Chapter 13: Love is just a kiss away
*Notes:
Homoioi were called the Spartan full-citizens who had all the rights and privileges. The criteria of the Spartans regarding who held the status of citizen were very selective. Initially he should come from a "citizen" father and a mother whose father is a citizen. He would also have to successfully undergo and complete the agoge, among other obligations.
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The absence of the warm sun rays and light makes the wind feel cooler, but Kassandra is used to much colder winters with no roof over her head. Most of her years in Kephallonia, she had only an old chiton and no house to live in. She is too angry to feel cold, either way. Her blood boils.
She was undoubtedly brusque, but she is on edge. It's awkward for her and distressing to travel with these two men at the same time. They are so much alike that the fact causes her anxiety and confusion.
They think and act similarly in too many ways to her disappointment. Generally, Spartans do have lots in common, but she can distinguish these two are cut from the same cloth. Of course, partly, the reason may be that Nikolaos had been training Brasidas for some years resulting in influencing him severely and shaping his personality.
She already knows his fighting style is affected by her father's a great deal, as expected as his trainer, yet she can't deal with the raw truth. The man she's fallen in love with shouldn't be anything like Nikolaos.
Her body shivers with dread. No matter if she has forgiven her father, she cannot ever erase the feeling of betrayal. Her unstoppable thoughts of Brasidas betraying her make her want to scream.
On the other hand, at the same time, her brain clouds more, seeing Nikolaos so committed to assist and fight for his family eventually. Her father's stance makes her believe that she and Brasidas stand a chance. She has put up her hopes, and that's one of the reasons she kissed her Spartan friend last night. Right now, everything is worse, compared to her being simply friends with him.
It's not only the fear of what future they could have together. This apprehension has never left her mind. The major issue is what on earth she is going to do right now! He may have responded to her kiss, but it doesn't mean he has any sentiments. He might just have been stressed before the battle and allowed himself a misstep.
Besides respect and gratitude, he's only shown friendly concern, nothing to indicate that there could be something more. Even if this wasn't the case, she couldn't demand from him what she is not able to give. What could she expect when she has to move around constantly, search and dig out those snakes who have her brother? They have to be punished and stopped before it's too late.
Time isn't on her side. The cult of Kosmos is everywhere, and she has to hurry to get ahead of their vicious plans. Her loved ones are in danger, Brasidas included, because they are all in the Cult's blacklist.
In addition, her worries for her brother only grow stronger. After what she witnessed in Athens, the image of Deimos killing Perikles causes her great affliction. The satisfaction written on his face was so discouraging that it crashed the few odds she had believing he could change.
That day, the man she was looking at was not Alexios. It was Deimos, a brainwashed slaughterer. He had nothing to do with her dear baby brother, but how could she tell their mother? It would break her heart.
She hasn't told a single soul about it. There is no one she can share this burden with, she has to get through this alone, and she had better act quickly. The more time passes, the harder it will be to get close to Alexios.
Kassandra picks up a stone and throws it into the river.
The men are sitting around the fire quietly. Brasidas cleans his spear and sword, thinking of the right words to say to Kassandra later on. Nikolaos watches over their dinner, intrigued to see what his daughter and former apprentice will do.
The young Commander has made his weapons almost as shiny as new. He raises his head, his gaze aims to meet with Nikolaos's eyes, but it never does. The moment the younger man opens his mouth, he is cut off. The permission to go after Kassandra, if that is what he wants, is granted.
Brasidas chuckles to himself, thinking that the Wolf of Sparta always knows.
It isn't hard to find her. Ikaros didn't fly far away before landing again on top of a tree. After a short walk into the woods, he spots her. She turns around with folded arms as soon as she hears him approach. She recognized his hurried footsteps on the grass and the clatter of his heavy pteruges.
At first, she tenses up, uncertain of why he came to look for her and how she should behave. His expression as he approaches is neutral. He seems to be his usual self, just like he would walk up to her in Sparta about a month ago. She relaxes the moment he divulges the purpose of his presence.
