Chapter 18: What goes up, comes down
Nature is alive once more. Flowers bloom, colors return and animals fill the fields. Everything around shares a vivid energy. It's the time of the season, Demeter is happy for her daughter's return from the world of the dead. Kassandra feels the same happiness for similar reasons, but definitely not for the fictitious goddess. Her soul is finally light as a feather of Ikaros, free from the weight of her fears. Brasidas shares that happiness, seeing her again after so long. He was uncharacteristically unfocused all day. He could only spot the difference in the environment, as everything basked in a different sun light than before. Or it seemed so in his lovesick eyes.
The sun has set for the day, giving its place to the moon. The round whitish half disk rises slowly in the blue and purple sky. A gentle fresh breeze blows the green leaves -smaller and bigger- and the buds that have blossomed, above their heads.
They rest their backs against a tree trunk sharing their news. Brasidas begins with the events back to the Boeotian camp and Stentor. Kassandra rolls her eyes at her step-brother's spiteful reaction and his vindictive spirit. She talks about Mykonos, and her adventures at sea in her way to reach Kydonia.
"How was Krete?" He asks intrigued and more than glad they closed the chapter of the silver islands.
She sighs. "It was a cold desert all winter and got really hot at the very first days of spring. Full of surprises. Long distances to cover and small isolated villages, forts, camps on a huge island."
"You don't sound very fond of it. I wonder though, were you fighting all this time in your current armor?"
She smirks at him, a half-smile. "Isn't it a good change? I won the linothorax and bracers at the Arena in Pephka. Before leaving I stopped at the blacksmith, he had made this whole set."
While she talks, his face falls. He shakes his head and turns his body towards her. "Kassandra, you don't have enough protection with this."
"Indeed, but I am less visible and more silent in my moves. Don't worry, I still carry that heavy Spartan breastplate. I prefer it in battles, it doesn't fit for sneaky missions though."
He nods in agreement skeptically and takes a deep breath. "You competed in the Arena?"
It isn't an actual question neither a simple ascertainment.
She sighs and nods slowly. Exhaustion shows over her features. "I am the champion as we speak."
"Kassandra... were you hurt?"
She chuckles. "You should see the others."
He joins her with a short chuckle of his own. He is aware of what she is capable of. She is undeniably strong and skilled, yet everyone has unfortunate moments. Her lack of response would have fooled many. Brasidas knows her well.
"Where? Show me."
"Are you trying to undress me, Commander?" She teases raising an eyebrow.
He would laugh if he wasn't really worried. He maintains his face stern and gives only a small tease back. "I might if you don't tell me."
Oh, well, it sounds worse than it actually is, she thinks and decides to allow him this inspection and grant him a look to ease his mind.
She unleashes the leather stripes and lets the armor fall off. "The last one, he managed to spike me with his spear before his demise."
A red linen corset top held with leather cords covers her skin. It reaches right under her ribs. She raises it a bit higher with her fingers, not more than two inches.
Brasidas looks at her stomach, a red scar under her heart. His forehead wrinkles, eyes throw daggers as the muscles of his jaw tense. He slowly drags his gaze to her face. Swallows hard and cups her cheeks with his hands. Words are hard to reach his lips. Honestly, he wants to scold her. He has no right to. He trusts her abilities as a warrior, still his worry for her well-being doesn't allow him to express how proud he is.
"How is your shoulder?" She questions.
She wants to switch the attention on him and point out that he didn't listen to her either. His own moment of recklessness and negligence of his health. He gets it. He earned a painful reminder that affects his efficiency with the shield. He is in no position to reprove. Both are warriors during an ongoing, roaming, bloody war. He'll face the same worry.
"Getting better day by day."
He reaches out for her discarded armor. He assists her getting it on. He smiles and places a soft kiss on her lips. Neither of them has the courage to address the matter and discuss it further. They'll have to get used to this, no matter how hard. They lean against the bole again, holding hands, and enjoy the silence in each other's company.
Sometime later, she faces him. A sparkle in her eyes and a smirk plays on her lips. Her fingers trace his palm, the calluses, the lines and the rough skin.
"I would like to show you a place. A village which beauty cannot be compared." She says, eyes sparking.
"What is so special about it?"
"Everything. Lalaia is built close to springs, there are rivers running through the village. It's full of flowers, trees, wooden bridges. There are waterfalls creating small lakes just a little farther from the houses."
