Chapter 16: Perplexities and deceitfulness

The Adrestia has made it to the Spartan ships and is currently on the way back to Mykonos. After facing three Athenian triremes on their way from Delos. The chests are full with looted money, weapons and various supplies from the treasury on the island. They left it empty, destroying what they couldn't carry.

Kassandra would have a hard time being believed from the Spartan Admirals unless she didn't have the sealed letter. It was hard to approach them in the first place. They were immediately alarmed and suspicious of her. Eventually, she was sent away with the smallest token of gratitude and trust in their eyes.

She has also managed to find the helmet Thaletas was talking about. The ship sailed around a lot, until they spotted the wreckage to retrieve the requested piece. The water was indeed shallow there, making the dive possible and fruitful.

She rests at the deck with her furry friends beside her, soaked to the skin, wrapped in a red cloak and wearing only her spare grey chiton underneath. The winter sun is still offering some warmth and casts a beautiful light at the surroundings. Ikaros generously shares a mullet, he successfully caught, with the greedy lynx. Kassandra observes them with a smile, pleased that the animals get along. Certainly, better than her and Stentor could ever do. Her shithead stepbrother wouldn't even stay in the same room with her. This makes her wonder what will happen when she returns to Sparta one day. Sparta.

Staying wouldn't even cross her mind, normally. However, she can't cease dreaming about small moments of a regular life, with her family. So many sacrifices, so much fighting and for what? Definitely, she needs her travels and adventures with Barnabas and Herodotos, but the thought of returning home after a journey seems wonderful. Opening the door to find her parents there living happily and safe, at least them if not Alexios too. Sneaking out at night to meet Brasidas and having stolen moments during the day behind her father's back.

Here we go again. She sighs irritated with her own stubborn brain. Whatever path she seems to take in her mind she always ends up thinking about him.

Barnabas sits down across from her with a friendly smile, offering a cup of wine to her. She reaches out receiving the cup in her hands returning a soft smile.

"You did a lot these days. Maybe you should rest and leave everything to us."

"Don't worry Barnabas. I'm fine."

His smile turns into a grin. He leans closer to her and when he speaks, his voice is uncharacteristically low. "Then, your eyes are gloom for some other reason. Does it have anything to do with a certain Spartan you met in Korinth?"

Wide eyed, she looks around with her gaze and eases only when she spots the Wolf far away walking to the prow. She rolls her eyes and grimaces at the old sailor. "Hush Barnabas! Herodotos told you, didn't he? Does Nikolaos know?" She asks, worry apparent in her eyes and her vocal tone.

"Herodotos shared it just with me. Why are you hiding from your father, Kassandra? I thought you were fine."

"The past can't be erased. He simply lacks the privilege to meddle."

She watches as understanding downs on his face, but then his expression settles on disappointment.

"And from me?"

"Oh, Barnabas. It wasn't important, you know… Nothing serious." She cups his hand with her palm and gives it a small squeeze.

He smiles accepting her justification without a second thought. He opens his arms to embrace her. "Your eyes tell a different story." He chuckles and winks teasingly.

. . .

In Sparta, Brasidas has been too fortunate not to face his parents until now. His mother has invited the whole family over for lunch, today.

Sitting around the dining table in the main room, the men don't exchange more than a few words whenever the women, disappear in the kitchen. Telis maintains a hard stare at his only son since he came. The white-haired man has years of wisdom. His head held high with pride, only his eyebrows are knitted together revealing his disappointment.

The table is less crowded now, Argileonis is in the kitchen for the final preparations while Lyda feeds her baby in her old bedroom. Brasidas does his best to be serious and collected. His eyes dare to cross with his father's. He wants to apologize for the fuss he caused and explain the misunderstanding. Telis doesn't allow him to speak. He holds out his hand as soon as their gazes meet.

"I'm no fool, everyone exaggerates. Yet, there's no smoke without fire and you officially supported them to our kings. Even a child would perceive the misthios is your lover."

Brasidas is trapped, he can't flatly deny it, not after the battle in Delion. There is no extenuation. He is at fault. His actions have fueled the gossip. He has openly shown his likeness, to say the least, by supporting them.