His intention is to make her acknowledge her father's contrition, emphasizing on the sacrifices the Wolf does for her shake these past years. He justifies Nikolaos's reasons with keenness, claiming that no one in Sparta saw the Wolf smile ever after that fateful night.
The unshakeable proof Nikolaos loves his family as well as his heart and soul died along with his children. Brasidas almost gives a speech to Kassandra about how much her father loves her, how difficult that decision and its consequences were for him, finally noting the Wolf is doing his best to redeem and she shouldn't be so harsh on him.
She didn't know all of these details, and yet they almost don't matter. She isn't angry with her father any longer. She is a bit moved deep inside, but a part of her can't forget it is a miracle she isn't dead. She managed to apprehend him, look at the situation through his eyes, and accept his choice not to act or fight.
The only reason she lets Brasidas go on and on for so long is that she is surprised and absorbed by his rhetorical ability, so uncommon for a Spartan. Frankly, one more selfish reason is, also, that just the sound of his voice calms her, or maybe it's his sole presence.
When he, later on, prompts her to give a chance to her father, unable to pretend any longer, she laughs and finally exempts him from the trouble. The revelation she's quite fine with Nikolaos, as she has cleared things up with him here in Boeotia, is an alleviating for the young Commander.
For a moment, Brasidas looks at her speechless, overwhelmed with many questions and guesses in his mind. He's even puzzled how her mood changed so quickly, if not by reason.
"I enjoyed your speech. You are an excellent orator, Brasidas. You could rival Perikles." Kassandra praises trying to suppress a snigger and punches him playfully on his shoulder.
He relaxes and chuckles as well. It seems he'll probably have to get used to her mood swings. Since Kassandra is just irascible, presumably, her anger goes away as easily as it comes.
They both chuckle free-heartedly, locking eyes as the laughter fades away. Their gazes linger on each other for too long. She averts his face looking down, reaching with her fingers for her spear in a slow move, desperate to find something to say. Tracing the carved eagle shape at the remade bronze and steel haft of the spear, she buys time to put her mind in order.
His stare was so intense, enclosing his inclination of an earnest conversation. Nonetheless, she would rather speak with actions. Her impulsion is a reminder of last night. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she struggles to push away the thoughts of his soft, warm lips.
Right here, this moment is what she's been afraid to face for months now; being alone with him after the kiss they shared, knowing she should come forward with her emotions or at least some reasonable excuses.
Her gaze is drawn shortly by his lower lip, glistening as he momentarily sucked it inwards, which again reminds her of his delightful taste. She shakes her head before that certain feeling of heat establishes lower to her body.
He is still too bold to look away from her. His only concern is not to put any pressure on her by compelling his feelings and desires. If she never showed any sign, he might as well never make a move. However, now, he feels like he has to do something.
If Nikolaos is right, this is an opportunity he shouldn't miss. The older man freely provided him with courage and renewed hope. He can clearly see her expectation of him conveying his interest, despite her nervousness.
Neither of them wants to go back without spending some more time together, to talk privately, albeit no one refers to the matter. They are both too focused, each one trapped in their own thoughts. They let the silence settle between them, and for the first time, it feels uncomfortable.
Her gaze falls to the ground as she bites her lower lip. Her usual confidence is completely gone. She is afraid she may lose her friend. She can't find an explanation for the kiss and curses herself for giving in to her yearning.
She is alarmed about him preferring to put her on ice. She falsely perceives from his stare that he's examining her closely to comprehend her thinking and expects an apology to maybe, then let it go.
"Brasidas, … I… -" She begins unsure, closing her palms as she feels them sweating.
His unwavering eyes light up as they meet hers. The sound of her voice calling out his name gave him all the strength he needed to make the first move this time. Her unease is the additional push for him to close the gap.
He closes the distance and cups her cheek smiling at her. His move is enough to make her freeze on the spot. She looks up at him, her stare betraying her surprise and hope. He lowers his head, and their lips meet.
Shock quickly washes over her and is replaced by comfort. Her hands wrap around his neck while his other hand embraces her waist, pulling her closer to him. Any hesitation is gone. The abstinence of the needs of the flesh and denial of giving in to their emotions cause the heat to build up faster.
