Chapter 12: The conflict
The moon's dim light isn't replaced by any golden rays yet, but someone is whispering her name, urging her to wake up. It's a familiar voice, which brings her peace and joy. She opens her light brown eyes and his warm honey ones are fixed on her features. She smiles confused, her head aching.
"Brasidas…? What's going on? Where are we?"
Her mind is still blurry. She was too tired and slept heavily, but it takes only a moment of looking around to recall everything and she almost wishes she didn't. She sighs.
"We must go. It's time." he says softly acknowledging she regained fully her senses.
He squeezes momentarily her shoulder and goes away running errands around the camp.
He has spent the past hours scheming his moves and putting everything in order. He struggles hard to keep his mind occupied and focused on the important matters. Her kiss disorientated his brain and put him on fire. He is thankful to the Gods that he was harshly trained as a kid in the agoge and can restrain his desires.
Waking her up was even harder than he had expected. Her face, her voice and her half-opened eyes were all an image he doesn't want to picture during an important battle. Maybe if the circumstances were different, he would have kissed her lightly on her lips before going away. Not this time, maybe not ever again. He shakes his head and goes to stand beside Stentor to inspire the men with a speech.
A little later Kassandra is ready to join the Spartan soldiers to this sudden attack. She had no chance to speak to him and she only hopes he will be fine. She couldn't bear to lose him. The army begins to march. A soldier informs her that the Commander ordered her to be at the left front side. She goes there, wondering which one of them?
It could be Stentor, hoping that she would easily die on the front line, or it could be Brasidas hoping that she would drive them to victory. The latest believes in her abilities, he trusts her with his life. He has proven it multiple times and on their way here from Sparta.
Then she sees him, to the other end of the line. Out of the Phalanx just like her, leading the right unit, while there is no sign of Stentor. She presumes that her braggart step brother is into the formation of the central phalanx. She watches Brasidas motioning for all of them to move. They are walking to glory or their deaths.
The Athenian camp comes into view and the soldiers keep moving forward as quietly as they can. The closer they get, the more they doubt. If the battle took place in the open uneven terrain of Boeotia, Sparta wouldn't stand a chance against the supernumerary enemy forces and the countless Athenian archers.
The soldiers know that Brasidas's plan is much more promising than Stentor's and their confidence is boosted. The difficult part is to get close unnoticed and break into the opponent camp.
Kassandra attempts to catch a glimpse of Brasidas before the fighting starts, but he seems too focused on the mission and consumed by leadership. She has never seen him like this before, so serious and in such a combative spirit. Not even the first time they fought together in the burning warehouse, when they met in Korinth. He was compassionate, trying to maintain an eye communication with her as he fought.
He fearlessly guides them to the enemy forces, stone faced. Not hesitating to put himself in the most perilous position. Not only standing alone out of formation, exposed, but also choosing to be at the most dangerous side. He leads the main force head-on while Kassandra is with the startling unit and some phalanxes behind them.
The army parts in smaller units. Kassandra gets inside first alone, distracting the guards so the phalanx behind her can run through the gate. Brasidas has done the same from the opposite side and the conflict begins. The surprise attack has the effect they wanted, disorientation and disorder of the Athenians.
As the first sun rays fall on earth, deafening shouts and battle cries fill the air. Huge pools of blood, red splashes and corpses everywhere. So many corpses. The Athenians didn't have time to get ready, the Spartan army broke into their camp violently killing any man within it.
A few Athenian soldiers manage to make small formations outside to stand against the invaders. Within the camp the situation is chaotic. There is hardly any soil to step on. Only piles of bodies, dead or heavily wounded. Stentor's voice is heard, he barks a cruel order. "Kill everyone!"
Some soldiers are tasked to roam through the Athenian camp leaving no enemy alive, loot treasures and weapons and then burn it down, while the rest of the Spartan army will face the remaining foes.
The morale is already high, they have nothing to fear. The controversial battle is almost won. They lash out to the enemy with confidence and rage. Brasidas on the front, covered in blood, is taking down man after man. Kassandra is almost next to him. They cover each other even though they aren't as near as they were in Korinth. Side glances and checking for each other is enough.
The battle is won. A victory that wasn't guaranteed is even sweeter. She looks over to him, as he's still taken over by his brutal side. He breathes heavily trying to clear his mind as he looks down to the ground. She walks closer to him.
"Victory for our clever Commander!" she praises him using for the first time his rank instead of his name.
