Chapter 4: Trouble in Athens
Notes: I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. At the end of the chapter at the notes there are my answers to your reviews. This chapter is kind of small so I will update twice this week, in Tuesday or Wednesday hopefully as usual.
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Kassandra rushes to Perikles' house. There are guards who prevent her from storming in. She tells them her name so that one of the soldiers can go and clarify that she is a guest of Perikles and Aspasia. Finally, they let her in and she is greeted by Aspasia at the door.
"Kassandra thank the Gods you are here. Welcome." Aspasia welcomes her with warm words keeping her distance physically for obvious reasons.
"Aspasia, I came to see you. Thank you. Are you all alright?" She questions with obvious concern but doing her best to keep calm.
"Perikles is ill. The rest of us are healthy, but he is not. The people turned against him, the city is dying and he is very miserable. You have to talk to him." The dazzling woman says. Kassandra relaxes a little at the news; Phoibe is well.
"If he isn't listening to your reasoning, I don't think I can do much but I will try. Where is he?" She craves to see Phoibe, hug her and take her away but for now she has more friends to see with her mind eased that Phoibe isn't ill. She goes upstairs outside Perikles' room and knocks on the door lightly. A weak voice from inside notifies her she can come in.
It is Perikles, looking nothing like he used to. He is pale, with red sores and blebs, skinnier than before. He really is in a bad situation and his mood is even worse. He is remorseful, disheartened and completely wretched. They confer but his mood remains the same; of course, he welcomed and thanked her for her concern but she can do nothing. Kassandra informs him that Hippocrates has come to Athens, offers his help and takes measures so that the disease will decay.
"Gods bless him; and you for helping us. Thank you once again." He says between coughs. "I have to ask you to do one more thing for me after I'm gone."
Kassandra nods. "Anything for you Perikles, but please do your best to recover, don't give up. The city needs you, your family and many more people."
He shakes his head. "My days are numbered, old friend."
She furrows her brows. "No, you can recover. Don't give up for Aspasia and Athens."
"Alright, but promise me that you will help my family if or when I'm gone. Aspasia is in danger, particularly without me defending her and now that the people are angry at me it is worse." He pleads.
"Don't worry, no harm shall find them." She assures him. "I will leave you to rest." She adds before opening the door to exit the room. Aspasia is waiting at the corridor.
"I am sorry, I couldn't do much." Kassandra sighs.
"You were my last hope." the Athenian woman mumbled with her gaze down.
"He is a strong-willed man; he will make it. I told him about Hippocrates efforts, it may switch his mood as time passes and he considers it." She gives a small smile at Aspasia who in return lifts her eyes to find Kassandra's.
"Of course, yes! How did I not think of it?" The Athenian woman's face lights up.
Kassandra hesitates. "Is Phoibe here?"
Aspasia nods affirmatively. "She is at the staff's quarters." That is all Kassandra wished to hear for four days, she thanks Aspasia and scurries to the other aisle. Turning around a corner she crashes into someone else. Phoibe! She instantly hugs her tight.
"Kassandra, I am happy to see you, too, but I would be happier if you didn't squeeze me to death." The girl says with a wide smile.
"I'm sorry Phoibe. I missed you so much! How are you?" Kassandra's eyes wet up with tears threatening to fall.
"I am fine but I missed you a lot, too." Phoibe replies beaming not yet breaking the embrace. The misthios takes a small step back to inspect the girl's condition. She is healthy enough.
Pleased she proposes. "Would you like to come with me to the Cyclades?"
Phoibe's smile is replaced by thin lips. "I can't follow you Kassandra. Aspasia needs me."
The misthios lowers her head. "We could be a family; I have a lead about my mother. She would love you like I do."
Phoibe smiles at her. "Maybe after the plague, if you still want me?"
Kassandra hugs her once again. "Of course I will. You are like a sister to me."
The girl giggles. "You are going to be my bigger sister!"
They spent the evening together catching up and laughing in each other's company until it was late at night. Lying on the bed in the guest room she was provided, her mind ponders to Brasidas now that she eased about her friends' wellbeing. She would rather forget him but after all the moments they shared together and what he did for her it is impossible to happen anytime soon. The next day Phoibe came early to Kassandra's room and woke her up.
"Wake up! Come on, enough sleep."
The misthios jumps up with her spear in hand. "What's wrong?"
The girl giggled. "Nothing Kassandra, relax. You said that you won't stay here for long and I wanted to spend time with you."
