I.I Long Journey
Dakota felt a cold chill run through her spine. The sun was setting itself into dusk, with the day seeing blood once more. The scuffle of Elpenor's guards had left an impact on Dakota, with the sense that there was something much bigger going on behind the scenes. The way Elpenor had looked at Dakota- as if she was something disgusting and needed to be disposed of- yet he wanted her alive. Those were the same eyes that Dakota was familiar with.
She clenched her hand, the scar upon her palm burned.
The snakes are being rattled from their nests. She thought to herself. The more mysteries that were being uncovered, the more determined she was to change her fate. Looking at the structure before her with its grand design of stones and carvings embedded within the stone, she stared at the place that housed the Oracle; Young women who are to be the mouth of the gods, speaking of one's fate and the decisions of the nation. It all felt surreal to have to be standing in front of such a place.
When Alexios had told her that they were going to come to the temple, Dakota was rather dumbstruck at the idea of coming to such a legendary place. The wonders of this ancient world would have many historians and archaeologists wanting to be in her shoes.
She could sense something strong within the area. Something that wanted to manifest itself, like that of the shadows that have followed her. Dakota could see them in the distance, watching her with weary eyes. The Oracle could see someone's fate, but with a modern mind, it seemed silly to think that someone's life was led by string. After her time here, everything just seemed to fall into place. Dakota was starting to believe in this bullshit.
I could defy their gods and pave my own path. Dakota was a strange phenomenon herself.
The first thing she noticed about the temples surroundings was the line of people and guards around the area. It was strange having to have such a line to see a young woman who talked to the gods about one's own life. Then again, in modern times, lines to sacred places were rather common. Dakota turned away from the spectacle and focused more on walking towards Barnabas and a mysterious man.
"Alexios, Dakota, is this remarkable? We're so close to the gods, I can feel Apollo all around me. How did it go with Elpenor?" Barnabas said, more enthusiastic of the bunch, with the mysterious man observing. Dakota and Alexios looked to the man who looked older, but not so worn in the face like Barnabas. He looked more the gentle type who had never swung a sword and was lethal with the tongue. A man who looked as if his eyes held many secrets; yet would reveal his intentions behind riddle. He looked to both of them, not truly questioning who they were. The mysterious man knew that he would not gain their trust so easily.
"The way you speak, maybe Apollo would be in such spirits of you speaking of his grace." Dakota said, rubbing her neck to stiffen out her muscles. Her body was wanting rest and food, but she was rather curious of the temple itself and what was inside. The strange aura surrounding the temple itself was making ringing sounds in her ears. It was faint, but she could hear it.
The man, quiet and observant could see Dakota's worn out eyes and stiff body. She was reacting to something within the area, yet when he looked to Alexios, the young man kept was close to the woman and made sure she was alright. There was truly no telling what was happening inside the man's mind as his eyes twinkled with something that no one could understand.
"See! It is affecting Dakota. Can you feel Apollo?" Barnabas looked to Dakota as she popped something in her neck. She was still stiff from their early encounter with the guards and she had yet to loosen herself. Her body was still guarded as if there was going to be another attack.
"I can feel being annoyed." Dakota felt Alexios's hand on her shoulder as reassurance of his presence next to her. After learning that she could still feel guarded and react to no danger, it had taken sometime for Alexios to learn that Dakota needed a chance to settle her nerves. Though, the man next to Barnabas was suspicious, he seemed to not be a threat… yet. He wanted to see if he was friend or foe.
Elpenor was one of many foes in their journey, and he was not going to risk another fight in the presence of the temple. The encounter with Elpenor's guards was still fresh within Alexios and Dakota's mind.
"We can talk later, in private. Who is this?" Alexios said, keeping his words curt and eyes on the man who was watching both Alexios and Dakota with curious eyes.
"Just a simple pilgrim." The man said. His voice was calm and collected. The man was not acting suspicious or giving away a hint of intentions; whatever they may be. Men who had pure intentions hid something sharp within their clothing when they know that other's guards are down. By how Barnabas was acting, it was as if he was another member of the crew or an old friend. This made Dakota's muscles twitch.
