"Lazarus, align the men. I want them on both sides of the convoy and send Oscillian ahead with two more men to scout the area. Keep the women and the children behind. The children go in the carts; the women can walk along with the rest of the men. Take only what is necessary. We travel light." Paris was agitated trying to fix the last details of the cross over. It was not a long journey, but the grains of time fell hard on those who lingered in dangerous places. He watched Aalexia from afar getting the children ready. It was still dark; they were moving fast and things got done fast. The men brought down the last tents where the youngsters had slept for the night. His eyes fell on Pandora as she helped Adelia to take the kitchen utensils and wrap them in a tarp. His eyes warmed up to her, and he trembled slightly at the feeling. A few hours in her arms, and he felt lighter and at peace. Behind him a few soldiers loaded the weapons in an open cart and Udores helped, pushing the heavy weaponry inside. The Myrmidon had resumed to his traditional Greek wear, but he didn't look less menacing. Yet, Paris got to appreciate his spirit and few teachings he had shared with him for the past week. He understood more and more what Aalexia had been telling him. But it was hard letting go; letting of her and letting go of his brother. Aalexia came to him taking the old apron off. He could see she was cold; she had forgotten about changing her dress and wore the same for almost a week; it got torn and the golden locks on her shoulders didn't keep the morning dew or chilly wind away from her skin. He pulled his cape off and wrapped it around her fragile body. She smiled holding on his hands for a moment.
"We are ready. Just tell us when." Paris smiled and his heart skipped a beat looking at her and thinking of how important this moment was and how much he needed her. But the more he watched her, the more his selfishness sank inside, lower into the crevice of his young mind; he was lonely in his pride; lonely in his fear. But he could not be selfish. Aalexia saw the fear in his eyes and she grabbed him by the arms shaking him gently. "It will be alright." Paris kept his eyes in hers piercing through the darkness. If such a tiny being could endure so much, so could he for the sake of his people. His regard shifted beyond Aalexia observing Pandora gathering one of the babies in her arms. He was ready to make a future for himself; and if he wasn't very well prepared for it, then he needed to learn fast if he was ever to follow into Hector's footsteps. His hand touched the handle to the sword, the sword of his people. As long as a Trojan has this sword, our people have a future… His eyes cried out the pain remembering his father's death. Aalexia cupped his face and soothed the struggle inside. He smiled and kissed the inside of her hand then turned around and moved towards the men. Behind him Aalexia focused on Udores. He was saddling his horse, taking his time like he was waiting for something; lingering on his own thoughts. Afsar stood next to him making efforts to adjust the saddle on his horse. He had kept mostly to himself inspecting the camp for the past few days; but now he was a free man and he wanted to make the most of it.
"Udores…" He turned around, patting the horse on the long braded feather. The horse neighed hitting the dirt with his hooves, sensing the tension in them. She smiled getting closer.
"My Lady…" She sighed and placed her little hands in his squeezing hard.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything." And she felt words could not really express how she felt about him. He held tight on her hands, responding mutely to her lack of words. "Go home, to your lovely wife and think not of what you leave behind. We will be fine." His lips twitched. Neither of you will be fine… And he meant Achilles; he meant their souls tangled together, yet separated by human and godly intervention.
"My Lady…" But she hushed him silent. She did not want to risk hearing him calling her back, telling her how she should not stay. Her thoughts and his had to remain unspoken for their sake; for her sanity and for her ruptured soul to heal in time. He nodded and accepted this new compromise. "Maybe I should see you and the young prince to Apollonia."
"We will make it. Alcander will send a few men to wait for us half way into the plains."
"I promised to see you to safety…"
"It's hard to do that. It will take years before these lands are safe again." She smiled at the idea of having him around for so long. He bowed, smiling as well. He leaned against the horse grabbing on the saddle then pushed his body up in a swift controlled way. He pulled on the bridle then took another quick look around. Afsar remained motionless, watching him, not knowing what he was doing. The sun was slowly making its way to the sky. The carts were lined up and the men fretted around them, organizing the exit from the little valley. Paris was already in saddle coordinating the women to the back of the line. Their eyes met, and Paris remained motionless for a moment looking at the Greek warrior. His heart went out in appreciation to his care for him and for his people.