The kiss is evolving, gradually increasing in intensity and reaching a climax when it deepens. Soon, she is too overwhelmed, entirely lost in his touch, getting drunk by the way his mouth claims hers.
Her sweet, delightful taste is as pleasant as he remembered from last night and efficient at dazing him. The feeling of her soft lips against his is hypnotic and he instinctively shuts his eyes closed to get lost in the sensation.
He is gentle, albeit his boldness. He's not pressing her further. He doesn't seem to aim at slowly getting his way. His moves are tender, polite, in a way she couldn't think possible of arousing such passion if she didn't experience it.
Time doesn't seem to matter to them anymore. He wishes he could make it stop for all but them. He wouldn't even care if he couldn't see the sun rise ever again as long as she would be there beside him. His eyes burst open, almost in fear he is dreaming, and his grip tightens.
Their slow kisses become hungry, heated with passion as if making up for all these months they haven't dared to do this. Kassandra tangles her fingers into his short hair, desperate to ease her thirst for touching him. All the while he caresses her cheek with his thumb savoring her warm lips still overwhelmed with the thrill of actually bringing his dream to life.
His warm body is so welcoming, contrasting with the cold metal armor he wears. Their mouths are on fire. His ragged breathing pounds in their ears, loud and heavy, overshadowing the melodic tweeting sound of goldfinch, sparrows and canaries.
She can feel his beard tickling her neck a little bit and she sucks his lower lip to bury her chin into his beard even more. His hands travel up and down her back before enfolding her waist in a firm grip.
They remain there, lost in the sensation of being in each other's embrace, at last. Drunk from lust, she breaks the kiss before completely losing control of her actions. She hides her face at the crook of his neck, placing both her hands to rest at his shoulders.
A silent, unspoken agreement of respecting boundaries. Comfort and serenity inundate them mutually.
He heaves a sigh, holding her close to him by encircling her waist protectively. The familiar gentle aroma of roses emerges from her hair, reminding him of their first night sharing her cabin in Korinth. His lips curl up to the fond memories.
He was unusually attracted when he saw her through the flames. His heart skipped a bit the moment she took off the helmet. A knot was established at his stomach when they shared her cabin. However, he fell for her, without the faintest possibility of getting his heart back, the moment she buried herself into his hands in the dark and cried.
He had hoped, dreamed, and wished this day would come, but he never believed it was possible. He couldn't imagine back in the days in Korinth that shortly, he would caress the impressive woman he had met.
Their encounter, an astonishing serendipity, has awoken his whole existence. As his love for her burgeons, he feels all the more alive. He has no intent to imperil their newly-established relationship with demands.
Her deficiency of respect for the laws is of no importance. He would rather his omission from homoioi than staying away from her. His devotion to his city is consistent. His cause as a Commander, his loyalty as a warrior, all emanate from his deep love for his homeland and his kin. It's not blind, ostensible obedience.
He's not turning his back on his people, but at the same time, he is not amenable to shun Kassandra for Sparta's sake. He strongly believes he can distinguish these two, keep his life intact and put together with her being a part of it.
He ceases his brainwork. He shifts his focus on her, sensing and savoring the closeness of the contact.
A while later, once her breathing becomes calm and steady, she faces him. His golden eyes gleam even now, in the dim light of the cold evening, making her feel warm. More than the sun could do on a hot summer day.
His smile is genuine, as always. He's so charming that she can't resist. Her face turns expectedly upwards, lips parted. Leaning into him while he bends over her and their lips meet again midway and sync perfectly in every move.
The world around them falls away. They lose track of time, lost in the warmth and comfort of each other's embrace. All the passion escapes from their bodies through their lips.
Ikaros chirps and they part, both breathless inspecting their surroundings for any potential threat. Brasidas is instinctively covering her with his body as they're searching around them until Ikaros lands on Brasidas's shield pushing them with its weight. The eagle jolts Brasidas and simultaneously peeps once more in frustration.
The Commander startled stumbles in his attempt to whirl round. Undaunted he grabs his spear in alertness. Kassandra grasps his arm with a relaxed smile.