He has to say something. He won't make the mistake to try to lie. His mind works fast, telling the truth selectively should be better.

"Kassandra assisted me in Korinth. I could die unless she didn't help me. She has been a good friend and needed my support when she returned in the city." He replies with a stern face.

His father scoffs. "Who are you trying to fool? Everyone says she killed the Wolf. It's your problem if you trust her and no longer respect him. Although, I don't accept you disgracing our family."

The commander comprehends the distaste and chagrin even in the hushed voice of Telis. The old man's face is flashed with controlled anger and his forehead is more furrowed than before, hardening the old lines. Brasidas takes a breath to clear his mind and regain his composure. He has to be careful not to betray Nikolaos, despite his father's friendship with the old General. It's not his secret to share, not even for a good cause.

Plus, it would mean he puts a burden on Telis's shoulders. As a member of the Gerousia and loyal Spartan he would have to report it even as a rumor he has heard. On the other hand, as an old good friend of Nikolaos he would rather not to endanger him and it would tear him apart believing the General had deserted.

So, Brasidas decides against it and chooses to focus on the facts. He prefers to appear a lovestruck moron that suddenly became credulous.

"Foremost she didn't kill her father. She is a Spartan by birth and my personal life shouldn't be anyone's concern, pater."

Telis shakes his head. "You are exposed at the state. How do you expect to get a promotion when you don't live by the code!" Disregarding his son's words, he leads the subject at what is most important. He can't change his son's mind, but he can address the Spartan officer deep inside him.

Brasidas chuckles bitterly. "This is not the case. You'll soon see."

"What has this woman done to my son? You ought to ask for forgiveness and get back to your senses. At least, be sane in front of your mater for the time being."

"I'm sorry I disappoint you, pater." His voice is serious as he pauses to add with a straight face. "One day you'll understand me."

Iketas, who has been a silent witness until now, pokes his friend with his elbow. His action tells his friend that there is no reason to provoke, unless he wants to share information.

"When you feel better, I'll await you to explain to me all these." The old man closes the conversation with a soft tap of his palm on the table.

The mouths of father and son form thin lines as they stare hard at each other. Both quickly break eye contact and cast soft smiles as Argileonis appears with two big platters of food. They are going to let their disagreement aside and have a nice family meal for everyone's shake.

. . .

After a week of hard work, the Adrestia returns at the dock of Mykonos. Kassandra feels too tired already, but she has no intention to let time pass. She rests only for a few hours before setting off to the city with her father and Kass.

First, they stop by the cave to meet with the rebels and inform Kyra that their plan worked so far. Whereas she isn't pleased at all. The news about the mercenary ship that sunk many of the Athenian navy, is all over. The Eagle bearer is in the region and goes against the local authority.

"You're arrogant. The attention is going to bring more trouble! Athens will come. Podarkes knows about you now and he will be more careful. Why did you do it, misthios?" The rebel leader is angry.

"I called reinforcements with the help of Thaletas. We are going to need them."

"You agreed with me, we had a plan! You are a misthios not a General. You are here to help us."

"Calm down Kyra. Weakening the Athenians is only beneficial. Now that we have loosened their grip, we strike Podarkes where he'll hurt most."

"His lungs?"

For a sort moment the rebel is sarcastic and the women share a laugh. The tension lessens between them. The misthios offers a small smile before having an earnest expression again.

"His purse. We'll steal the nation's treasure chest. Do you know its location?"

"Yes." Kyra nods, takes a deep breath and continues. "I'm sorry for being cruel to you."

Kassandra offers a soft smile in return. It is normal. She is aware that difficult times and worry causes people to stress so much that sometimes burst on others.

"I'm gathering the men." Announces the rebel in a haste without waiting for a response.

"No, we'd better be very few. Choose one of your best. Meet me at the temple when the sun sets." With these words Kassandra turns to leave. Her father follows right behind her.

It is no easy task to be a misthios. Good or bad it simply doesn't seem to matter. You will always be the bad guy for some as you pick up sides. Nikolaos has just witnessed what his daughter goes through for years.

