Chapter 15: Turning page
The night isn't going to be easy on them. The weather became brisk and they had to furl the sails. Strong winds, lashing rain, and high waves make the lives of the oarsmen and the crew hard all afternoon. Most will go to rest as a few will keep watch and inspect the navigation.
Barnabas believes Poseidon is angry with them and complicates their travel. It will take longer than usual to reach Mykonos, but they should expect the weather to be unpredictable this time of the year. The flowers were long gone and most of the leaves have fallen off the trees. Everyone, but the hardy Spartans, feels cold.
Kassandra is walking on the deck with the sword she looted from Fort Phyle. She pulls the cloak to cover her exposed chest to the chilling wind as she walks up the stairs.
She walks closer to her father and comes to a stop right in front of him. He is wrapped inside his own red cloak, but doesn't seem to be feeling cold. It's more like a barrier between his thoughts and the rest of the world, as though he can hide in his shell.
She comes to think -with a sense of guilt- that he is here for her. He doesn't know anyone well to talk to especially now that he's downcast. He has joined the crew to help her. She has to admit it at least to herself, that he is trying for their family. This time he chose to fight at her side.
"I'm sorry I got angry earlier."
Her apology sounds emotionless like she doesn't mean it, but she does. The thing is, she didn't have people close to her during her upbringing to apologize to. Markos can't be considered a decent parental figure and he was the one who would put them in trouble more often than not.
She looks straight at her father, confidently, with no hint of remorse. Nikolaos pries her quietly and dares to remark the time that passed since she flared up.
"You haven't said a word to me for hours."
"I do now!" Her voice rises a bit above normal, causing the remaining crew members to glance at her. Taking a breath, she continues in a calmer tone. "This sword is for you. You left yours in Megaris. Deny me and we are done talking."
She pushes him to the limits. It's her way to test him. Nikolaos wants to get closer to his daughter, not to push her away. He swallows his pride for her sake and stands up in front of her. He puts one hand on her shoulder and the other moves slowly to grab the shiny weapon.
"I'll take it, but, it's the last gift I accept. A father should provide for his daughter."
His response, better than she imagined, is unexpected. Very considering, very sweet and so 'un-spartan'. She's moved, something in her heart melts. That solid rock that used to be in its place has been replaced with a real beating one. She has noticed it some time now, but refuses to admit it.
She decides to let down her walls for a single moment. She has no right to be harsh. She wants to be fair and acknowledge his contribution.
"You earned it, I just claimed it for you."
He retrieves his hand and holds it out. An open invitation. She reaches out and they embrace briefly. For him, it's enough. A small step, he is grateful she is willing to make.
She turns abruptly and whispers a goodnight behind her back, leaving the Wolf alone with his thoughts.
After two rainy days, the sun rises in the morning, making the crew happy. The men can finally rest without worrying the waves will set them off their route.
Nikolaos follows strictly his morning workout routine schedule even today, despite the fatigue of many restless days. Kassandra takes the opportunity and joins him. Soon, they begin to wrestle. She likes the fact she has a worthy opponent on her ship. The Wolf may be old, but he has years of experience and good technique.
He manages to hold his ground for a fair amount of time. He predicts most of her moves with his experience. He clutches her arm in a powerful grasp, one that with a little more pressure could cause a sprain. She strikes him hard enough to set her free.
Sweat drips from her forehead, her eyebrows furrowed together. She watches her father carefully. His breath is raged. She has managed to tire him. Although, she wasn't able to knock him down so far with her pure strength.
She attempts another punch. He blocks it and remains unexposed. This time she takes advantage of his tiredness and her own celerity. She feints a second hit at his left side and whirls around him from the opposite direction, dealing a strong blow with her right fist. Getting behind him, she takes hold of his head in a forceful grip. Ending the fight, she releases him.
Standing up straight, Nikolaos smiles proudly, rubbing his nape. Kassandra wipes her forehead with the back of her hand and gives a small smile back.
"You are in good shape." She acknowledges.
"I try."
She nods to the sea and steps towards the gunwale prompting him to follow her. "Today we will dock in Mykonos. I'm going alone to see if there is any possible danger for you."
He is disturbed, but the years have made him wise. Rage never takes over him, he controls it. His disappointment, on the other hand, results in a calm protest.
"I didn't travel here with this old piece of wood to stay behind." He mutters.