"It's just Ikaros."
His forehead furrows whereas he sheathes his spear. The extra weight is still on his back. The bird opens its wings and chirps again in protest. Kassandra chuckles and raises her forearm for Ikaros that in a quick jump stands there.
"It seems you're the one who needs protection. Someone here is jealous." She teases Brasidas, who looks at her with furrowed eyebrows and a short smile upon his lips while she's petting Ikaros.
He grins at her, processing his alternatives. Then he grabs a small piece of dried meat he had in his pouch and offers it to the eagle. "I should fix that."
Ikaros doesn't turn down the treat. He accepts it with appreciation. The Spartan slowly makes a move of approach, reaching out with his left palm at the bird's neck imitating Kassandra. After some petting, she sends Ikaros to fly again and faces Brasidas.
She breathes a sigh of relief. Honestly, she is rather glad her loyal companion interrupted them. Although she's old enough to have better control over her urges, she has neglected her needs for long. It would be hard to restrain herself once she slipped.
Despite her yearning and desire, she doesn't want to go further for now. It's too early for her. It has always been hard to open up and trust men. This time is no exception. She doesn't fancy intimacy with anyone, it makes her feel vulnerable. The way the patriarchal society behaves in association with the discrimination against women, prejudice and misogynism is just vexatious.
She may have lived like an outcast, not minding the opinions of others, but she can't stand men's arrogance on this matter. She would never allow anyone to use her or believe he owns her.
She knows it is high time they return, but she remains silent staring at him. He takes hold of her shoulders taking a step forward and presses a single kiss at the top of her head. Relishing the moment before they part, with their foreheads leaning one against the other. They are smiling, their eyes dark.
"Let's go back." He suggests firmly and takes her hand in his pulling her gently towards the place they'll camp for tonight.
She is disappointed that their time is over but says nothing acknowledging he's right. They've been away for way too long and her father is not far waiting for their return. Brasidas's turnaround is immediate; the reason, a last quick kiss.
Even though she enjoyed this moment more than anything in her life and craved to do this for so long, she knows it's wrong. It's her deepest desire, yet they shouldn't do it. They shouldn't complicate the situation; their future is unclear. At least she doesn't have to worry about his feelings anymore.
It is stressful to leave things messy between them, though she couldn't face him and express her genuine opinion. Her mind screams that this is madness. Her heart, on the other hand, is filled with happiness.
She decides to get aside her worries for a few days and, for once, live in the moment carefree. They may have to discuss their relationship someday, but she has no intention to do it shortly. She is afraid to hear that what they have isn't serious or that after they part ways, it will be over. Yet she knows perfectly well she must say goodbye to keep him safe and shouldn't expect more than a few joyful moments.
It's better this way, in order to maintain their friendship intact. In spite of it being what it should be done, she hates it. No rules, no promises nor hopes to be in any official or committed relationship.
Back to the camp, Nikolaos wonders what is happening, but he waits patiently. He spots their figures approaching, holding hands. He smiles to himself and soon fixes his composure before they are close enough to see him.
When they appear clearly out of the trees, their hands are separated, although, their smiling faces betray their happiness. He is pleased with the outcome and pretends he hasn't noticed.
"I'm sorry, pater, I overreacted." She apologizes honestly with a calm voice.
Her father nods once in acceptance. "Dinner is ready." He announces, motioning for the two to sit down beside him.
The General's rapture, every single time his daughter pronouns the word 'pater', is incomparable, utterly supreme. His ambition to reconnect and bond together over time entails support and discretion, which he's willing to offer.
Brasidas gestures Kassandra to choose her seat first. Walking past him, their gazes briefly lock. She takes a seat beside her father at his right, and the Commander settles down across from her.
They eat and converse lightly about the schedule of their journey. Kassandra averts her face from Brasidas most of the time. He, in return, is more relaxed. Whenever she glances at him, she is captivated by his warm intense stare, and color flashes in her cheeks.
The Wolf feigns ignorance and assigns the shifts for the next days. Brasidas offers to do the first watch tonight and Nikolaos agrees causing Kassandra's interference.
