Chapter 19: Debts and reciprocation

The cool breeze blows her braided hair away from her sweat-dripping face. Kassandra has on the road all morning, Kass is following close behind. Both the misthios and her lynx have almost healed eventually. As she rides, Kassandra thinks about the past few days. She has been through so much, and yet she is still standing. It has been a week since Kassandra turned to Stentor with their father. The old general was in need of immediate care by a healer. She had a couple of minor injuries, as well, and she was totally worn out. After a few days of rest, she managed to stand on her feet again. All thanks to Stentor, who assisted and provided her with a place to rest and supplies. Despite being angry, Stentor acknowledged Kassandra's sacrifice and struggles to help Nikolaos, so he eventually aided her.

In his way.

A small group of trusted men carried the former general in secrecy and guarded the tent where they placed him. She had been hoping and expecting that all the way from the burned fields of Northern Attica to Boeotia.

When she appeared in front of Stentor, it was evident that she went on, on the verge of collapse, to get Nikolaos to safety. Her step-brother allowed her to stay right outside the Spartan camp and assured her that she would be protected by the guards. He got hostile again, just as the Wolf started getting worse. The morning after they'd arrived, she was awoken by Stentor screaming at her and cursing her. He couldn't remain calm while Nikolaos had a high fever. Her stepbrother blamed her for many things, and he was mostly right about it. It was indeed her insistence that brought them to this condition. Her father wouldn't be lying half-dead if it wasn't for her tenacity to go to Athens.

For once, she wasn't angry with Stentor, but with herself. She wasn't given free passage into the Spartan camp, although, she was allowed to enter after the Commander was asked. She requested to see their father and was permitted to. For the next few days, the Wolf was getting worse, his strength was fading, he was constantly feverish and his body shivered more often than not. They struggled to keep him warm. The healer did what he could, but it seemed it all led to nothing. By the third day, he had lost all hope and informed Stentor that Nikolaos wouldn't make it.

Kassandra's eyes filled with tears, and she did something she instantly wished she would never do again. She embraced Stentor calling him brother and whispering 'sorry'. He didn't respond, only accepted the hug silently. He had been so shaken by the bad news that he was unable to react. He shoved her gentler than she could ever imagine him doing, as soon as the shock downed on him and pursed his lips. He exited the room and left her standing there broken.

Four days later, this same morning, Nikolaos opened his eyes with all his senses, renewing hope. He ate, talked, and managed to keep himself awake for some time, much more than the previous days. He was confused when he first saw Stentor and feared the past years were only a dream, an illusion. His eyes darted around like those of a madman with tears that were left unshed. He was muttering her name over and over again as his adopted son immediately rushed outside and shouted the order at a soldier to inform the healer and Kassandra.

The moment she entered the tent, she kneeled in front of the bed. She flashed a wide smile at Stentor and was so relieved that she kissed her father's cheek. Again. That was the second time she did since they reunited. She could tell he was as overwhelmed as she was. Her happiness overflowed whilst relief washed the tension over her tired body. He regained his senses. That was more than hopeful. He would get better, be well, alive.

Ikaros chirps, bringing her to the moment and informing her that she is getting close to her destination. The area is rather empty otherwise. It must be the Athenian camp she has been looking for. She is determined to find the cultist, she had initially targeted when it all got messed up. She accidentally risked her father's life and her own because of that Athenian dog of Kosmos. It was unnerving when she announced that she would search around while he recovered. She had to. She had to be on the move. Make herself useful. There was nothing else to do in Boeotia and besides, Stentor wouldn't want her to steal his victory again. He is still annoyed and spiteful that his glory faded beside her name. Due to the gossip that the troops spread saying the Eagle-Bearer helped Sparta secure the region. However, the name of the Commander wasn't on anyone's lips at the heard tales. Despite their differences, she could tell it hurt him. This time, it wasn't jealousy. He needed recognition for his capabilities. To be estimated for his deed. He dedicated his life to living up to Nikolaos's expectations, making a name for himself, bringing glory to Sparta, and earning the respect he deserved.