Udores' sight came back to the tiny woman still holding his horse in place. Her hand let go slowly and her eyes watered with tears as she did so. She hurt inside with letting go of her last remnants of him. Udores kicked the horse and went around her getting ready to move out, ahead of the men and back to the small improvised harbor. Aalexia didn't turn around to see him but felt his presence behind her. She faced the little passage through the mountains; she wanted to watch him leave until she lost sight of him. Life was strange; people came and left and she was about to witness another one leave for good. Udores came around looking at the same passage, keeping the horse steady at her side. He didn't look at her; he did not want to. Emotions were something he could not afford in the cold world of wars and battles. The horse took a step forward and Aalexia shivered making obvious efforts to keep her eyes set on the narrow path leading out of the bucket shaped valley. Udores stalled the horse and Aalexia closed her eyes too weak to handle the sorrow. She listened to the hooves stepping lightly on the wet grass; then it stopped. He couldn't have gone so fast! She opened her eyes and saw Udores facing her again; in one quick move he urged the horse ahead to then make it stop abruptly right next to her. Aalexia took a step back scared with the animal almost kicking in her face. He bent and swept her from her feet and to his chest, with her skinny body dangling at the side of the horse. She wrapped her slender arms around his neck and held tight. Udores kept his arm strong around her waist, squeezing her to him, eyes closed, senses focused on her to a maximum.
Paris stopped to watch them from afar. They were ready. Lazarus looked at him from in front of the line and the prince gave the signal. The men started moving. The rusty sound of the carts awoke them to reality. Udores placed her back on the ground, gently and cleaned off the tears from her pale cheeks. A thousand thoughts stumbled down on his tongue but none could alleviate her pain and he knew it. So he kept them to himself as he turned the horse around, one more time.
Afsar looked at him getting ready and his eyes fell back on the Trojan Queen. Then glimpsed back at Udores who now watched him, waiting for him to follow. But the Persian hurried before her, halting the horse with a sharp command.
"My dear lady, if you are ever in need, Afsar-ud-Din will always be your humble servant to help with whatever these hands can do!" and he bowed his forehead holding on to his turban. Udores smiled swiftly without turning around. A kick in the animal's ribs and he sped through the men taking lead of the line and before long he disappeared into the narrow mountain passage. Afsar took one more look at her and steered the horse to follow Udores. The wind sneaked in from behind them, coming down in circles on her face, cooling down the fire in her cheeks, curling the chestnut strands around her skinny shoulders. The first cart followed on the path and soon half of the convoy disappeared between the tall rocky walls. Adelia reached her and pushed her gently in line with the other women. She didn't look at anyone; she had nothing to say to anyone.
The people moved slowly and the women stayed close to the last carts trying to keep the children silent. The mountains seemed taller than she remembered them being, the wind harsher and the silence deeper. As soon as they came out of the valley they steered right, towards the forest. The path enlarged and the people felt more at ease with having space to move around. The few soldiers left under Paris' command moved back and forth among the carts. Adelia walked next to the last cart, holding on to the railing, trying to keep up. She had tied this small pen to her waist belt. Aalexia caught a glimpse of it and smiled amused. The image of someone dear comforted her inner storm. The pen dangled in the folds of the dress as she walked, a little limply, dragging those old bones towards a new beginning. Pandora stood before her, keeping an eye on the horses, not to stray from the convoy. Paris rode back and stopped momentarily at her side. He leaned in the saddle and caressed her hair hurriedly before continuing down towards the end of the line. Aalexia saw him observing her with the corner of his eye as he steered the horse back towards the men. He disappeared among the carts and she resumed her position, walking calmly, at pace in the back. Almost an hour passed by when a few yelled commands made the convoy stopped. Little by little the rest of the carts came to a halt and the young women fretted not knowing what was going on. Adelia rushed her hand to feel the pen and let go of the railing moving slowly towards Pandora.