She is ready to negotiate with her father as he seems to be more logical than Brasidas is on this matter. His ego may be too big to accept to be seen as a tired soldier with limits, however, she is not going to let him faint from exhaustion. She will force him to rest if he is so immensely proud and stubborn to do it.
"You and I can manage the watches alone for tonight." She claims, addressing her father, biding he will be persuaded.
Her anger is apparent in her features, at the tone of her voice, and the frantic moves of her hands. Her focus is on Nikolaos. She's holding his gaze sternly, sending a single deadly glare at the younger Spartan.
"I will do it no matter what." Brasidas notes, persistent in his decision. He stands up unsheathing his spear and getting in position to let no room for disagreements.
He chuckles with Kassandra's annoyed expression. She is throwing daggers at him with her glare, still, he doesn't back down. He's sure she would very much like to punch him right now and in truth, it would be well justified.
Nikolaos observes them with a straight face for long and then orders the younger man to rest turning his back on them as a sign that his decision is final.
"That's why we stopped so early today. You both need rest." The Wolf concludes composed. Kassandra grins and he adds. "Also, I'm an old man."
They all laugh and soon afterward say goodnight. The old General stands up with his spear. Brasidas goes to rest in his small tent and Kassandra retires for tonight in hers. The night passes by quietly as planned with Kassandra finishing the shift.
The next day, once again, they travel a long distance and set camp early. They aim not to exhaust themselves neither the animals. Brasidas and Kassandra discreetly steal some moments alone between their tasks.
They have their big opportunity as they're supposed to hunt together. All it takes, after locating a herd of deer, is an unruffled good shot with the bow by Kassandra.
Brasidas, completely unfamiliar with archery, for once appreciates the convenience of long rage. The firsthand experience provided him with a perspective he has been diminishing until now.
At first, he had to bite his tongue not to tease her, or even worse mock her inadvertently out of habit. Then he was astonished at her skill, though he didn't deign to take her bow in his hands for one shot.
Kassandra's exhortations fall on deaf ears. However, she doesn't really mind it since she favors him being preoccupied with her.
She has made up her mind about their relationship and is at last calmer. She had enough time, during her watch last night, to be reminded of whom she is and how has her whole life been until now. She is going to enjoy these precious moments and preserve the memories expecting nothing more.
Her moments of weakness are over. She has a serious cause and needs to remain focused. Her heart will no longer define her or her actions. Indeed, she has never again loved someone so deeply; however, she has managed to rethink and put herself together. She'll be strong and go on whatever life throws at her only time will tell.
This time shouldn't be different than it was in Delphi with Lykaon. Her days there led to a short romance with the healer. He was a young goodhearted man as well, but she left and she's fine with that.
Similar to breaking up with her boyfriend Gylippos a while before she left Kephallonia. Although he was her first love and the two had a relationship since her mid-teenage years, she doesn't regret leaving. She hasn't thought of going back again in all these years. Maybe, because she never let herself become attached to anyone. She always considered and tried to steer clear from forming bonds.
This same night, on their second day of traveling, Nikolaos hands over his daughter some papers. During their dinner, she ferrets among the documents in hopes to find any good hint for another cultist or some clue that fits the missing pieces she already has.
The enticing smell of roasted meat makes her stomach growl noticeably but isn't enough to distract her. She reads through the details of two letters again and again. Reaching out for her kitbag she compares these with older documents she's found.
When a smug grin replaces her neutral expression, her father sits down beside her. He grazes her forearm delicately as if he's a pedagogue who aims to keep a child sedate and prudent.
"I wish to join you."
The statement catches her off guard. She didn't dare to hope or anticipate it. She isn't even certain whether she would like to have her father shadowing her. A part of her is contented.
"You could… be part of the crew. To come along with the Adrestia, I mean."
He nods while the faintest ghost of a smile twitches the corners of his lips upwards. He squeezes her hand and draws nearer wrapping her shoulders in an open, side hug.
"I'd like to assist more, fight beside you."
There is a long silent moment. Her hesitation hits the brakes on her spontaneous nature. A vibrant battle unfolds inside her head. Her father looks deep inside her eyes with candor. She steals a fleeting glimpse of Brasidas who nods at her with a smile.