She realizes what it means to him.

Honestly, it is more than that. She can't stand facing the consequences of her wrong decisions. Indeed, Nikolaos regains his strength with each passing day, although he is still in bad condition. Thus, she is drowning in her regrets. The pain she knows she caused him and the knowledge that he could be gone. All because of her. All caused by her false judgment. She shakes her head. Her anger will be aimed where it should be. Targeted at her enemies. Kassandra spurs Phobos on, and the two of them race towards the camp. As they approach, Kassandra can see the blue tents circled by wooden walls in the distance.

She is almost there.

She spends two days here studying the changes of the watches and the routine of the Athenian soldiers. She sneaks in during the night, after midnight, and out by dawn. She isn't lucky and decides to move, search at other forts close to the borders. She finds nothing in any of these places. So far, she has sneaked into three camps and a fort without luck. There is no clue, no new hint.

Yet, she doesn't give up. She tries again and again at any Athenian military base she comes across. Even though she fails to gather information, it serves her well, as she steals money. During her journey, she recalled she has a debt. A peculiar one. So, she figured that small amounts from each place she breaks in will do. She can't carry much while sneaking out. She takes what she can and sabotages the supplies. Each time, she makes sure to destroy something. Food or weapons. The emptier the purse of Athenians, the more beneficial for Sparta.

- - -

May 428 BC

Nikolaos sits up on the bed and smooths out his chiton and hair. Stentor is standing a little farther, hands clasped behind his back. The soldier who just informed him of her arrival appears, and behind him is Kassandra. Here she is, at last. She enters the tent and comes to stand across her father, close to him. It's been a month since she left. A difficult, unfruitful, and disappointing one for her, a painful and stressful one for the Wolf.

She lowers her body sitting on her heels, coming almost to eye level with Nikolaos. He smiles at her and reaches out with his hand to her. She lifts hers and touches his palm with her own.

"I'm sorry, pater. I didn't mean for this to happen." She begins and swallows hard, in a flunk attempt to dissolve the knot at her throat. "Stentor took better care of you than I ever could."

The comment is totally unexpected to the young Spartan who eyes his stepsister with narrowed eyes. He raises his chin. His suspicion and pride goad his mind into not believing her words. He thinks she must be trying to play it nice in front of his- no, unfortunately, their- father. He stands straighter, putting out his chest with pride thinking that he did take care of their father while she left him behind.

She is looking down at her hand enveloped in her father's, casting brief glances at his eyes, unable to face him fully. Nikolaos smiles even more at her, on the verge of almost showing teeth. He motions for her to approach closer and sit on the bed, and she obeys with lowered head.

"I missed you. Thank the Gods you are alright." He says and wraps his arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

He completely omits what she said, dismissing everything. He doesn't care how she reacted. He knows far too well how she feels. He saw the guilt and the fear in her eyes. She thought he would die because of her. She couldn't stand it. She wouldn't manage to watch him suffer without drowning in her regrets. Even now, she blames herself for everything. He can't have that. He wants to show her, his love is unconditional.

She nods. "Me, too." She whispers, chewing on her lip. "I forgot... I haven't given you what you earned, so far." She reaches the side of her belt and produces a huge pouch of money. He makes no move and she feels like a fool. She keeps the words flowing to distract her mind from feeling stupid and meretricious. "I use to hand over everything to Barnabas to pay the crew and handle the ship and the supplies. Noticed you were only given your share as a crew member and not even that."

She pauses, recalling Barnabas's own words. He told her that Nikolaos wasn't taking the wages and instead insisted his cut would be parceled to the others. She extends her hand, but he makes no move. He wears a stern expression, but his eyes show love. He doesn't want her to misunderstand or else he would glare at her.

He shakes his head. "I don't accept any money."

"I know you hardly took a small portion of the salary as a crew member. You've earned these with all those tasks you completed alone." She clears her throat and takes in a sharp breath. "Our paths part. You may need it."