She holds back a laugh. She couldn't ever imagine the Wolf is afraid of the sea, but she comes to conclude he is. He has been asking if the ship is checked and safe to sail since the first moment. He asserts he values safety, yet she believes he would prefer to have solid ground under his feet.
No matter what, she has made up her mind. He has to accept it.
"Tomorrow we can leave this ship together, pater."
He doesn't answer. He just nods and she is glad they don't have to argue again. She understands, her father is used to being the one who gives orders, but shadowing her means he has to obey.
The same afternoon, the Adrestia has reached the port of the island's main city.
Nikolaos paces around the deck. He is one of the few men left on the ship. They have been docked in Mykonos for a couple of hours and most are still strolling around freely. There is no sign of Kassandra or Barnabas. Even Herodotos went for a long stroll in the streets of the silver island leaving behind the Spartan alone.
The Wolf agreed he should be cautious, despite the change of clothing. His disguise as a mercenary doesn't make him entirely unrecognizable. Kassandra has gone to find the rebels who asked for her help and will be scouting the place.
The sun begins to hide behind the sea when finally, Barnabas returns with three crew members after him all caring food supplies. Nikolaos rushes to assist as more men appear with amphoras, rope, and pieces of sail-cloth.
The captain turns at him with a smile. "We'll have the ship ready in case we need any immediate departures."
The Wolf's eyes fill with worry and cast a questioning look at Barnabas who in return assures that there is nothing wrong and so another storytelling begins with the events in Athens.
By the time for dinner, everyone but Kassandra has returned and her father has become impatient. He stays up late waiting for her while Herodotos is keeping notes beside him, keeping him company, with his quiet presence.
The city is covered in darkness, only faint silver moonlight highlights parts of the streets where the shadows of the houses are too far to hide them. The only sound that reaches their ears is that of the waves hitting the old keel and crashing against the shore. A figure appears for moments and vanishes again in the shadows. Nikolaos walks to the railing and scans the ground.
A small cracking sound is an ample excuse to pretend he bends forward to see while he turns hitting the person behind him with his elbow. He stands straight with his kopis to face his pursuer.
He comes face to face with his daughter, a smirk playing on her lips as she stares at him with her hands on her hips. He sheathes his kopis and lowers his head.
"Your instinct and reflections are remarkable, pater."
"You didn't really try. I would be dead if you did." He admits facing her for a single moment and turns his attention towards the dark city. "What happened?"
"I met the rebels and assisted saving Spartans by an Athenian attack."
Her father pretends he is not observing, but he reads every move of hers with the corner of his eye. She looks like she is a bit irritated, the frown on her face and the shrug confirm it.
"Spartans?"
"The rebels asked Sparta for help, but the forces were eliminated by Athenian ships. There are a few soldiers alive, twelve to be precise, under the command of a polemarch called Thaletas."
The silence that follows makes her assume, her father is relaxed. The young man is not an obvious threat to the Wolf. She rubs her temples, to ease the ache. She can feel the veins throbbing under her fingers. She closes her tired eyes. Why is everyone stuck on a plan and expect her to follow it to behave decently? She shakes her head and focuses on more important concerns.
"Could we trust him like Brasidas?"
She regrets mentioning the name. Her muscles tense. No stranger could be compared to Brasidas. She has a unique bond with him, friendly at the least. Biting her tongue, she meets her father's eyes in an attempt to act normal.
"I have only heard his name. We'd better be cautious around him."
It's a small lie. Nikolaos knows all the boys. He was a pedagogue, long ago, and he used to command lots of troops. He is familiar with many soldiers, but there are some he doesn't remember well.
Thaletas is one of them. However, there is a possibility the young polemarch will remember the Wolf, but he has no intention to reveal the fact to his daughter and end up staying behind.
Kassandra sighs. "Fine. Tomorrow, we have lots to do. We might even need to part at some point." As she finishes, she turns to leave.
"Why?"
"Because, I got myself tangled with arrogant malakes, arguing together, expecting me to win the war for them and run from one place to the other. Each with a different plan in mind." She throws her hands in the air. "Malaka!"
Kassandra opens the door to her cabin, to find her furry friend anticipating her happily. The lynx curls around her legs, rubbing its fur against her skin.
