HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MEETING BY FATE. IT WAS A LITTLE SHORT BUT THERE WILL BE SOME LONG CHAPTERS. PLEASE READ AND LEAVE REVIEWS. ANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE CHARACTERS OR CHARACTERS ETHNICITY WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING BLOCKED. PLEASE KEEP THE POSITIVITY. IT'S JUST A MADE-UP STORY.
"So, you're telling me this woman magically appeared from a boat off the coast of the Mediterranean south from here?"
"Yes sir." Achilles responded while kneeling to the king.
"Your grace, nothing was found with her. She had no belongings. No weapons. We interrogated her sir. She says she isn't a spy." Patroclus added.
"Not a spy aye. Tell me woman, what is your name?" Merina's big golden eyes widened when she heard the intimidating king speak to her. She quickly kneeled and responded.
"Merina sir."
"And you are from the land of the pharaoh's?"
"Yes, you're highness."
"And you have no recollection of how you got into that crate?"
"No sir." Merina tried to avoid making eye contact with the king and the many servants and guards who were witnessing the interrogation. Menelaus for some reason didn't trust the girl.
"Guards take her to the cellars." Achilles and Patroclus's eyes widened.
"I told you Achilles." Merina looked at Achilles for help as the guards started to surround her.
"King Menelaus please. She is harmless." Achilles said making sure he didn't step out of line.
"Or so she appears to be. You never could be too sure. Anyone is willing to destroy our empire."
"Menelaus." A soft voice said while touching his arm. She was a beautiful woman. She had sun kissed skin from the sun and long black wavy hair that almost touched the floor. She wore a golden head piece with golden petals in her hair. Her long white dress only exposed one shoulder while the long sleeve covered the other. She was breathtaking. She truly looked like a queen. Her name was Helen. Queen Helen of Sparta. She was the most beautiful woman in all of Sparta and she was married to King Menelaus.
"What is it Helen?"
"Look at her. She doesn't seem to be a threat. She's terrified." Helen whispered into her husband's ear. Menelaus wasn't trying to hear what Helen was saying. He was trying to ignore her. "All I am saying Menelaus, imagine if this was our daughter, Hermione. What if the shoe were on the other foot? Just give her a chance. If she proves you wrong, then you do what needs to be done." Menelaus thought for a second. He wasn't the type of king to show empathy or have a soft side. He thought of his daughter Hermione who was sitting right across the room watching. What if it were her? Wouldn't he want someone to show her mercy too? As the guards started to take Merina away, Menelaus arose from his throne.
"Halt. Guards." The guards in golden armor turned around to face their king. "Let her go." The guards did as they were told. Their grip on Merina's arm was so tight, they left a bruise. She rubbed her arm as she turned to face the tall king. His gaze was so intimidating. She gulped as he approached her. His long white cape followed him down the stairs and across the room. When he approached her, he placed his hand on her cheek. His presence was overwhelming. Achilles and Patroclus stared unsure of Menelaus's next move. The servants, guards, Hermione and Helen stared as well.
"I'll give you one chance. If anything, funny happens, anything at all. I will behead you myself. Do you understand?" Merina nodded yes. "Good. Achilles!" Menelaus yelled out to the crowd. Achilles stood up tall with his lance in hand.
"Yes sir." He responded.
"Since you found her, you will be responsible for her. Anything she does will be on you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord." Achilles replied.
"Good. She can stay in your corridors. She will be treated with the hospitality of our people. I will see to it that she is fed and clothed until we can safely get her back to her homeland. The tides are very strong this month going towards Egypt, so we will have to wait until the tides die down. As soon as they do, we will return you home."
"T-thank you sir." Merina answered. Achilles quickly walked over to Merina's side and grabbed her by the arm. "I won't prove you wrong."
"We shall take our leave now King Menelaus. Thank you." Achilles said turning on his heel pulling Merina by her arm. Whatever Queen Helen had said to Menelaus worked. He figured they should take their leave before Menelaus changed his mind. Merina's heart was still racing. She had never been so scared in her 21 years of life. She touched her chest covered in Greek cotton. She looked at Achilles. He laughed.
"What's amusing?" she asked.
"I'm laughing because of your face. You look so scared."
"I don't find that funny Achilles." She grew frustrated.
