The merchant stumbled backwards in shock, much like he had just seen a stray soul walk the ground before him. It was mere luck that prevented him from falling painfully as he just about held on to the table and pushed over the scrolls on it. His panic was apparent, but he was not the only one surprised.

Eugenia’s heart began to race. That voice with the familiar accent, the goofy exaggerated motions and of course his twitchy face. She could hear it all and felt reminded of a few months ago. Ever since she had returned to Athens the possibility had been at the back of her mind, but finding confirmation so suddenly was still a shock.

“Zosimos?” She exclaimed hopefully. “Is that really you?” She took a step inside, but noticed his retreat. She stopped her feet and stood in the doorframe, unsure how to proceed.

“Artemis’ pale light…” Themistokles put a hand to his mouth and seemed to do his best to collect himself.

Eugenia could understand his surprise as she was in the same boat, but his shock seemed to run deeper than hers. Rather than delighted to see her again, he was plagued by something else. A shadow that crept up his shoulders and grappled his throat. The priestess wished to calm him, but was afraid to upset him even more by acting too forward.

“I wasn’t expecting to meet you here. What a joyous coincidence.” Eugenia said with her most amicable smile.

“You can still smile at me?” His face twisted in pure pain.

“Hm?”

“After all I’ve done to you…?” He muttered.

It was then that the tanned merchant did the unthinkable. He fell to his knees and bent over, prostrating before the perplexed priestess. His hands and head were pressed against the dirty ground. A pose of total submission and regret.

“Forgive me!” He said in a loud voice.

“T-Themistokles, what are you saying?” She had never heard him so regretful before.

“Please… forgive me.” He repeated with a strained voice. His back was twitching and his shoulders shaking. She realized that he was sobbing. A wretched soul at the brink of losing himself was sprawled out before her and begging for her forgiveness.

She knelt down in front of him. From here she could hear the nearly silent impact of the tears on the floor. The anguish of his suppressed sobs.

“What is there to forgive?” She asked softly.

“I was a coward. Betrayed your trust - sold you out!” He pressed out between gasps. “When Typhos came to interrogate me, I told him everything. About you and your Lady of the Isle, I even drew him a map and told him the route to take… All of it…” He could not raise his head. It was pressed down so he would not reveal his unending shame.

Eugenia was kneeling properly with both hands on her legs and listened to his self-loathing words. She was not shocked. Typhos had told her about Zosimos survival. If they had met then he must have gotten what he needed out of him, that’s just the kind of man Typhos was.

“He promised to leave you unharmed… said he would protect you… But I knew his goal, so this betrayal is not lessened. I thought you dead! Now you stand before me, but I still bear the weight of… Your Lady… the one you cherished the most…” His words were cutting off more and more as the hot tears streamed.

She understood his grief now. The news must have spread fast after the sailors returned from the expedition. She could imagine him losing himself to the guilt of knowing that it was his cooperation that had sealed her fate. Even though he was relieved to see her alive, he still knew of her loss.

This brave, but fragile merchant had never managed to make a true connection with the Gorgon, yet he still shed tears for her sake. For the sake of the one who allowed him to continue his journey. The depth of his feelings was complex and yet so transparent to her unseeing eyes.

“Medusa is alive.” She said quietly and raised his face with both hands.

“Wha--t?”

She could feel the pricking of his stubble against her fingers and the convulsions of his cheeks as he sharply inhaled. The vibrations of his face allowed her to ‘see’ him once more. This look of depression and guilt did not suit a man like him.

“Medusa lives. She saved my life and brought me to Eretria.” She explained.

“Your… life? What… what happened?” He looked up to her unable to move.

“Please still your tears first.” She gently pushed his chin up and then helped him raise his shoulders. They now sat facing each other as equals. “Did you reunite with Eopia?” She asked with a satisfied smile.

“Yes! Yes I did!” Those simple words wiped away the dark flame of self-hatred for a moment and relit the purest light inside him. “All thanks to you and her. I can never repay you… and yet I stabbed you in the back…”

“No more of that!” She chided him.

“Understood.” For now his guilt seemed to make him more compliant.

“Hahaha.” She couldn’t suppress the snicker.

He just sat with his hands pressed against his knees like a confused dog.

“I tried to emulate her. Did I sound authoritative?”

“That’s-” He scratched his head and twisted around uncomfortably.