She pats Kass's head and removes her armour. Kassandra cuddles and pets her recovering friend as she gets ready for bed. She lies down to sleep and Kass follows right away, curling around over the misthios's leg.
Kassandra feels tired, but sleep is hard to come. She believed it would be easier to forget Brasidas, but each time they meet, it's harder to part. She already misses him.
To her further annoyance, she comes across many Spartans wherever she goes. Something about it irritates her. They are so much alike Brasidas and so different at the same time.
Her hand wanders under the pillow reaching the spear of Leonidas. She grabs the heft tightly, only her thumb traces freely the shapes on the metal. She closes her eyes and focuses on the sense under her thumb, she fills her mind with the shapes.
She tries to let her imagination fly away, with some joyful creation of her mind. Although, she ends up thinking of Phoibe when her finger traces the Eagle shape. All those times the girl was her only companion.
She remembers waking up sore from her old wooden bed. It was worsening the bruises, usually caused by the thugs she had to face. Her empty stomach was protesting loudly and Phoibe was rushing in with her innocent childish laughter.
Then, Kassandra would sit down with the girl around the table to eat and she always offered the best choices to the skinny little girl. Still, Phoibe would protest, how unkempt and untidy the house was.
One time she even called the place smelly. Kassandra wouldn't care unless she didn't feel the need to protect and provide whatever she could to this child. She tried not to throw her things around so much after that day and clean the bloody bandages immediately. That was a hard task, but it turned out pretty useful. She lacked armor, thus, she often ended up wounded. Treating her traumas got faster after that.
They had some beautiful moments together. The girl was the only light in that dull shitty island. She was the closest person to family Kassandra had. She had never expressed it to Phoibe who was like a sister in the heart of the misthios.
A single tear falls to her cheek as her eyes fill up and become wet. She exhales slowly. Why does her mind torture her? She is often thinking either of Phoibe or Brasidas. When this is not the case, Alexios, no… Deimos is the one that takes their places and torments her thoughts. She shuts her eyes closed and focuses on her breathing to prevent getting more upset. Sleep will be hard to come, tonight.
The next day, they visit the city. Kassandra observes her father. The unease on his face as the shortest blacksmith she has ever seen measures him to adjust the armor. His lips are closed so tight that form a thin line. The curiosity in the eyes of the blacksmith about them doesn't go unnoticed either.
They have agreed to tell anyone who asks, that Nikolaos is a mercenary, part of her loyal crew. She insists to cut his name to 'Nikos' just in case, but he stubbornly refuses.
She admits that he does have a point; he is supposed to be dead for years. No one would suspect it is the same person.
They have passed the first test at least. They look nothing like father and daughter, to the short man. As they turn to leave, she fails to hold a chuckle as the blacksmith conspiratorially winks at her father and whispers how lucky he is. The deadly glare the Wolf throws at the man leaves the latter wondering what's the matter.
They remain silent and stop again nearby to rent a horse for her father. They continue on foot to the main road, just outside the city where Barnabas is waiting for them with Phobos.
She and her father mount their horses and ride to the Spartan camp. She fears someone will recognize her father and regrets letting him escort her today. How foolish of her to set him across Spartans.
It takes quite some time to reach the camp. When they are finally there, she walks ahead of her father on purpose. The soldiers know her, the misthios who assisted them and let her pass through them unmolested not paying attention to the man behind her.
She is glad the hood covers a part of his face and hides his entire forehead. She is, maybe, more anxious than he is. She walks closer to the beach where Thaletas stands. He turns around greeting her in a relaxed friendly way.
A bit too intimate for her taste from a stranger. As far as she can tell, her father has the same opinion. She catches his hard stare at the other man when she turns at him to introduce him as Nikos, a loyal friend of hers. In spite of disagreeing, Nikolaos remains silent, showing no hint of discomfort that would risk their cover. He keeps his head and his voice low. Thaletas doesn't recognize him.
The less the Wolf speaks, the better for their cover. Plus, Kassandra is better at telling lies. Big outrageous lies. She must make him unpalatable. Kassandra adds to the story that Nikos spent his whole life at sea. Thankfully, the young Polemarch has no suspicions, only eyes for his personal goal. Soon, Thaletas and Kassandra discuss their options and exchange ideas.
They conclude they are in need of reinforcements. Spartan ships sail the Aegean Sea close to Mykonos and they have to reach them. She suggests delivering the message to them, signed by Thaletas's hand with the Spartan seal, and destroying Athenian ships in the process.