Her excitement makes him smile widely. She's like a small child once more. However, judging by her description, there is a well justified reason behind her adoration for that village. Additionally, he would be crazy to refuse a travel with her, in such a beautiful place. His brain is very close to slip into creating a fairytale story, he won't. There is no time or place for dreams, whereas he doesn't want to ruin her joy.
"I'd love to see it. Since it gives you this smile, it is definitely unique. Maybe someday."
"You'd be amazed, Commander!" She says and brings her mouth to his for a few slow kisses.
The truth is, she was fascinated. She cannot think of a better place to spend some quiet time with him. She leans her forehead against his for a while before getting comfortable beside him wrapping her hands around his arm and settling again in a relaxing silence.
He has disallowed his brain of making notions, impossible to happen and forces himself on focusing on real life matters, that's how he remembers. He has more news he wants to share. He would like her to know and be a part of it. His life in Sparta is his people. His heart is them and Kassandra.
"My sister gave birth to her first child. I was fortunate to hold my niece while I was there." He says with a broad smile on his face.
Kassandra is taken by surprise. It's the first time he refers to his family and cares to discuss about his everyday life aside from war and military obligations.
"You have a sister?"
Brasidas chuckles. "I do. I haven't mentioned it before. We were usually too focused on war whenever we met."
She smiles sweetly at him. Many thoughts come to her mind, all at one. The happy news must be important for him, his joy is obvious. Maybe, he likes kids and why wouldn't he? Even herself has a soft spot for children. Could the baby and his sister have anything in common with him? Enough for her to tell who they are if she saw them somewhere? She would like to meet them. She is wondering how are those responsible for the incredible man he became. It is too silly to say it and overstep.
She doesn't want to give any false indication of expecting formal introductions as though they are in a serious relationship. She intends to keep Myrrine and Nikolaos in the shadows. However, getting acquainted with Brasidas's people sounds interesting. Mostly because of her wish to learn more about him.
She imagines the beautiful moments he must have with his family. How unfamiliar she is with such things and how different it may feel. She wonders then why he hasn't said anything before. Her eyes meet his and she finds out more than the obvious. Whenever they are together time goes by so quickly and it's confined. Even when she was in Sparta, she hardly stayed two days, and then, while traveling they weren't speaking much at first. There always seemed to be something more important going on, a cultist, a mission, Stentor, war, and whenever they did discuss, it was as though time flew twice as fast.
"Right." She acknowledges and smiles as she adds. "Great news to share. May your niece be healthy."
"Thank you. I hope you'll meet her and my sister, Lyda, soon."
Her eyes flash wider for a split second. Relief from being in the same page allows her to breathe freely. He is so relaxed, so cool with it. She perceives that there is no reason to hold back her thoughts she can be open with him. She is glad he is a decent man and not in the slightest reluctant to regard her earnestly. She is only afraid of his perspective. She may join the Spartan side on the war more often than not, and try to gain her house. Although, she doesn't intend to return to the city and stay there. Myrrine will probably settle, Nikolaos may return one day, but Kassandra simply cannot.
Whenever she comes to think of it, she soothes her own mind saying she may come and go all the time. She will be traveling with the Adrestia, seeing unknown places with Barnabas and Herodotos. Seeking new adventures and visiting small beautiful places. So, what if Brasidas believes that when the war is over, she is going to stay?
They both have been too silent about their feelings and expectations from one another. She would rather know and be done with worrying once and for all. She can't stand doubting. The previous moths were a lesson well learned.
"You've spoken about us?" She asks avoiding his eyes.
He clears his throat readjusting his sitting stance. "To a few individuals. There are rumors all around about us."
"Oh. Not the better, I guess. How did your kin react?" She fails to fake sarcasm and ends up scratching her nape.
"Lyda and her husband are happy for us. You see, she got married to my closest friend, Iketas, so they both got thrilled."
He bends and presses his lips on hers. His breath is warm against her skin. She notices a small sigh of his and perceives that he's keeping something from her. There must be more reactions to his revelation, or to the gossips that he's not saying.
She steers her body towards him. Her fingers draw lines at his forearm. She bites her inner cheek. She has no idea, whether his mother and father are alive or how close they are.
"Everyone else?" She asks with hesitant careful voice.
He grimaces. "Well, my parents got mad at me for not being more discreet, mostly."
She should have known it. Spartans are proud people and not really fond of changes and foreigners. A bit narrowminded she could say. She is an exiled misthios and not everyone is like Brasidas. She has come across many soldiers and commanders, assisting them in Boeotia and Megaris and even though they were impressed with her skills as a warrior, only a handful of them where kind and respectful before she proved her worth. Brasidas may be the only one as friendly and supportive since the first moment they met.
