Chapter 14: Spartan or not
Brasidas's head spins with countless thoughts. He and Nikolaos were dumbfounded when Kassandra mentioned having friends in Athens. Especially, since those friends are Athenian Generals and men with extreme political power.
This news is more than just a shock. The idea that two of the most devoted Spartan officials share a common ally with Athens is preposterous, and knowing Kassandra's lineage only makes it harder to accept. How can Brasidas back her up in front of the kings? How could he stand beside her against his nation, when she may be driven by selfish motives?
Deep inside, their instincts remind them that Kassandra isn't a pretender. She's sacrificing her youth to give a helping hand to the family who abandoned her. She was willing to forgive and move forward. However, she has grown up away from her house, away from restrictions and laws. She hasn't known loyalty to that extent that Spartans are used to. Therefore, their sense of duty commands them to examine the bad scenario.
She is a misthios, she is paid to take sides. How many times has she assisted their enemies and harmed Sparta? Does she really care, or is she taking advantage of her friendships? A small part of Brasidas worries whether she has been using him all along. She is friends with people who have rivalry and conflicting interests.
Brasidas was aware of her friendship with Sokrates, but dismissed the fact as she spent quite some time in Athens. However, Sokrates has no political influence, he is just a respected citizen and famous tutor in his city. A matter to be concerned is her close association with the Athenian regime.
The most bothersome part is her relation with Alkibiades. The young Athenian was known all over the Greek world for his obscene habits and rowdy life. As well as, for his extraordinary, godlike beauty.
During his days in Korinth, Brasidas had heard about fathers anticipating with horror the blond troublemaker would seduce their daughters with his charms. Horrible rumours of the irresistible Athenian were spread through the streets and now return to hunt Brasidas's mind.
Alkibiades was a malevolent influence. Countless stories and hearsay have reached Brasidas's ears, all of which make his blood boil in his veins as irritating thoughts emerge in his mind. Could that man be or have been Kassandra's lover?
The possibility is driving him crazy. Even worse, he has no right to ask her and his doubts surface once again. It would be such audacity of him to demand to know what she is doing during her journeys.
Kassandra has never referred to her days in Athens, maybe because of his distaste for the city. What little information he has is due to Barnabas.
The captain had mentioned Kassandra attended a symposium held by Perikles. She may have met Alkibiades there. She could have been drunk or she could have been captivated by the handsome Athenian.
The cool night breeze is of little help to his overheated face, which is visibly red even in the dim light of the dying fire.
He had never before considered what she does in her life, as she constantly moves from one place to another. He simply connived at the possibility of her finding some comfort in men's arms.
He may have mistakenly judged her by his own decision to be devoted to his military duties. He releases a heavy sigh, wondering why trust between them is always so fragile.
A small noise just behind his back startles him for only a second before he pulls himself together grabbing his spear. To both his shame and relief, he comes across the Wolf's attentive stare.
A small grin adorns the old man's face. It is enough to make Brasidas relax, yet lower his head ashamed.
Nikolaos pats his shoulder before sitting down on the log to rekindle the fire.
"I am as disturbed as you are. For the time being, we'd better overlook it."
The young commander sighs sharply. His heart is willing to obey, while his mind stubbornly refuses to consent. His reply comes aloud unexpectedly to his own ears. "We don't have much of a choice either way."
Nikolaos nods in agreement. He can see right through the younger man's eyes. Brasidas is being tormented. His worries, his doubts, his envy, are all born by his love for Kassandra. The inner conflict, the Spartan in him poisons his brain and attacks his heart.
His rank, the position of a Commander, puts a heavy weight on his shoulders strengthening the side of the reputable Spartiate. The Wolf understands, he can relate. He has been in a similar position years ago. Made his choice and has been trying to abide and redeem since.
The older man takes his time before speaking his mind again. "I'll be with her for long enough to perceive whether our worries are baseless."
"She could hide it from you."
"If you believe I'm not aware of your meetings." Finishing his sentence, he casts a knowing glance over to Brasidas whose eyes go wide.
Brasidas clears his throat to earn time. To his relief, he is cut off.