The young man shakes his head. "You'd confront them in open waters? Not sure if you're brave or just mad. No matter how well you fight, even you couldn't defeat the entire navy."
"If I sink enough ships, the Spartans can get through. I've done it before. All I need is a letter signed by your hand."
He is left no choice and she insists she can handle the task. She is the only person who can help and she looks confident and determined. The old man behind her is perfectly calm as well.
"Alright." Thaletas agrees with a small sigh. "Can we have a moment before you go?" He asks addressing her and takes a few steps further.
She follows him.
The thin braid that hangs from the base of his head and swings with every move of his, catches her attention. Unwillingly her eyes are stuck on it. She was tangling her fingers around her favourite man's braid just days ago. It still looks so familiar, even though Thaletas has darker hair. She wishes when he turned around, she wouldn't see him, but the face she so dearly missed.
"There's something else. A helmet was left on board my ship. It was my pater's. The waters were pretty swallow. Can you retrieve it for me?"
His words bring her back. She is fairly quick to get the point and needs a single second to reply. "I'll try if you tell me where the shipwreck is."
He smiles and starts walking towards his tent. "Follow me." He says over his shoulder.
Soon, everything is settled. There is nothing to do on the island for the moment. They return on the Adrestia. It's still so early in the morning, but most of the crew is in position. Kassandra informs Barnabas of their plans. First, they are sailing to Delos to destroy the supplies and loot weapons and money, just as Kyra wanted. Then they are going to sink any Athenian ship in their way to the Spartan Commander and back.
The men are running around doing preparations, Barnabas and Nikolaos give instructions. Kassandra sits down on the bench with Herodotos beside her. She casts short glances at him and keeps her attention at her palms as she wrings her hands.
"Herodotos, I can't forget him, yet."
The older man smiles warmly and puts an arm around her shoulder. "You refuse to mention his name. You are trying too hard because he is significant to you."
"He is not… I... we..." She falters and she hates it. Her gaze drops, she shuts her eyes and balls her fists. Her knuckles turn white, her head remains low. "I can carry on without him, and I will. There is so much to do as you say."
"Break up requires time-"
She pokes him with her elbow. "Shhh! Are you out of your mind? There is no such thing. We are simply friends and Nikolaos is right there."
Herodotos chuckles and raises his hands in defeat. "Excuse me, but if I recall you kissed." He whispers the last word to avoid another hit.
She grimaces squinting her eyes and looks away.
"Don't fear your feelings. Separation is painful. You can choose what your relationship is about, the next time you meet. Acceptance may be hard to come, Kassandra. There is no shame in being in confusion and having dilemmas. Be careful though, not to act imprudently. You may regret it when it's too late."
She isn't able to comprehend what Herodotos means exactly. He couldn't be referring to thoughts born in the back of her mind just moments now. He couldn't know. She sighs and before she has time to respond, Barnabas and Nikolaos join the quarterdeck. The Wolf approaches them and she shuts her mouth. He takes a seat beside her saying that everything is ready. They all await her command.
She rises to her feet when she hears the question. 'What did the Spartan say to you?' Anger builds up in her.
Her frustration about everything else in her life is about to form into furry and lash upon anything and she just found the scapegoat. Nikolaos just crossed the boundaries. He just asserted control over her life and he has no right to do so.
She would like to tell him about Brasidas. Rub in her father's face that she was seeing a man behind his back. A man whom Nikolaos has faith in and believes he's loyal to him. She puts an end to her enraged mind before she erupts. Herodotos gave her wise advice.
Her only answer is.
"It's none of your business."
As the familiar mountain comes into view, Brasidas knows he is home again. For the first time, he feels he has returned too soon, he aches he is heading to Sparta.
He already misses Kassandra, her touch, her kiss, her smell. Everything. Taygetos is no longer a sight for sore eyes. It turned out as a painful reminder, of his yearning for her and of the great suffering Sparta has caused her.
He clutches the reigns of his horse tighter and sets a faster pace with a gentle push at the animal's sides. The quicker he arrives to present the results to his kings, the earlier he gets another assignment. In hopes he will cross roads with Kassandra sooner.