"Victory for Sparta." he corrects and grabs a lost cloak to clean his weapons and hands of the blood averting her gaze.
"What's wrong?"
She senses that Brasidas isn't himself, he looks almost sad for some reason. An idea crosses her mind. Maybe he witnessed someone close to him dying during the battle. The Spartan army had only a few loses, but one of those soldiers could be a friend of his.
"I hate myself whenever I'm overtaken by fury and end up slaughtering men." His voice is hoarse like he's struggling not to choke on his words.
"It's inevitable in a battle. It's not your fault."
She understands. This is an awfully familiar feeling. Her words aim to offer some comfort, but deep inside she recognizes his remorse. She has experienced it many times and whenever it comes to the surface, she buries it deep inside again.
She has made peace with her consciousness. If she wasn't a misthios, she would be dead. If she chose not to kill cultists, thugs, bandits and some violent leaders or commanders, many would end up dead along with her.
Similarly, he has to kill Athenians or anyone who is a threat to his city, in order to protect his people. He has to be strong like she does, to stay alive.
"Their blood… is on my hands." he sighs and lifts his face up to the sky with eyes well shut saying a silent prayer for those who died. For every man he killed and for forgiveness for his sins.
This is real life in this hopeless world. Peace isn't really an option. Those who have power in their hands, will crave for more and more each time. So, the only thing that's left to do, is to protect their loved ones and if possible, anyone in need.
She gives him some time to himself and shortly after, Stentor comes up with a request. He wants her to follow him into the woods to speak alone. Something feels wrong, but she doesn't really care or fear him. Without bothering Brasidas, she follows Stentor.
While they walk further into the forest, she asks him what he wants. No reply comes out of his pursed lips and irritatingly long silence settles between them. Her patience is wearing thin.
"I'm here to challenge you on a duel." he reveals with a grin turning around to face her. "And I'm going to kill you and take revenge for my father." he hisses furiously as he unsheathes his spear.
"You didn't want to lose in front of your men?"
"Brasidas insisted on us dueling away from the battlefield. Oh, yes. I forgot to mention that your friend knows and he's going to do nothing to prevent your death." He mocks emphasizing on the right words to hurt her.
Even though Stentor himself was the one who threatened Brasidas to accuse him for treachery to the kings if he attempted to save the misthios, she will never know. His goal is to make her feel betrayed as she lets out her last breath.
"You're lying."
She doesn't believe what he's saying. His words must be an attempt to get to her. Brasidas has proven himself many times, yet a small doubt is born. Can she trust anyone rather than herself?
"You are the only liar here!" he fires back unblinking and steps closer with his spear pointing her and his shield on his other hand, ready to fight.
"I am not! I didn't kill pater." she exclaims throwing her hands in the air as Brasidas appears from behind her.
"He's MY father! You are his killer." he barks in her face and spotting Brasidas he stares at him furiously. "Leave us alone!"
Despite the threats, Brasidas walks closer, to the other man's annoyance and he begins talking them out of the quarrel in his usual calm convincing voice keeping his composure.
Not letting another moment slip, Stentor charges Kassandra. She takes the spear of Leonidas and her sword just in time to block his attacks. She warns him that she doesn't want to hurt him, but if he doesn't cease, she will. He accuses and curses her as his spear moves aiming to cut through her skin.
She gets infuriated and kicks him away. Stentor stumbles back almost falling to the ground. He reflects his anger by provoking her more with harsh allegations. Neither is listening to Brasidas's calm words of pacification and requests to both drop their weapons and sort it out in serenity.
She is about to dash on her stepbrother with her spear and stab him on his chest when Brasidas grabs her by her waist to hold her back, but he only manages to delay her. She breaks free and aims to strike her step brother again, even though Brasidas pleads to bring them to reason.
"Enough! Both of you." Nikolaos's booming voice causes them to stop and face him.
Brasidas smiles grateful that his plan worked out eventually before it's too late. Kassandra eyes him suspiciously for just a second before her lips curve into a smile. She is relieved he hadn't betrayed her while Stentor is frozen on the spot, wide eyed.
"As you can see, I didn't kill him, idiot." she repeats putting her weapons to their place behind her back.
"Shut up, mercenary!" he hisses at her and shifts back his gaze to make eye contact with Nikolaos. "You left because of her! She must pay."
"No, Stentor. I had to find my honor. It was all my fault."
Stentor is enraged. He's jealous of her and angry that his father loves her so much. The wolf has forgiven his daughter and broke the laws because of her. Stentor protests and accuses Kassandra unstoppably and when their father orders him to stop it and listen, he burst out swearing her again.