“Nevermind. You wanted to know what happened, but I came here for something really important. We can catch up after that.” Unlike with the Eretrians, she felt relaxed around Zosimos. Even when he was reduced to this, there was still a sliver of his easy-going aura left.

“I swear solemnly that whatever use you can make of me, I will provide.” He said with all seriousness.

She tilted her head worriedly at his dramatic pledge, but decided to ignore it for now. In concise words she told him of the situation in the Akropolis and her search for Archon Leander. In her haste she might not have been clear enough about the reason for her involvement, but Themistokles’ face changed from guilty devotion to sharp comprehension fast.

“I can’t say I'm too surprised.” He admitted. After being drawn back into the politics of the city he seemed to have calmed himself a little. Enough to offer her a chair at his table anyway. Kneeling on the cold ground was rather unseemly after all, especially with an open door. He closed it hastily and made sure nobody was listening in.

“You know what is happening?”

“I’m sure you remember my goal. The one I went on this big journey for in the first place?” He said still meek.

“You wished to become an Archon so you could marry Eopia.” She naturally recalled. Ever since he had left she had kept wondering how his tale would continue.

“Well, that didn’t work out.” He muttered to himself, but then shook his head. “I am currently working as the Archons’ grand assistant.”

“What kind of title is that?”

“It doesn’t actually exist.” He replied with a sigh.

“Huh?”

“It’s a temporary occupation before the vote for the new Archons begins. I’ll be assisting the real Archons in their duties and if they are impressed with my work I might get a chance to get my name into the hat.” He must have been talking about the king’s cap which aristocrats used for voting.

“Wait, so they didn't make you next in line?”

“That would never fly with ‘em.” He replied with a dry laugh. “I’ve got the support of Eopia’s father and one of the Archons right now, but I’m still just a commoner and an outsider. I’m already breakin’ tradition.”

“I see.” She didn’t understand nobility well, but she understood that his goal had always been on the lofty side. “Then you must know Archon Leander personally. I was told that you were his assistant, but what you just told me is different.”

“I don’t specifically serve Leander.” He confirmed and covered his forehead in pain. “This just keeps getting worse and worse. Why did you have to bump heads with the scariest one?” Deep regret was an understatement. Zosimos was clearly debating himself right now.

“Please Zosimos, tell me what you know. My friends are in real danger.” She pleaded.

“I already decided to give you my full support, so I will.” He put his fists on the table. “But honest to gods, Eugenia, I wish you didn’t get involved with this. This isn’t something you can stop.”

“What do I need to stop?” She asked seriously.

“When I gave Typhos what he wanted, he put in a word for me with Archon Achaeus.”

Eugenia gasped.

“He was interested in the map I made. The one of Persia.” He sucked in air between his teeth and turned his face away. “This situation must be my fault as well.”

“Why did he need the map?” She urged him to continue.

“I’m not entirely sure or anything, but he might be intending to… start a war.” A shadow covered his face.

“War? With whom?” She asked naively.

“Persia.”

It was one short word, but it might as well have been a poem of death. Nobody, not even the smallest child in the most rural village, had not heard of the great Persian Empire far to the east. It was a massive desert, even hotter than the isle of Crete. A foreign place filled with blasphemers and false gods. There had been many clashes with these people along the centuries and they were a threat to the Greek world.

That was one side of it. On the other hand they were trading partners in times of peace and a culture of many fascinating mysteries. Zosimos had experienced it firsthand as the brand on his arm proved.

Be that as it may, not a single city would have been brave enough to bear its fangs towards that eastern Titan. Almost every conflict in the last century had been defensive. Eugenia had studied history for a while and was aware that Athens had always been steadfast thanks to Athena’s guidance. She would not send them into a futile war.

But Athena wasn’t here.

“The things happening in Eretria, that ain’t an isolated case.” He braced himself for what he was about to say. “It’s been happening everywhere around Attica and beyond. Ionian cities and villages are being turned into vassals of Athens one by one. Achaeus is amassing influence like none ever seen since the great kings.”

Eugenia tried to process these words as best as she could. Her view of the world had been so very narrow. Even thinking on a city level for the sake of Eretria had been too small. If Zosimos was right, then the entire area had been drawn into something scary.

“The merchants could smell the conflict from a distance and already flooded the city. We had to close the guild house for today so we could process it all. With these resources the Archons might actually do it.”

