Alexios took a deep breath and glanced around. It felt strange to be back in Sparta, his homeland. For so many years he had avoided Sparta, the place where his childhood had ended when his father had decided to kill his little sister because of an obscure prophecy.
But all that was in the past now.
His family was back together. He had even gained a new brother. Alexios chuckled when he thought of Stentor and their difficulties at the beginning. But bit by bit the two men had learned to respect and even trust each other. Now Stentor sailed with him on the Adrestia from time to time as did the rest of his family. But now the time had come to choose a new king as the old one had turned out to be a member of the Cult and had been killed by Alexios.
But this was a fact that he preferred not to mention to anyone.
So the whole family had returned to stay until the election was over, which could take months Alexios knew. The candidates had to be carefully chosen from the aristocratic families. Then each candidate had time for a campaign to get people to vote for him. They organised big feasts and hosted Gladiator battles and held speeches and so on. For Alexios this sounded quite boring but his parents as well as Stentor had insisted to return. It was their duty as Spartans to participate in such an important event, his father had said. Alexios, who had only recently accepted his roots did not feel it his duty and he knew that Kassandra felt the same.
He felt a little sting when he thought of his younger sister. She had spent nearly her entire life under the cults command, doing their bidding and listening to their lies. She tried her best to adapt to her new life but Alexios could tell that it was very difficult for her. He often saw her staring into space, obviously lost in thoughts. At family dinners she usually just listened as she ate in silence. Her mother did everything she could to make her daughter feel at home and loved but more often than not her attempts were disappointed. Alexios hoped, that time would also heal this wound.
Alexios had left the Adrestia in the hands of Barnabas and had gone for a walk around the city.
He tried to remember the time when he was a little boy. His family had had a house at the outskirts of Sparta and had not visited the inner city often. But Alexios thought nonetheless that he recognised certain streets or places like the market or the palace of the two kings.
Alexios strode idly around; letting himself be swept around by the crowd, not having anywhere specific to go.
A small troop of soldiers passed him, the expression on their faces grim and their uniforms shining brightly in the sunlight.
As Alexios watched them pass he thought of another time, another place... The sound of swords clashing, the heavy breathing of two men, the smell of sweat and blood, the feeling of a muscular body beneath his... quickly, the mercenary shook his head to clear it. Since the night at the beach and his departure from the island he had not allowed himself to think of HIM. It was difficult, especially in the late hours of the night, all alone in his cabin onboard the Adrestia but somehow he had managed to keep all thoughts of HIM at bay.
Of course, his return to Sparta had brought everything back, harder than before. His body ached for the touch of his hands and it was as if it had only been yesterday since he had said the fateful words that his destiny laid elsewhere.
Oh, how wrong he had been. His destiny had lain in Sparta all along. He had just been too stubborn to listen what his heart already knew and now he had to pay the price.
He had briefly thought of looking for him, asking around if anyone knew an officer by his name, but Alexios had quickly abandoned the idea. He had let him go, slipping right through his fingers and Alexios found it just the right punishment for his actions that he now had to live a life without him.
Still...
His feet had taken him to the temple of Zeus, the almighty father of the Gods. Priests and prayers mingled together with the animals which were meant to be sacrificed. The shouts of men, the cries of animals, it all melted together in a very familiar noise. Alexios smiled. He remembered the day, Nikolaos had first taken him here, to introduce his only son to the priests and be blessed by their hands. The statue inside the temple had seemed so big at that time, that the young Alexios had asked whether the real Zeus had descended from Olympus to watch over his worshippers. Alexios smiled at that memory as he entered the temple and stood before the very same statue. It was still big although not so overwhelming as it had been nearly twenty years earlier. Vendors had their stands at each side of the street. They sold live animals, fruits and grain and other things that could be offered to the gods. One vendor had before himself several baskets filled with colourful flowers and out of a mood Alexios bought a big bouquet. He kneeled before the statue and placed his flowers at Zeus' feet amongst the other offerings. As he stood up one flower caught in his bracer. It brushed against his hand when he turned around to leave. Surprised he took it and brought it to his nose. The familiar scent brought again a flashback. The force of it made Alexios stumble. Instinctively he reached out to balance himself before he could fall. His hands caught upon something smooth and soft then he finally fell to the ground.