The ringing sound had disappeared the moment the man spoke.
"He just saw the Oracle. I couldn't help but ask if she's as glorious they say." Barnabas stated, not seeing the looks Alexios and Dakota were giving him. Either Barnabas was dense or he did not seem to care about the consequences of his actions. Read the room! Dakota thought to herself.
"Well, is she?" Alexios said, seeming to want to pry something out of the man.
"She left me with more questions then answers." The man stated, giving no much statement about the Oracle or what he went to see her for. Many people would go to the temple just for simple answers, but if they did not get them would try their best to move on and wait for the signs from the gods. Dakota knew that pressing further would be useless.
"That's the Oracle for you!" Barnabas exclaimed.
"Uh huh." Dakota said with doubt within her voice. This was going nowhere and Dakota was beginning to feel that there was something that the men were hiding behind their goofy smile and laid back attitude. It wasn't until Alexios took a step that the man was watching with a glint in his eye- the spear.
"You were lying. It really is the spear of Leonidas." He mentioned to Barnabas; his voice not low. Dakota's lip twitched as she felt the need to laugh at the situation. With how tense the scene was before, her body felt relaxed; realizing that there was no danger around her. Alexios, however, was giving Barnabas a deathly glare that made Dakota loose face and she laughed.
"I have mentioned you." Barnabas stated in defense.
"Oh my, Alexios. You are becoming rather famous in these parts." Dakota said between laughter. Alexios did not see the humor in it and flicked Dakota in the forehead. "Ow!" She said, rubbing the sore spot with a mumble under her breath that he could not take a joke. This was the most she laughed in a while and she needed the laughter to bring her out of the dark.
"Do not encourage him." Alexios said to Dakota. The young woman raising her other hand and repeated Alexios's words in a mocking manner, earning another flick to her forehead.
"I would appreciate you showing more… secrecy." Alexios ignored Dakota for a moment. His anger was warranted to Barnabas for having to speak so openly about him. Very few should know who Alexios was; since trouble was always associated with him or his name. Barnabas was truly like a bird- repeating words. It would only cause trouble later.
"Well, he just seemed interested in legends- like you. I thought you might get along." Barnabas was not helping his case. The more he spoke so openly, the more Alexios was becoming angry. They were out in the open where ears could listening in on them. As much as Dakota found it funny, she knew better then to speak names. Alexios was known for causing problems with just his name alone.
"Maybe you should just close your mouth before Alexios finds a way to tie you to the helm of the boat and make you the new symbol." Dakota said, not paying mind to the man who was reaching out to touch the spear behind Alexios. Barnabas thought for a moment before he could find an answer to speak.
Alexios moved out of the man's reach from touching the spear. Dakota noticed this action. Her muscle memory ready to fight when she needed to. Her eyes glared at the man like that of a predator ready to kill.
"How…" The man could not help himself as he seemed so mesmerized by the object that Alexios carried and used for combat. Yes, it was once held by a legendary warrior and taken many lives, but to Dakota, what was so enchanting about it? It was a broken spear that had it's sharpness to it. Was it like a holy object that many wish to hold and pray to?
"You know my spear by just looking at it? You're more then some simple pilgrim." Alexios was feeling unnerved by the man. What did he want with the spear that he held so dear? It was not so much curiosity, rather the man wanted to touch it with his hand.
"All things in Delphi are more then they appear. Even I." The man looked away from the spear and placed his hands upon his hood and lowering it down. Alexios and Dakota were not sure what to think about the man. Dakota more-so as she was not sure if she should know the significance of the man that stood before her. Dakota only knew so much Greek history. Names and faces were only a blur unless they held much significance to be passed down in books.
"My name is Herodotos. I am a storyteller, or I was. This war is forcing us all to new extremes." Herodotos stated. Dakota scrunched her eyebrows together in thought. Her mind coming up blank to the man's name. Storyteller's were how names and historical events were able to be passed on by word of mouth. It made it strange that a man such as Herodotos was even in their presence.