"You consider your own father a burden?" Stentor hisses with spite. "And you call yourself his daughter." He mutters under his breath with venom.

It takes all his inner strength not to launch at her. A punch in that arrogant face and then he would choke her to death. How dare she? He wants to scream at her and throw her out. All of these and even more. He takes in a few ragged breaths to calm himself. The Wolf has a face of stone, revealing no emotion. He meets his son's stare and shifts his focus to his daughter again. Only then does his eyebrow wrinkle in the tiniest way.

Her extended hand lets the bag slip and fall to the ground.

She glances at Stentor and back at her father. "I thought… he wouldn't want to… come with me anymore." Her voice comes out broken.

"I would gladly die beside you. I won't desert you. Never again." Nikolaos declares.

His words have a stronger impact than she would ever think possible. She stands up, turning her back on them. Her face averted from view as she wishes, she won't have to hide the tears that threaten to fall and she'll manage to suppress them. She crosses her arms over her chest, pressing her lips together.

"Maybe, you should stay safe." She calls softly over her shoulder and turns around slowly.

He raises a halting hand at Stentor before speaking up. "We are Spartans. There is no safety for us." He smiles. "In a week or two, I'll be able to follow you if you can wait for me."

"You are risking your life. You can't deny me getting the money."

He shakes his head, lips forming a thin line. "Kassandra, this is an insanely big amount." He argues in an austere tone.

She sighs in disappointment, but then her eyes lit up. "Since you don't take it, I have another idea."

She opens the pouch, empties half of the coins on a cloth, and ties the rope again. She throws the still-heavy bag at her stepbrother's torso catching him off guard. He isn't quick enough to snatch it before it hits his gold cuirass with a loud thud. He gapes at her in bewilderment.

"Money to hire help. For Sparta's cause." She explains grinning. "It seems I'll make a short trip nearby for the rest and return to get you, pater."

A mocking grimace on Stentor's face makes her want to kick him hard where he hurts most. It's irritating that he credits her and Brasidas to be frivolous lovers. She hopes he isn't going to open his mouth and burn her, giving her out. The worry makes her legs move automatically and close the gap between them. She places a hand on his shoulder and brings her mouth to his ear, hissing softly so only he can hear.

"Not a word." Taking a step back, she continues in a normal voice. "Let's let father rest."

She pulls Stentor by his forearm casting a last innocent look at their father. Almost shoves him out when he refuses to budge. As soon as they exit the tent, she grabs him by the collar of his chiton and pulls him forcefully.

"Don't tell him any nonsense, similar to your accusations all those months ago."

"What are you referring to?" He scoffs, pushing her back, but fails to make her waver or loosen her grip.

"You know damn well. Malaka! it's all fad." She pauses, noticing that her behavior gathers a hostile crowd, thus releases him. "Those lies shouldn't affect their relationship. It's unfair to my friend." She finishes quickly, hoping he didn't notice her hesitation on what to call Brasidas.

She was at least quick enough to think before saying his name. All those ears around would hear it, and then too many minds would speculate. More than a dozen mouths would run simultaneously, each with different variations of crazy hearsay. By the time it would reach Sparta, it would have been a dire epic.

"Father will probably hear it somewhere one day, or someone else may inform him. Be prepared." He says with a smirk and leaves her there, watching his back with no assurance of remaining silent.

Brasidas and Aristeus wrestle under the hot sun. At the same time, many other pairs of soldiers train around them. Half-naked bodies, only in their red zomas, fight barefoot. Some with spears or swords, others with their bare hands. Dust flies in the air and sticks on their wet skin. With every move, the air fills and clouds more, blinding them. Yet, none of them ceases.

Brasidas drops his friend to the ground and is taken down along with him. Faces focused on the task. Rasped breaths and brutal force. Avoiding a punch to his face, Brasidas rolls on his back, getting behind his opponent as his legs snake around the other man's torso, capturing his hands. His arms wrap around his neck, squeezing enough to force him to surrender.