The eagle bearer exhales in relief. "You scared me. I want to make the most of our time together, too, but I didn't plan on waking before the sun even rose!"
Phoibe smiled mischievously. "Well, the sun has risen, so come on." She pulls Kassandra's hands to propel her to stand up. "I wanted to show you all my favorite places here in Athens because the previous time you were busy." The kiddie says as Kassandra puts on her armor.
"Phoibe. It's dangerous, we can't wander all around the city right now." She sighs.
The girl looks up to her with puppy eyes. "Oh, come on Kassandra. At least to some that are nearby?"
That's it; Kassandra cannot possibly deny her. "Ok, but promise me you will not disobey me and you'll stay close."
Phoibe beams at her. "I pinky promise."
They spent all of their morning out. First of course they went to Akropolis and then they took the road back to Perikles' residence and from there further out of town until they crossed the river and reached the Garden of Kynosarges and sat there admiring the Parthenon and Athena's statue while they talked.
"It is very beautiful here." Kassandra admits smiling.
"I told you so." Phoibe responds with a wide smile. "So, your mother is to one of the islands of Cyclades?" She asks.
"Yes, probably. I will have to search for her at each one of them. Also, there are some people that might know where she is, pirates actually. I may pay them a visit, too."
The girl nods. "I see. But I don't understand why aren't you happy?"
Kassandra looks puzzled. "I am." She states.
"Not that much. Something is on your mind." Phoibe insists.
Kassandra has many things bothering her and make her mind spin constantly. First of all, she is unsure if she will achieve to find her mother or how long it will take her; what will happen then. Secondly, she is concerned about Phoibe, she wants to take the girl with her to make sure she will be fine. Lastly, Brasidas is a regular image visualized by her with many aftermaths.
She can't be at all places at once; she isn't sure where she should be first. Should she seek her mother as she intended all this time or postpone her journey and stay with Phoibe until the plague is gone so they can leave together?
For Brasidas it's different. She doesn't know if she wants to risk being with him, or to be more precise first risk to ruin their friendship, if he isn't interested and then risk his life making him a target. Either if she prefers to stay away from him forever and feel the torment ever after and maybe she will regret it when it's too late. She shakes her head before going deeper in her thoughts wondering what if.
"I won't lie. I have a couple of things that unnerve me." She admits finally.
Phoibe gazes at her expectedly. "You can tell me."
Kassandra sighs weighting her options. She doesn't want to admit to Phoibe that she worries so much about her, she fears that the girl will get angry and storm off saying that she is capable of taking care of herself.
"I met somebody that I liked but he is from Sparta he couldn't be with me even if he wanted." Kassandra decides to confess.
Phoibe's eyes go wide. "You are in love? What is his name? Where did you meet? You think that he doesn't like you? Tell me everything!" She is excited with the news; she loves Kassandra and wants her to be happy. She deserves it.
"You, young lady, aren't old enough to enthuse so much about boys." Kassandra attempts to avoid further discussion on the matter. She thought it was the easier way out but is seems she was wrong.
"I am almost thirteen you know in Athens and in most of the Greek world girls, who are just one year older than me, marry. So, tell me!" Phoibe insists patting the misthios' arm.
Kassandra moans in irritation. "Fine. His name is Brasidas. We met in Korinth where we helped each other deal with a couple of thugs. I don't know what he feels. We are friends."
Phoibe rolls her eyes. "Wow Kassandra you really are a Spartan. You didn't say any details or explain to me what the problem is."
"I told you we are friends. I might ruin it if I hint that I like him. Besides, by Sparta's law he can't be with a non-Spartan citizen and I'm not. Not to mention that all good Spartans are loyal to their kings and laws and we surely don't have that in common. Last but not least, he probably hates all Athenians like a genuine Spartan soldier." She said aloud most of the things that blurred her mind at last totaling the problems.
Phoibe took her hand and squeezed it. "He may like you. No, I am sure he does. You over think it. How do you know that he is not willing to do things for you or that he hates Athenians?"
Kassandra shakes her head. "I am sorry to disappoint you, but when I said I would come here to some friends his eyes threw daggers. He composed himself but I sensed his hatred. Even if he feels something for me, we are driven by different motives and values that's why we can't be more than friends."