He has yet another good reason to hurry. His sister, Lyda is about to give birth if she hasn't already. He is grateful he had time to reunite with his family the last time he was in the city, but now it will be different. He is going to be an uncle.
His guilt surfaces as soon as the thought comes. He had completely erased everything but his job and Kassandra while he was away. Who knew what love could do to a man? How easily it can disorientate his mind!
Sweat is dripping from his forehead. He is relieved that finally, the sun begins to hide behind Taygetos. He is exhausted from riding all day and can't really say he had an easy travel. His shoulder is in bad shape and traveling such a long distance with an injury can be very challenging.
Getting from Boeotia to Peloponnese alone, was tricky. He came across small groups of Athenian soldiers and bandits on his way. His spy skills and his training were sufficient to make him able to spot them from a safe distance. This way, he got away without a fight or shamefully risking to become a captive.
Reaching the outskirts of town, two patrolling soldiers acknowledge him and nod in greeting. He steps down from his horse, walks it down the stables while picking up his things. Handing it to a helot with a thank you, he turns to leave.
The buildings around him feel colorless. Walking through the all too familiar roads, waving and greeting people, brings up numbness. So many faces, some with forced smiles, all full of pretense, pass him by. Something feels different and strange. Like he has done something wrong and everyone knows it.
He has felt like he was treated less than he should in the past. He had accomplished an unexpected victory, he was certain he would be repositioned as a Commander somewhere. Instead, he was elected an ephor. Then, he was sent to Korinth as a spy. It was odd he was silently taken away. When he found out about the cultist King who wanted him dead, the relegation finally made sense. What on earth is wrong this time?
There is nothing else he would like to do right now, other than getting a good nap in a proper bed. After days of sleeping with one eye open, to avoid thugs, Athenians, and hungry predators, he just needs to relax. Stentor ordered the injured soldiers to return to Sparta, before Brasidas got back to the camp in Boeotia, in retaliation for his involvement with Kassandra.
He can only hope that Stentor won't be furious at him forever and one day they will be able to cooperate amicably. Brasidas has too many personal enemies already. He doesn't want to make it any worse when it comes to fellow spartiates.
He grits his teeth and continues down the road with his head high. The breeze brings a pleasant smell of roast meat from a house in the neighborhood. His stomach protests to the starvation it has been forced the last days. It has to wait.
His evening will be exhaustively long before he can collapse on his bed. As duty commands, first things first, he pays a visit to the throne room to announce his arrival to his kings and the state.
He awaits everyone else's petition. He is the last in the row and if he wasn't a Commander -obliged to make his presence known- he wouldn't be allowed to enter the throne room today. It is past the time the Kings usually accept audiences.
His turn comes. He bows his head and hands over the written reports and letters to the competent member of the Apella. As expected, he's ordered to join a meeting the next day early in the morning for a throughout briefing before being quickly dismissed.
In his way out, one of the guards addresses him in a mocking way. "Disappointed you parted from your misthios?"
Laughter follows from more than one guard. Brasidas doesn't answer, he pretends he didn't even listen and continues walking at the same pace. There is no point in replying.
He gets it now. The gossip at the camp made an impression that did not fade. It's spread in the town. He can't blame anyone. He made his choice, was aware of what would happen. Kassandra isn't a citizen; this is a fair enough reason to be criticized.
Before joining the barracks and his syssitia, he heads to his parents' house. Reaching the front yard, he takes a second to recollect himself. He places down his shield against the wall.
He knocks on the front door and waits, putting his hands behind his back straightening his posture. The door cracks open slowly and his mother's figure appears in the doorframe standing tall despite her short frame.
He offers a soft composed smile and notices his mother is tilting her head only slightly in approval with his dignified stance.
"Chaire, son." Argilleonis welcomes Brasidas with a soft smile of her own, stepping aside to let him pass.
When she closes the door, he bends and places a gentle kiss on her cheek in greeting. She wraps her arms around his torso shortly. Her lips still curved upwards.
"Mater, how is the family?"
"Come and see with your eyes." She prompts with a wider smile. One he can't recall witnessing before.
Her reply is unexpected. He believed she would be angry or disappointed with him after all those rumors for him and Kassandra were spread in the city. However, her happiness was telling him otherwise.
Could she have not heard of the hearsay? He doubts it. It was already common knowledge among the soldiers the moment the wounded from Delion returned. In less than a day the scandal would have reached every house as well as, his mother's.
