his smile in place without hinting his confusion.
"I know the basics, the goddess of chaos um…"
"Eris." Admentus supplied.
"Eris." Traea gave him a grateful look, "Stole the book of peace, and pinned it on a pirate, um Sinbad? And the Prince decided to put his head on the chopping block for him."
"You've got the gist of it." Dolos grinned.
Traea rolled her eyes, "That prince really is something else." She laughed.
Proteus rubbed his neck as the other two snuck peeks at him.
"So did everything turn out alright?" Traea asked.
Dolos nodded, "It did, but seeing a goddess with my own two eyes was more than I bargained for."
"But the book was returned, all's well that ends well." Admentus took a drink from the mug the waitress brought over.
"Oh, well, I heard some disquieting rumors while I was abroad." Traea said wide eyed. "They say that the book closing was a sign of the Gods' displeasure with Syracuse." She pet Machai, "There any truth in it?"
Proteus watched the warrior, his brow furrowed.
Dolos frowned, "Well, I've heard it before. But you know how rumors are, I don't believe it personally."
"Besides, things have never been better in Syracuse." Admentus crossed his arms, "It's a ridiculous claim to make."
Traea nodded giving Machai his stick, "I thought so too." She looked up at Proteus and smiled, "I think Machai wants to give that to you."
Machai wagged his tail sticking his head in Proteus's lap and dropping the stick on his thighs.
"Thanks Machai." Proteus's accepted the stick and turned to the others, "Well, enough talk about gods and rumors. I've got a more important topic to discuss." He raised Machai's stick, "the word 'balmy'." He waved the stick for emphasis, "Does not match it's definition."
"What?" Admentus asked confused.
"I don't understand." Dolos frowned.
Traea pointed, "No, I know exactly what you're talking about." She looked more serious than Proteus, "Balmy just seems so wet and unpleasant. Doesn't it?"
"Yes! It's just not a sunny word." Proteus grinned glad he and Traea were on the same page.
Dolos laughed while Admentus stared at them both.
"Of course you would argue about that." Dolos chuckled. "Proteus, you are a class act."
"It's very important." Proteus said with severity though his eyes were mirthful.
"Very important." Traea nodded in affirmation. "Words should match their definition."
"Exactly." Proteus held up a fist and Traea tapped the side of it with her own. Allies in this battle against ill-suited words.
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