"Son, I have been young myself. I was living for the few stolen moments with Myrrine. Comply with the news for now and rest."
The Commander obeys. Putting at the back of his mind the dispensable matters and erasing whatsoever upsetting.
Hours later, Kassandra is pacing around the dying fire stretching her arms and sore back now and then. She is the only one awake from the human companions. Kass is missing somewhere, but it's nothing to worry about. The lynx often goes hunting at night before dawn, just like today.
Stealing a careful glance at her father, to make sure he's asleep, she sneaks into Brasidas's tent. Half-lying beside him, she softly presses her lips against his. Her hand comes to rest on his chest as her fingertips draw small circles at what little exposed skin is available below his armor at his collarbone.
She feels his lips curving a smile against hers just before his eyelids move. Altering from dream to consciousness, he responds with a half smile. Opening his eyes, fully awake, he deepens the kiss. His hand encircles her waist, pulling her against his body.
The way his mouth claims hers and his hands roam her back feels demanding. She pulls backwards, cupping his cheek, and gazes at him with a soft smile. His eyes seem sad, as if there is a shadow over them, dulling them and stealing the color. She could swear they are trying to scream for a plea.
He exhales sharply and encloses her hand in his. Shifting it tenderly, he places a gentle kiss at her palm. His moves are smooth, albeit the look in his eyes hasn't changed. She beats down a shiver and crushes her lips to his.
This is her solution to stop any unpleasant words, cut the flow of worries in her brain and prevent their official break up. She doesn't want to know what he is about to say. She can assume why and it's enough. She prefers to say a different silent goodbye. It's comforting how they synchronize together, the way warmth radiates from his skin beneath her fingertips that trail his strong arms.
His embrace reminds her of the beach in Naxos. She feels the same peace in her heart. His presence is enough to make her forget. He is her Elysium, the vast grassy fields filled with colorful vivid blossoms that are meant to bring optimism and obliviousness to the sorrows of past life. She can almost see the beautiful image in the darkness of her closed eyelids.
Back to reality, it still doesn't matter what he wanted to say. His actions betray his deeper feelings. He likes her, he wants her, at least as much as she does. She presumes that neither one is willing to suffer by the end of their affair. They have lots to do and they are strong people with great power of will. Emotionalism doesn't fit in their lives. There is no room for such bothers. It is better this way after all. She is grateful he can relate and doesn't have any intention to bind her. When they meet again, they may continue from where they left it. Or not.
That damn possibility of denial.
The muscles on her shoulders tense up, her whole body stiffens. Brasidas pulls away. He lays back cuddling her tightly and caressing her hair. Closing his eyes for a while, his breath begins to even out. She is stroking his arm, gazing at the stars.
Judging by herself, he is determined to move forward like the two of them haven't met. After parting from this place, neither is willing to suffocate or struggle to tolerate the distance. This moment, however, is worth of the later bitterness.
The sky slowly turns lighter with tints of blue at first. The two of them are enjoying this small peaceful moment embraced. Brasidas even smiles fondly at their last single kiss while a rosy hue spreads over the partly clouded sky.
The rest of the day is too busy. Brasidas takes advantage of the opportunity to avoid Kassandra. He is not holding any grudge against her, just trying to remain neutral until he is able to put his thoughts in order. He isn't ready to accept any potential relationship with Alkibiades. He is glad Kassandra doesn't seem to notice the change in his behavior.
She is occupied observing the routs and the schedules of the watches. Keeping her mind distracted with her task so that she won't fret it's all coming at an end. Their efforts of being discreet in front of Nikolaos turned out to be convenient for both of them.
Three nights later, they are ready. Kassandra formed a plan including everyone, taking advantage of all the resources they have at their disposal. Each has taken their position, careful not to make any mistake and ruin the mission. Even the smallest noise or the slightest deviation may result in their demise.
Ikaros is a great help in this huge and risky operation. The bird is trained perfectly well to fly above each guard's head at a time providing quick actions before the shifts change anew. The men assisted as they could. They have located the weak spots of the walls and checked the visibility.
