*An extended version of this chapter is available on, Simply join the "writer's block" tier for access to the extended version and more*

The Spyro did not appear in the same fame as Kassandra had imagined. Its masts were naked, with no sails or colors to be seen. The barren exterior showed no signs of wear and the only distinguishable feature was the golden figurehead at the bow of the ship, which resembled a godlike woman with one arm stretched out, a flaming torch in her hand. As soon as she saw the magnificent figure, any doubt that Kassandra had about the ship's identity disappeared.

The vessel seemed to be vacant, other than one man, Cicero, who paced the length of the ship. The rest of the crew occupied the dock. Well taught fighters, disguised as simple fishermen and workers, ready to pounce at Cicero's command.

Kyra was less than pleased at the sight of the barren ship. Her luscious lips were turned down into an unbreakable frown that reflected the anger in her deep brown eyes. She was irritable, her body exhausted from battle and her head still pounding from the drinks she and Kassandra shared after.

In truth, Kyra was hesitant to see her lover again. Her night with Kassandra, while completely innocent in nature, made her question her loyalty to the Spartan General. There was something between the two women, something that Kyra couldn't explain. Perhaps it was that they shared a similar history, both of them fighting for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs for comfort. They both understood what it took to survive on the streets and never know if they would live to see another day. In Kyra's eyes, Thaletas would never understand that struggle, everything he needed was handed to him without a second thought or consequence.

Kassandra was the first to dismount her horse, handing the reigns off to Kyra for safekeeping in the instance of a fight. She made her way onto the creaking dock, wary of the many eyes that followed her. Her palms began to sweat, her heart raced faster, the faces of the disguised soldiers surrounded her and drew her attention away from the ship. The mercenary kept her hand gripped around her sword as she forced herself to a halt.

"I am looking for your commander!" Kassandra called in a bold voice. She dedicated her announcement towards Cicero, who planted his feet on the platform leading to the dock.

"State your business mercenary," Cicero answered in a sharp tone. He gave a gesture with this right hand and the crew began to circle around the mercenary, well-kept swords hanging at their hips. The men looked worn, but not disheveled, their eyes fierce, but not unkind. Slowly they crept around Kassandra, and unbeknownst to her, they encompassed Kyra as well.

The horses grew restless, shifting and stomping their hooves into the dirt. Kassandra looked over her shoulder and saw a look of distress inch it's way onto Kyra's face as the rebel fought to control the horses. She knew she had to choose her words wisely, for they were outnumbered and wouldn't be able to win a fight." My name is Kassandra," she raised her hands passively, " Behind me is Kyra, she is the leader of the rebellion against Poldarkes. Your commander aided us on the battlefield, going as far as to shelter one of our own who was injured in the fight. We are here to give a proper thanks, and to check on the man she saved, a spartan named Thaletas. "

Cicero took a deep breath, processing what Kassandra had said. Alera hadn't spoken much about the battle, but from what she did tell, he knew to air on the side of caution when dealing with the rebel leader. He felt a twinge of anger within him as he looked over Kyra's grimacing features. Although it was never confirmed to him, Cicero knew that she and Thaletas were intimate, it was obvious by the way Thaletas moved when he spoke about her. But what angered Cicero was that he knew she didn't deserve him and the love he shared for her was only one-sided.

Kassandra, on the other hand, had earned Alera's respect and therefore had Cicero's as well. But respect did not mitigate precaution, "It is an honor to meet you, Kassandra," Cicero said directly, "The Spyro and it's crew welcome you". He crossed his arm over his chest and bowed respectfully. As he stood, he waved the men away and gestured for her to come aboard.

Kassandra sighed in relief as she returned the greeting. In truth, Cicero intimidated her, his calm yet obedient nature was only a distraction from the strength that he possessed. For a moment, he reminded Kassandra of her brother, Alexios. But the similarities only went as far as appearance and stature, for Alexios had lost nearly all of his empathy thanks to the Cult, and Kassandra could see years of emotion still left in Cicero.

With light feet Kassandra began to walk towards the ship, watching the men around her tentatively. As she approached, she could make out the finer details of Cicero's chiseled face, his attractive features making it difficult for her to concentrate "and Kyra," She blurted, "will your hospitality extend to her as well?"

Cicero looked on at the circle of men that formed around the rebel, and remained quiet. As much as it pained him to allow Kyra on board, he knew it wouldn't do any good to refuse her. And so, With a frustrated groan, Cicero lifted his hand and called off his men. He turned and walked by Kassandra, and in passing, grabbed her arm tightly "One wrong move and she is off this ship" He threatened.

Kassandra shrugged him away "and who are you to make such bold threats?" she folded her arms in defense and gave a quick glance to Kyra, who came trotting up to the ship, oblivious to the threats made against her.