They stand up grasping each other's forearms and the friendly smiles return on their faces.

"I pity your child. With such a father, they'll be in a disadvantage." Brasidas notes with a chuckle, starting the usual friendly chaff between them.

Both with grins and smiles on their faces move at the corner for some privacy.

"I pity you. Returning in an empty house, Bras."

"That's a strong blow!" He admits laughing. "I have my mother complaining, I don't need my friends doing the same."

Aristeus raises an eyebrow. "Is she going to complain for long, still? We may manage to convince you to quicken it."

"Between us, I would do it right now if it was up to me."

"Oh, she keeps rejecting you?" He teases lowering his voice. "She may want to test you in fear you're a bit old and you'll soon lose your strength. No woman wants an uncapable man."

Brasidas playfully bumps his fist on Aristeus's shoulder. They chuckle and walk to the side of the training grounds. They begin the cleaning process while discussing. After finishing with the streglis, they go towards a huge pithos filled with water. Each at a time picks a cloth with which rubs and washes away the remaining dirt. Then, grabs a pot, dips it into the water and pours it over his head to rinse his face and body. Brasidas is soaked, water -that looks like small rivers- is running down his muscles and waterdrops trail on his golden skin.

Leaving the shade and walking again beneath the blue sky, he spots something he missed before. An eagle. Flying above them in circles. It must be Ikaros. The bird is always where Kassandra is, giving her position away. This means only one thing. He slows down and observes the movement of the bird. His friend notices the difference in his attitude and asks him what happened.

"She's here." He exclaims in a low voice.

In just one second, he simpers, unable to control the slight curve his lips create. His gaze goes to the ground to regain some of his demeanor before facing his friend.

"Again?" Aristeus chuckles. "You're so irresistible!"

"Hush. She may need something."

"Oh, she does." The black-haired man laughs loudly. "Your arms! Your kiss! She's dying away from you." He teases in a fit of laughter.

Brasidas shakes his head and throws a soft punch on his friend's chest. "You're terrible. I'll go out to meet her."

Aristeus smirks. "Like this?"

Brasidas feels his cheeks heating up and turns away before it's obvious. His coolness crumbles down. As he walks away, he can hear the man behind him break into a fit of laughter.

He puts some distance between himself and the wooden paling before calling out to her. She doesn't respond, and although there is no sign of her, Ikaros is close to him. He looks around again more carefully. His mind calculates the bird's moves while he takes in all the hints. His eyes dart around, searching, observing the tiniest moves of grass. Shortly, a small satisfied grin plays on his lips.

"Come out, I saw you." He points a finger at her direction.

"Shit, I wanted to sneak on you and check your reflections." She responds, rising on her feet from the high grass, and walks up to him with a smile.

He chuckles. "Next time play it fair. I just finished training."

Her eyes wander on his body straightaway. Without her will, her gaze follows the trail of the tiny water drops. Subsequently, her breath hitches in awe at his sight. Apart from his state of undress and the fact that it's the first time she sees him like this, it is his more than ample muscular frame that surprises her. His muscles are toned from the tension of the recent workout. Veins stand out of his glistening skin. He is more handsome than she initially believed. Apparently, he is too naked to help her concentrate on anything else but his frame. Her eyes drag along the lines and the curves of his exposed body, engraving his shape in her memory. She pries a sight that she's not ready to take. Too intimate in their current state.

Aware of her stray eyes, she quickly attempts to focus on his face and meet his gaze before she gets trapped in her thoughts. She notices that his cheeks flush with color, which makes her blush herself, suddenly aware of each other's general direction of notion. It's not shame, not really. There should be no reason for shame since it's mutual, and they are a couple. They are just rather uncomfortable with their sudden awakening of desire and lust.

Her flesh burns. It's not the warmth of the sun she senses on her skin. She can see it in his eyes as well. How unwillingly he swallows down that sensation struggling to fight away the same thoughts.