Paris galloped along the line with Heffe following close by. He stopped the horse and dismounted going in one of the carts. She watched in silence waiting. Heffe took both horses and handed them over to one of the young men, then came to Adelia whispering something. Adelia turned around to look at her and Aalexia saw her face change. For the first time since she'd seen Udores leave that morning she felt her heart racing back to a stronger beat. Paris came out holding something wrapped in the navy blue of the Trojan royalty. He passed Heffe and Adelia by and the two of them followed him. Pandora, the children and the rest of her household came along, keeping their distance. Aalexia's eyes widened the closer they got. Heffe and Adelia stopped letting the young Prince come before her alone. Paris looked at her and for once she saw Hector in the dark eyes, the same unbroken Trojan spirit she'd loved in him; the same strength and will, an endurance that made him be his father's son and not just any other young reckless prince out there. His hand was folded firmly against the thing in his arms. She wished she asked him why they had stopped, but somehow she felt this had more to do with her than with anything else so she remained silent.
"My beautiful Queen…" and his voice was stronger, powerful and clear as he bent closer to keep the eye contact going. "Will you find the power to forgive me for judging you? For not being strong enough?" But he didn't let her answer. "I hope you do. It will tear my heart to know I am not worthy of your trust and respect in all the years to come." Aalexia's lips parted but Paris still didn't let her speak. "I hid behind Hector and watched him fight our wars since he was younger than I am now. I hid behind father, knowing all the responsibility of the kingdom rested with him and there was nothing for me to do, other than fool around and be spoiled. And now, I hid behind my fear of facing the truth and rising to the moment; being what it asked of me; being the leader my people need. I missed Hector and father… I missed you and your guidance, your kindness, to light my way in these dark hours. And I stood alone waiting. And when you came – unexpectedly and happy was I to see you again before my eyes! – I dismissed you with a simple judgment, hiding yet again behind my rage and selfishness! I had no right and I still don't have any right to ask anything of you."
"Paris…"
"No! Please let me finish…" And Aalexia shifted nervously, not knowing where this was going. Now everyone was looking at them and they all fretted listening to their leaders talk. Rarely had the common people the chance to see their princes and queens discuss so freely before them and they were all ears. "I did not mean to hurt you." And she smiled. Men were always late with apologies; but as long as they did eventually apologies, she appreciated it. "I missed you terribly and I was angry with not having you around sooner… and at my disposal." And their bond grew stronger as they looked at each other. He touched her forehead slightly. "In here, you are somewhere else. You are someone else's and… and… no, let me finish! It's alright!" Aalexia wanted to fight him and say she was there for him. "Aalexia… it's alright! It's alright to be someone else's. We don't belong to one person alone and I need to learn how to share. Hector…" But Aalexia broke into crying. She couldn't discuss Hector with his brother anymore, it was too painful and she blamed herself too much. She felt sick inside and rushed her hands to her stomach. Some of the girls came closer ready to come to her side. Paris pressed his free palm on her shoulder, supporting her. "Aalexia…" his voice whispered. "You must listen so we can both be at peace. I can do this now." She took a few deep breaths then, still holding tight to her abdomen, she looked him in the eyes again. "Hector loved you and so did I. Father… father always believed in you making the right decisions and if Hector had listened to your plea back then, maybe he'd be alive today. But…" and he smiled bitterly. "… it's how things are and we have today to worry about now. I have not met Achilles, but if he is half of what I've seen in Udores, then he must be an honorable man. We all make a living, whether as a Queen or a warrior, we all hurt others with our way of being. It is not in our hands to judge when we are not perfect. I just hope he treats you well, like you deserve."
"Paris…" His hand cupped her face, while he bent to press his forehead on hers, keeping their eyes locked in the same regard.
"You will always have a place in my heart and Troy will always be your home." A tear dropped down his cheek when he said the words that defined best his intentions. He'd been thinking about it since he discovered Pandora was Greek; since he learnt that his feelings never changed just because she was Greek. Aalexia trembled; the sickness came back and pushed up through her chest and into her throat. She managed to control it once again, pressing down harder on her belly.
"Are you too sending me away?" And she cried, that kind of crying that broke Achilles, that made Hector shudder in his throne when seeing it for the first time. Stronger men had failed facing those tears, he couldn't do much better.
"You should have never left. I know he sent you away, but he needs to listen. Like I had to listen. And maybe you need to learn how to speak for what you want. It must've taken you a lot of courage to be with him; I can only imagine. You've always been strong, but he made you invincible. So go tell him what you he needs to hear."