She isn't really much affected by what others think of her. She only cares about him, she doesn't want to cause him even more troubles than she already has. She offers him a sympathetic smile, aware that saying sorry, won't make any difference. She squeezes his hand lightly, her gaze shows confidence and impassivity.
"Be honest. They don't like me, it's natural."
He shakes his head. "No, no. They don't know you. My father is just concerned about the speculations of you killing Nikolaos." He pauses and seeing her 'of course, and lastly' expression he continues. "My mother won't be satisfied until I marry, a Spartan woman. You aren't a citizen, yet, and since I have my eyes on you, she lost hope to marry me off."
Her mouth forms a silent 'Oh'. "Sparta and mothers. Something takes over them. Myrrine was so cool while we were in Naxos, despite being the Leader. She was trying to teach me and correct me from the moment we begun traveling to Lakonia."
She isn't certain what else she could say or whether she should open her mouth. Another time maybe.
Brasidas chuckles. "At least she isn't complaining to you for being unmarried."
Maybe now is that other time. He is either hinting on his wish to discus the matter and have it cleared out like they did with everything else last night, or discreetly asking her to display her opinion on the matter. She decides to answer and let him choose whether they'll face it or turn a blind eye.
She takes a deep breath and boldly states it. "If she dares to, I'm vanishing. It will be the last time she sees me."
"Are you so strongly against it?" He questions casually.
He does open up the subject, looking fully relaxed and unfazed. Is it a mask of a well-trained spy, or the fact he is a self-collected person? She wonders.
"I'm a misthios, Brasidas, don't fool yourself. I could never stay in a house to cook and clean. I can't even stay in Sparta for long permanently."
"You need to come and go freely, I guess I understand. Is it Sparta or you'd hate to settle in just one place?"
She averts his face. "Of course, it's malakas Sparta."
She shouldn't be so edgy when he is only empathetic and completely unbothered. She has just cursed his city when he simply sits there beside her with a calmness, she has never witnessed in anyone else. He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. His palm finds her arm and runs up and down her skin slowly. He brings his lips to her cheek, gives a little peck and remains there, in such close proximity.
He begins with a soothing low voice. "I wish I could leave, but if I did, I would drown in my regrets. I can't promise you a lie, I wouldn't be me..." He pauses and before he can go on, she speaks up.
"And I can't promise you to stay. I'm not promising marriage nor kids. This is me. The question is if we are willing to set these aside or not." She declares and turns to face him.
He stills and his eyes lock on hers. "I am. I don't care. All I need is you, coming and going as you please, all that matters is that you'll be returning eventually."
She smiles and so does he.
"So am I. I don't expect you to be someone else. I met you as a Spartan commander, the blame is on me."
He chuckles. Their smiles are happy brightening their faces, reaching their eyes. She didn't expect that. Even the thought of moving out away from Lakonia seems crazy to have come to his mind. It made her heart soften. She has to get it to her mind now. Force her brain to accept that the two of them are together. No matter how obscene they are, a misthios with a commander, she should never again doubt it.
The rustling sound of leaves and footsteps on the grass is heard. Someone is approaching and the couple lets go of each other's hands. He rises on his feet and they look out. The Wolf appears through the greenery. He greets the young man and immediately gets to the point. He wants to know what is happening in Sparta. It's been years since he left.
"Is the city in a decent state?" Nikolaos asks.
"Not for long. There is no capable general after you left. The duration has caused serious decay. We are a total disaster at sea operations and have lots of casualties in ground battles."
"It's war we're talking about, there are always casualties." Kassandra notes.
"Brasidas knows what he's saying. Athens has higher rates of population, more city allies and money for mercenaries. Whereas Sparta..." The Wolf pauses and shakes his head.
The young Commander nods. "Drachmae in Sparta runs short and soldiers die. The polemarchs don't make wise choices at the battlefield. The phalanx is unbeatable but terrain and formation can help to have fewer casualties. The Generals forget how beneficial tactics can be."
"You could help. You were about to be promoted when the war begun." Nikolaos remarks.
"I was. They reject my suggestions." He pauses and clears his throat. "I was demoted in a way."
Kassandra comes to stand beside him. "The traitor king may have a part in this, by influencing the generals against you."
He nods. "That and some bad rumors."