They have been charting the buildings, walls, paths and weak spots on a blank piece of paper as a makeshift map. A good extensive search of the area, patience and observation is what they do all day.
She goes in first. Slowly and silently she makes good progress. She sets trap to the brazier and signals to Ikaros to help the men get past the walls. They soon join the mission. Once the men get past the walls, Ikaros assists Brasidas while Kass shadows Nikolaos.
Finding cover in the shadows and high grass -which still grows this season- they leave behind them a trail of blood and dead bodies. Kassandra sneaks inside the buildings, spotting valuables to loot later and taking out sleeping soldiers. She has taken charge of the dirty work personally. The despicable ways to take out enemies are disliked by the Spartans.
Soon, their luck runs short.
She is spotted. The soldier alarms anyone within earshot then falls to the ground dead. She is circled. She grips her spear and sword. Two archers climb the watchtowers. Another heads to light the brazier, going straight to the trap. Athenians are around her, weapons drown, swinging in the air towards her. The shouts and clinging sounds of hitting metal draw attention.
More enemies.
Not just them. Two Spartans and a lynx jump on to the Athenians. The fight favors the Spartans, until, an arrow wounds Kass. Another one is blocked by Leonidas's spear on the movement by accident. Kassandra ducks to the side to use her own bow. She hits her target. However, the men have trouble covering her with the second archer shooting at them.
She stretches the bowstring, Nikolaos shields her from a strike. Brasidas kills that Athenian, but an arrow penetrates his shoulder joint. Except from a small hissing sound, he shows no sign of pain or discomfort. The moment he tries to lift his shield to bump a man on the face, he growls deep in his throat.
Kassandra hears him and lifts her voice high with irritation. "Brasidas drop the damn shield! You will damage your hand."
"No." He growls and hits the Athenian soldier.
"Stupid, stubborn Spartan."
The second archer is dead soon afterwards along with all the Athenians. Nikolaos assists Brasidas to treat the wound, pulling the arrow and cleaning the spot. Ensuring to stop the bleeding, he wraps a cloth around the younger man's arm. The lynx has a gash to the abdomen, allowing only Kassandra's hands close to the trauma, she is treated efficiently. Kass is going to need to be carried to recover.
The men stay put, while Kassandra is shuffling through various report papers for clues. She returns carrying a few pouches in her hands, a sword and a spear. She offers a pouch to each and the looted weapons, the sword to her father who gave her his sword back in Megaris and the spear to Brasidas. Both men refuse to accept the gifts.
Kassandra casts a glare and picks them up again as the group turns to leave. She wraps her furry friend in an old chiton she found in the fort and takes her on her shoulders. They rush to the horses, bind their belongings and ride away.
The moon lights the way as they are galloping in a moderate pace. Kassandra watches the shadows of leaves and tree branches, how the shapes shift the closer she gets as she passes through. A diversion to keep her worries at the back of her mind. She glances at Kass which is breathing steadily, curled in front of her lap, obviously in pain.
She recalls Phoibe. How she wasn't able to save her. How she couldn't protect her and prevent her death. The image of the girl's pale bleeding body going limp in her embrace. Kassandra shivers, a knot forms in her throat. She turns to look at Brasidas.
His eyebrows knitted together. His head is kept straight and high. The bandage is stained with blood. He needs rest and food to regain some strength.
She isn't sure how to address him, but she has to ask. She settles for a simple. "How are you?"
"I will be fine." The response short, excluding further conversation or suggestions for measures of recovery.
In the morning, they are exhausted. They have managed to leave the fort behind them empty, after hard, bloody work.
There is no luxury to rest at the moment. Spartan forces are on the way to take control of the fortress. Nikolaos had counseled Stentor to send in men to the area. The Wolf convinced his adopted son to follow the plan and cover Brasidas to the kings. Stentor is going to claim that he ordered Brasidas to spy and right behind him a phalanx to dislodge the remaining enemies in the region.
They are riding away from the fort, when Ikaros flies lower to the ground ahead of them and almost lands on a man's shoulder in the distance. This is- kind of- a greeting gesture the bird does to anyone it's familiar with.