"You cannot force love on someone."
"I am no expert, but I'd say there is love where you're going; but someone has to take the first step. And we men are cowards when it comes to commitment." And he glimpsed at Pandora behind him, then back at her, staring at him. "And if he is such a fool not to admit it, you know the way back. I will be here. We will all be here." He stood up, smiling. Adelia came behind him and Aalexia saw her face flooding with tears. She rushed her to her chest holding tight, rocking gently, just like the first time they've met back in the camp. Adelia grabbed her by the arms shaking her, asking her to focus.
"Never regret! The world is smaller than you think and we will see each other again. Live life and be happy you've been blessed with the love of so many." She tore the little coral necklace she had around her neck and placed it in her hand.
"But…"
"It is mine to give to whom I want. It has been in my family for generations, passed from mother to daughter and now the time has come for it to go to…" and she dared look her Queen in the eyes "…yet another daughter…" Aalexia kneeled and kissed her hand. A gasp broke through the small crowd around her. She pressed the old ladies' hands to her forehead and sobbed like a child asking for forgiveness. Adelia remained in shock to her gesture. Never before had anyone bowed to her this way, a simple woman, with simple feelings. Heffe came and helped her up, wiping the tears away. She kept her hand in his, still looking at Adelia. The more she looked, the harder Heffe's fingers curled with hers, the wider Paris' smile got - the lighter hearted she felt. They were all like glowing particles coming together to form a rainbow over her rainy somber life and clear the mists away. Above their heads the sun shone brighter and the leaves had more sound to their song than a minute before. Paris looked at Heffe from above the women's heads.
"Take the horses and ride hard. You should make it before Udores raises sails. But you must hurry. If he rides as good as he fights, then you are running out of time." Heffe let go of her hand and went for the horses. Aalexia seemed to hear his words like through a dream. And oddly, there was no guilt and no blame for leaving them, for being sent back. Pandora came near watching her from behind Adelia's shoulder. But Aalexia was still wrapped in the motherly love flowing soothingly from the old lady's eyes.
"You listen to me…" and it woke her up a bit from the unconscious state of happiness. Adelia breathed in, not knowing how to tell her. "I want you to be very careful on the way back. Be careful what you eat. And don't sleep on the floor. Make sure you don't catch a cold, it would be hard taking care of any illness in…" Maybe she shouldn't say anything, maybe it was just her being tired. Aalexia watched her curiously. "… in a fragile state." Aalexia frowned. What fragile estate? "Don't eat fish from the sea. Eat cooked food and fruits. Ask Udores to get you some from the harbor. And don't let those wretched souls get you into their drinking! It might harm…" She stopped abruptly. Aalexia didn't understand anything anymore. Adelia resumed her advices. "You will be fine, just be careful. You'll do just fine. We all do eventually." I wish I was there to help you when the time comes, but maybe one day you'll come visit and I will meet them…
Paris interrupted her thoughts coming before her again. "It's time." Pandora came from behind him and hugged her tight. She didn't dare speak but her eyes said it all. Aalexia smiled and held her hands for a moment longer.
"You need to learn how to speak." Then she looked at Paris. "Because he now knows how to listen." They both grinned, lovingly, enjoying their mutual consent to her words. She turned around moving towards the horse and Heffe was prepared to help her mount. Then something came to her mind and she turned around rapidly.
"Pandora!" The young woman ran at her side. "I need your help with something. Maybe you can help me." And she bent whispering something in her ear. Pandora's eyes widened not understanding much of her request, but nodded as she was listening.
"I do My Lady."
"Great! May I have it? Unfortunately I don't think I can return it very fast…" and she smiled looking at the young girl blush.