Making a name as a mercenary doesn't earn respect. He can't help it but feel guilt. His action brought her to this point. She is a great warrior and she is underrated. Theft and murder aren't equivalent for such talent. It could be worse and when he comes to think about it, he is grateful to the gods, for this outcome. Her death would be more painful for him. He would never have the chance to earn her forgiveness. She is not a slave neither a hetaera and he can only thank the gods.

When they get out of the cave and are back on the dusty road, he turns to look at her. She seems frustrated.

He unwillingly agrees to avoid meeting with the Spartans for her sake. He takes the road to the blacksmith, to take back his fixed armor. Kassandra is granted the opportunity to travel to the camp alone. She was annoyed with Kyra earlier for her lack of respect. Thankfully, her furry companions are always quiet and loyal. The ride with Phobos helps her clear her mind.

. . .

Miles away, at the shade of Taygetos, Brasidas is sweating in the training grounds during a duel against Iketas. The Commander has taken off his armor and his chiton, fighting only in his zoma. His bare chest glistens with drops of sweat.

The healing wound at his left shoulder turned out to be more of a disadvantage than he expected. Pain rushes and floods his whole torso hitting to the core when he tries to block with it against great force. Pressure creates a feeling of numbness and soon it loosens and retrieves without his intention.

It still aches when he takes hold of his shield and he can't move it like he used to. It will take time to heal. He can only hope he won't face the battlefield before he fully recovers. He lets go of the thoughts and eyes his friend, circling around, yet not really calculating.

He doesn't have to. His friend is so predictable after all these years. The chilling air blowing against his skin is energizing. Every hair on his body is up, but he missed it. It makes him feel alive, feel young.

They engage in combat and he gets lost in the familiar sensation of brotherhood.

Breathless the men dress up and together head to Iketas's house for lunch. The younger man teases the Commander about losing his shape most of the way. Brasidas indeed had more difficulty than usual to bring down Iketas.

"I can't wait for the war to end and celebrate again at the karneia. We shouldn't completely neglect our training. We have to win next time." The young man says with a glow in his eyes.

Brasidas smiles at him. Memories come in his mind one after the other since he was a young boy. The first time they participated in the festivities with their dance. The races and wrestling weren't really as exciting, as all the boys were competing in these at the agoge in daily basis. Still, he recalls his happiness the first time he would be seen by his family. This war has really ruined everyone's lives. The young boys are missing their chance these years.

He nods taking a slow breath and replies. "It would be nice, I've missed it, too. We have important things to focus at, though."

"Come on, Bras! We can't allow the years to slip like water through our fingers. After all, I'm just saying we should have it in the back of our minds. We need recruits."

The Commander chuckles. "Thankfully, you don't insist on scheduling rehearsals. Spit it out. Who do you have in mind?"

"I had Stentor, but you messed up…" Iketas pauses and raises his hands innocently. "Just consider that we won't be able to participate for many more years."

"You at least have time. As for Stentor, he's only a little annoyed with me. Either way, you are the mender."

"It sounded more serious to me. Anyway. I'll tend to it, old man." Iketas chuckles and bursts out laughing even more when Brasidas casts him a mocking side glare. "It's true, you're getting old friend. Luckily you found a woman before your hair turn grey."

Brasidas chuckles at the last part. "I wasn't looking for one, teaser."

Frankly, he hadn't given it any serious thought. How much older he is than Kassandra. She is so young while he is no longer at his golden years. He may have to note to consider himself lucky for drawing her attention. She could be indifferent and he wouldn't blame her, there are many others out there probably more worthy than him. A shade casts over his face and his forehead wrinkles.

Iketas makes a face at the revelation. "You, my friend, are finally in love." He smiles resisting to contain a soft chuckle at the older man's reaction.

Brasidas raises an eyebrow and his forehead furrows even more, throwing a glare at his friend as they walk. They are just outside of the house.

Iketas continues the teasing. "Why do you deny it? We are all so happy to hear you found your girl."

"Except from mater." Lyda's voice is soft matching her gaze. She doesn't mean to bitter her brother, but he must know the truth.

The men turn their heads and see her waiting for them outside of the door with a smile. She saw them approaching and went to open it. Then she clearly heard them.