Kassandra pushes Phobos to run a bit faster, towards the man and Ikaros. She has a feeling he's someone from her crew. Getting closer, she easily recognizes the figure, and a knot forms in her stomach.
"Who's he?" Nikolaos wonders.
"Barnabas!" She exclaims loudly.
Her father, who is right behind her and only slightly ahead of Brasidas, isn't sure if this was an answer or his daughter calling out that man.
"He's the captain of the Adrestia."
The simple words Brasidas uses to explain, strike Nikolaos hard like a bolt of lightning. He has heard lots about this man, only he didn't know the name. Kassandra has mentioned two men, accompanying her through her travels.
Instantly, the fact that she didn't bother to answer, stings even more. Recollecting himself, he follows close behind, intrigued to get to know Barnabas.
Setting Phobos on a slower pace before stopping, Kassandra runs the remaining distance on foot to meet with her good friend.
Barnabas laughs free-heartedly, opening his arms and she runs straight to him clasping his shoulders. Her worry fades away as soon as she takes in his face. He doesn't have bad news, there must be some other reason he came seeking for her.
She steps back with relief. The look in her eyes betrays she is puzzled and Barnabas offers another of his genuine smiles.
"Kassandra! We all missed you and there is someone on the ship who's been away for too long."
Still grasping her arm, he grins, failing to hold back a laugh when her eyes go wide with recognition.
"Is Herodotos back from Samos?"
Her surprise and happiness are obvious. She has missed him, the only rational voice on her ship. When a letter from his brother reached them in Argos both sides were sad to part. Kassandra couldn't stall going to Korinth and Herodotos showed understanding. He made her promise to tell him about all her adventures when he would return.
It took him longer to return than estimated. A voice in her head reminds her that, maybe, he had trouble locating them. All that matters is the crew is complete again after months. She will have good company during her next travels and someone reasonable to bear her worries with.
She fears she is going to have a hard time focusing after what happened with Brasidas. Herodotos may be the most suitable person on the ship to share the information. Although, she should make sure he promises her not to write about it, just in case.
"You said it!" As Barnabas replies, his voice full of enthusiasm, his gaze wanders to the two Spartans standing behind Kassandra. Recognizing one of them as Brasidas, he smiles warmly greeting him. "It is nice to see you again, Brasidas! It seems we do have Spartan friends secured by now."
Brasidas grasps the Captain's hand in greeting while his rich chuckle feels everyone's ears muffling a low 'Indeed'. The intrigued stare of Barnabas towards Nikolaos doesn't go unnoticed and Kassandra introduces the two causing the awe of her old friend.
Barnabas has mixed feelings towards the Wolf of Sparta. He feels honoured to become acquainted with such a smart accomplished General. Not hesitating to show and voice his impression. At the same time, it's hard to forget what Nikolaos dared to do to Kassandra.
The captain isn't aware of what has happened since Kassandra and Myrinne parted ways in Gytheion. As far as he knows Nikolaos didn't openly regret what he did. He hadn't asked for forgiveness in Megaris. Judging by Kassandra's conduct, things have changed.
All the while, her father failed to hide his smile when he heard Kassandra introducing him using the word 'pater' so naturally. The corners of his lips twisted upwards refusing to go in place without a great deal of effort. Brasidas standing aside observes silently this pleasant moment.
Barnabas settles for a friendly smile to everyone before turning to face Kassandra once again. "The Adrestia is waiting in a small bay not far from here. I was going to head to the opposite direction to Thebes to ask about you when I saw Ikaros flying this way from afar."
Instinctively, she tenses up. Preparing her brain to hear something unfortunate.
"Is there a reason for haste?"
"Yes, a contract from Mykonos. Asking for your help in a rebellion."
It doesn't take long to explain. Everyone knows who controls Mykonos. The island wants to revolt against the Athenian grasp. Kassandra is joining their side, supporting the Spartan cause once again. It is more than comforting for her father and Brasidas, knowing she will be assisting their city once again. The news is putting their minds at ease.