"No worries My Lady… I am not going to any festivities any time soon!" And she ran to one of the carts. Paris looked at them both but didn't ask any questions. Heffe helped her up in the saddle; Paris came near and pushed in her lap the bundle in his arms. She grabbed it, uncertain of what it was. Wrapped in the clothing there was something rather heavy and tough. She looked at Paris and he sustained her look, urging her to open it. She pushed the folds aside and she moaned looking at the black amphora. She tried to control it, but she moaned again because tears were no longer enough for how much she felt inside. She bent and placed her lips long and hard against the golden lid; her eyes shut tight, her utter love and longing for the man whose ashes rested in her arms, ravishing through her like heat waves in the desert; drying the very soul in her. Paris lowered his eyes, the sight of her missing his brother made him miss the Trojan Prince just as much. He leaned against the horse's throat, feeling his heart race madly. Aalexia wondered why Paris gave her the ashes of his brother but was happy that he did. She probably didn't deserve it, which made her even more grateful. Paris looked up again, embracing the urn from a distance, with the warmth in his eyes.
"I kept a little for myself…" Aalexia smiled among the tears and went down to caress his face, like that of a little boy revealing a dear secret. Paris stretched and made her bend more to kiss her cheek, then each temple in turn, keeping his lips pressed against her face just a little longer. "Come visit." Aalexia giggled stupidly. She could not imagine Achilles coming for a visit to Troy. "I mean it." Behind him Adelia nodded, looking forward to the day when she will see her again.
Heffe brought his horse close to hers and helped her balance back while keeping a tight hold on her precious gift. Pandora ran back pushing the men aside for her to make it faster. She threw the bag on the horse, in front of Aalexia. She caught her breath, supporting her body against the saddle.
"I hope it fits you… My Lady!" Aalexia pulled the bag closer. She knew it would.
"Thank you so much!"
"Wait! Wait! Wait!" Keea came running holding a small bouquet of wild bell flowers. "For you!" And she tip toed next to the horse, so sweetly but completely useless because she didn't even make it half way up to the horse's knee. Aalexia laughed while Paris scooped the blonde girl up to embrace Aalexia. She received the flowers with such an open heart, pressing Keea at her chest, with her little body wrapped all around her neck, so soft and tender.
"Look after the others! And always listen to Adelia!" The blue eyes met hers and she nodded making the golden locks ruffle around the round little face. Paris took her back, keeping her in his arms, with Pandora at his side. Aalexia smiled seeing the three of them and they both blushed looking at each other.
Aalexia waved to the others. Hands rose up in the air, waving back; small tiny hands, with the fingers unthreaded in a baby grasp, to the young strong hands, moving fast, gripping and releasing in strong movements; to the old wrinkled hands, tanned by the many years of labor and harshness, shaky and gnarled. She loved them all and she would miss them all. Heffe pulled on the bridle and the horses turned around gently. She kept her eyes on them for as long as she could and when she couldn't anymore, she struggled to turn around in the saddle one more time to see them. Adelia cried and Paris was smiling. There was hope; there was hope for him and there was hope for her; even for her there was hope. He'd help her make her decision; he'd helped her make her choice and she felt fortunate to know she now had one. She turned around one more time; the small group of people got smaller and smaller. They just stood there, still waving, still looking for her. Soon the road twisted and she glimpsed one last time before the forest took over.
Please Apollo keep them safe; keep the road open for your people and see that they make it safe to the other side. Much have they suffered; don't let them suffer anymore!
In her heart there was hope; so much hope that even the Sun God could not deny it. The horses gnashed their teeth on the bit and quickened the step. The sun grew stronger above their heads and soon the light swallowed horse and rider into the distance.
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The gates to Bithynia opened heavily and the same old man watched them intrigued. Heffe rushed inside and dragged her horse along. They stopped behind the gates and he advised her to stay put while he brought some water. She was exhausted and her back hurt like never before. She still held tight to the urn where her beloved husband rested.
"My Lady, we cannot linger here. Udores is moving fast and we must catch up with him. He has no reason to spend any more time in the harbor. If we don't get there in time…" Aalexia rejected the pain rippling through her spine and smiled, encouraging his plans.
"Thank you…" Heffe knew it was hard on her but they had no other choice. He rushed up the street with the gourd in his hands, seeking water. Aalexia wished she got off the horse, but she couldn't on her own. She felt dizzy; if she got off she either would fall or never get back up on the saddle. So she leaned against the urn, resting her cheek against the cold lid. She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the forest around the fortress. The small village was as silent as before; people did not know a new battle for their freedom had begun and they remained locked in their houses. Soon enough the word will spread that resistance is coming from the North and there will be no more fear. Heffe hurried back, pushing the little black velvet sack in the belt pocket. Even water was expensive these days! He pushed the gourd up and she drank thirstily.