Brasidas frowns, shaking his head. He is a grown man, he got tired of parental advice. They all get inside and close the door behind them. He kisses her on her cheek and takes a seat at a chair.

"I admit even I do wonder how it's possible. I mean you are entirely alike." Lyda carries a bit of surprise in her tone. She reaches for his hand. She doesn't want him to misunderstand and get upset. She is concerned for his well-being. She has heard lots of things these days for the misthios and most aren't so complementing.

"You don't know her." He notes calmly.

"But I know you. Despite her lineage, she is not a citizen at the moment. You are a traditional Spartan, Brasidas. You have always been, until now."

"I fe-" He stops abruptly.

He won't say it out loud. He hasn't even accepted it himself deep inside. He has fallen in love with her. That's why he has changed. All this time it hasn't come to his mind. The fact was often overlooked, something he blamed his maturity of, thinking he gets older. It's actually Kassandra changing him.

The couple exchanges a glance. Both silent, examine Brasidas, offering time. When there is no indication of him wanting to tell anything else, his sister once again attempts to open the conversation. She worries for him, she can't let this go. He has no one else to share his problems with.

"I understand, brother, but what about the General? You can't love a criminal."

"No Lyda, don't believe what you hear. She has nothing to do with that. I've seen proof with my own eyes. Trust me, I'm not so blind."

The voices of the siblings are smooth like silk and low, carrying love.

"We worry because we care. I have faith in your wit." She pours him a cup of wine and moves a platter in the center of the table before smiling at him and adds. "I can't wait to meet the woman who did this to you!"

. . .

Kassandra walks up to Thaletas. She has news for him and the helmet he asked her to retrieve. He smiles upon seeing her and dismisses the soldiers around him.

She hands him the helmet and his smile widens. He thanks her paying her for the assistance and invites her to his tent to discuss the rest over some wine. He wastes no time, once they're inside alone, he immediately begins the flattering words.

"You are impressive, misthios, more than the rumors say." His eyes unwavering as he smiles at her.

After the disheartening meeting with the rebels, she can only be glad her work is appreciated. She is instantly reminded of the Wolf. Her father is fighting beside her.

She smiles back. "I had help."

"I'm not referring only to the ships you sunk." He states flatly with half a grin.

She stands there processing the meaning of his words, watching him. She does her outmost to keep a neutral face, but her eyes betray her surprise and confusion.

The man takes a step closer and then another one, speaking with an amused tone. "I didn't expect you to be so modest. I'm sure you've been admired before."

"I have, indeed." She replies raising her chin a bit higher, causing him to stop in his tracks.

She is quick to recover and find her confidence, despite her abstention of men's advances. She was used to compliments and flirting before Korith. She hasn't been paying attention to potential lovers for months due to Brasidas.

Maybe, this is the solution to her problem, she thinks. The way to erase him from her memory, replace him with another in her heart. Is she capable, though? She has met no man who can be compared with him. Then again, they say, no one is irreplaceable. Life has proved it multiple times, hasn't it?

The secret longing towards her friend may be the reason she has such strong feelings. He is her soft spot, a weakness she can't afford. Mere days have passed since they parted ways, yet she missed him and is aware the grace period is over. She must put an end to it.

"You're not so bad yourself, Spartan. Likewise, girls must be fusing about you." She comes to acknowledge with a grin.

"You think so." He replies after a sort laugh. "Well, we can put it in test later. Tell me about the progress we've made."

"The Spartan ships are almost here. The Athenians will want to kill all of us for what I've done."

"Then we need to strike first. We attack their commanders. Athenians are sheep. Kill the shepherd, and the flock will flee." His tone is commanding.

She doesn't like the sound of it. Once again, she has to do the dirty work, once again the person standing across from her simply doesn't care. He is just demanding, expecting, he wants a result, whereas he hasn't hired her, Kyra has.

"I'd better handle it my way. Alone." She states boldly.

Thaletas smiles and nods. "Alright, but leave some Athenian blood for me."

She has proved herself and her worth by facing the Athenian navy. He doesn't have to see much else, although even before that he didn't really hesitate to send her on the mission. If she wanted to be mean, she could say he was more afraid of losing another warrior from his already stricken defensive lines, rather than caring. Kassandra erases the thoughts and focuses on the task at hand. She asks him for information about them.