But, to hide his identity was another matter. Those getting out of the way of war to find refuge was common.
"That much is true. Why are you hiding your identity?" Alexios did not think much of the situation as Dakota did, having his own intentions. There was a reason he was hiding who he truly was. Was the situation so dire that a man who only know stories to hide from dangers? Who would be after him?
"I'm here on behalf of a man in Athens. A very powerful man. We intend to finally end this war." Herodotos held much conviction now that he told his true identity. No longer hiding behind a false narrative of someone simple.
"War is not so easily won. Even if you are capable of doing so, another would start. This powerful man that you speak of, it would make sense as to way you hide. Must be an important man if you come in his place here." Dakota stated, knowing well that war was ever constant. No matter who called for a ceasefire, someone would pull the trigger in a different direction and shoot that way.
"It is apparent within your eyes that you have seen war." Herodotos could see clearly upon Dakota's face. Her eyes become dark and void the moment war was mentioned. She seemed to be lost in thought, taking a stance ready to fight. He did not notice at first glance when he saw Dakota, Alexios was rather obvious, but the woman in whom he traveled with was more so hardened by war.
Dakota nodded her head in a silent agreement. It would not be the first time someone said this to her since appearing in this place. As much as she tried to hide that side of her and the horrors of war, Dakota had come to terms and peace. The scars of war was evident in her eyes.
"You told me you came to ask the Oracle a personal question." Barnabas felt hurt having been told a lie.
"War is personal, Barnabas." Herodotos could easily tell lies by word of mouth. Storytellers could spin the truth to their own personal use in order to not be detected. Winners were the ones to tell the stories; even if the truth needed to be told in lies.
"So you came to seek the Pythia's guidance on how to end the war?" Alexios was more the skeptic as it was not easy to end wars. Battles could be won, wars not so much. Dakota was finding it hard to believe to end a war that has been raging for some time.
"I did, though something is wrong in Delphi. Guards at every turn, people being turned away…" Herodotos looked towards the temple. Alexios and Dakota had noticed the amount of guards and the line of people wanting to get in. Something bigger was going on and it was hiding within the temple. Whatever the secret may be, Dakota slightly trembled at the thought.
"You don't seem convinced the Pythia can be believed. What did she tell you?" Alexios turned his attention back to Herodotos. The older man looked disturbed at the thought of just netting the Oracle. There truly was something happening in the shadows.
"I asked her to show the oath of the war's end. She said, 'Spring should not wish for winter, as it brings death with it." Herodotos repeated the words spoken to him. Dakota felt it strange for a young woman to say such things. It did not sound right. It sounded as if the Oracle was giving a warning to not further ask about the war.
"Such wisdom… I don't understand a word of it, but that's why she's in there and we're out here." Barnabas stated, feeling excited to hear such words.
"I know a threat when I hear one." Alexios said, Dakota agreeing with him.
"You were on Kephallonia for to long." Barnabas played ignorance. Finding excuses to the Oracle and her words. Dakota was not so much convinced. Those around Barnabas were not convinced at all.
"Even I know what she spoke of is a threat, not something to gawk about in wonder of her wisdom. She knows something and will not speak openly about it." Dakota looked towards the growing line and the guards becoming restless. Alexios looked towards the direction feeling Dakota itching to get away from the temple. Could the Oracle be threatened in order to not speak so openly? It sounded that way to Dakota. Could she be held hostage without anyone knowing? Could the snakes hidden in the grass be behind such a thing?
"I have my own questions for the Pythia. But this line! I'll be an old man by the time I see her." Alexios did not see the look upon Dakota's face. How she was deep in thought about the situation at hand. Alexios had his own plans in mind. He was coming to the Oracle for his own reason- Dakota being on of the reasons. How could fate be changed for the both of them?
"Your joking. You carry more blades then a field of grass!" Barnabas knew that Alexios was thinking of a way inside to cut the line. Armed to the teeth was Alexios with knowledge of combat. Dakota would fare well in a fight. Barnabas had seen the woman go toe to toe with men bigger then her and she could hold her own.