He let out a "Whoosh" sound as the air was knocked out of his lungs. Something heavy fell on him and Alexios heard someone curse loudly. For a moment all Alexios could see was red clothing and golden metal, then the men whom he had caused to fall stood up and rearranged his armour.
He did not reach out and help Alexios stand up. Instead the man cursed some more and angrily stared down at the mercenary.
"Have you no eyes, fool? Did you not see..." He stopped midsentence. His eyes widened, as his gaze fell upon Alexios. His lips formed a word but he did not say it out loud.
Alexios, still on the ground, felt his heart skip a beat. Only then to beat ten times as fast as usual. Could it be...? What were the odds?
Grimacing, Alexios managed to stand up without making too much of a fool of himself. He could not take his eyes from the Spartan who stood right in front of him, paralyzed as himself.
"Alexios..." the other man finally spoke.
Alexios grinned, and then drove a hand through his hair to hide his nervousness.
"Thaletas..."
For a long time neither of them spoke. They just stood there, staring at each other, unsure what to say. How did you connect after all this time? After all the things that had been left unsaid and undone?
"I'm sorry..." The words were out before Alexios could think about them.
Thaletas frowned. "For what?"
"For leaving..." Alexios sighed as the truth finally came out. He WAS sorry, he now realized. He had slipped away like a coward, creeping out at the first light of the day like an unfaithful lover because he had been too stubborn to admit to himself and to Thaletas what he really had been feeling. He had been on the run for so long. Running away from his family, his past, the cult... Never to love or be loved. Until Thaletas had come and had turned his life upside down in a matter of days.
And only because Alexios hadn't been able to admit that this was his chance for a better life he had run away. Left, like always.
Thaletas smiled softly as he briefly took Alexios hand and gave it a squeeze. "But you returned, like you promised."
Alexios looked on their locked hands and smiled. He raised his eyes. "Can we talk?"
The Spartan nodded. "We can go to my house, it is not very far."
Alexios motioned for him to lead the way and they kept going.
Thaletas had been right. His house was only two blocks away. It was a small, two storey house made of red bricks. They entered and Thaletas led Alexios upstairs to a small terrace. There were several carpets and pillows on the floor and two loungers opposite each other.
Thaletas motioned Alexios on one of the loungers. Then he disappeared downstairs again. When the Spartan came back, he wore just a short tunic. In his hands he had a carafe and two cups. He handed one to Alexios and filled it with a red wine. After Thaletas had poured himself a cup, he put the carafe to the ground and sat on the other lounger.
Again, they sat a long time opposite each other, just sipping their cups, unsure at what to say.
"So you are indeed an officer now." Alexios grinned.
Thaletas returned the grin and nodded. "Your destiny is to become a powerful leader in the army, weren't that your words?"
Alexios laughed loudly and the ice was broken. They told each other everything they had experienced after the island. Alexios told him about his family and his hunt for the members of the Cult.
Thaletas spoke of his return to Sparta, how he had slowly risen in the ranks till he became a high ranked commander in charge of several hundreds of soldiers.
Time went by fast and soon the sun went down. Thaletas brought them something to eat, some cold meat, bread, olives and dried fruits. They ate and drank and talked and it was good.
After many hours it seemed, their conversation dried out. The food was gone, the carafe empty. Thaletas played idly with his empty cup, closely watched by Alexios.
Suddenly the Spartan raised his eyes until his gaze met Alexios'.
"What about us?" This was the question, which had lingered over them the whole evening like the sword of Damocles. It all depended on what he said now, Alexios knew that. But what were the right words?
"I... don't... know" the mercenary finally admitted.
Thaletas sighed. "I thought about you often, Alexios. Our time together was short, but it had turned my whole life upside down."
"Mine too..." said Alexios quietly. "The question is..."
"Can we go on from where we left? Can we just do as if nothing has happened?" came the immediate reply from Thaletas. "Alexios... You claim that I changed your life that time, but what proof do I have? I admitted my love to you yet you pushed me away to pursue your destiny, which did not involve me."
"I know, Thaletas. I was a fool and a coward and I want nothing more than to make it up to you. Please, give me a chance to proof that I am worthy of you." Alexios replied, his tone very sincere.
Thaletas sighed again. He then put his cup to the ground and stood up. He leaned on the railing, his back turned to Alexios and stared at the city below.
Alexios slowly put his cup down too and stood up. He wanted nothing more than to kiss him, tell him that he loved him, touch him and be touched. But he knew that this was impossible at the moment. Too heavy his actions stood between them.