He says that Kyra's spies tracked all three of the commanders. Providing the names and the places where the two of them are. They have no clue where the third one is. These are adequate for a start. She finishes her wine and says a goodbye. He nods his head and watches her walking away, before he resumes his duties.

She returns to her ship to find Nikolaos and Anaximandros. They accompany her to the city in search of the enemy Commanders. The three of them split and ask around the locals and fish information. They have better chances of learning something useful faster.

The sun has almost set when the misthios, her father and Anaximandros meet at the temple. The leads they have found are sufficient for their targets. The first one must be the easiest. Her experience suggests she begins with the quarry. There must be less soldiers there and mostly occupied supervising the slaves. Probably more time will be needed to sneak in there compared to the camp. Hopefully, the Commander's disappearance won't be noticed as soon though. They'll start working on it tomorrow, they have another task for tonight.

Kyra appears with a man and all together they take the road out of the city.

. . .

Brasidas has returned home. The smell of dust isn't so intense, the open windows did some work. He closes them and goes straight at his bed to lie down. It doesn't take him long to fall asleep with all the exhaustion from the day.

A hand touches his bare chest. His eyes burst open and he sees her face. Somehow, it's her. She is here, in his house, in his room, in his bed. A wide smile on her face, her eyes are dark.

"How...?" He mutters trying to sit up, but she pushes him back down.

"I missed you."

She leans in and kisses him passionately. He doesn't object, it's the most satisfying thing. Sadly, it ends soon. She pulls back and unties her armor. He is stunned, looking at her confused and his lips form a smile that gets wider and wider.

With every piece she takes off, his jaw drops even more. His heart beats fast and skips a beat when she is free of all her clothes. Her legs are at each side of him as she lowers her body on his and finds his mouth with hers once again.

His hands roam her bare back, touching with lust her soft skin. Their tongues dance together as her hands move lower until they find the biddings of his belt. She undresses him. Their bodies entwine and become one. His blood runs hot and he begins to sweat. Lying on his back, he feels the burning, in his flesh.

Then, he opens his eyes. The heat is real, coming from his body, but nothing else. He has woken up from a beautiful dream. He curses himself and hides his face in his palms groaning. He gets out of the bed and goes for a dive in the icy waters of Eurotas River.

. . .

Ten days later, Kassandra has caused mayhem to the enemies. Podarkes is left with almost no soldiers. They refuse to fight without getting paid and provided even the minimum. Athens seems to have more important matters to attend or be in a sort of troops. Either way they fail to reinforce the lines, send aid or money.

All the while, the money the rebels stole, are enough to strengthen their own forces. The Spartans are installed at the Northern part of the island and the battle is about to happen.

Right now, Kassandra and Kyra are at the fields. They have gone hunting together. It was the misthios's idea, in order to deliver the news more privately away from prying ears.

Kassandra chooses a target. She stretches the chord of her bow. She feels the light brisk waving the loose strands of hair. A small readjustment and she releases the string.

The bow flies, the riffling sound alarms the animals whereas the one she chose is not quick enough to run. A clear shot brings down the big deer. Kass runs towards it and soon returns dragging it by the neck. The rest of the flock runs and Kyra fails to hit one on the movement. The women let the animals relax before taking another shot again. This time, Kassandra holds back. She wants to let Kyra take the lead.

A successful hunt lifts up the spirits and the rebel has to be in a good mood for what she is going to hear. The two women, have managed to get aside their differences and find a way to communicate. They found out they have more in common than they thought.

Some time later, they are sitting down on a big rock and skin the deer they hunt while the lynx licks its fur thoroughly. Kassandra takes a deep breath and reveals she was told from a woman that Podarkes is Kyra's father. She has searched and found proof. Kyra must know before giving the final order to kill him. She may have a change of heart.

The misthios watches as the other woman rages up, cries and denies it. The emotions, the pain, the betrayal that wounds her soul. All these are relatable in a way. Although at the end it's all different. Kyra raises her head, her eyes cold as she stares at the distance.