He clears his throat. "Is everything alright? You returned sooner than I expected."

She makes a face, but nods. "It's a long story. Nikolaos is recovering in Boeotia with Stentor. It was my fault. But, I'm here to give you this." She hands him a big pouch. "For Sparta's cause."

Suddenly, his stance changes completely. Worry, genuine interest, and curiosity for what happened to Nikolaos pass through his face while she talks, which soon turn into confusion, surprise, and dissent. His expression turns neutral and unwavering.

"I can't accept it."

"You need it to hire mercenaries to help you in the battles."

"Don't do this to me, please." He sighs and makes an attempt to place the bag in her hands again. "Then, I hire you and task you to leave this battlefield."

She considers for a single moment telling him she stole these exact coins from his odious enemies to use his spite against the Athenians as a means to receive it more willingly. It is partially true. It's not the reason she hands it over and she doesn't want to lie to him.

"It's Nikolaos's money. Not mine. He gives it to Sparta." She informs and pushes it towards him. "For God's sake! Stop being so proud, all of you. This is a month's work money earned by my father's labor beside me. It's nothing big, really."

His eyes go wide. He blinks a few times before speaking. "You mean you earn twice the amount each month?"

"And even more. I have to admit that Athens pays better." She pauses at his hard stare. "The dirtier or harder the job, the more the money."

He throws it in the air just a little bit and catches it with one hand. "I would hire thirty with these."

"No, if you're about to waste it on worthless warriors, then you'd better keep it for supplies."

"Hey, not everyone is you. Some get paid less."

"And they'll desert you during the battle or die in the process."

"Fair point."

His grin settles across his face and seems to twist into something else beneath her gaze. She smiles and leans closer, her hands wrap around his neck. Her bare arms press against his bare shoulders. He is still a little bit wet. A water drop from his beard lands on her collarbone and finds its way down to her bust. It gives her goosebumps all over her body. His gaze is locked on her, ablaze with fire and she dives into those flames. Her lips part, releasing a sharp gasp. He has remained rooted all this time. It makes her wonder whether it was really that momentous, or if time only slowed down for her. He is about to say something. All of a sudden, his demeanor is soberer than before. She closes the small gap planting a passionate kiss on his lips. She feels him losing himself in the proximity of the touch, plunged inside the depth of the sensation. Leaving unsaid and forgotten what he had in mind.

He always feels so natural. So right. There is no longer any stress since she returned from Mykonos and there never was pressure. She finds comfort in his touch. She breathes him in, his scent is intoxicating. She can't get enough of him.

He shifts and takes a step back. Tilts his head towards the camp, helping her understand what he would say. She casts a glance behind him. The watchtower has a clear view of them.

He clears his throat. "Not here. They can see us. Meet me at the stream south of the woods, in a while."

It's not a question, nor an order. The words are spare and solemn. The way he says it, the calmness and sweetness of his voice, combined with his soft gaze, indicate otherwise. It sounds like a suggestion or request. So, she nods with a smile and leaves.

He goes back to the camp and seeks the Commander. He enters the main tent to find him checking a map with a lieutenant who is ordered to wait outside. He sends a quick thankful prayer to the Gods that the Commander of the camp is his friend or else he would be in trouble with Kassandra's often appearances.

"I ask permission to stay out for a while."

Aristeus chuckles softly and raises an eyebrow. "The Gods make me lose my advisor in the most crucial time." He exclaims. "Return by sunset. We have many things to plan."

Brasidas nods with a smile. "Thank you." He says and sets the money Kassandra gave him on the map. "She brought this. Save it for supply needs."

The black-haired man stares agape at his friend and the drachmae. "She's a true Spartan to the bone. Give her my gratitude." He whispers in bewilderment.

Brasidas bows slightly and turns on his heel.