Kassandra voiced almost all her thoughts at Phoibe, who in return pointed out indications with optimism. They returned at Perikles' residence before noon just in time for lunch. After eating and resting properly, Kassandra approximates Aspasia's quarters to speak with her and ask about Perikles' mental condition.
As soon as she opens the door, Aspasia rushes to her upset. "Kassandra, you must help me." She frets.
"What's wrong?" The misthios questions alerted.
"Perikles went to the Parthenon to pray and he hasn't come back yet. I started worrying and I send Phoibe to find him, but neither has come back."
Kassandra rages. "You did what? How could you put a child in danger? It's extremely perilous to wander alone at this hour especially at the situation the city is currently." She roars. She is angry at Aspasia for being so thoughtless and selfish.
"She is not a child Kassandra, she can handle herself just fine, but I'm worried something is amiss." Aspasia remarked.
Kassandra is furious at Aspasia. "Pray to all the gods, she is well otherwise I will slit your throat." The misthios threatens almost yelling and dashes to Acropolis.
There are people there, sick praying to the statue of Athena for recovery and others for their families although something is out of ordinary. There are too many soldiers around, both Athenian and unidentified guards, doubtlessly loyal to the cult.
She just made it to the Propylea when six cultist guards see her and attack her straight away. Their presence here makes her even more worried. Phoibe is in grave danger, if the cult is aware of hers and Kassandra's friendship.
The mighty misthios throws a poison arrow at one of the nearest guards and with her spear she pierces the second to his neck; a fatal injury. She dodged a strike of one guard and blocked with her sword the blade of another.
Her own strikes are ruthless, aimed to kill her opponent or indispose him.
She moves fast. Mostly attacking and evading the enemy strikes. As she kills the last guard two more appear from the stairs coming her way when they spot her but she has the advantage, she is higher, the Acropolis at her back.
She crushed down the first one with her spear cutting through his body while striking with her sword the other guard. The guard, bleeding, charges to her and she sends him falling down the stairs with a Spartan kick.
By this time, she is already panting, but that won't stop her. Just then Sokrates, Aspasia and Hippokrates come running.
"What are you doing here?" Kassandra asks the men.
"We came across Aspasia on her way here. She was in a haze; she explained her issue and we offered our help." Hippokrates justifies.
"Let's move then." She states flatly.
They pass Athena's statue running towards the Parthenon. While they are at the uphill past the majestic gold statue Kassandra notices guards outside of the Erechthium a little further at their left.
"I have to go to the Erechthium first." She announces to the rest of the group.
"What? Why? We must go to Perikles at once" Aspasia objects.
Despite Aspasia's protests and affirmations that Perikles will be at the Parthenon because it is his favorite place to be, Kassandra draws near to Erechthium.
There are two guards at the door and she deals with them as quickly as possible. Shouting comes from inside. "HELP ME!"
Kassandra recognizes this voice and dread deluges her body. "Phoibe!" She mutters overwhelmed with dread.
Inside there are other two guards. The misthios completely slaughters them and rushes to the young girl on the ground.
Kassandra drops to her knees and hugs the girl gingerly. "Phoibe, stay with me. You are going to be alright." She pleads to the girl in her arms.
"Kassandra. You came." the girl hardly breathes but with eyes still quite open. "Of course I came. I am here now." The misthios does her outmost to have a steady voice and sooth the girl but her eyes are wet.
"It hurt before, but I don't feel it anymore." Phoibe whispers with ragged breathing.
"Hippokrates! Hippokrates I need you, please!" Kassandra shouts for him to hear her.
He enters the room, inspects the girl's injuries and shakes his head sadly at the eagle bearer. "I am sorry Kassandra." He whispers.
"NO!" She yells with tears in her eyes. "Help her! Phoibe?" Kassandra refuses to accept that the girl has lost too much blood from her body and already lost her senses; even her eyes closed. "No, no, no! Phoibe?" "Phoibe!" "NO!" She repeats again and again holding the dead girl tight in her embrace and sobbing defeated feeling the dire emotion of grief.
Hippocrates places a hand on her shoulder. He doesn't want to interrupt her but they have to go.
Kassandra is a wreck. She failed to protect her. She feels guilty and angry. So many intense feelings at once. She kisses the girl on her head cupping her cold cheek. "I love you, Phoibe." She whispers with a shattered voice.
Once she is out, she turns to face Aspasia. "It's your fault! Her blood is on your hands!" She accuses though deep inside she is angry with herself, too, regret swells within her at the point of eating her alive.