"My name is Cicero, second in command of this ship." He reached his hands around his back and stood in a notable manner. A mischievous smile kept across Cicero's lips as he turned his attention toward Kyra, "You must be eager to see Thaletas, Kyra."

The rebel stared back at him, she wondered if her hesitation was as visible on the outside as it was in her heart and if Cicero could see it would Thaletas be able to as well? Kyra inhaled slowly, the necklace she wore moving with every breath, "Not a moment went by when I wasn't thinking of him." She lied, exchanging quick glances with Kassandra as the words fled her lips.

A low "hmm" was all Cicero said in response. He knew she was lying to him, it wasn't hard to see. The rebel leader was not as clever as she thought she was and while her lies may work on Thaletas, Cicero read her body language too well to be fooled.

Cicero led the women down into the belly of the ship. The sunlight that leaked through the small cracks of the wood siding created a picturesque pathway that lead towards the Commander's cabin. The subtle beauty of the ship occupied the majority of Kassandra's thoughts. The Spyro was much different than her ship, The Adrestia, it was smaller, and in much neater condition, looking as new as the day it was made, even the cots where the crew slept were in pristine condition. The ship was so magnificent that even Kyra, with all her anger and anxiety, couldn't help but gawk at its beauty.

"Cicero," Kassandra's curious voice broke the silence, "When was The Spyro built?" her honey-colored eyes darted back and forth, soaking in every detail of the ship. She was so lost in her surroundings that she nearly collided with Cicero as he made an abrupt stop in front of the cabin door.

"Some say this ship is legendary. Others believe it never existed, to begin with." Cicero was careful with his words and danced around Kassandra's question.

But before Kassandra could object to his evasion, Kyra intervened with a heavy sense of sarcasm " I believe that's what it means to be legendary." She chuckled.

Cicero glared over his shoulder, "well, aren't you clever." He gave Kyra a cold smile as he looked her up and down. He couldn't seem to find what Thaletas saw in her. True, she was beautiful with raven-colored hair and deep, tempting eyes. But her physical merit was not enough to combat the ugliness and rage that burned within her.

Kassandra saw the way Cicero was examining Kyra and felt a deep seed of jealousy plant itself within her. She didn't know where the feeling came from or why it was there, but the sudden emotion was alarming and caused her body to react in ways she couldn't control. She folded her arms across her chest, a small grunt escaped from her lips as she rolled her eyes in irritation.

Cicero felt the air filled with tension, he didn't need to look at Kassandra to know her body language, her energy told him everything. He smiled, laughing to himself as he knocked on the wooden door. "General, you have visitors."

"General?" Kyra thought, "how does he know Thaletas is a general?" I hadn't occurred to her until then, that Cicero knew more about her and Thaletas than he lead on, making her wonder what exactly Thaletas had shared with him already, and if he shared anything with Alera. However, all thoughts vanished once Kyra entered the cabin. She saw Thaletas lounged out amongst the assorted pillows, his tan skin glistening in the faint rays of light.

"Kyra," Thalestas exclaimed in a surprised tone. He pushed himself upright, using his hands for support. He was not expecting to see her again so soon but was delighted regardless. Despite what had happened, his heart still belonged to Kyra, and was eager to embrace her again.

But Kyra remained silent, with her mouth slightly agape. Contrary to Cicero's belief, Kyra and Thaletas had only brushed the surface when it came to their affair. It was true, Thaletas was unlike any man she had ever been with before, he was more handsome, and erect when it came to his sexuality. He knew how to move her, and every time he touched her, she was left burning, and lusting for more of him. But that, it seemed, was all she could feel, and when the night was over, so was his fondness and her passion.

When Kassandra saw Kyra's struggling expression she spoke up, "You look well, Thaletas!" She said, drawing the Spartan's attention. In truth, Kassandra was amazed at how quickly Thaletas was recovering, his golden skin was flush with color and his flexing muscles were proof of his growing strength.

"Yes," Thaletas began, he attempted to push himself off the bed but was unsuccessful in his efforts. It wasn't until Cicero rushed to his side and offered his hand that he found the stability to stand.

"Not quite ready for battle, I'm afraid," Cicero added in a warm voice. Thaletas turned to look at him, a resentful look in his eyes. Cicero smiled sweetly and returned Thaletas's gaze, "But, given a few days, maybe a week or two, and you will be back to commanding your troops with more passion than ever"

"Has she returned?" Thaletas whispered, not knowing that Kassandra had heard him.

Cicer wrapped his arm around Thaletas and helped him to the table in the center of the room. "Not yet," he answered, staring directly at Kassandra who tilted her head in interest. But it seemed that Kyra was not interested in her lover's obsession, and kept her arms crossed in a defensive manner. Cicero started at the Rebel, breaking down her every movement with his eyes.