The walk to the stream is short. She is waiting him there at a comforting shade under a tree. They sit down side by side and have a relaxing catch-up while Phobos rests, Ikaros hunts his meal, and Kass lazily explores around. What happened in Athens was unfortunate. He can only thank the gods in his prayers that both Kassandra and Nikolaos made it out alive in the end. He holds her hand, hoping it gives her courage. Not that she needs it from him, but he wants to be beside her. A solid rock to hold her from wavering in her time of need whenever it may come.

He watches through her high walls and detects her qualms. He can't kiss away the pain, stroke away the guilt, only assure her.

"He would willingly die for you. He followed you to protect you in the first place." He reassures. "He is well. He will be standing beside you soon enough."

She casts a sad smile. Face stuck downwards, locked to face the dirt under the grass. She causes harm to those around her. A fact she has come to acknowledge, fear, and loathly accept. Alexios and Phoibe already fit on that list. No matter what Nikolaos did to her that night on Taygetos, she certainly doesn't want him to get hurt anymore. It's been too long ago and she has developed a different kind of relationship with him. A new bond started to form since Boeotia. Her heart has softened toward him through the years and definitely after she met Brasidas. He made her reconsider about Spartans.

She turns to face him then.

"My enemies may get to you, too."

He notices the worry in her gaze. He interrupts her before she can say anything else.

"They can try." He says with a brief chuckle and a kiss on her forehead. "Athenians and cultists have been demanding my head even before I met you."

Right, they have. Because, like the Wolf, Brasidas is too clever and loyal to deal with him. His skills keep him alive. He's a good warrior, a skillful fighter with a sharp eye. He has been a target for long. He is lucky they haven't managed to kill him. Maybe she keeps the cult occupied. She killed the Monger in Korinth who was after Brasidas. She just got to him first. Her heart leaps into her throat, then, with that worry. A sigh escapes her lips, and he rubs her knuckles.

"Never let your guard down, Brasidas. There are many cultists still out there."

"I don't." He replies and rubs his lips softly against her hairline. "Unless, I'm with you."

"No, you shouldn't. I mean... you know I'd do anything to protect you, but it might not be enough."

"Don't worry, Kassandra. I'll be alright." He pauses, and there is a look in his eyes that she cannot place. "You know, it's been over a year since Korinth."

Actually, a year and a month, she inwardly corrects. It's been long, and most of this time, they spent it apart. Damn! How fast life goes by while she feels almost stuck in the same shit. All these months, she hasn't been able to enjoy the enthusiasm of sharing feelings with a good man.

"Yeah, it is." She replies pondering his cause of bringing the subject up.

She observes his moves with a relaxed face, disguising perfectly how much it intrigued her. He watches her, too, his expression unreadable until the corners of his lips turn upwards.

"I hope you don't regret meeting me." He jokes with a lifted eyebrow, leaning closer.

"Hmm, let me think." She pauses pretending to be skeptical and she bursts out laughing when he narrows his eyes, yet is unable to hide his smile. "Well, you were pretty helpful."

He nods with a soft chuckle. "So that's what I am to you. Alright…"

His hand reaches out for hers. Their fingers entwine and he casts her his most sweet smile. His look could melt metal. He radiates so much warmth, his eyes sparkle and his whole face is an image of fondness. Her heart skips a bit at the beauty of his graceful display of feelings. What just came out of his lips bears no importance. It was only a game, a good-natured tease and they are both aware. Because that's who they are. They don't need words to connect, not when they mean to share their notions. They never did.

They move closer to each other. This time he makes the first move. Their lips meet and they spend some time savoring each other's touch and kisses.

After a while, she has her feet in the river, cooling her temperature and Brasidas is sitting next to her. Shoulders touching, he has his arm around his knees. She chuckles when the lynx lies on her lap and purrs like a kitten. She rubs the fur of the head and under the neck and the wild cat is pleased.

"Can I pet her?" Brasidas asks, an amused smile playing on his lips.