She catches the hint, it's what he mentioned earlier. Color creeps up her cheeks and she looks away. Nikolaos has his suspicions, his daughter's reaction confirming them, but as usual he pretends, he has no clue about it. So, he refrains from questioning and decides to give only some advice.
"Show repentance and compliance for a while. Many will value your abilities and support you."
"I wish they would support me at the blockade." He starts pacing around as his breath becomes raged from anger. "The port of Pireaus would be isolated, crumble down and taken Athens along. The war would be over, by now." Finishing, he slams his fist against a tree. Swallowing the bitterness, he turns to face the old general again.
"And you were replaced during the operation. It was going great while you were there." She pauses and tries to give him confidence. "The cultist king doesn't want this war to end. It can be his doing. Recall, why he sent you in Korinth."
The contract for his head. Send Brasidas back to Sparta on his shield, said the message. The order given to the Monger. All three of them know it.
"Kassandra is right. Don't give up." The Wolf pats the younger man's shoulder and turns addressing his daughter. "Don't be late, we await you at the ship."
She nods and glances over to Brasidas confused.
"Goodnight my boy. Be strong." Calls her father turning on his heel to leave.
A part of her queries whether her father has suspicions or knowledge about them, but she shakes it off. He would have said something, he would hardly accept it. She recalls his distaste whenever men seemed to complement her. It's more possible that he rests assured with their friendship while his likeness and trust on Brasidas blind him. It's not that important, anyways. She may put it on test later.
As soon as her father disappears and is certainly out of earshot, she turns to Brasidas.
"It's because of me, isn't it?" She asks, guilt taking over her face. "I am truly sorry, Brasidas."
Her head drops, she can't face him any longer. She's used to being in trouble, but harming him is unbearable. He didn't tell her before, didn't want to make her feel the guilt.
He takes hold of her hand and squeezes it. "It's my fault and their bad intentions. You did nothing." His voice is just above a whisper, calm as always, tone solid and confident.
It doesn't make her feel any better.
She sighs. "I made it worse."
"You didn't. Please, Kassandra, let it go. We haven't enough time. Tell me where you are going." His lips press against her forehead.
Her hands wrap around his torso pulling him closer to be enveloped in his arms. Her cheek pressed against his collarbone, his chin touching her head.
"Athens. I have to try and find that cultist. You?"
He swallows and bites his tongue. "I'm staying here for quite a while. Then back to Sparta to get a new assignment, probably."
Her answer is a simple hum at first. "Can you do me a favor and tell my mother I'll meet her in Gytheion. I'll send her a letter when I'll be there."
"Of course. I hope I'll return before you, be able to see you again."
"You already miss me, Commander?" She teases, lifting her head to look up.
Her hair is tangled in his beard and gets messed up in the process. He chuckles and drives his palm over it to smooth it out. His lips reach for hers and when he pulls back, they settle on a fond smile. She raises an eyebrow expectedly.
"Always." He breathes out.
He could say more, admit that he was looking for an excuse to see her. He feels he doesn't have to. She already knows somehow, in a way at least. In the same way he gathered she came here to find him. It gives him hope. His heart flutters at the notion of her yearning to lay her eyes on him. It gives him courage and he's going to need it with her next destination. After the events in Mykonos, Alkibiades is getting in the picture and Brasidas senses the green monster within him awakening.
He leans down again and kisses her tenderly, beating down any envious thoughts.
The moon rises high in the night sky by the time they stand, embraced and say farewell.
"Be careful." She whispers as she leaves.
Brasidas returns to the Spartan camp and she rides to her ship. The next morning, she departs for Athens with Nikolaos. He isn't very fond of her plan, but he has agreed knowing she will be safer this way. They have talked everything through while at sea.
They travel for two whole days. The roads are more dangerous than usual. It's where Athenians face Spartans to break the lines and have access to the land.
Kassandra has Ikaros to help them hide and find paths away from the soldiers. It takes more time, but they finally make it to a small gate of Athens. By choice they don't try the main gate, for many reasons. Stopping at a safe distance, she changes clothes. She had to leave behind her favored pieces of armor, but she could not resist getting on an old simple set. One made of leather only, flexible enough to hide it in the pouch or wear it beneath the ridiculous long feminine olive peplos when needed.
Long sleeves and a humble rope for a belt, constitute a successful disguise. She even covers her head and hair with a kalyptra, just as women in Hellas use to. The reason for her blue-gray veil, to hide her identity and any possible scar.