"I didn't come here to start trouble." Alexios said honestly.
"Trouble follows you though. But in this case, trouble would be just a step away." Dakota was not liking where this conversation was going.
"Trouble? Just walk in! Whose going to stop you? The priest?" Barnabas was urging on Alexios. Just a little push would do it.
"The guard with the sharp blade at his waist is no priest." Dakota said.
"Well, maybe use your charm on the guard to lure the guard." Dakota clenched her fist and was about to throw a punch to Barnabas gut when she felt Alexios hand stop her from doing so. They did not need to cause a scene right now. They were out in the open for far to long.
"Just one punch. I won't use my strength." Dakota pleaded, but Alexios was not having it. He calculated the odds of going to the temple in order to find answers; even if he were to talk to the Oracle, it would be useless. Dakota sighed heavily and got out of his grasp- sending a glare to Barnabas.
"All right, but if things get out of hand, I'm blaming you, Barnabas. Then I'll have Dakota throw that punch to you." Dakota grinned like a fox as she walked behind Alexios towards the temple. The strange feeling that had disappeared had come back to Dakota.
Kamir yawned loudly within the temple, sitting upon a steady chair, legs propped upon a table. His eyes closed as he was feeling rather restless. He was a trapped lion ready to be able to roam the landscape in search of his prey. His beloved raven perched on a stand, watching her master become much a nuisance to the priest's within the temple.
"Learn to keep your dirty feet from the table, outsider." One priest said, scuffing at Kamir in disgust.
Kamir lightly chuckled, opening up his eyes to reveal the grey hue. It almost looked soulless when being stared upon by the man. "Then have your master let the reigns loosen upon me. Should I be locked away like a dog who disobey's? I have yet to do wrong."
Kamir quickly moved his legs from the table and stood tall before the priest. Towering over the trembling man, Kamir was not in a killing mood. His temper had yet to subside, wanting to leave the confines of the temple. If it were not for Kassandra speaking honey words, Kamir would be roaming the lands in search of his prize. The woman he bled and took blood from has not left his mind.
Kamir wanted to find her and cause the woman to tremble in fear, just as how the pathetic priest was doing now. The days were boring with patrons coming within the temple to see the Oracle were becoming scarce. He has heard of the lines growing daily and how guards were becoming ever present. Kamir did not care about such little things. He was tied to this place until he went mad!
"You disobey orders and run freely as you choose. That is not what you were raised to do." A gruff female voice said from behind him. Kamir turned his attention towards a masked man and woman. The trembling priest sighed in relief, but was kicked heavily and crashed into the table. Causing the raven to flutter her wings and move to another perch.
"Please enlighten me? Should I quiver in fear of masks?" Kamir was bored and wanted something exciting. If he could not see his prize and prey, he had caused much misfortune within the temple. He could only handle so much having being put under punishment.
Escorting the young Oracle to her home and back everyday becomes a bore. The young woman was cautious around Kamir.
"You insulate…" The masked man pointed an accusing finger towards Kamir; only for the man to grin. He could cut off that finger if the temple permitted him to have his weapons. Only guards were armed and they always kept their eyes on Kamir. They knew of his reputation and they would not hesitate to strike him down if they were told too.
"We gather tonight and it would be best if you keep prying eyes from coming close. Those outside are becoming… restless." The woman behind the mask spoke.
Kamir scuffed with a slanted grin as he turned away from the masked individuals. It would seem that the night was going to be interesting.
Author's note:
i know I've been gone for a long while. To see readers still here after the craziness in the world, at least some things don't die. Now, it's safe to say that I haven't forgotten about my unfinished stories. They are in the works and I plan to update… Soon. These stories mean so much to me that it gives me breaks from the real world. I do have responsibilities and a job, like most people. I do hope you all are doing great things or making something of yourself. If you are struggling: mentally or physically, you can pull through. You matter!
Please be patient as i update my stories..