However, there are more revelations by Barnabas. Podarkes, ruler of Mykonos, governs the silver islands and his deeds and cruelties cross the lines far beyond tolerable compared to any domination. He is said to be a member of a secret society, what Kassandra knows well as the cult of Kosmos.
"Mykonos it is. Kythera can wait." Announcing her decision she glances first to Barnabas and then to her father.
The path is set.
A few exchanged words later, they resume walking on their way. Barnabas barrages everyone with questions and stories of his own adventures throughout the distance. His happiness for setting sail to the Aegean Sea once again with Kassandra is overwhelming.
Other than his chatter, the captain is a delay while they rush. He is on foot, forcing them to set on a slower pace and Nikolaos can't risk being seen by his former troops.
The group has reached the spot where their roads part. Brasidas will continue down the road to the Spartan camp while the rest are getting off the road.
Kassandra commands Barnabas to get aboard her father first in an attempt to take her mind off the separation with Brasidas. This gives The Wolf the idea of the perfect excuse.
"Stay here to make sure no one is coming after us. Just enough for me to get on the Adrestia."
This is supposed to give her father a head start to get on the ship without being spotted and she can make sure no one is following them. If anyone from the camp saw them from afar, he might have suspected something is off.
They dismount their horses and step aside of the muddy path. Kass settles on a huge stone with somewhat flatter surface to rest. Curling her body she closes her green eyes. Ikaros lands on Phobos's back, earning a whinny protest.
The moment the older men turn their backs to leave, Brasidas "flips" his gaze to the ground averting to look at Kassandra's face. Brasidas and Kassandra remain there in silence, neither one making any move. He is unable to meet her gaze.
Her own doubts come to the surface as well, along with her pests. She crosses her arms to her chest, biting her lower lip. Has the time she so tremendously feared come?
She has no intention to begin such a discussion, but he seems too troubled. Like he has lots to say keeping them to himself. She noticed he's been distant for the last few days and she is unaware of the exact reason.
She whispers his name. The sound of her voice has the power to make him instinctively face her and everything suddenly fades away. He cups her cheeks, pulling her closer to him, as their lips move together slowly.
His hands move down, encircling her waist, and hers rest upon his shoulders. No words fit between them. There is nothing they could voice, nothing stronger. Nothing to promise, nothing they're willing to negotiate. There is no reason to ruin the moment and tarnish the beautiful memories they've made.
The uncertainty between them would result in an unsettling conversation. unsuitable for goodbye.
While Nikolaos and Barnabas walk nearer to the shore with each step, they glance behind every now and then. It doesn't take long for the captain to open his mouth.
"I'm thrilled, they admitted their feelings. Since they met it was obvious they should be a couple." The sailor says and then laughs wholeheartedly.
A smile threatens to form on Nikolaos's lips for judging right for his daughter. She is truly destined to be with Brasidas. The fact that Barnabas is so talkative is well perceived as he's the best source of information about Kassandra's life.
She has a rather closed-off personality, keeping aspects to herself. In all honesty, the Wolf wants to know all about her; everything that happened in her life all these years, without keeping any details in the shadows.
A last quick glance behind, is enough to finally make that ghost of a smile creep up on Nikolaos's stern face. The young couple is embracing tightly and he shifts his attention to the man, walking, beside him.
The Wolf turns calmly to him. "Don't tell my daughter I know about her and Brasidas. She is rather opposing."
The statement makes the captain laugh with all his heart in agreement and begins telling stories of his journeys with Kassandra. Recalling fondly, countless moments where Kassandra's stubbornness brought extra dangers and unnecessary troubles.
Barnabas recalls a day that led to many unfortunate. It all started at the port of Naxos when Kassandra showed up carrying around a huge wicker basket. Barnabas assumed she was bringing food supplies and the order for departure within the following days.
Little did he know, his peaceful morning would turn out so tricky. Kassandra put the basket down saying she had something important to tell. Barnabas had already done the wrong move to take off the lid. A furry beast jumped on him digging its claws deep in his flesh.
The crew freaked out and run towards the hue to hide in the cabin. Barnabas panicked started running around the deck, making it harder for Kassadra to take the lynx off him. He ran many laps until Kassandra managed to pull the creature away.