"Bring him to me alive. I want to be the one to take his life. He ruined mine, he killed my mother and was after me because he knew. I was his daughter and he wanted me dead." There is venom in her words, anger from years of unfairness and difficulties.

Kassandra nods and asks. "Are you sure you want to kill him?"

"I am."

Just like this the next day Kassandra takes action.

The leader of the silver islands is gone, the final confrontation is inevitable. He went missing last night, but the rebels know better. Thaletas is informed by them as well. Kassandra visits the Spartan camp with Kass always shadowing her after her recovery. The misthios has to be informed of the battle plans.

Thaletas discloses that in two days the Spartans attack openly. They will try to take over and if there is resistance they'll fight. This way they'll force the remaining Athenians to face them in battle. The pressure should be sufficient. No one wants to destroy the city.

She is happy to hear it. As she begins to walk away, he stops her with a hand on her forearm. He steps in front of her. His eyes gleam and he asks her to meet him in a while at the north beach.

Her eyes go wide, still she accepts. Her surprise is obvious and he smiles.

She makes her way to the beach, walks and walks. There is no sign of anyone at the spot. She takes a few more steps further in the sand, she could always cheat and send her companions to search, but she decides against it. She notices petals of dried flowers. There are a few beside a recent pair of footprints that lead away. Most petals are taken by the wind, but the path is still visible. Intrigued to find out what this is and where it leads to, she follows the hints of flowers. Kassandra walks west and comes upon the Ruins, across the spot where the spartan ships were sunk. There he is, leaning against the half-demolished wall.

"It took you some time. Ha! I was starting to doubt your tracking skills." He mocks coming to stand straight.

She smirks. "Flowers? Well, it was unexpected."

He scrapes his neck. "I found them in a basket and came up with the idea. Don't tell my men about this."

"Spartans..." She whispers under her breath and chuckles. "I won't... it's peaceful here."

They both look over at the horizon. Taking in the scenery. The small velvet waves that leap over the shore, creating different shades of blue on crystal clear water over the golden sand. The vivid sky with tiny white clouds far away over another island of the Aegean Sea. The sunrays reflect on the surface of the water and create the illusion that everything is in an incredibly bright light.

Ikaros lands on top of the highest wall to rest while Kass curls around a quiet corner.

Thaletas approaches a pile of branches and lowers his body above it. He talks slowly in a smooth voice as he starts a fire. "When I set foot on Mykonos it was on this spot and since I come here to clear my thoughts and train."

Kassandra watches him lighting the fire and she unwillingly recalls Brasidas doing this on their way from Sparta to Boeotia. She replies while trying to push the image of her favorite Spartan away. "I understand, you needed a place to take your mind off of everything."

"Exactly. I'm glad we match. I thought it would be good to share it with you." He turns around to face her and she smiles at him instead of responding. An action he may have misunderstood as he smiles back with a grin. "I was hoping you'd be interested in more." He adds.

Fighting the shock and the lump in her throat she finds confidence to reply. "I might."

"You have captured my heart, but you have to earn it!"

Her eyes go wide and a silly smile settles on her face. "Thaletas, you..."

She is surprised and flattered. Although, she would rather hear these words from another man's mouth. Brasidas has never talked openly to her and he hasn't shown his interest neither tried to win her. Maybe, she should give Thaletas a chance. He's a little bit too cocky for her taste sometimes, reminding her of Stentor, but he seems to have a soft side.

A part of her screams that this is betrayal. She told Brasidas she would miss him, promised to go and find him. Frankly, none of these were lies, she is lying now, trying to deceive herself. Her heart is left in his hands, but she has her mind and her instinct tells her to forget him. Try claim her heart back, to lock it away and keep it safe. She shouldn't get attached in the first place. This looks like a chance to diminish the feelings she has.

The man talks and breaks her out of her thoughts. "Fight me, I want to see how strong you are." He orders raising his chin.

He draws his weapons and advances. Spear and shield at his hands at fighting position. Her jaw almost drops, stunned, she takes a step backwards. Still, her hand instinctively goes for her spear. She shakes her head and signals to the lynx not to lash out on him.

Ensuring that Kass isn't going to make any aggressive move, she turns at him fully and makes another attempt to persuade him. "What? Come on, you've seen me."