She would hurt Aspasia if she didn't feel responsible herself, but they were only empty threats to dwindle her rage.
They set foot on the first steps of the Parthenon when they see it.
Deimos
Deimos covered in blood is there dragging Perikles mercilessly. He threatens the Athenian leader hitting him violently at the head. He yells hysterically "All you think you achieved, worth nothing! I will destroy everything you lived for you helpless creature!" Deimos punches Perikles again, who has several wounds, a broken nose and blood flowing from his mouth.
"Perikles!" Aspasia screams and stretches her hands to reach for him but Sokrates holds her with Hippokrates assistance. Kassandra is unable to react. Witnessing her dear Phoibe die on her was a great shock already. At the sight of her brother's brutality and lunatic behaviour she completely stopped dead.
Deimos turns and faces them drawing his sword out. A sinister smile on his lips as he slices Perikles neck and laughs coldly, sending shivers down Kassandra's spine.
"Don't get in my way ever again sister, or I will gut you with my own hands." He hisses and barks orders at some cultist guards to attack her while he is walking away.
Kassandra was really tired and felt awful, in truth she just wanted to go to a quiet place and grieve her friend. At the same time Phoibe's loss gave her the strength to fight. She would take revenge for her unfair death and for all the innocent lives lost. She would hunt them down until the last one is dead.
She uses all the strength she has left to defeat the guards, while Aspasia sits next to her dead lover.
"Kassandra you need to take Aspasia out of Athens right away." Sokrates insinuated.
"She is in great danger. Kleon will order the soldiers to imprison her at the least; and you might be a target as well." Hippokrates adds.
"What about you?" She asks them concerned.
"We need to stay. We cannot let Alkibiades alone to face Kleon, who will take the advantage to take control. Athens is on the verge of collapse. Perikles' death will aggravate the situation." Sokrates notified and Hippokrates nodded in agreement adding that he has to stay to take care of the sick.
"I want a favor from both of you. Promise me that you will give Phoibe a proper burial, please. She deserves at least this." Kassandra queried and they promised it sincerely.
"We need to find a way out for you two." Hippokrates reminds after Aspasia stands up and faces them.
"Perikles and Phoibe will have the burials they deserve, but at the moment you better run." Sokrates says in an attempt to assure them so they can focus on their own survival.
"You are right. We need to reach my ship. It is at the bay. East." Kassandra informs the rest of the group. "Any thoughts on how we get out of Athens?" She asks.
They are all well aware that Kleon even if he is behind the assault or not, he will take the opportunity to imprison Aspasia as she has been trouble for him. He will order the army to roam through the city streets and act upon seeing Aspasia the moment the news reach his ears. Perikles had been the one shielding her from Kleon's and other civilians' hatred all these years.
One thing is for sure, Kleon is intrigued for his own benefit and will stop at nothing to gain the power and be in control of Athens.
Trapped in the center of the city they must find a way out.
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Notes: I am extremely sorry I did this to you! It was really hard to do that to Phoibe. I will make it up, in a way, later on. Please don't hate me for this. Please! Everything happens for a reason. I don't want to spoil anything so I will just suggest you to have faith and a little patience as well. I am posting twice this week as an additional way to make it up to you for the pain I caused with Phoibe's loss. Sorry once again!
dziubusinsky : Thank you! Good luck with your exams, too! I can relate, I have a hard time studying. The only thing I want to do every day is write this fiction but it isn't possible. It's a pity you don't have an account to send you a message. As for following the story when it isn't finished yet, I have to thank you again very much as I am sure the waiting is irritating. I will reveal that I am a few chapters ahead (one or two) always but sometimes I usually make corrections and small changes to the previous chapters or check it again for mistakes before posting.
Shanita1599 : Thank you! Yes, I don't like changing completely some dialogue scenes as I feel it is distorting the initial characters. But the more the story advances the less the scenes will remind you of the originals as there will be many differences. I have sent you a PM (private message) for the rest.
iiii : Thank you! Of course, there is more! Much more don't worry!
DRWPJT : Thank you! Your tip is welcomed! I tried to do what you suggested in this chapter. Tell me if it is better or if there is still something wrong. If there are any parts in my chapters that it's hard to understand, I would appreciate you to mention them so I could correct them maybe. I am sorry for this I just write them alone and I don't have anyone else to read them before posting to tell me their opinion and it's the first time I write. I send you a PM (private message) as well.