"My Lady, let me hold this for you!" But Aalexia was reluctant to let go of the urn. "It will be safe in here! We must gallop and I need to know you'll hold on to the horse with both hands or Adelia will kill me if something happens to you!" Aalexia smiled childishly. My dear Heffe! She let go of the black mahogany urn and let him place it in the bag from Pandora hanging tight from the saddle. "It will be fine. It's made out of the best wood. It won't break!" And he patted the tough wood as he moved away to take his horse. "Thank you for your hospitality!" He waved at the old man standing guard as they moved out of the village. The soldier took another good look at her then closed the gates behind him. Aalexia listened to the sound of the rusty hinges and it all played back, like an image circling round to its beginnings. Only that she felt so much better now that she was leaving then when she had arrived here the week before. Heffe kicked the horse and she followed him, keeping an eye on the bag, to make sure the urn was safe. She pushed it under her leg and as she rode, kept it safe at the back of her knee, even though it made her so much more uncomfortable when riding. It didn't matter; it was important that the urn stays intact. Heffe looked back at her to make sure she was alright then kept the pace steady on the horse.
They've been riding for a few hours and they had at least four hours more to go before they reached the harbor. Aalexia was thankful with the path leading mostly through the forest, so she can enjoy the shade and the cooler breeze. So dizzy… so dizzy… She bent forth on the horse's neck. Not now, not now… She urged the sickness to go back and relieve her from its annoying pain. She tried to focus on Heffe's back as he rode in front of her. The image was blurring and it became whiter with each sun ray spearing through the tree tops. Hold on, hold on…
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"One more turn, My Lady!" But she barely heard his voice. She was stuck on the horse's back; stuck and in utter pain. She felt like all of her joints had blocked, that her back had broken and her eyes had taken all the dirt and dust they could possible fit in those small cavities. It hurt every time she closed them, like the eyelids were coming down rubbing against sand and not the white of her eyes! But she couldn't untangle her fingers from around the bridle to rub it off. She coughed a few times. Thank goodness the horse was intelligent enough to move almost on its own and follow Heffe around because she wasn't doing anything anymore to steer it in the right direction.
One more turn and a few small tents appeared. She frowned trying to see details but it was in vain. Heffe slowed down and directed his horse towards hers to keep them both aligned. He knew the journey had taken a toll on her but he was grateful she had made it so far as it was. The hustle and bustle of the small harbor made him agitated. He wasn't that young anymore to keep her safe against the many dangerous this place held. He pushed Paris' cape on her head and pushed her lower on the horse's neck. They needed to find Udores fast. Please be here… And Heffe looked feverishly around for the Myrmidon's ship. He was looking for black sails but saw none.
"My Lady… My lady… do you recognize the ship?" Aalexia pushed her head up and her spine reverberated with the pain, feeling like the vertebras in her neck crushed against each other as she pressed more to lift her eyes to the horizon. "Where are the black sails?"
"Black sails?..." She was barely hearable. "No black sails…"
"My Lady?"
"No black sails…" and she cried louder this time. Heffaistos focused all his attention on her. The horses stopped with all the people buzzing around them, carrying sacks and crates, clothes and fruits hanging from wooden sticks. Heffe looked again. Then it hit him like a rush of stormy winds that Udores was dressed as a Merchant when he first came to the camp. So he probably did not come with a Myrmidon ship. He pulled the horses in slowly, closing in on the docks. Small ships were bouncing slowly next to each other, tied up to the wooden pylons; but nothing resembled what he was looking for. Fishermen packed the nets tight after having dropped the fresh fish into the crates, while their wives were stumbling around the small market to buy a little something for supper, with their offspring curled around their legs, crying hungrily. Aalexia stood up slowly looking at them holding tight to their baskets, trying to comfort the little mouths yelling from among the folds of their dresses. The fathers peered from the docks, getting ready to go out at sea and throw the nets back in. At least Poseidon was merciful with them and gave them enough food to save their families from hunger, if Apollo had deserted them in the darkness. The Sun God ignored their prayers and was ready to go to sleep, for another day was ending.