"I first thought that it was alright, you know? That our one night of love was all that I needed and that I could now return to my ordinary, old life. One night of pleasure and of love, nothing more. I told myself that you mattered nothing to me, that I would eventually meet a nice woman, marry her, have children and think of our night only as a fond memory. But I soon realised that this was not as easy as it sounded. I could not forget you, Alexios. Every time I let my thoughts slide, I thought of you. Every smile, every word, every touch. I analysed everything to figure out where I had been doing something wrong, what had made you leave. But I did not find anything..." His words faded and he was still.
Alexios stood behind Thaletas and felt his heart clenched with an iron fist. He knew that what he had done had been wrong but only now he realised how deeply hurt Thaletas must feel. He gave him everything and how did Alexios return his favour? By running away like the fool he was. Following a sudden burst of emotion, Alexios took two steps forward, turned Thaletas back so that he faced him and pressed his own lips on the soft mouth of Thaletas.
Thaletas gave a sound of surprise and struggled to go away from Alexios but the mercenary was strong and soon Thaletas resistance faded. The soldier buried his hands in Alexios long hair and drew the mercenary closer to him, as their kiss grew more passionate. Sighs and moaning came, as Alexios wandered with his mouth when he began to kiss a trail to Thaletas neck. He bit him lightly and Thaletas cried. Without breaking their kiss they managed to rip off the top of Thaletas tunic. Alexios immediately took advantage of his new state and began kissing and caressing every bit of exposed flesh. Together they sank to the floor on one the carpets, Thaletas on the bottom and Alexios right on him. The mercenary let his hands slide all over Thaletas body, touched every inch of it. Their passion grew und Thaletas felt like he was drawn in a spiral of passion and lust.
But when Alexios slipped his hands in the hem of his tunic and began caressing him, Thaletas managed to somehow put his hands on Alexios upper body and pushed the other man away. It took Alexios several seconds to realise what Thaletas was doing, but then he immediately stopped kissing him and raised his head. His eyes were clouded from passion and his voice hoarse.
Thaletas shook his head. "Alexios, I..."
But the mercenary understood without Thaletas having to say the words. He stood up and took several steps away from the Spartan. Frustrated he ran a hand through his hair und sighed heavily. What had he done?
In the meantime, Thaletas had also stood up, rearranged his wrinkled tunic and sat down on one of the loungers. The turmoil of his emotions was nearly impossible to control. The officer felt anger rising in him. He closed his eyes and pressed his fingers against them. How could a day that had begun so promising turned out to be so completely chaotic?
When he had first seen Alexios laying on the ground at his feet, he had thought that it must have been a cruel joke of the gods. It was simply impossible, that the mercenary, after so many months, could suddenly appear out of thin air. But it had been really him and Thaletas first reaction was that of pure happiness. When they had sat on the loungers, talking, drinking and eating like old friends, it had been bliss. But then Thaletas had begun to explain what he had been feeling and how much he had felt betrayed by Alexios. When Alexios had kissed him, it had caught Thaletas completely off guard. He was tempted to give in, to simply let himself wash away in his emotions, but it had not felt right.
Too much stood between them. Simple sex could not, would not, heal the wounds that Alexios had caused.
The chill of the night air made Thaletas goosebumps but also helped him to calm down. When he thought that he could manage it, Thaletas opened his eyes and shot a quick glance to where Alexios must be standing.
But the mercenary was gone.
Once again, he had sneaked away like a coward, leaving Thaletas alone in his dark thoughts.
With a loud cry, that contained all his anger and frustration, Thaletas took one of the cups and smashed it on the ground.
Once again he had acted like a fool, had clanged on hopes, that did not exist. Why? How could that damn mercenary still have this effect on him?
It had only been a few days on the island, curse the gods! But still, the mercenary was everywhere, occupying all his thoughts and actions, never leaving him one second to just think.
Never again, Thaletas swore to himself. Never again would he be taken for a fool. If he could not forget Alexios, then he must learn to live with it. But never again would he trust this cursed man. Or any other man, for that matter.
Throwing himself down on the lounger, Thaletas looked in the dark night sky and let the anger in him boil and rot.
All the way down to the docks Alexios cursed himself, calling himself a fool and an arse for letting Thaletas down once again.