She fumes up and moves to punch her arrogant brother. Brasidas does his best to calm her down and keep her from attacking Stentor. The Wolf takes his adopted son for a private conversation while she is distracted by Brasidas.
Kassandra takes the opportunity to confront him about his plot that he didn't reveal to her. She isn't very fond of surprises and expresses her displeasure, although she perceives the reason she shouldn't know. At the same time, Nikolaos scolds Stentor strictly finally making him conform and explains to him about the cult in a summary.
Stentor is still angry and foremost jealous. Nikolaos requests understanding and a favor from his son who unwillingly agrees, unable to reject his father's wish. He glares at Brasidas openly blaming him for this outcome, aiming to make him feel uncomfortable.
As soon as the conversation ceases, she announces her departure. Thinking it's about time to take separate paths, she bits everyone goodbye. Nikolaos, however, has something else in mind and he's determined to be persistent.
"There are some cultists that you shouldn't face alone, we'd better go together."
Stentor dislikes the fact, but remains silent with his features wrinkled with distaste, huffing slightly whenever his sister speaks.
She argues for a while with her father insisting to continue alone like she always does and then Nikolaos uses his secret weapon. He mentions that it's a risky mission and even though they are skilled they may not be enough even the three of them.
Stentor rolls his eyes smirking in spite and envy as his sister asks what Nikolaos refers to, hoping that she won't have to be with Stentor any longer right now.
"Brasidas could help us. Stentor will send a report to the kings that he assigned him an urgent task." Nikolaos states calmly reading their reactions.
Brother and sister unwillingly return to the Spartan camp together. She goes back to take Phobos and Kass along with her things while her father and Brasidas stay back in the woods alone. The young Commander will go back later to take his things after her, so that they won't be spotted leaving together. Once left alone, the men decide to speak openly to each other.
Brasidas gazes at his former General. He wears his spy stone faced figure, but his eyes betray a small hint of disappointment. It is evident to anyone who knows the young Spartan so well. "You were suspicious last night."
"Just like you were." Nikolaos replies searching the younger man as he sits down on a log.
"I couldn't understand why you left and I didn't know whether you cared for Kassandra or if you would believe me. You changed."
Brasidas takes a seat next to The Wolf. Averting his eyes from the other man and instead looking at the trees across from them with his head up straight. The older man tilts his head down and stares the wild grass at his feet. For a moment, the only sound that can be heard is the singing of the birds and small happy tweets before a small sigh escapes from the older man's lips.
"All of us changed." Nikolaos corrects patting for a moment Brasidas's shoulder and giving him a small smile, which surprises his student. "Now tell me, are you and Kassandra together?" he asks still holding Brasidas whose blood drains from his face.
"No, we are friends."
It would be easier if he was questioned the same thing a day ago, but now it felt like a knife to his windpipe. After their kiss last night, he couldn't claim they are just friends. He feels every muscle on his body stiffen and struggles to swallow the knot formed in his throat.
"Since when do you lie?" his tutor questions looking at him intensely and Brasidas is about to open his mouth to deny it when he is cut off. "There's no need to say anything. I saw the way you look at each other."
Brasidas closes his mouth without a word. He considers his options. He could be honest with his tutor proving his loyalty and honor. There wasn't that much to fear in the end, he loved Kassandra, his feelings for her are genuine, she isn't a woman he just wants to spend some nights with.
On the other hand, she is independent and grew up alone. She may assume her father is intervening. Maybe she doesn't want him to know and get angry with the confession. As a matter of fact, they are not together and they haven't cleared out about what happened last night.
She might have not meant it this way, or she might have regretted it. Her reaction right afterwards wasn't exactly encouraging.
Nikolaos is no fool. He doesn't use to talk much, but he knows best. He is patiently waiting. Even now, he can see his favored soldier struggling beneath his almost calm face. For sure there is love and doubt. Brasidas is clearly considering his options on speaking the truth.
"We are friends… though… I care for her."
Color flashes his face red. It's shame and desire at the same time for the woman who awakens so many feelings to him. It's even more difficult not to think of her when the taste and the warmth of her lips still linger on his.
She has conquered his heart long ago and now she has occupied his mind completely. He can no longer refer to her without recalling the feeling of her soft lips on his. As his senses drag him to lust, he faces her father and the fact makes him feel ashamed and awkward.