As expected, the guards halt them and make questions. Nikolaos pretends to be a former mercenary from Euboea who lost his house and with his daughter seek some relatives. The soldiers eye them suspiciously and he extends the story claiming, he's only escorting his daughter. She'll stay and offer labor as a pallakida while he'll search for small jobs around Attika.
In the end, they are allowed to pass. Kassandra acts like she's following her father who in fact isn't familiar with the city at all. When they have turned around the corner of the street and blended with the civilians, she discreetly picks up speed and walks slightly ahead, leading them to their destination. It's painful walking in these streets again and watching the same buildings. When Perikles's residence comes into view she is relieved and moody at the same time.
There is an Athenian guarding the entrance and Nikolaos tells him that he's in search of Sokrates to hire him for his daughter's education. This time the Athenian isn't as easily persuaded. He tells them they can wait Sokrates in the agora or at the temple. As they are sent away, she spots a friendly face coming to her rescue for a change.
"Wait, my friend, wait. They can come in. I know them quite well. What brings you here, my dear?" Alkibiades appears at the right moment and halts the soldier.
Kassandra is about to address the Athenian, but holds her tongue. It's not Sparta here and she's supposedly not a misthios. Her father scans the man and thinks before opening his mouth. He's too young to be the pedagogue himself and too blond.
"I want Sokrates to teach my daughter." Voices the Wolf walking closer.
Alkibiades seems amused. "Definitely, come in." He emboldens with a beaming smile.
Once inside, Kassandra thanks him, while Nikolaos keeps his eyes open observing quietly.
"We can find a way to repay me. Look at you, more beautiful than ever, if a bit too dressed. Ah, but excuse me, you haven't introduced me to your friend. Hmm, mature, but strong and imposing. Surely experienced." The Athenian says with a lecher mien.
Kassandra rolls her eyes and takes off the veil. Nikolaos glares at the Athenian and watches his daughter closely, struggling to keep calm.
"Alkibiades, this is indeed my father. You have tangled me way too many times, so I expect you'll do me the favor to keep this secret."
She did hope the revelation would make him quail. She set her expectations too high. When did such things affect the blond man ever before? She can see him still smiling casually without a single sign of retreat.
"Oh, that's where you got the genes. Well, my lips are sealed, but maybe I need you to do something in return, my lovely misthios."
She sighs. "Of course." She mumbles almost to herself and continues in a louder voice. "Fine, but it'll have to wait. I want to talk to you and Sokrates about an important matter."
They all gather in the main andronas. Kassandra tells them about the cultist asking for their help. Unfortunately, they can't figure out who this man is. The officers are all well connected together and despite not all being in good terms, the commander of fort Phyle had a big circle of friends. He was a member of the opposing political faction to Perikles's, but this isn't that much of a help.
"The information isn't enough. Many generals were in good terms with that Commander." Sokrates says.
"Tell me their names then and I'll search." She insists.
"My charming misthios, you might get caught, you're already wanted in the city." Alkibiades pauses and watches Sokrates for help before adding. "You and your father can stay here. It's dangerous, so let's be discreet."
She remains silent with her hands crossed to her chest. The Athenian men shudder under her glare. The older man takes a piece of papyrus and a feather. He writes down a few names and hands it to Alkibiades to add on the list.
"You have to be careful." The pedagogue advices and opens his arms. "We are happy to see you again. No matter the conditions. I trust you won't hurt innocent men." A brief hug with her makes the young blond jealous.
She assures him and whispers a thanks.
Father and daughter are provided with a room each and go to clean and rest before dinner. It's hard for both of them. Nikolaos is completely unfamiliar with their ways. Unaccustomed to luxuries. The surroundings make him nervous and bother him. He is staying under the roof of those he once used to fight, kill and hate. Not that his feelings have changed, he doesn't like them. Maybe, Sokrates, a little. He is the only one who seems genuine and altruistic. The Wolf would never do this madness if it wasn't for his daughter's safety. He didn't want to abandon her, he has sworn to the Gods, he isn't letting her be alone anymore. Thankfully, they aren't aware of his true identity, that of the Wolf of Sparta.
Once Kassandra closes the door behind her, stepping inside that same room she was the previous time, memories of Phoibe flood her mind. It was so unfair. The girl was so young and full of life. Her giggles and her cheerful spirit made everyone around her instantly be more joyful. She feels the guilt, maybe this would never happen if the girl wasn't her friend. The cult must have hurt her because of that. This notion tortures her. She was blessed to be distracted and not thinking about it all the time, whereas now, she has no way to escape it.