His skin has red marks, bad reminders of that day; the first one Kassandra brought the lynx on the ship. To make things worse this unfortunate event wasn't enough to make Kassandra reconsider. She insisted everyone would be safe, everything would be fine, the kitty needed time to get used to humans. The kitty would be trained, would be calm and helpful.
The rest of their days spent in Naxos, it attacked members of the crew and every time it stepped on The Adrestia for the next six months. Barnabas can not ever forget when they undocked and had to travel to Gytheion. The lynx was stressed and scared, erupting the anger on the crew with violent bites and scratches.
Staying for days on the ship turned out to be a nightmare for everyone but Kassandra. The beast was hunting the crew and dirtying every wooden surface.
"Poseidon is my witness, it was awful! One of the worst ideas Kassandra had over the years. Gods help us!" Barnabas emphasizes his words with hand movements. He feels intensively what he's saying.
Nikolaos observes him for a while before settling to ask. "Why didn't you forbid predator animals on your ship?"
"Kassandra has a bond with that beast and this ship is just as much hers as it's mine. She saved my life. I would be long gone if she didn't show up at the last moment."
Recollecting his days on Kephallonia where they met, happy tears fill his eyes as he recites the beginning of their shared adventures with Kassandra.
Nikolaos can't help it but feel a little jealous of the connection his daughter and this captain have. Concern and affection in a fatherly way.
A spontaneous worry rises through him. Will his relationship with his daughter ever be restored? Will Myrrine forgive him and accept him back to their family?
Barnabas storytelling goes on throughout the distance to the ship. Reaching the shore, Nikolaos gets in the small rowing boat while Barnabas sells the horse to a fisherman nearby.
Onboard, he gets acquainted with another man named Herodotos, who is eager to see Kassandra again. Herodotos seems cultured and modest. He is frank without being rude, providing witty advices with modesty.
A part of Nikolaos is happy that his daughter has people around her that care for her. Her friends are the family she didn't have all these years. A sense of guilt thrives over anything else. Greater even than the fear of having to compete against hard competition. He has little to offer to his daughter in comparison to these men.
Assistance and love are offered generously by Herodotos and Barnabas.
Herodotos is quiet, pacing on the deck while Barnabas shares the news about their beloved girl. He expresses his eagerness to meet Brasidas himself, regretting that he didn't go ashore along with Barnabas.
The moment Kassandra sets foot on the Adrestia, Herodotos rushes to her. She smiles fondly, embracing her good friend in a tight hug. She's so happy to see him after so long.
She dearly missed him, his advice, his arguments with Barnabas, his quiet remarks and his discreet presence. They have many stories to share with each other and she hopes they'll have chances to speak severally. For now, she has to stay with Kass in her small cabin to take care of her and help the lynx relax.
Before the sun begins to set for the day, she joins the men on the deck. Kass is peaceful enough to be left alone in the cabin, giving the opportunity to Kassandra to join the rest for dinner. For the next hours, they drink and share news and stories. Herodotos and Kassandra are the only ones who have actual stories to share, while Barnabas likes to interrupt and Nikolaos just listens.
The first night on the ship after months on solid ground is a big shift. Kassandra is grateful for the waves lull her to sleep.
The sun rises in the distance, looking like it's coming out of the sea. Nikolaos is one of the very few who woke up so early. He ignores the puzzled looks and goes about his morning training. Despite his age, the Wolf never skips his daily exercise. He has always been adamant of punishing laziness and he's not the man who would seek excuses to discard his duties.
When Barnabas wakes up, he has the courtesy not to interrupt, so instead he goes about his morning chores. Later, Herodotos and Barnabas enjoy their breakfast dueling on their usual differences after an exaggerated tale the Captain claims to be true. Nikolaos joins their company tactfully. His presence doesn't go unnoticed, as the two men ask for his opinion on the matter. Kassandra appears right then to tease Barnabas about his vivid imagination and his love to exaggerate.