She embraces her father, tighter than he does, surprising him while she whispers. "Thank you, pater."
The third day the group spends traveling will be almost their final. Tomorrow they'll reach their destination before noon early enough to observe and form a plan. Right now, Kassandra washes herself into a shallow crick only with her grey chiton on.
Brasidas clears his throat to make his presence known to her. He neither wants to creep up on her and be found with her spear on his neck nor to observe her without her knowledge and violate her privacy.
"I don't bite, Brasidas. You can come closer."
She was already aware of his presence. Somehow, she can sense him whenever he is near lately. They have grown close after Sparta. He breathy chuckles and walks closer.
"I came for water." He avows grabbing the waterskin from his belt and shaking it twice.
Kassandra pretends to be indifferent to his presence and slightly offended, refusing to reply. Struggling not to laugh, she crosses her arms to her chest, having her back on him.
"But I'm glad I found you here." He admits in a lower voice.
This voice is like a punch right at her stomach. It takes her breath away. She wonders how he may have so much power over her. She turns around, shaking off her thoughts, and walks closer to him with a satisfied smirk on her face.
When their stares cross, it feels like the temperature has risen of the warmth in their eyes and the heat their bodies radiate. Brasidas looks at her in awe; she never looked more beautiful. Seeing her simple and real is so unusual, albeit well received.
That heavy Spartan breastplate combined with Nikolaos's helmet, which she always wears, make her appearance imposing and simultaneously terrifying. When she fights with her spear or daggers, she looks like a mighty male warrior from afar.
She is always with her red and gold Spartan armor on. He has never again seen her in regular women's clothes. Despite his admiration for her as a warrior, he feels lucky and relieved she is merely a woman at the end of the day, just like him being simply a man. Not a Spartan, neither a Commander.
Kassandra laughs, bringing him back to the moment. She buries herself into his embrace, encircling his torso tightly with her hands. Brasidas lowers his head slightly to press a light kiss on her lips.
They remain there, embraced, kissing for a long moment until they part to catch their breaths. Brasidas leans his forehead against Kassandra's as he takes off his cloak and covers her shoulders with it to protect her from the cold.
"I'm grateful for these days." He admits hoarsely, rubbing her back.
"So, am I. I'll have a good reason now to thank my father."
They share a laugh and Brasidas lets out a heavy breath as he shuts his eyes closed.
"I'll miss you." He whispers with his low, deep voice.
Kassandra cups his cheek with her palm and he opens his eyes to look deeply into hers.
"I'll come and find you soon." She promises softly with confidence, despite doubting this is going to happen shortly.
"Where will you go?"
"After Nikolaos's targets, I'll follow any leads. Crete is a huge island. If we are lucky, we might find more than we expect." She explains and his face falls.
He will be sent to some forsaken place with a few men or even worse thrown in a battlefield to die by orders of the traitor king, while she may be anywhere in Greece. No standard meeting place, just randomly moving as circumstances command. He's certain it'll take a year or many more until they meet again. If they ever do.
Kassandra dreads the same, with the difference she knew her life would have to wait if she was ever able to have any. Since the day they met, this worry occupied her mind, generating a desire she hadn't before. Or at least not so profoundly. She was suddenly incomplete, not pleased with her journeys. She was no longer seeking an adventure, but rather a stable placid life.
Brasidas considers his demise for the first time in his life. He no longer wishes for an honorable death during battle. No, not quite yet. What if he does die? What if she…? No! This couldn't happen.
What if he's never going to see her again? Or how long until they meet? Will she miss him? Will she have even the faintest feelings for him or is she going to forget him?
In spite of his silence, his sad eyes almost scream 'Do you have to go?' and so she reminds him of her cause replying to his unsaid query.
"I have to stop those people. I can't stall it; they are a serious threat to all the people I care about."
He is smart, he's aware of the facts. She is right and he has to accept it. Phoibe was an innocent victim of those monsters. He sighs beaten.
"You shouldn't go alone. I wish I could come."