The day is difficult and mostly the night. She turns around and rolls in the bed without managing to fall asleep. She gets up and out of the bed, walking through the long corridors. Her legs take her to a balcony on the second floor. She walks towards the edge, eyes glued at the night sky. She climbs up the half wall, lets her legs hang from the outer side. She watches the stars as tears rush from her eyes, unwillingly. She can't control them. The memories are stronger than her.
She turns around to face the second presence she senses standing behind her. She's not alone anymore. To her surprise it's her father who watches her with a shocked expression upon noticing her tears. He doesn't ask her why she's crying. Instead, he steps closer coming to stand beside her, just behind the half wall she is sitting upon. He wraps an arm around her shoulders and only then asks in a whisper if he can help somehow. She can't lie to him about it. She doesn't want to. Nikolaos isn't like Myrrine, he's stronger. He can handle the information. Alexios has a heart of stone.
It's not as easy as she thought it would be. She mentions Phoibe first and the aching is equally strong as that day. She continues with her brother. A shiver runs trough her recalling Deimos's frantic stare. Her father doesn't react. She can tell from the silence, he is certainly troubled. He isn't much help or support, she can only rest assured she has shared the burden. Hoping that if she comes to the point of having to make it clear to Myrrine, someone can back her up. At least, getting it out has her tears drained.
She draws away and stands up. "I haven't been here since that day. I'm better, now."
She jumps on the balcony beside him, acting, pretending she moves casually to shake off what just happened. Nikolaos is more than confused, he is worried.
"I'm your father, I'm here to support you. I'm sorry I haven't been there all these years."
"It's fine. It's done. I'll get over it." She begins to get inside avoiding his gaze, but stops and turns around. "We have lots of digging out to do. Please, stay here. I have sneaked in most of these places before, I know the way. If anything goes wrong, just tell Alkibiades, he'll find a way around it."
Her father sighs and unwillingly agrees. Whatever she says as long as she'll be alright. He knows better than to press her by now. At least, he helped her get in Athens safely.
The next days pass by with her sleeping during the day and spending the nights out, breaking into places, camps, forts. She follows the moves of some of the men she suspects.
She is trying hard not to get caught and not to harm anyone. It's impossible and there are a few loses in some well-guarded places. Thankfully, with the war going on, Athenians suspect the Spartans have planted spies or paid mercenaries to sabotage them. In Perikles's house, their hosts know the truth and not all are so happy. They only tolerate it because they have a common purpose.
Within the city she's doing her best not to cause mayhem, but if she finds nothing and they leave, she won't be so silent around Attika. Judging by the conversation Nikolaos and Brasidas had before they departed, she would only benefit the side she always favored. This time, she has an additional reason, to protect him. He will be fighting body to body for his life.
It's almost dawn. Kassandra is exhausted, she walks carefully with Kass on her tail shadowing her. She increases the speed of her pace, to get off the streets before the sun appears on the horizon. She has blood on her clothes and hands, she has to avoid bumping into anyone at all costs. The sound of heavy footsteps reaches her ears and she ducks around the corner in a small alley to hide. She watches as two soldiers pass by and looks up to spot Ikaros. He isn't flying around, he is sitting somewhere, tired like her. She can't really be angry with the bird, its assistance is very helpful most of the time, still, she is restless herself and exposed that her anger can't be controlled.
She curses and steps out to the main road. A few paces later, a familiar voice is heard behind her back.
He addresses her. "The misthios thought she can hide from me and walks in this state fearlessly. Are you foolish or arrogant, Eagle Bearer?"
She doesn't have to turn around, she knows who he is, she does anyway.
"Kleon."
"Eagle Bearer, I was told about the problems you caused. A small sacrifice compared to capturing you."
"You'll have to catch me first." She replies and runs away. Whistling to Kass and Ikaros.
She hears Kleon's voice ordering his men to find her. 'Close the city, don't let anyone get out.' He says and she curses again.
With the assistance of her furred friends she manages after a lot of running, hiding and climbing on roofs, to get ahead, close to Perikles's residence, while breaking away from the men chasing her.
She climbs through the walls and reaches the balcony. She is running down the stairs when she comes across Sokrates.
"Kleon, found me. I have to take my father and leave. Thank you, my friend, for your help."
"How? Oh, Kassandra, I hope you have a plan. I'll await you to return, we need your help. I wish you find the cultist."
"I'll do what I can. Please, get Phobos out of the city, as soon as you can."
They rush in the corridors to get to Nikolaos's door. She calls him before reaching it, she calls again and pounds. He appears from inside alarmed. She jumps inside and helps him pick up his things while she explains what happened and what they'll have to do to get out.