"Relax. You're lucky you got off as easy as you did. Menelaus isn't always that nice. He isn't nice at all. But like he said, don't screw this up. Everything you do is on me now."
"I won't. I swear."
"Good. Now that you are officially a welcomed guest in Greece, allow me to give you a tour."
"Huh?" Merina questioned.
"Think of this as a mysterious, unexpected and weird vacation. Did you ever think that in a million years you, a simple Egyptian peasant woman would ever be able to visit our glorious country?" Merina rolled her eyes.
"I am-." She bit her tongue. "No, I haven't". She said crossing her arms.
"Exactly! So, what would you like to see first? Think of me as your personal tour guide."
"Don't you have military stuff to attend to?"
"Yea, yea. That's not until the morning. Besides, it's not everyday a cute foreign girl magically appears, and you get to oversee her."
"You're not in charge of me." Merina said side eyeing Achilles.
"Technically, I am. You heard Menelaus." Merina knew he was right. She sighed.
"So where to milady?" Merina thought for a while. She smiled. Achilles smiled back not sure what she was smiling about. She whispered where she wanted to go into Achilles's ear. He smirked.
"Shall be it." Achilles placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a whistle. A flash of thunder appeared from the sky. Soon enough a chariot led by 3 magnificent horses flew from the sky and parked themselves with the chariot in front of Achilles and Merina. Merina blinked in amusement. So that was the power of the Greek Gods? Legend had it, Achilles could summon a chariot at the sound of a whistle. It was said to be led by three stallions that was received from Poseidon the Greek God of the sea. The horses were said to be the most divine horses in all the world. They looked like horses from the Gods. Their fur shined like no other. Merina was scared to even touch one of the horses.
"It's ok. You can touch them." Merina picked up her hand to touch the black horse. He snipped at her. She looked at Achilles.
"Be nice Balius. You must forgive him. Balius is the touchy and moody one out of the trio. Once he warms up to you, he will let you pet him."
"I see." Merina said as Balius side-eyed her.
"This one here, my chocolate horse is Xanthos. He's a big softie." Merina was hesitant to pet Xanthos. "You could pet him, he isn't like Balius." Merina began to stroke Xanthos face. She was shocked he let her. "Last but not least, this white one here is Pedasos. He's smaller than the other two but he's my central support. He's slightly different. You see." Merina watched as Pedasos laid on the ground. It appeared as if he was getting ready for a nap. "Sleeping is one of his greatest qualities. But in combat, he's amazing. All of them are."
"Wow. They're all so beautiful." Merina said in admiration.
"Well let's get going. Shall we? I have a city to show you." Achilles jumped onto the chariot and extended his hand to Merina to help her onto the chariot. The duo soon left the palace grounds and into the city of Sparta they went.
Merina couldn't believe her eyes. The city of Sparta was so big and so beautiful. It was like a fairytale. In the vast background you could see the mountains of Greece. The night lights of Sparta made everything so vibrant and luminous. Merina sat in the chariot besides Achilles as he steered it. People were glaring at them.
"Why are they staring?" Merina asked slightly embarrassed. Achilles chuckled nervously.
"I mean, I am Achilles. Just like you, everyone knows my back story. Also, I am a warrior of this land. The best."
"I feel they are staring more at me than you."
"Oh. Yeah. That could be it too." Achilles said helping Merina out of the chariot. "You guys wait here. I'll be sure to bring you back some carrots. Balius and Xanthos stood dignified while Pedasos laid down to take a nap. "Stay close to me." Achilles told Merina as he led the way. The pair was walking down an alley way that was dimly lit. As the two got further down the alley way, Merina couldn't help but cling to Achilles's arm. His arm was strong and muscular. It was odd but, Merina felt safe with Achilles although she had just met him. Achilles allowed Merina to hold onto his arm. She still felt the stares. She even heard some towns women talking.
"Is that Achilles?" One woman said.
"Yes. That is him. Handsome he is." The other woman responded.
"Who is that with him?"
"I can't tell. She doesn't look Greek to me."
"She could be a prostitute."
"A man born from a God and Goddess would never have to lower himself to sleep with a prostitute."
"You never know." Merina wanted to turn around and say something to the two gossiping women. Achilles grabbed her. He heard what the women had said.
"Ignore them. People talk." Merina knew he was right.