Becoming part of the Adrestia is easier than anybody would assume. The ship is like a small settlement. The whole crew consists of people with various beliefs from every corner of the Greek world unified for the adventure. As for Herodotos and Barnabas, they are good hearted men with respect for others. Their quarrels are nothing more than a weird communicating habit between them, unable to break their friendly bond.
Nikolaos feels at ease. It reminds him a little of his young years as a hoplite staying at the barracks. If only he could have his feet on solid ground, it would be perfect. This old hull is constantly making creaking and crackle sounds. He couldn't restrain himself from asking his daughter if she has inspected the ship and made the necessary repairs. She replied everything is fine, but he still doubts.
At dinner, he makes another attempt to tell her about the importance of safety, but she halts him. She shuts him out instantly, taking Herodotos a little further, leaving her father with Barnabas.
She isn't really annoyed with Nikolaos. It was just an excuse to talk to Herodotos alone. They didn't have the chance so far and she feels she has to get off her chest what happened so far. Her days on the Adrestia must be her catharsis until she reaches the silver islands.
After another feasty, late night, Kassandra wakes in her cabin with a mild headache. She is pretty sure she slept through the early morning judging by the fuss coming from above. She gently pushes the sleeping fur ball off her feet and the pain gets stronger. Collecting her sloppily scattered sandals and her breastplate, she growls at her throbbing temples. She opens the wooden door with a soft curse under her breath. The creaking sound is muffled by the mixture of various male voices.
She makes her appearance through the hue with some armor sets in her arms. She climbs the stairs and puts everything down in front of her father's feet.
Herodotos greets her. A friendly smile adorns his wrinkled face. Barnabas approaches already holding a cup of wine in his hand.
They don't need to ask aloud. Their questioning expressions are speaking for them.
"You have to wear something else, pater. We can not risk Spartans recognizing you." Her smirk curves into a reassuring smile before adding. "Don't worry your elite Spartan armor will be kept safe here."
Kassandra has brought a few options for Nikolaos to wear. The pieces are all in good shape of efficient quality.
They are heading to a place where many Spartan soldiers go around. It wouldn't be a wise idea to allow being easily recognized.
The first set consists of a heavy linothorax of silver scales at the base and brown leather with golden round lines and shapes adorning the top and shoulders. It has a similar design to what the Wolf wears now.
A brown waistband with golden details and two golden leave branches placed at either side of the wide middle stripe. It is complete with similar greaves and gauntles.
The second one is a dark grey silver breastplate. Dim goldish lines and dots create discreet shapes throughout the torso, disappearing behind the short red cape. The cape has a small amber meandrer outline in grey background and it's held in place by a round golden brooch.
The belt is similar to the previous, but in dark grey as the main color. Silver high-knee greaves and silver four-scaled gauntlers carved as wings.
He closes his fist, but nods. It's hard, uncharacteristic to abandon his shield. He obeys, greeting his teeth, thinking he once had to let his daughter down for Sparta and now he's doing the opposite. All these years he has never separated these pieces for more than a day. It has become his second skin. He unties the biddings slowly while his eyes scan the options. He picks up the later choice, a well maintained silver breastplate, not too new and shiny, yet neither old nor blurred.
"Excellent choice. Kassandra was wearing it for about a year. You won't look like a Spartan anymore. It has matching bracers." Barnabas reaches out and picks up the silver vambracers.
"I purchased it from a blacksmith in Delphi. It's mercenary armor." Kassandra looks a bit skeptical and reconsiders. "You might need a hooded cloak if we encounter Spartans."
He just nods, wearing his new breastplate. It doesn't fit very well. His daughter is thinner than he is. He lets the ties a bit more loose than they must be and moves on to try the rest.
"Our first stop on the island will be the blacksmith." Kassandra reassures him. She smiles at him and for a moment he is absorbed by the sight. Then he shakes his head.
"I can't"
She disdains his statement indifferently, noting her decision. "I'll pay for it."
"No!"
"Don't worry pater. I'm a mercenary I have plenty of money."
"Kassandra, no! I don't accept it."
"You will."
She turns on her heel and vanishes through the hue. Nikolaos stands there frozen. His eyes glued on the spot she was seconds ago. Emotions surface and he struggles to push them deep in his heart.