"You'll have to best me. Show me what you're made of! Show me what you worth." He dares and attacks.

At first, she just blocks and dodges. Each time he tries harder and harder with more nerve. He taunts her, talking nonsense that she must prove him she is a worthy warrior to be with her. It's beginning to get irritating and it's even harder to control the wild cat with commands. She unsheathes her dagger and unleashes her furry.

Soon, he's panting on the ground unarmed. His shield is discarded further behind her and his spear lies beneath her feet. He is on his knees. He looks up and smiles with a grin. In three moves he is standing up again across from her.

"You are good. Now I'm sure you worth my attention." He concludes and closes the gap grabbing her and pressing his lips to hers.

She responds for a single moment, but immediately regrets it. Her heart sinks, there are no deeper feelings emerging from her soul. There is no spark, nothing compared to what she felt when she kissed Brasidas. She only finds a greater ache, a missing piece he is unable to complete.

She pulls back and pushes him simultaneously to gain some space again. His weird obsession with the fight completely underwhelmed her. This kind of behavior rings an alarm, masculine arrogance and effrontery. Trying to anger the opponent by debasing them to lose their focus, is a shallow tactic. Even more when it comes to a friendly combat.

She is unsure of what to tell him for a moment, because she acknowledges she has encouraged him with her stance. She had better cool things off slowly.

"Hold on, Thaletas. You're getting too far ahead. We have a battle to face."

He sighs and seats down on the marble. "Right. Let's share a drink then. We can get to know each other over wine and see where this goes after the battle."

Neither this time she refuses his offer. A part of her has decided that her heart couldn't ever belong to Thaletas, not with the character he showed today. Another part of her wants to give him a second chance just so she may forget the man that burns her soul.

. . .

Under the shade of Taygetos, men gather at the main road just outside the city. Soldiers that came to rest for a couple of weeks or others who have recovered from their wounds are ready to join the frontlines again. Mothers and wives, even children stand beside the street to bid them one last goodbye and give their blessings. Brasidas is among the soldiers, he is leaving sooner than most, like all the unmarried men.

He is surprised when he sees his mother has attended and approaches him.

"I pray shame is why you avoid mem, son."

He looks her straight in the eyes. "I disgrace you, mater?"

Her lips press together so tight that form a thin line. She stares back hard and refuses to answer. It hurts him. He has tried, he has done everything to make her proud. He is leaving and he can't accept these to be her last words to him. He isn't going to lose his honor; he just wants to reason with her to have one last good memory.

"I had a wife and kids who died. I'm a Commander now. I only focus on... protecting Sparta."

"You have to keep your eyes open to do so, but you're blinded." She whispers with a face hard as stone.

"You'll be proven wrong."

She sighs and shakes her head in response. Then she recollects herself. "Son, with your shield or on it." With these words and a simple kiss on his cheek she steps aside and lets him go.

. . .

Tonight, the city of Mykonos celebrates the liberation. Not only the group of rebels or the Spartans, but all the citizens are glad and happy that tore themselves free from the unjust and cruel rule of Podarkes and his associates. Athens used to be an ally of the people of Mykonos. However, these past years the silver islands only suffered under the Athenian control.

All around, people drink and sing. Some even dance. They enjoy their victory and it seems a few have already proposed Kyra to become the new leader.

Kassandra is talking with those whom she's acquainted and mostly walks discreetly among the locals with her cup. She makes sure to refill it often hoping the amount of alcohol will make the evening more tolerable. Nikolaos hasn't joined her, it was best to be kept away from the many Spartan faces. Barnabas and some of the crew members are somewhere around here, but they don't count for company. They are nowhere to be seen. She bets they are completely drunk by now.

Thaletas approaches her and after a few exchanged words he asks her to follow him away for a while. They head to the main beach separately.

He sits down at the sand and points at the distance. "Sparta's that way. Just past the crests of the waves. I can almost hear her singing us home."

Her breath catches in her throat. They have just secured a great victory, the rule of the islands is restored. They had made some kind of agreement to see where things between them may go after the situation was under control and this moment has come. He admits at some point that he was glad he came after meeting Kyra, whereas he insists his feelings for Kassandra are stronger. He claims he was immediately impressed and awestruck when he saw the misthios.