"You're right." Achilles stopped in front of a wooden door. Merina could hear laughter and music on the other side of the door. She looked up at Achilles. He flashed a toothy smile. He knocked. Soon an eyeball appeared in the doors peephole. The peephole then closed. The door opened and, in the doorway, stood a fat short man. He wore a white shirt with brown khaki capri pants. He was bald in the middle of his head and had brown hair surrounding the bald spot. The man had a pig shaped nose and freckles all over his face. He smiled and quickly gave Achilles a hug. Achilles laughed nervously.
"Come on now."
"Oh Achilles, it's been ages!" The man said tightly hugging the young man.
"Ummm... I was actually here three months ago."
"Three months too long. My look at you, as strapping as ever."
"Ha-ha. Thanks pops."
"Please come in. Oh! We have so much to catch up on."
"It's only been three months. There's not that much to catch up on. Wait. There is. Panthos. I made a friend. Her name is Merina." When Achilles introduced Merina, the whole bar went silent. Merina's eyes grew big. She didn't like when people stared at her.
"What kind of friend is she?" Panthos asked with a hint of jealousy.
"A friend from a distant land. That's all."
"Are you cheating on me Achilles?" Panthos asked.
"We were never in a relationship and for the 300th time, I'm not gay." Panthos walked over to Merina and took her head scarf off. He was walking around her in a circle inspecting her.
"Hm…nice hair. Bright eyes. Dark skin. Sweetie, dear…. You need to lose a couple of pounds." Merina's eyes widened. She was in disbelief. She batted her thick lashes.
"Excuse me!? You need to lose some weight you fat pi- "Achilles quickly covered Merina's mouth before she made matters worse.
"I'm sorry Panthos. Please forgive Merina." Achilles chuckled nervously. "Could we have a table please?"
"Yes, you may. Everything is on the house for you Achilles but your foreign friend…she has to pay." Merina grew annoyed.
"Whatever you say Panthos." Achilles and Merina took a seat at a wooden table. It was rectangular with two wooden benches. Achilles sat on one side while Merina sat on the other. As soon as the two sat, a cute waitress with blonde hair tied in a bun approached the table. She was medium height with a rather large chest. She had freckles too just like Panthos. She wasn't skinny, yet she wasn't fat. She was a nice size.
"What can I get ya?!" She asked not looking up from her notepad.
"Long time no see Amelia." Amelia reverted her gaze to the handsome man in front of her. She shrieked. She too instinctively threw her arms around Achilles.
"Oh MY! Achilles, it's been FOREVER! How have you been?!"
"I've been fine. You look happy like always."
"Now that you're here, I am extremely happy." Amelia said flirtatiously. Achilles laughed slightly nervous. "Relax, I am kidding. Whose ya friend?"
"This is Merina. She requested we come here to drink."
"Really?"
"Yes, so bring all the beer and wine your hands can gather. Also, two gyros please."
"Coming right up. Nice to meet ya dear. I'll be right back."
"Nice to meet you too." Merina said as she watched Amelia leave to the kitchen. "Wow. You're so popular. I'm kind of jealous."
"Eh. It has its perks. Sometimes, it can get rather annoying." Merina glanced over Achilles's shoulder and saw a group of young women swooning over him. She sighed.
"HERE! TWO BEERS!" An angry voice yelled slamming the beers onto the table. Merina and Achilles jumped. In front of them was a woman. She had long black hair with a scarf tied around her hair. She had a snarl on her face. She wasn't happy at all. She wiped her hands on her apron. She made sure to make eye contact with Achilles.
"Who is she Achilles?" Merina asked. He didn't respond.
"Hello to you too Minka." Amelia soon came back with the food Achilles requested. Her expression went from that of a blissful one to a worried one. She approached the table slowly.
"Is she your new toy?' Minka asked.
"Come on Minka, let's not do this here." Achilles said placing his hand in his hair.
"Yes. Lets. You arrogant asshole." Minka's eyes were starting to water. Merina watched quickly catching on. "This is who you left me for? Well? IS IT!" Minka yelled loud enough to make the whole tavern go quiet. When Panthos heard Minka yelling, he knew what it was about. He quickly made his way threw the crowd to Achilles's table.