He expected her disapproval would overflow from her words and expressions. Argilleonis always valued ethics and was very strict about honor, respect, loyalty, integrity, and the Spartan code. All of which he had violated by having this affair as everyone claimed.
Her reaction is surprisingly unfamiliar. It is further astonishing to consider that his mother is always so composed. Hardly letting emotions show so intensely to her strong, stone-like, demeanor.
Following her to his sister's old bedroom, the idea catches up with him and it turns out true.
Lyda is resting there holding a small bundle close to her. Her long brown hair is braided up neatly at the back of her head. She shifts her gaze from the baby to her brother as he comes to freeze just inside of the room.
"Brasidas! I missed you. Oh, I wish you could be here sooner." The young woman's face is lit by happiness. A wide serene beam counterbalances the beauty to the fatigue and the black circles under her eyes.
He can't believe his younger sister is a mother. He recalls holding her in his arms when she was a baby. Watching her now holding her own child seems unreal.
His stiff expression melts away, a warmer one taking its place. He quietly walks by her side. He cautiously sits down beside her kissing her lovingly on the forehead.
"Sister, I'm so happy for you." He whispers putting an arm around her shoulders looking fondly at her and her baby.
"Do you want to hold your niece?" Smiling, she places the bundle gently into his embrace.
The tiny little thing, so small and tender, contrasts with Brasidas's broad shoulders, his cold armor and weapons.
The miracle of life, he thinks. It seems so sweet yet fragile. A cheeky round little head, a long straight thin nose and thin well-shaped lips. Light skin and dark hair, the baby has taken after its father and maybe a thing or two look more similar to its uncle.
"You ought to hold your own child soon." His mother's words sharp like knives cut through the joyful little moment.
Her tone is gravely serious and cold. Her voice commanding, revives bad memories and thoughts he is trying so desperately to repel.
Lyda places her palm on his shoulder. She is well aware of the unfortunate circumstances that contributed at his decision to marry. Not only she is his sister, living under the same house and growing up listening to their parents' teachings. The siblings have always been close, but even more since she married her brother's best friend.
"Brasidas needs some time to mourn before falling for another woman, mater." She attempts to defend him, taking his side to shield him from their mother's anger.
"It was never about mourning" Argilleonis acknowledges with a hard stare. "Duty comes first. A commander ought to have a family. Brasidas must marry soon."
"If I do marry again, it will only be for love." Brasidas's statement comes out in a hoarse low voice despite his ire.
Argilleonis just stands there scoffing at him. That moment he realizes, his niece is the only reason he is saved from an interrogation and a pep talk by his mother.
"Nonsense. You have responsibilities. You shouldn't disgrace our family."
She glares at her son unwavering for long reading his eyes and face. She is daring him in her own way to either admit what is already common knowledge or behave. Brasidas keeps a calm facade but deep down he chokes for air, the pressure from his mother is too much.
His head pounds. The greatest regret in his life is his marriage. Argilleonis did have a part in this wrong decision. She always praised honorable men who lived by the Spartan code and served their homeland with vigor until their last breath.
Incorruptible, charismatic kings and generals. Glory for Sparta. His obligation to stand at the level of his ancestors. He had made a commitment to make his mother proud, to fulfill her expectations. For years he believed it was what mattered the most.
He began to perceive that he was wrong after the first loss. He understood that he felt like he was doing chores. He didn't actually want to have a family of his own at that age. He was almost stolid and he was disgusted with himself.
The fates seem to have untangled him from his messy mistake, but the burden will never be lifted off his soul and his shoulders. He has acknowledged he brought destruction and death, committed hubris.
Breaking eye contact, he silently breathes out slowly to calm down and clear his mind. Stealing a last glance at the peacefully sleeping baby, he hands her gingerly back to his sister.
"I'll be late at the syssitia. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight." His voice is just above a whisper as he stands without making any eye contact and storms out.
Lyda shakes her head sadly, eyeing her mother with a pleading look. "Why do you put so much pressure on him, mater? Never showing even a bit of how much you love him and how proud you are!"
"Brasidas is a Spartan and he must live like one. The battlefield is harsher than my words. You'll have a son of your own someday. You must get used to it."