She has done similar things before. Despite being tired, she believes she'll manage. She worries about him though, Nikolaos is no longer young, he has never climbed and jumped on rooftops, but he must not stay here. He is in danger and if they found out who he really is, the Wolf of Sparta, he will be tortured and executed.
Weapons in hands they don't hide anymore. Any soldier they come across will be an enemy.
Hearts beating fast and the blood in their veins flush hot under their skin. Breathless they run. They hear the shouts closing into them, in the streets beneath, the soldiers' footsteps, swords drown and bows prepared. Ikaros is flying close, not above to reveal their exact location, he chirps almost constantly. The city is flooded with by the army.
Someone spots them and alarms everyone around. Arrows are shot in the sky in their general direction, one scratches her arm and she runs as fast as she can, checking behind her. Kass is hurt, an arrow sunk into the fur coming out from her back foot. Her father is running breathless just behind them. No sign of discomfort, he urges her to look forward to get them away as she is the only one that actually knows where they are and where they're going. A second wave of arrows, fortunately is aimed past them.
She watches the opportunity, turning left there is a quite huge block of connected houses. No passage between them, it will stall their pursuers. But after that they must jump down. It's their only hope, they have to risk it, she knows her father is strong, a true Spartan. He'll make it, he has to. She steers direction and Nikolaos and the lynx follow.
Then, she reaches the edge and she jumps in full speed, her father's eyes go wide, his shock almost makes him freeze on the spot. She hisses from bellow, urging him to come down and his mind starts to function again. Kass jumps down without a scratch from the height. However, Nikolaos, sits down grabs the edge of the roof hanging from there to climb down. She sees he has two arrows at his back. She pushes a cart to bring it beneath him so he can fall on that to reduce the height. Soon they run again, this time through the alleys and its worse than before. As even some civilians take up swords, broomsticks, swaths and try to harm them.
They get to a fallen part of the walls. She is grateful it was too small and in such a place that the Athenians neglected to rebuilt it. There are soldiers around everywhere, but father and daughter have a head start. As they reach the opening, they spot four soldiers leaning against the fallen rocks. The opening is guarded and they fight, they fight with all the strength they have left.
They escape, run through the valley to the woods seeking cover. Archers aiming at them. They split to confuse them. She runs right and he runs left. With a distance between them, they continue east like before. Another wave of arrows. It doesn't reach them. It hits their feet while one pins into the pouch Kassandra carries at her back.
The first trees appear only mere meters away and soon they are protected. They don't cease. Feet ache, but keep going. They run and run. She slows down and starts walking instead, in an attempt to catch her breath.
She looks at her father. "We have to stop, they've lost us, they won't come this far."
He shakes his head. "We must get farther." His own feet disobey as he stumbles.
"Pater! We must rest, or we'll die. They aren't coming this far, Brasidas is threatening them at the other side. We need to stop, just for a couple of hours."
"No Kassandra. Keep going. If my old body can't make it, leave me behind and run without me."
She curses with a booming voice. "Malaka! I'm not leaving you. I caused this. Now, sit your ass down, you're bleeding to death!" Her tone commanding and serious.
Nikolaos coughs and the motion brings greater pain. His knees quiver beneath him and he falls onto the ground. Breathing heavily, he lifts his head to watch his daughter's eyes filled with concern. She lowers down and examines his traumas. She offers him her waterskin to ease his thirst, while she takes care of his wounds.
She picks up a spare chiton from the pouch she carries, grateful they grabbed a few things before leaving, and tears it. She cleans as best as possible the wounds in his arms and torso and presses with a piece of cloth from the chiton the deep gash in his belly. Her eyes meet his and he presses his own hand over hers. She moves, getting behind his back and gripping the arrows carefully, she takes them both out in a single smooth gentle move. The Wolf growls in pain, closing his eyes to the dizziness as blood emerges from the two deep holes and runs down his linothorax.
Kass approaches limping and whooping. Lying on the ground beside Kassandra, she licks the spot of where the arrow is penetrating her fur. The misthios carefully places her hands there, with confidence. She takes this one out as well.
They have few things with them, but they are familiar with injuries. She treats him the best way she can and he greets his teeth, enduring the pain and prostration. He needs to sleep, standing and walking is dangerous if not forbidding. She is no fool, he is in a bad condition. She fears she'll lose him. She has a few injuries herself, but not that serious.