All this time, her own feelings haven't changed the slightest. He is locked outside her heart. She has shared everything with Barnabas and Herodotos secretly hoping for an opinion or guidance. Herodotos was more neutral, expressing just that he believed she is confused and people should choose with clear minds. Barnabas, on the other hand, became pretty sad and kept uncharacteristically silent keeping his opinion to himself.

She had hoped she wouldn't care, nor feel like she is betraying Brasidas. She wanted it to fade away, but it doesn't. The one and only kiss with Thaletas caused her incomparable guilt. She can fight and win men and beasts, but she can't fight her heart. Cold sweat drips from her body upon thinking he may have erased her already. She fears it more than anything and she feels stupid about it.

Right now, she has to be definite and sincere not only to herself, but mostly to the man sitting beside her. Kassandra has to answer him. She owes to be frank. She tried all this time, but failed to feel anything for him.

"Us? Thaletas..."

He leans forward and presses his mouth briefly on hers. "Leave your crew... Come with me. Join my side, and we can win glory for Sparta together."

Her brain freezes for an instant. The guilt count doubles, they have kissed twice. She quickly reverts to the moment. He is asking her too much, something she wouldn't do for anyone. He doesn't know her at all to suggest such a thing. Still, she isn't angry, she isn't quite better.

"I can't. You're a Spartan commander, and I'm a mercenary. I have another destiny." She replies in a calm voice.

"I know it's crazy. But I came to these islands expecting nothing but death. And then I found you. I know you have your life to live, and I want you to live it. Who knows, maybe the Fates will bring us together again one day..." He says and stands up to leave.

It's easier than she thought and sudden. His reaction is so smooth, like they can continue their lives this very moment like nothing ever happened. It doesn't bother her, it just seems strange. Spartans she thinks, who can really say with them?

They part with soft smiles and no hard feelings on either side.

. . .

Early the next morning, on the Adrestia, Nikolaos does his work out and Kassandra is drinking wine while petting Kass lovingly.

"Ready the oars!" She barks loudly and turning her face away she whispers under her breath. "Let's get far from this island."

Barnabas has just appeared on the deck, hands touching his head. He gives some orders first and then comes to stand beside her. "What happened at the celebrations? You were fine before."

"Nothing new really. Yet for another time people let me down."

"Thaletas, refused to come with us?"

Kassandra chuckles and shakes her head. "No. He had just said he wanted me to go with him and the next moment he wanted to stay with Kyra. It had been minutes since I refused his offer."

"So, you lost faith in men?"

"In a way… I hate pretenders."

Barnabas is wise enough not to vex her further. He just asks their new destination and makes sure to have everything under control despite his headache. To his credit, Nikolaos gives up on his training and assists the old sailor discretely fishing information about his daughter's bad mood.

After many days and even more trouble at the wild sea, they finally reach land.

"Here we are at last! You are going to like this island. It's huge." Barnabas exclaims looking at all of them before his gaze settles to Kassandra.

His usual cheerful tone rings in her ears and mixes up with the cool air that blows in her face messing her hair. She raises an eyebrow at him letting her unamused expression argue with the old sailor's huge smile.

"It kind of looks like a cold dessert!" Nikolaos points out in a low whisper and for once, she couldn't agree more with her father.

"We arrived the least attractive time of the year. Crete is a hot island with many secrets."

Barnabas's attempt to justify and make everyone like the island isn't fruitful. His stories from past visits fall on deaf ears. Kassandra jumps to the port platform and walks in long unsure strides to the agora.

. . .

Notes: First of all, thank you all for reading! It was a long and difficult chapter to write, but we had to get through it. To be honest I have written parts of the story that should be many chapters later and then there are these parts that I am not fond of, but through them we proceed to get to the good parts. I don't think it's appropriate to just fast forward events, but in truth there are too many tasks so we are going to skip many or quickly mention others. We are certainly NOT going to linger on Krete or Kythera (as you may suspect), we have left a boy waiting. I look forward to your opinion, many thanks for your patience!

PS Probably, corrections will be made at some point. *shy-smile*