After a visit to the barracks to wash, he goes at the syssitia. The evening passes by slowly for Brasidas, torturously so. His patience is wearing thin with all the comments and teases while fatigue endangers his reactions. He feels the men around him are quite hostile. He provided them a good reason to burst out on him, a fall guy to lash out their nerves and all the resentment caused by the war.
He is aware he has enemies, yet, not everyone is a foe. His fellow soldiers are just exhausted from the two and a half years of war. Therefore, they are Spartans, and in their opinion, Brasidas has broken the law, in some ways, more than one. He faced it in the camp with more strength, albeit, he is in no mood to deal with this situation today.
He craves for at least a single friendly face, wondering if there is anyone who knows and doesn't judge him. That's the moment when he begins to grow alarmed. He is glad his father, Telis, is occupied and they haven't come across each other, yet.
When finally, some men start to head home to their families, he grasps the opportunity to be one of those who leave early. He has to elude Telis at all costs, this evening. Tomorrow, his brain will be clearer to respond to his father's interrogation.
He stops short in his tracks upon seeing one of his dear friends after so long. The two of them haven't been in the city at the same time since the war erupted. There couldn't be a better moment to be here rather than now that the baby is born.
The dark-haired man approaches with a huge smile on his face. He's only a little bit shorter than Brasidas is. They both chuckle as Iketas takes him in for a warm tight embrace.
"Iketas! Long time, no see. Congratulations old friend. Your daughter took after you." Stepping back the commander pats his friend on the shoulder.
"You are the only old man here, brother, and I am afraid my daughter has taken this big nose of yours." Iketas's teasing, always so refreshing, earns a free-hearted chuckle from Brasidas.
The two men have been friends before they entered the agoge. They were far too young to remember how they bonded so much in the first place, but they have been confidants ever since. The two of them and Aristeus were always inseparable as kids and young soldiers. It has only been after the war that they haven't met for a while, because they get assigned to different places.
Although Iketas is three years younger than Brasidas, the fact never seemed to draw them apart. Even later on, when Iketas confessed his love for Lyda, Brasidas wasn't vexed. He had completed serving at the kryptia and had joined the army as a hoplite. So, he gave his blessing, having his friend promise him to watch over his sister if he died in battle.
The commander stood for his friend and his sister against Telis when Iketas had come to ask for Lyda to marriage. In the end, the fact that Iketas and Lyda were a couple and later on married, only brought the two men closer. They are now close like true brothers.
"I'll let you get away with it this time because your family is waiting for you." Brasidas chuckles and teases. "Though, tomorrow..."
"Of course, Commander. We have lots to discuss." Iketas pats Brasidas's shoulder. A smirk soon turns into a fond smile on his face and he winks before turning away.
Brasidas steps inside his house. The air is stale and full of dust. It's a familiar scent, the usual in his home after his wife died. It's always closed, empty. He has thought many times he's occupying it uselessly. The only benefit is the solitude it offers him.
He opens a window and heads straight at his bedroom, getting undressed. The night passes by much faster than Brasidas would wish and the sun rises before his body rests well. Still, his obligations can't be stalled. He spends most of the morning at the throne room, as he has to face and answer to his superiors.
At least, he is glad he has managed to avoid any private conversation with his father. The two have attended the same war council and the hard look Telis gave his son was a resounding indication of his disapproval.
Finally, the kings give him permission to stay and recover for two more weeks before going to another camp in Megaris.
He walks the streets in a haste to make it to his sister's house, tired of all the madness around him, looking for peace and understanding. Iketas opens the door, they await him and welcome him warmly.
A while later, Lyda looks over her brother who is holding her daughter tenderly in his hands. There is love in his gaze. He hasn't lifted his head since he was given the baby.
"You would be a good father."
Maybe he thinks.
He has held his child like this, but it was too weak. It didn't get through the first days. The memory is blurry by choice. He tried hard to forget and leave those days behind him. No matter what, they often come back to haunt him.
His sister's statement can't be considered a praise. The same words coming from his mother would indicate the beginning of an unpleasant conversation. It was still the prologue to his personal life.
His decision of spending the rest of his life single, would pass more easily than choosing a woman so controversial. Before the rumors, he would only have to slow it down until it was too late to be considered a suitable husband. Insisting it was in his later plans and hide behind his duties pretending there were more important issues for him to settle.