She turns to look at him. Does he honestly want to befriend her companion beasts? He has already won over Ikaros and Phobos isn't actually wild. Now he's trying with Kass. No one tries with her. Well, Myrrine did in a way back in Naxos, when the lynx was still young. Neither Nikolaos, nor Barnabas has. Yet, here he is, open as always, ready to get accustomed to her life.

She fails to hide a smile. "I bet she's gotten used to you. Are you afraid?" She teases.

He chuckles. "I don't wish to lose a hand before battle."

"Though, you don't mind for after."

Something in his eyes shifts, his whole mood changes. No response. His hand reaches out for the furred beast and with slow calm moves runs up and down. He seems like he's trying to hide something, what he's not saying. He wonders why he can't admit it. He should be able to tell her that he may didn't mind it so much before. It would be an honorable outcome. Not any longer. He values his life

"Most would be glad to see the end of it." His voice comes out unrecognizable.

His reply rings in her ears, in a gravely low tone. So uncommon for him. She wonders why. He's right, she can relate. They share the same burden, similar weight on their shoulders. He has never been so sad about it before.

"Including you? I guessed you would rather a glorious death, like Spartans fancy."

"Not anymore. I would die a hundred times to protect those I love, but I would miss them."

There. He's not proud, but it came out.

"Hey, it's humane. No one wants to die. Even my grandfather. He did a sacrifice to save his people. If he could return back victorious, he would do it."

I'm not a coward. My love for you planted this fear in my chest. The fear of losing you. So early. The fear I won't see you again, hold you, or kiss you. That we will never share a few everyday moments, living under the same roof even for the briefest of moments. He wants to say it out loud. He doesn't. He simply nods in shame.

She cups his cheek and brings her mouth on his tenderly. The motion urges the lynx to move down from Kassandra's lap. He quickly breaks the kiss. His forehead leaning against hers. He bites his bottom lip and takes a deep breath.

"Not seeing you would be a fate worse than Hades." He whispers in a hoarse voice.

She nods closing her eyelids. "We'll be alright."

We have to, she wants to say. We are both strong, if we don't survive who will?

He moves readjusting on the grass and pulls her in his arms. Her back against his torso and his face into her hair. His fingertips draw shapes on her skin. She feels the same worry bursting out from her chest. Like something bad will happen. She shifts and turns in his embrace. Pushing him backwards, laying him slowly down on his back. Their lips meet again. Eyes close and they allow their feelings to erupt through their bodies.

He is all she needs. She feels at peace when she touches him. Like nothing in the world matters. She could be, old and poor and it would be unimportant as long as he would be there. They are like pieces of the same weapon. The blade and the heft. Made separately to make something whole and functional. Losing their value if separated. In their case, they don't lose their strength of muscle, rather than their emotional strength.

He makes her smile and gives her hope. Hope that despite all the bad, there is something good in her life, a chance for a better future. That one day she'll have a normal life and forget how different she is, what obscene things happened in her past. Draw a line between her and all the chaos and madness.

Her skin burns and he shifts from below her. He sits up breathless, face flushed with drops of sweat on his forehead. She brings her palm on his neck and feels the heat under his skin. He closes his eyelids turning his face away swallowing hard.

"We had better stop." He clears his throat. "I won't be able to put an end later."

She tangles her fingers with his, smiling.

- - -

She heads to the city of Megara. She pays for a room to spend the night and rest properly. She picks up a few things for her journey since she is near to a market after long. Some food, and clean bandages just in case, will do. Before leaving the city, she searches to hire a messenger to deliver a letter to Myrrine. Her mother should know everything that happened these past months. She can't write all these things down, though. She has to encrypt the information and make it brief at the same time. Certainly, Myrrine will either decipher it or ask help from Barnabas who will read it to her and maybe teach her their ways. There is no one at disposal the first day, so she stays for one more night.

The extra time is beneficial, as she rethinks the letter. Burning the previous and writing a new one. She writes that Nikolaos has been hunting the cult and they travel together for a few months. She shares little more than that. She finishes mentioning that he is recovering from an injury he got when they sneaked out of Athens and apprises of their plan to return to Gytheion soon.