Nikolaos is pleased with what he has heard while at the same time a little sad that the younger man seems to believe that he is the only one. He must have not perceived that Kassandra is in love with him.
"She cares for you, too." The Wolf reveals observing the younger man who has furrowed his eyebrows. "You should already know."
"Know what?"
"She loves you."
"No, it can't be…" Brasidas utters confused rubbing his beard. "You certainly misunderstood." He chuckles nervously.
"She does. I didn't expect you to doubt your worth… Even if she was an Agiad."
The older man's simple comment has a deeper meaning hidden within the words and correctly catches Brasidas's attention, despite being overwhelmed.
"What are you implying?"
Nikolaos's demeanor is weird. He is Kassandra's father after all. Why would he encourage an affair? The Wolf is a clever man and he has a purpose, Brasidas is sure of it.
The former General decides not to torture his protégé any longer and reveal the truth; it might be his only chance.
He begins with a question. "Have you ever wondered why I took you under my wing?"
"More and more, lately." Brasidas admits holding his breath.
About seventeen years ago, when life in Sparta was normal for Nikolaos's family, he was a father with different kind of problems. Kassandra was very young only a child, yet her lineage didn't seem to leave her any time to grow older as a regular kid.
Pleistoanax was the new Agiad king after Myrrine's brother died and he was pushing Nikolaos for an arranged wedding between Kassandra and his son, Pausanias. It wasn't uncommon to unify the royal blood, but Nikolaos wanted his daughter to have the freedom to chose when she would be older and not trap her in a golden cage.
In truth, he didn't even think highly of the young king-to-be. Pausanias seemed selfish and arrogant and Nikolaos knew from his own experience with Myrrine that if he wanted to help his daughter, he should be provident.
Nikolaos became a Commander on his own, his own father was only a simple hoplite. It was so hard for him to be accepted so he and Myrrine could marry. Sometimes he even wonders if what happened to Myrrine's brother could be avoided if he was higher in rank, or his wife had chosen someone else.
A piece of guilt will always be there, to remind him not to make the same mistake with his daughter. Of course, he couldn't know with whom his daughter might fall in love in more than ten years' time, but he could raise the prospects of some who deserved a chance. Judging by the boys' characters and abilities, he could help at least some achieve to become officials.
He was observing the young soldiers at the agoge, those a few years older than his daughter for the prospect of a future son in law. Some boys were already likeable, capable soldiers, smart and fearless. Some of them had prominent fathers as well.
A young soldier stood out among all the other in wit and strength. He was calm, patient and modest not alike most of the boys his age who made a fuss on every given opportunity. The young boy's character resembled a lot to that of Nikolaos's and he could see himself often in that boy.
One night he randomly overheard a boy in the barracks talking about his ambition to marry Kassandra. He said that she seemed strong and he would have the most valuable woman. Some of the boys were of the same opinion; they all wanted to have sons descended by Leonidas. Some remained silent, while many started arguing.
Then Kadmos's voice was heard claiming that young Kassandra would be his wife one day whatever the cost and made a vulgar joke as a threat to the others. The conversation twisted badly with many of them arguing.
That moment Nikolaos was about to get inside and put an end to their inappropriate conversation, but he was held up by another voice. His favored boy stood against Kadmos, saying no one had the right to talk about a small girl like that thinking they had power over her life. A fight started between the two boys.
Nikolaos got in and stopped the commotion. Kadmos was beaten and accused Brasidas of attacking him out of nowhere for no reason. Brasidas in return said nothing, he was willingly going to take the blame on him.
The next morning Nikolaos punished all the boys equally paying no attention to Kadmos's father who was a General. To everyone's ignorance he had heard everything.
His research was over; some boys were distinguished as good young men. He wanted a man who would choose his daughter because of love and not for her family name. Brasidas would be a good husband if the fates agreed on crossing his path with Kassandra's.
Nikolaos would assist as he could. The boy should get a high rank in order to be more easily accepted as Kassandra's husband by the people. Her cousin would stand out, as well as sons of Generals would be preferred by the Kings and Spartans.
Nikolaos didn't hesitate to show his approval for promoting the boy; he was incredibly qualified and would undoubtedly become a great strategist. Brasidas was later impelled to stay more in the agoge to become a lieutenant and quickly proved to everyone that he was an ace in tactic.
However, later on Alexios was condemned to die and the events at mount Taygetos superseded Nikolaos's plans. The Wolf was made a General and he had nothing left except Brasidas to patronize for some years. He was lucky enough to have another of the boys who had passed his test, Stentor, as his adopted son.