He had simply not been able to deal with this kind of situation. Thaletas stirred something in him that he could not understand. And it frightened him.
Alexios could count on one hand the times that he had really been scared. All his life he had buried every emotion deep inside him, because love only made you vulnerable. He had loved his parents and they had let him down. He had loved Phoebe and she was killed right in front of his eyes.
Loving Thaletas? It outshone everything he had ever felt. He wanted to be with this man, telling him every day how much he loved him, making every minute of their time perfect.
Instead he had fled. Thaletas would never forgive him now. He had had his second chance and had blown it.
How in all the worlds was he ever supposed to make up for his actions?
He must find a solution because giving up Thaletas was not an option. He would fight for this man and if it meant falling down in his knees and ask for forgiveness every day for the rest of his life then so be it.
But before all that he needed some advice from someone he could really trust.
"So it happened to you after all..." Barnabas smiled but it was not a mocking smile. It was warm and full of affection. He had known from the day they sat sail from Mykonos that something had changed in his friend. Something had happened that had shaken Alexios every bone and muscle, but what exactly Barnabas did not know. And he never asked because he valued privacy above everything else.
The old sailor sat down beside Alexios on a crate and put one hand on the mercenaries shoulder. "The great fighter, the eagle bearer, the Demi-God has been struck down by the only force greater than his own: love."
"And fool I am, I blew it. I just did not know how to handle this, you know? How do you act when you meet the love of your life? I knew from the first moment I saw him, that I would never be able to forget him. I tried to convince myself that he was just a fling like everyone else, but... I just don't know what to do, Barnabas!" Alexios had buried his face on his palms and groaned heavily.
Barnabas sighed. "Oh, the ways of love... I have been there myself, my friend and I know the path is not an easy one. But if the gods really intend for you to be together, then you will find a way."
"But do they really?" Alexios glanced at the old man.
"You, returning to Sparta and only a few hours later, meeting him by chance right in front of the temple of Zeus? My friend, if that isn't a sign from the gods that they give you two their blessing, then you don't know the least thing about them."
"The gods and I have not always been at good terms..." Alexios answered gravely which drew a big, hearty laugh from Barnabas.
"Well, so what? You ran from him because you care so much for him that it frightens you." Barnabas began, serious now.
That about nailed it, Alexios thought.
"All you have to do is tell him that and everything will be fine."
"I doubt that he would even listen to me." Alexios threw back his head and looked in the star-lit sky.
"Well then show him. Put in a bit of effort. Make him see, my friend, like he made you see."
Alexios had told Barnabas about what happened on ... Not all of it but enough that Barnabas understood what was going on between the two.
Alexios smiled as he thought of that one night Thaletas had put so much work in it, gathering the flowers, creating the trail from the beach... Alexios wanted to do something similar for Thaletas but the problem was that he did not know what. Barnabas obviously saw the dilemma his friend was in because he bent forward grinning and began: "So listen, this is what we are going to do."
Thaletas beamed as he swiftly walked through the narrow streets of Sparta.
Last night he had eventually fallen asleep only to be woken up by a loud banging on his door. Tired and in a very bad mood he had opened to find a messenger in front of his house.
The young soldier had handed him a sealed envelope, saluted and left.
The envelope contained an invitation to a symposium held be the great commander Stentor himself. As it seemed, the adopted son of the Wolf of Sparta had heard about the young and greatly qualified officer who had risen so quickly in the ranks of the army. At the symposium Thaletas would have the chance to meet other high ranked military men, which was a once in a lifetime chance for Thaletas. The man quickly responded with a letter by himself, saying the he felt very honoured to be invited to such a great event and that he would gladly attend.
This was where Thaletas was headed to now. The sun had sunk and the feast would begin in about half an hour. The symposium would be held at Stentors villa just outside the city limits. Thaletas had heard about the place. It was big and very well decorated with Stentor hiring only the finest architects and artists. Despite his life as a commander, where he led a very restricted life he was actually a great admirer of the arts and was happy to show it.
The villa was lit by torches which created an almost mysterious atmosphere.
Even before entering Thaletas could hear soft music playing and smell the herbs which were burned to sweeten the air.
A servant greeted the man at the front gate and bid him to follow inside. The other guests had not arrived yet but his host would meet him at the back terrace.
Curious, Thaletas followed the old man with the eye patch to the back of the villa.