Udores pulled harder on the harnesses. His eyes counted relentlessly the small boats, as the men watched him suspiciously from behind their sieved straw hats, mouth opened, letting their bad teeth stick out. Aalexia felt a rush of disgust spearing through her stomach and she bent back down on the horse. What's the matter with me? She had seen worst things before, much grosser and disgusting than some bad teeth and she didn't feel this sick. Heffe stopped the horses to check on her.
"My Lady…" She wished she answered but she was afraid that if she opened her mouth she'd throw up. Heffe became more and more concerned. He rose in the saddle looking in the distance. A pile of crates were piled up on the dock and he couldn't see passed them.
"Raise the mainsail!" He caught on the words just in time to see the huge sail climb up the mast from behind the farrago of crates. His heart lost a beat realizing that it was Udores sailing away.
"Waaaaiiiitttttt!" And his voice thundered through the little harbor. But they couldn't see him and he still couldn't see them. He pulled on the horses so abruptly it jolted Aalexia inside out. She gasped, feeling an acid taste in her mouth, choking her and she knew she had to get off the horse. She tried to push her body sideways so she can fall off, but the moment she moved her stomach exploded with a burst of vomit pressing on her throat making it unbearable for her to hold anymore. She closed her eyes and let go; and it felt like she was falling off a cliff and when she was going to hit ground she will crash in a big puddle of pain and barf. Her mouth opened and the air came in a rush, so fast and so powerful, that she heard herself breathing in slow motion, like on a silent background. Something kept her in mid air, pressing down on her stomach and she couldn't help it anymore.
The world came down on her in a hurry, loud like a thunder.
"Let it out Aalexia!" The force keeping her afloat so far dropped her to her knees and she threw up until she was out of air. Her hair was dangling on her shoulders, but a careful hand kept gathering it together behind her head, keeping a tight hold on her waist, applying pressure to her swollen temples and pulsating forehead. She rocked a bit forward and a second wave came; the grip on her waist softened enough for her to lower more and vomit. She felt her body heavy like a rock and she allowed those protective hands to take care of her. Voices on the background, so many but she didn't recognize any of them. Then another one, stronger and very familiar from behind her.
"Bring me some water!" She lay back and his body was warm and supportive.
"Aalexia! Aalexia!" She opened her eyes slowly to see Udores looking down on her. She smiled faintly. "You gave me quite a scare!" He wiped her mouth off and then the sweaty face. She glimpsed and saw Heffe pale, kneeled on the other side, holding her hand. He smiled like a child relieved to have got away without being punished.
"Did I fall… off the horse?" And Udores laughed shortly.
"Yes… I made it in the nick of time to keep you from taking a mouth full of sand!" She smiled.
"I don't think there was anymore room in my mouth for sand…" Heffe laughed along with few of the men standing behind him.
"What are you doing here? Why did you let her ride like this! Look at her!" Heffe waved in defense, not knowing what to say first.
"Do you not know why I am here?" And Udores looked at her lovingly, happy to see her there, now that he was a bit more relieved to see her well. She was quite a sight falling off that horse! She could have as well fallen on the dock and hurt herself more when hitting the wooden boards. He was thankful for his military training, shaping him for fast maneuvers and swift actions. He helped her up and she struggled to free herself from his hold and walk on her own but he refused to let go. He held her close while he said her good bye to Heffe. The old man cried and she didn't find enough comforting words for him.
"Please be careful on the way back! Please take care of all of them… and Paris! He needs men like you and he has so few!" Heffe nodded and hugged her again. Then looked at Udores and he wished he told him to care for her, but he knew he would. He wished he sent a message to Achilles and tell him to give her the world and something more on top of that, if he could, because she was worth it. But he didn't; nonetheless, Udores knew and he told him so through the strong hand shake he gave him before embarking. The men pulled back the board from the dock and Udores put Aalexia down, making sure she holds (held) on to the railing as the ship moved slowly away from the little bay. Heffe walked to the end of the dock standing still, watching the sails rise; watching how the Aegean carried her away. His long dry hair, bleached by the passing of time, curled around his eyelashes, sticking to the moist wrinkled eyelids. Another tear came down and drowned the few grains of sand stuck to skin.
Good bye my child… May the Gods keep you safe!