The next day she pays a young skinny man handing it over. She picks up her things and saddles Phobos. At first on foot, she walks loosely until she is far from the city walls. Only then she gets on Phobos and scurries away.

She is riding past the Spartan camp and cast a last glance behind her as it shrinks more and more into the distance. She is still within Megaris's borders when she comes across an old woman, face down on the dirt road. Kassandra slows down and hops off from Phobos. She approaches the woman, who looks like she fainted. When Kassandra touches her, she is cold. She is dead. Ikaros gives a cry from above and she tilts her head to spot a small group of soldiers coming closer. She stands up intending to talk to them, when a second cry from Ikaros pierces her ears.

The one for alert.

Her eyes dart to the forest to her side, where Ikaros flies above. It seems quiet. It may be a wild animal she thinks and switches her attention to the soldiers approaching her fast. Kass hisses at the other side of her and Ikaros gives high-pitched cries again circling around her closer and closer. She grabs her spear and short sword just as a figure jumps from the cover of the vegetation on her.

A cultist scion. Her blood starts running faster inside her veins. She blocks his attack and... More appear from around her. A voice inside her head tells her to pick up Phobos and run to safety. It's not cowardice to avoid a lost fight. There are too many and unfortunately, they're not common thugs. Not even Athenians. They're all well-trained warriors. Like the Spartans. Like the Spartans that approach. They are not going to bypass her.

Are they?

Still, something feels off.

She has no time to ponder on it, her spear swings around in lightning speed. Kass and Ikaros attack and occupy a soldier each. She is surrounded by six scions, keen on their feet. She catches with the corner of her eye the Spartans running their spears toward her. A relief that doesn't last long. They carry no shields.

'Drop the damn shield, Brasidas' she had said and he answered a determined 'no'. Shit. She figures a bit too late. It's a trap. She lets out a loud scream, one that drives off her companions. She sends them away. They don't have to die with her. Phobos and Kass run away. Ikaros flies high but doesn't leave as far as she can tell. She fights to the end, dodges and blocks. Even attacks at any given chance. It's not enough. A spear pierces her arm. Her hand becomes red from blood. She senses it hot, running down her skin.

A sword cuts through her armor. She feels the wetness of the blood at her belly. It doesn't slow her down. She swings around in a furry, manages to kill two of her assailants.

Hope.

There is a chance to escape. She glimpses to her right, seeing the opportunity to kill one man and sprint away. As she thrusts her spear into his neck, something heavy hits her head.

Suddenly everything turns black and she senses her legs giving out.

She must be collapsing.

Notes:
Hello, everyone! I hope you are all well!

Firstly, I want to share some thoughts with you. I didn't quite like writing most parts of this, but I had to for the shake of the next. It happens more often than not in the development of the story. It would be easier to write highlights from Kassandra's life than all these, but she deserves it. We need a full preview of her life. In any case, I won't complain more. I enjoyed the scene with Brasidas. (I hope it gave you vibes close to the first scenes of 300 with Gerard Butler. *me just melting on my keyboard* ) Isn't this guy (Bras) always unbelievably cute, or what?

Well, let's see what comes next. Our girl got caught! She is a strong woman, but is it enough? Sorry about that, it just felt realistic in general. If you picture that a well-established association hunts her down with huge numbers all over Hellas, it is expected, isn't it?

Secondly, I admit that it is getting all the more difficult to write the chapters so thank you all for your patience. The whole story is inside my head with many details, even more than those I put on the screen, but I struggle to find a way and deliver it to you. (What can a poor mathematician do with literature?! My linguistic abilities are next to none.) I hope you enjoy reading it, at least, so that something good comes out from all this hard effort. The next chapter is mostly written. It needs editing and for some parts to get combined better. You can expect it sooner than the past updates.

It would be very motivating to get feedback from you, read your opinion, maybe your expectations. Feel free to review!

Thank you!