Torches were put up here too to illuminate the place. On a small table in the middle stood several bowls, containing honey cakes and sweet fruits. A carafe and two cups were placed directly next to them. Around the tables, carpets and cushions completed the picture. Stentor had not yet arrived but the servant poured Thaletas some wine and gestured for him to lie down. "He will be arriving shortly" the servant said before he bowed and retreated back inside. Thaletas sighed and slowly began to relax. It felt good lying here in the soft cushions, drinking excellent wine and waiting for the chance of his lifetime.
Somebody coughed quietly behind him and Thaletas stood up. He turned, expecting to see his host Stentor but instead he saw a very nervous looking Alexios standing before him, an apologetic look on his face.
Instantly Thaletas face hardened and the soldier crossed his arms in front of him. "What do you want?" he asked his voice as cold as ice.
"To apologise"
Thaletas snorted. "I'm leaving." he announced. The commander set down his cup and wanted to go away but Alexios blocked the only way out. "Let me pass" Thaletas did not look the other man in the eyes. Anger boiled inside him, white and hot. His hands were clenched into fists. Thaletas looked as he was about to punch the other man right in the face if need be.
But Alexios did not back down. "Not before you hear me out, Thaletas" he said calmly.
Thaletas hissed through clenched teeth. "What is it, that you want, Alexios?" He spat out the mercenaries name like it was poison.
The other man sighed and held up his hands. "Look, I'm sorry I lured you here under false pretences, alright? It was wrong of me to do so but I could not think of any other way to see you and explain myself."
"No explanation in the world would be good enough to make up for what you did. You left me again, Alexios, right after you were about to rip my clothes off." Thaletas was really angry now. He pushed Alexios straight on the chest. "Now let me go, you bastard." He could see the hurt in Alexios' eyes. But instead of the satisfaction he thought he would gain from that, Thaletas suddenly felt very, very tired.
The commander went back to where the carpets lay and sank into the pillows.
"I just can't take anymore of this, Alexios. All these confusing signs you give me... They are too much. I am tired of your stupid game, whatever it may be."
"No games, Thaletas, not anymore." Alexios replied from behind him, his voice soft. "You are right; it is time for the truth."
"And what truth may that be, I wonder." Thaletas said mockingly.
"That I love you."
These four simple words caught Thaletas completely off guard. His heart stopped for a beat and his face went white. "What did you just say?" he asked faintly his voice nothing more than a whisper.
"I love you, Thaletas." Alexios had come to kneel before the commander. He searched for Thaletas gaze ad once found held it tight as he carefully took Thaletas ice cold hand in his. "I love you so much that it scares me to death. That is why I ran. I have never..." he hesitated. "Felt like this towards nobody. I grew up without a family. I never had many friends. But then I met you, this beautiful and strong man who is so sure about himself and everything he does and it turned my whole world upside down. I did not know how to deal with this love I felt for you, so I ran away. I was such a coward and a fool for letting you go. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, Thaletas. I want to live the rest of my life with you by my side if you can just forgive me one more time."
Thaletas was stunned. His head was completely blank. He did not know how to respond to this little speech. While listening to Alexios tears had sprung up in his eyes and how ran freely down his cheeks. Smiling softly Alexios brushed them away with his free thumb. "I love you, Thaletas of Sparta."
"I love you too, Alexios. So, so much." Thaletas whispered, still crying.
Fully aware of how stupid he must look, Thaletas laughed and coughed so hard, that Alexios had to pat him on the back. After Thaletas had calmed down he looked thoughtfully at Alexios. "So what now?"
Alexios just grinned. Then he engaged the other man in a long, deep kiss which Thaletas gladly returned.
They kissed for several minutes before; due to the lack of air Thaletas broke the kiss. But he let his forehead rest against Alexios'. They both smiled.
"So this means I am forgiven?" Alexios asked quietly which drew a chuckle from Thaletas. "For now. But don't think that just because of a few romantic words and a very good kiss I will fall for you as easily as I did on Mykonos."
Now it was time for Alexios to laugh. He put one hand on Thaletas' cheek and gently rubbed it with his thumb. "I never expected you would, Thaletas. So I vow to fight for you, every day as long as it takes to win your trust and your love back."
Thaletas sighed and shook his head, beaming nonetheless. "I love you, Alexios of Sparta."
"I love you too, Thaletas of Sparta. Now and forever more.
- The End -