"Forgive me Achilles, I should've told you she was here. Excuse yourself now Minka if you still desire a job." Minka bit her lip and stormed off to the kitchen in the back.
"Sorry about that Achilles." Amelia said.
"It's no worries. Thank you for the food." Achilles said. Merina was staring at Achilles. "My apologies to you too Merina. So here, please eat."
"What is it?"
"It's called a gyro. It's like a sandwich Greek style."
"What's inside?"
"Lamb, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, lettuce and a Greek sauce. Trust me, its delicious." Merina held the sandwich to her face. She looked at it strangely and took a small bite. She chewed. Her face lit up. "Good right?" She nodded yes. "Please eat more." Merina did as she was told. Greek food was good.
Two hours had passed, and the tavern crowd was dying down. Merina's cheeks were flushed. She had drunk 9 beers and 2 glasses of wine. Her friend Achilles on the other hand had only drank 7 beers and was intoxicated. His face was so red.
"Explain to me how someone like you gets intoxicated off 7 beers?" Merina shook her head. "Aren't you Achilles, the mighty Greek warrior?" Achilles stood up. He quickly fell back down.
"I think ya had enough Achilles." Amelia said trying to help him up. "Ma'am, you should take him home. He's drunk like always."
"I don't even know where home is." Merina sighed to herself. She let Achilles place one arm around her neck. He was full of muscles and heavy for Merina.
"Just tell his horses. They will know the way. I will help you take him to his chariot. Do you remember where he parked it?" Amelia asked.
"Yes. I do." Merina said. Merina started leading the way towards the exit. On the way out, she caught the eye of Minka. They stared at each other for a while. Minka broke eye contact and went back to cleaning the tables.
Achilles was heavy. Unfortunately, Merina had to lug Achilles all the way back to his place. He had passed out and was in no condition to walk on his own. She opened his room door and dragged him to his bed. He was slowly coming around.
"Merina?" He asked.
"What?" she said slightly annoyed.
"Where are we?"
"You're room." She answered.
"Really? It doesn't look like my room. Tell me, are we still in Greece?" Merina sighed.
"Yes. We are in Greece." She was pulling back the sheets to Achilles's bed. "Lie down. Please. You're drunk."
"Don't tell me what to do." Achilles said looking down at Merina. Merina unfolded her arms and pushed Achilles onto the bed.
"Aye. Rough I see. I like it."
"Go to sleep Achilles. I'll fetch you water." Achilles placed his head upon his pillow and closed his eyes. Merina came back with the cup of water. She tapped Achilles. "Here. Drink it." Achilles did so. "You know you're probably going to have a really bad headache in the morning.
"Yea, yea I know." Achilles handed the cup back over to Merina. Merina was hesitant to ask at first, but she wanted to know about Minka. Maybe I shouldn't? Merina thought. She inhaled deeply then exhaled. "Achilles?"
"Yes?"
"Who is Minka? Was she your um…um…girlfriend?"
"Yea, I guess you can say that." Achilles replied falling back down onto his pillow.
"She seemed pretty angry. I take it you guys didn't end well?"
"Yea. Something of the sorts."
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"
"Curious aye?"
"I'm sorry." Merina apologized. "I didn't mean to pry."
"There's no need for apologies. Yes. Minka was kind of my girlfriend. It was an off and on thing. I guess she was more serious about me than I was about her."
"She seemed really upset."
"Women are always upset."
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Anyways about 5 months ago, I broke it off. Right after I had slept with her."
"That's horrible. So basically, you used her."
"No…. Yes. After we had well you know, I knew she wasn't the woman who I wanted to be with. She's a great person. I just wanted to explore different options."
"Did you explain that to her?"
"No." Achilles answered. "Soon after, I had military duties to tend to up north. I told her it was over but, I never explained why. That's why she's upset. It seems she thinks I've left her for another woman which was hardly even the case."
"Maybe you should speak to her. Clear the air so that way she doesn't react like that ever again."
"You're right. You're very mature. I planned on having that conversation with her." Achilles ran his fingers through his hair. "Just never got to it. Now she hates me."
"It's better to be honest rather than lie. Honesty is the best medicine. Sometimes lies are poisonous."
"Yes. You are absolutely right." Achilles said dozing off. Merina looked at Achilles. She watched him as he fell asleep. She rolled her eyes.
"Men are such babies sometimes."