She cups his cheek with her palm. "Sleep. I need you to regain some strength for later."
"You need to rest, too. You're hurt, and sleepless."
It takes a lot of effort for him to talk and she can clearly see it. His eyes lose their focus. She takes his hand in hers and gives it a squeeze.
"Don't worry about me." She assures with a small smile and presses a single kiss on his cheek. "I need you. You hear me?"
He offers a weak smile before closing his eyes.
He is breathing, she checks every now and then, but he's fallen unconscious. He doesn't wake up no matter what she does. It serves her, if it's transitory, as she decides to move him. She has made a makeshift stretcher and placed him carefully on it. The lynx is sleeping beside him, her ears though, catch every sound. Kassandra searches the area around them carefully and runs towards the direction of Athens. She doesn't risk going too far from where she has left her father. She can only hope it will be enough. She climbs on a tall tree to scan the area. She comes down and whistles as loudly as her lungs permit.
She waits and listens gingerly, then tries again. After three, or four times, she hears horse hooves. It is Phobos. Sokrates made it, he found a way to let the horse go. She climbs on him rubbing his mane and rides back to where she hopes to find everyone she left well. She comes upon a pleasant surprise when she finds out that Sokrates has equipped Phobos with quite a few useful things. Two waterskins, another filled with wine, a knife, bread, cheese, a chiton, rope and bandages.
She uses the rope to attach the makeshift bed on the saddle of Phobos. Gathering everything and waking up Kass and Ikaros, she rides away in a slow pace, the same she would have if she walked. She is glad she doesn't have to use her legs any more for today and drag her father on her own. She is aware though, that the horse won't be able to keep up for long. It serves her as it is, putting more distance between them and Athenians. There must be at least a small search party for them at their tail.
By noon Phobos is tired. She gets down and walks beside her horse for a while longer, until she finds a good spot to camp. She hates that she's so close to Athens after so many hours.
She eats some of the food that Sokrates provided and closes her eyes for a while. She opens them with the smallest sound, yet, after a while, her head isn't as clouded and heavy as before. She forces herself to get up and go nearby to hunt. She catches a wild goat and for the first time she'll try to cook a portion of it in some kind of soup.
She picks up some edible wild vegetables, she thinks its radishes and notchweed, and uses what little she has and the best part of the animal. The sun has set, so she boils the incidents, with the old water left in her waterskin. It's certainly not the most tasteful food, but it's as tonic as possible.
Her failed try of a soup is ready. She picks Nikolaos up, placing him gently with his back leaning against a tree. She shakes him lightly and talks to him. He isn't actually waking up, but he responds with a groan. Holding his head gently, she brings the pot to her father's lips. She patiently insists until he manages to swallow some of the broth and a few small pieces of meat.
She checks his wounds and tends to them cleaning the blood and wrapping them with clean bandages. His eyelids open for a few seconds and he murmurs something she isn't able to hear clearly. She fears the next hours, she believes that if he makes it through the night, he'll be getting better. She tries to feed him, some more, but she stops once she perceives he's not responding anymore.
She keeps the fire alive, hoping it's too small to be detected with all the darkness and the forest around them. She covers him with what she has to keep him warm bringing her own body to his side and endeavours to remain awake and watch over him during the night.
Before the sun begins to rise, she extinguishes the fire. He doesn't wake up, but he is alive. She picks everything up, her father carried by Phobos and she is on foot. Ikaros flies above while Kass walks with a limp. They head to where she hopes she'll find help.
The moon rises again and they have made it. She doesn't risk leaving them far away, but close to the camp. Maybe too close. She has no other choice. She approaches the guards at the gate with raised hands and asks for their commander saying it's urgent, giving her name. They know her, anyway. She was fighting with them a few months ago. Their eyes scan her, she looks awful, wounded, with dried blood in her hands and clothes.
She fears he won't come to meet her. When he appears, her happiness radiates from her face so intensely that his nose crinkles as he grimaces.
"I'm glad you're still here." She exclaims.
His mouth twists further. "I preserve the region. What do you want?"
She eyes the soldiers and back at him indicating it's a private matter. He motions his hands at them, dismissing them.
"It's about father. He needs you. Please, come with me."
"I'm going nowhere with you. Tell me what you want or leave." He hisses with anger.
She crosses her hands at her chest, restraining her irritation. "He is badly injured. Can you keep him here in secret and help him recover? He isn't safe with me. I have to find an Athenian cultist."
"You, filthy rubbish! Where is my father?" Stentor growls closing the distance between them.