Now he couldn't evade it. Everyone had heard about him and the Eagle bearing misthios, as she was commonly known. At least his sister and his best friend wouldn't be as judgmental as his mother.
"Friend, you can share it with us. I will tease, but promise not to judge." The younger man voices softly.
Brasidas feels uncomfortable. The situation is so messed up, he isn't even certain what to believe or anticipate. He doesn't know what to say or how to explain. How can he get out?
"What do you expect me to say?" His voice is flat, tired. Bringing out all the mixture of different emotions going through his soul.
The uncertainty he feels. The variety of events that took place in such short notice. Recalling everything that happened since he accompanied Kassandra to Delion seems crazy. A myth, or a big dramatic rhapsody.
"We have turned to you countless times. You can, as well."
His sister is genuine and she is right. He has no one else to share it with. They are his people. They are going to be beside him.
He takes a deep breath. "We met in Korinth and immediately connected as friends. We did come closer at Boeotia, though not as much as the rumors say."
Lyda waits for more and when her brother refuses to open his mouth again to be more specific, she encourages him. Smiling warmly, she squeezes his arm. "I will always back you up against mater! What is going on with the Eagle bearer?"
He shakes his head and stands up. Walking cautiously, he crosses the room and softly places the sleeping baby onto the small bed. He heaves a heavy sigh having his back on the couple.
He turns around slowly, keeping his eyes on the ground.
Iketas grins conspiratorially and his eyebrow rises as he questions. "Aren't you together with the famous misthios?"
"Her name is Kassandra... and I can't claim that."
"You care for her! " Iketas exclaims.
"I do, but it's pointless." Brasidas admits in a low voice.
Lyda embraces her brother. "Don't worry about mater, or Sparta. If there's love, you will find a way."
He shakes his head and sighs. His sister looks up to him and smiles. "You ignore the girls that chase you around whenever you are around. Don't tell me you'll be running behind a woman all over Greece."
Accidentally his dear sister hurt him more with her words than anything their mother could tell him, mentioning the embodiment of his inner secret fear.
The baby cries, as if she felt her uncle's tension, and Lyda takes her into her arms to feed her into the next room.
The men are left alone. Brasidas is keeping his eyes to the ground. Iketas steps closer and puts a hand on his shoulder.
"Friend, you were together after the battle, weren't you?"
The small nod is the answer the younger man was waiting for. He laughs and pats his friend on his back.
"Cheer up! You will see her again."
"Will I? It's more than that. Not only the war. Iketas there is an association ruling over Greece, controlling everything. They want me, Kassandra and her family, amongst other people, dead. She is after them."
"What are you talking about?"
The Commander takes a serious expression. "Promise me to stay out of it and be careful. If you see anything out of ordinary, let me know."
"I will, but tell me what is going on."
"Don't tell a soul about this. We can't trust anyone. Even Sparta is under their influence, people who yearn for power and money serving their own gain. As far as I can tell, this war is beneficial for them, they aim to drag it on."
"Are you certain, Bras? Do you have proof?" The younger man gets troubled.
The commander perceives that what he claims sounds insane and without explanations, it's hard for anyone to believe it. He shouldn't reveal more unless he wants to risk his friend's safety. He must put an end shortly with the minimum loss.
"My position in Korinth was a trap. Kassandra found a contract for my head by Spartan hand."
Iketas gasps, his eyes burst open in shock. "You are in danger!" He exclaims.
Brasidas nods once and takes a few steps towards his friend. His hand rises to grasp the other man's shoulder and give it a small squeeze. There is no disquiet from his side, he's completely calm, yet serious. His gaze straight and stern.
"That's why you have to stay out of it and protect the people we love. Swear to me! You must be here if anything happens to me." With these words, Brasidas ends the conversation.
His friend is speechless, his mouth has dried. He finds the courage to nod and utter 'I swear.' Strong arms against stiff muscles. The men embrace.
The sound of steps warns them to pull back and break the hug. They act like they are talking about the war when Lyda walks into the room. They cover it just in time.
Notes: Thank you all for your support and forgive me for not posting for such a long time. Frankly, I am going through a tough period and writing ends up getting sloppier and slower. I won't give up because, this piece of fiction is the only thing that keeps me going. Corrections should be made and will be done at some point and of course more chapters are on the way. I hope my work doesn't disappoint you, in any case, feel free to contact me. Many thanks again! I wish you are all well!