It wasn't until She had caught Cicero's stare that she fell out of her trance.

"Until you're well," Kyra started in a confidant voice, "We need to discuss a plan." She swayed over to Thaletas and rested her hand on the side of his stubble coated face.

"A plan?" Kassandra repeated, "Kyra, Thaletas almost lost his life, don't you think it's a bit early to start planning another attack?" She quickly made her way over to the group and posted herself on the opposite side of the table.

"She's right, Kassandra, " Thaletas shifted away and leaned over the table for support, his strong arms trembling under the weight, " It's only a matter of time before Poldarkes finds us, we are right under his nose."

Kyra tilted her head as if to help her hear better. She was slightly offended at what Thaletas had said, for she had dedicated her life to secrecy and slipped under Poldarkes's rule her entire life, " His nose is so high in the air, he couldn't find the statue of Artemis Agrotera if he was standing on her head!" Kyra rounded the table and stood across from Thaletas.

Kassandra and Cicero remained silent, exchanging quiet glances with each other as the couple continued. It was not their place to intervene and while Cicero wanted nothing to do with Kyra or her rebellion, he wasn't about to allow Thaletas to leave his protection and hideaway in a rat-filled cave just for the sake of discussing plans. But the longer the conversation went on, the more agitated he became, shifting restlessly until he finally had to walk away from the group.

"The Spartan phalanx is impenetrable in a ground assault," Thalestas said behind gritted teeth, " I say we knock down his door and run our spears through his face." His hands tightened into fists, the pain from his injury was flaring up, and instead of look weak in front of Kassandra and Kyra, he bit through the pain.

Kyra slammed her palms on the table, drawing the attention of both Kassandra and Cicero, " That is a terrible plan!" she began, "There are only twelve of you left and YOU are in no shape to lead them. Only a handful of my men made it off the beach last night Thaletas, we don't stand a chance." Rage was beginning to crawl through Kyra's veins, her blood boiled and the air around her grew hot and heavy.

Kassandra rubbed the bridge of her temples in frustration. She knew Thaletas was weak and couldn't hold his own in another fight, however, it was not Kyra's place to lecture him. She felt for Thaletas, but at the same time, there was a job to be done and if he wasn't confident enough to lead his men when the time came, they would need to find someone who could.

"Cicero can lead them," Thaletas said in a hushed voice. He looked over at Cicero who scratched the stubble of his chin, seemingly deep in thought. "Cicero?" Thaletas urged.

Cicero turned to find all eyes on him. He breathed a heavy sigh and folded his arms behind his back. " I'm honored by your confidence, Thaletas. But my days as a general have long since passed." he paused and inhaled a slow breath. His eyes became dark, the seeds of anger turning them from a soft grey to menacing coal. He took a step towards the group, his gaze directed at Kyra " And this is not my rebellion to fight." With that, Cicero respectfully bowed and took his leave from the cabin. But in fact, he would not have the last word.

Kyra tightened her fists in range, her nails curled into her soft skin so much that she almost drew blood. "You can tell your commander that if you are not with us in this rebellion, then you are against us." Her words were laced with venom as they poured from her lips.

Kassandra looked at Kyra in disbelief, then shot her eyes to Cicero, who stopped dead in his tracks. His muscular arm flexed with tension as he gripped the solid door, and the curve of his mouth twitched with anger. He was holding back his aggression, doing his best to control it. His silver armor rose with every breath he took each one more slowly than the last.

Finally, Cicero's raspy voice broke the silence " do you think it wise to be making such threats aboard this ship?" he said in a low tone. He looked over his shoulder at Kyra and continued, "Do not forget, that without my commander your limbs would be scattered across that beach and your blood would be like wine to the sharks." he narrowed his gaze, making sure Kyra understood his words, then exited the cabin, slamming the wooden door behind him.

Thaletas glared up at his lover, words would not have been able to describe what he was feeling. He was angry, disappointed, heartbroken, and felt betrayed all at the same time. Part of him wished that Kyra wouldn't have come to see him at all, for every ounce of strength he had built up through the morning was now drained away.

Kassandra was speechless, she had never thought it possible but for the first time she was at a loss of words. She looked over at Kyra who was still fixated on the door, her deep brown eyes burning with anger and resentment. The mercenary shook her head in frustration, out of all the selfish, idiotic things Kyra could have done, threatening Alera should never have been one of them. Not even Kassandra knew what the mysterious woman was capable of, but after fighting alongside her in Phokis and now on the shores of Mykonos, It was clear that Alera was not someone you wanted to make an enemy of, and if her skills were not proof enough, then her endless knowledge was.