"My father will be there for me." She reassures him softly brushing his beard with her fingers.
Absorbed inside the vast dark irises of Kassandra's magnetic eyes, enveloped by petals in light and dark shades of brown, he ceases his brainwork to savor the sight. He shifts his focus on her, sensing and relishing the closeness of the contact.
He pulls her tighter on him cupping her cheek. His honey eyes are warm piercing through her soul. She captures his lips. A reassurance, a promise and hope.
This soft side of him is heartbreaking. She wonders how comes he cares so much. Maybe, it's the enthusiasm of the first days of their short romance she thinks. She doesn't allow her notions to drain her mind more.
She finds the best way to divert her brain. She pushes Brasidas backward. Pressing his back against a tree trunk, she fervently brushes her lips against his, makes her way down his neck slowly, and moves to his collarbone.
Her tongue licks the skin after every small bite. Soft, hot kisses all the way up to his earlobe make him shudder. A playful, alluring torture that goes on for long, until he eagerly captures her lips with vigor. Their hearts race. Their breathing becomes ragged. They cease only when their lips begin to swell.
With a small smile, she takes hold of his hand and pulls him to follow her. They walk up the small hillside, towards the smoke of the campfire with entwined fingers.
Resting around the campfire, Kassandra redoes her braid while her hair is still damp. Brasidas's cloak is wrapped around her body and Kass is curled at her feet.
Brasidas takes care of the weaponry polishing them with oil. He has finished his and Nikolaos's sword. He's tending Kassandra's spear now. He estimated she would refuse to hand it over whereas he was wrong. Working cautiously, he observes every detail wide-eyed. He is astounded by how beautiful it actually is.
He has never seen any kind of weapon being in such well-maintained condition while this old. It is quite obvious that Kassandra has spent a fair amount of money at the blacksmith to strengthen the blade and evidently remake the haft.
Nikolaos returns from the crick and walks up to the fire to dry his chiton. Handing his spear to Brasidas and retrieving from him his sword. He finally reveals their destination presenting new information.
He has discovered that at the Athenian fort Phyle, cultist reports are sent to and from very frequently. A letter is signed with the name Atos, but the orders come from someone else. The head of this cultist group is a man in Athens with significant power, whose name isn't mentioned.
Atos must be the Commander in charge of fort Phyle, assigned there by the powerful Athenian cultist. There is hardly a chance to find the leader there, still this fort is extremely important. It has to be the control center of all kinds of information and reports, or at least a crucial stopover.
During all these years of war, it has never fallen and its location is of high strategic importance. It's the farthest north fort in Attika at the borders with Boeotia and at the same time close to the Aegean Sea. Being close enough to Athens for regular checks and reinforcements, while providing access to most Greek states.
Kassandra truly thought she had found every involved Athenian during her extended visit to Attika. She reads thoroughly the various papers and the letters her father disclosed to her just now to puzzle out any helpful indication of who this man might be.
There is no clue. She can only hope she will come across more evidence once she breaks in the fort or… Or dare to stop by that city no matter being officially an outlaw.
Her suggestion of paying a short visit to the city of Athens for more information causes distress to both men. To their further annoyance, she is determined to seek help from her friends there. This revelation catches the older man off guard.
Nikolaos wasn't aware until now and he looks at the young Commander as if waiting for a similar reaction. Brasidas only shakes his head and mutters how unlikely their help will be.
"Military information is known only among Generals, Commanders and at most politicians."
"Perikles might be dead, but Sokrates is a dear friend and Alkibiades. I'm sure they'll be willing to assist and maybe even call for members of the Periklian circle." Her dedication to her research exempts her from witnessing their expressions of loathing.
Both men's faces are red, hardly contrasting with their clothing. The Wolf didn't know his daughter had friends in Athens and foremost generals. Brasidas on the other hand knew of Sokrates beforehand. He only got upset when he heard of Alkibiades -who was widely known for his vulgar behaviour- and the allusion to be acquainted with other officials.
Torturous speculations shatter their minds. Who could have imagined a Spartan King's granddaughter would have connections with Athenians when there is an ongoing war between the cities!