As Nikolaos finishes his story, galloping is heard and the men guess that Kassandra is back, so they let their conversation die with nothing more.
Both men are quite thankful they don't have to discuss it in more detail right now. Brasidas needs time to comprehend the situation and the Wolf already feels like he said too much.
The younger man is skeptical and speechless for a long time. There is a lot of information to take in. At least now he knows everything and he's relieved he has, in a way, Nikolaos's permission. Her father's approval is of high importance to the young Commander.
Although, it was originally planned differently, it still matters. The unbridgeable differences in their lives and ethic values are still a resounding warning sign. The Commander ought to set an example for his men, he's a leading figure and his top priority should be Sparta.
Phobos comes to a stop in front of the men, while Kass is left a little further behind. Kassandra dismounts and stares back and forth to her father and Brasidas, waiting for them to speak up. Neither of them does.
She reminds Brasidas it's his turn to go and get his things, breaking both men out of their thoughts.
He only nods and stands up to walk away. The silence feels strange, a resonant indication that something happened while she was away. She crosses her arms over her chest as Kass comes to stand beside her.
She and her father don't talk much while Brasidas is away. He tends his horse and only congratulates her for her performance at the battlefield. She takes the opportunity to give credit to Brasidas's plan and resourceful strategy.
The insinuation that Stentor in not that capable, didn't go unnoticed by the Wolf, yet he said nothing. He is already aware of their abilities; his position and perspicacity generously provide him with insight.
Her father's reluctance for communication offers her time to feed and spend some time with her companions. Ikaros happily lands on her forearm to be petted and given some unique treat while Kass curls at her feet purring loudly.
She is too lost with her furred friends that she hasn't realized Brasidas is back and both men stare at her amused with her kind of childish behavior. This side of her is a huge contrast to her usual strong demeanor.
She finally lifts her gaze and finds them there. "I guess, it's time to go." She exclaims standing up. Both men nod silently and she sights. "We're going to have a wonderful time together. Ikaros is much louder than you." She groans and Ikaros chirps in agreement as he takes off.
Brasidas chuckles and Nikolaos's lips form the ghost of a smile. Kassandra shakes her head smirking in annoyance.
They mount their horses and head South. Hours later the Wolf orders to stop and camp in the small clearing up a small hill. Kassandra is not novice, yet the men prove that they are true disciplined soldiers. Their moves are synchronized and accurate to every detail. They have everything ready almost in no time.
Her father assigns various tasks for each one of them. She is the one to hunt for tonight while Brasidas is sent for water. Her father will chop wood to light a fire.
She manages to take down a deer shortly with the help of Ikaros and Kass. Back to the base she finds only Nikolaos transferring wood. By the time she has skinned the deer, the Wolf has lit a fire and supplied them sufficiently for tonight.
"Good job." Nikolaos mutters approvingly when Kassandra is finished and offers his assistance to prepare their meal.
"Thanks. So… Where are we going? Who is this cultist?"
"Patience is an eminent principle."
Instead of replying, telling her what she wants to know, her father aims to put her through a discipline and loyalty test. Indifferent in hiding her annoyance, she glares at him and purses her lips.
"I'm not here for training!"
She is irritated, trying to restrain her anger that begins to rise more and more all these hours in the presence of the two Spartan men.
"Knowledge is a privilege." The Wolf comments firmly with a hard expression on his characteristics.
"Is this a joke? We have a cultist to take out and many other after him."
It's getting really hard for her not to fume up with these laconic tutoring answers.
"Never oppose to your superiors." Brasidas announces behind her and makes her blood boil even more.
"I don't follow orders."
"You neglected practicing your obedience." Her father points out completely calm, despite her tension.
"Kassandra trust Nikolaos. He must have his reasons to keep it to himself for now." Brasidas attempts to reason sensing that her anger is too much for him to take the Wolf's side more directly.
"What have I gotten myself into?" She groans and starts pacing. The men remain completely calm and she rages even more. "Spartans…" She utters rolling her eyes.
"You are Spartan yourself." Brasidas notes, chuckling at her cold glance which now throws daggers on him.
"The combination of the two of you can challenge Stentor's whimsy!"
She unleashes her wrath by cursing loudly and walks away disappearing into the woods to clear her mind.
Notes: This chapter will be updated soon after proper corrections are made. Unfortunately, I lack spare time to work on this fiction these months, but I'm not letting it go. Thank you for your support!