Finally, Kassandra had had enough of the scornful tension and decided that if Kyra would not make amends with Cicero, then she would have no choice but to intervene. She uncrossed her arm and shot a quick glance at Kyra, who didn't show any sign of moving. "Malaka," she scoffed before trudging out of the cabin, leaving the two lovers alone to "discuss" further plans.

...

Storm clouds appeared over the horizon of the calm sea. Cicero placed his hands on the railing of the ship and leaned heavily into them. He had spent nearly 10 years forgetting about his past and now it was suddenly being thrown back at him, and why, because of a careless mistake that a pious rebel made when she led a band of drunks onto a hopeless battlefield. He looked on, taking in the salted air in slow, steady breaths.

"Cicero?" Kassandra addressed in a soft voice. She approached the man with caution, not knowing if his temper had faded.

The man looked over his shoulder and offered the mercenary a deep sigh, "I think it best that you take your business elsewhere, Kassandra." He said calmly, before returning his gaze to the oncoming storm.

Kassandra was taken back by the tone of Cicero's voice. He was calm and collected, which made him that much more intimidating. "You are a man with great strength," she began, moving next to him, "you don't let the words of others provoke you ." She rested her elbows on the wooden rail a turned her head to look at him, "it's a very heroic trait."

"Don't try and manipulate me with your compliments, Kassandra." Cicero groaned.

Kassandra's eyes grew wide, "I wasn't," she said truthfully, she lifted her hand and went to place it on his shoulder, "I was simply trying to…" But Cicero moved away before she could touch him.

"You can save your apology for the Commander," He said coldly, taking a step back from the rail.

"commander?" Kassandra thought, she turned around to find Alera standing before her.

She was like a phantom, silent, and lightfooted. She wore a dark grey gown that fluttered in the strengthening wind. Her face and hair were shrouded by a dark-colored veil that loosely covered her, being held only by the golden bands she wore around her arms. Around Alera's waist were thin brown chords that coiled like snakes around her, holding only a small dagger at her hip.

Cicero bowed respectfully before excusing himself, allowing the two women to converse in private.

"I see you've met my second in command," Alera cooed. She lifted the veil off of her and watched as Cicero walked away, her blue eyes tracing the length of his body.

"Yes," Kassandra laughed as she turned her gaze towards the man, who was now conversing with a soldier. " However, I would have rather seen you, upon our arrival." She offered Alera a flirtatious smile. But the woman simply sighed in response. She already knew who else Kassandra was referring to, and she was less than pleased.

"I apologize for my absence," she said coldly.

Nobody but Cicero knew where Alera had gone to or whom she had met with, and she intended to keep it that way. Perhaps in time, she would tell Kassandra her true intentions for visiting the island, but too soon and chaos would surely unfold. The commander let her mind wander to the events that only she knew occurred, and when she did, a cold chill wracked her body.

There was an uncomfortable silence between them as they walked towards the bow of the ship, one that Kassandra was eager to end. "Thaletas is doing well," Kassandra said, clearing her throat.

"Yes," Alera answered. She placed her hands on the wooden rail and gazed over the golden figurehead that guarded her ship. "The gods have spared him." Her nails curled into the wood as a crack of thunder spread through the sky.

Kassandra looked up at the lightning that scattered above them, "You have spared him Alera," She walked up behind her friend and placed a heavy hand on her shoulder, breathing in the potent lavender scent that surrounded her.

" I may have taken him from the battlefield, but Cicero is the one you should be thanking, he is a man of many talents." Alera felt the heat of Kassandra's body press against her. Her heart began to beat faster and she knew Kassandra could feel it.

"That must be why Thaletas asked him to be lead his men while he recovered, has he commanded armies before?" Kassandra asked harmlessly. Thaletas's request was very forthcoming and seeing that the two men had just met, the ideas were unfathomable.

Alera let out a frustrated sigh and turned around, placing herself directly in Kassandra's embrace. She swallowed hard and placed her hand on the Mercenary's breastplate, "We have much to discuss, Kassandra." She breathed, looking up into Kassandra's honey-colored eyes.

"All work, and no play." Kassandra groaned. She rolled her eyes and removed her hands from Alera.

"Don't act so disappointed," Alera toyed with a flirtatious wink, " I know you crave answers just as much as you crave my affections," A small laugh escaped her lips "Your brother was the same way." she chuckled. As she began to walk away, Kassandra caught her arm.

Her mouth was agape and her eyes grew wide, she didn't know what to say. She had suspected that Alera knew more about her and her family than she had previously led on, and now she wondered if she knew more about the cult as well "What else do you know about my family Alera?"

Alera's eyes darkened and a mischievous smile curled onto her lips, "I know many things, Kassandra." She shook her arm free and glared at Kassandra over her shoulder as she walked away, "come back alone, and we will discuss them, among other things."

*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or themes from the Assassins Creed franchise. Dialogue from the game is used in this story and has been altered and modified*