“Then… they are just subjugating all these allies and treating them like treasure chests to plunder?” She asked angrily. The memory of the attack on the fishing boat was still fresh to her.

“Some say the small wars and power struggles among the surrounding cities were too convenient. Thebes, Lamia, Eretria, Rhaidestos, the list goes on.”

“Lamia too?!”

“Oh, that’s your home.” He remembered and swallowed.

Eugenia clutched her hands into the chair and took a sharp breath. Lamia had been at war with an opposing city over a decade ago. The war that had led Simon to desert with his band of slave soldiers and wander the lands for a place to call home. The night of thunder and blood was still vivid as ever in her mind. Could this conflict as well have been a result of the Archon’s schemes to destabilize the region?

“I’m sorry… At this point I don’t think this can be averted. Achaeus has been playin’ the long game here. I dunno how far back, maybe even since he became Archon twenty years ago, but this man’s been sowing the seeds ever since and he is ready to reap.” His words were underlined by a cold breeze from the window. Eugenia shivered.

“What about the people? What about Eretria`s citizens, the fishing village, the slaves in Athens? Do they all have to pay the price for this - this madness?” She asked with creased brows.

“I don’t think a man that tall can see the ants at this feet.”

“Then what of Leander and Topos? They are fine with this?” She had to move forward and think smartly. She owed this to the ones who put their trust in her.

“I work for Achaeus, but I at least got some impression of the others. Topos won’t move an inch from the palace. He’s a living corpse at the end of his reign.” He illustrated it by hunching over like an old man. “Leander is not on good terms with both of them, but he isn’t a saint either. He definitely knows ‘bout Achaeus work, but he didn’t stop him yet. Not that he’d be able to.”

“He is my last option. We must talk to him!”

Zosimos looked at her intently, twisted his lips downwards and then pushed his chair back. His silence was unnerving as he walked across the room and treaded in circles. It seemed aimless at first, but then he finally stopped. From the shelves filled with parchments he took something thin and long.

“Alright. I’ll be honest, this is not somethin’ I do lightly. Goddess of the moon, guide my arrows.” He took the bow and strapped it to his back, then he got a quiver full of arrows from below a compartment. “I haven’t used this in years, but you have my bow. I’ll hunt Leander down and force him to support ya!”

“Huh? T-That’s crazy.” Her mouth was wide open.

“I can’t drag Eopia’s family into this, so all I can offer is my weak body. Leander is good with a sword, but he won’t be able to parry arrows.” He said with feigned confidence and put his hands on his hips.

“I want to solve this peacefully if at all possible.” She replied with reservation.

“Me too! I’m seriously scared here!” He admitted and lowered his head.

“Calm down Zosimos, let’s think this through.” She placated him with a hand wave.

“But…” He bit his lower lip. She could tell the swirling emotions that consumed him. Zosimos had always been a man of action. Rather than worry his mind he would lose himself in a purpose. That’s how he had managed to build a boat on Sarpedon. That’s how he could travel across a foreign empire and the seas on his own. This was not the time to act rashly, but acting was all he knew. The sly merchant was merely a guise for a boy who had desperately held on to an invisible rope.

She understood it all the clearer now that he was tied to Athens and perhaps also her. These chains of guilt seemed to bind them.

“Themistokles.” She called out to him and stood up to face him. Her head barely reached up to his nose, but she knew that he was looking her in the milky eyes. She could sense the shaking of his hands on the bow and the erratic heartbeat in his chest.

He wanted to redeem himself at all costs. But there were things Eugenia was not ready to lose. She harbored no ill feelings towards him, despite all his revelations, but right now there were a few words he needed to hear more than anything in the world.

“I forgive you.”

His face was distorted and his eyes became moist again. The hand on the bow sank down limply.

“It’s okay now. You don’t have to push yourself anymore.”

She had never judged him, yet she was absolving him. She had never felt hurt by him, yet she declared herself healed. In this one moment of his life he seemed to feel a sense of salvation. She could not see his eyes, but she knew that he was looking back at her with relief.

“Thank yo-” The relief was so strong in fact that he was toppled over… “Bwagh!”

That was not entirely accurate. What toppled him over was a foot that kicked his legs. The next moment the merchant was already face down on the ground in an unflattering pose. There was a sandaled foot pressed on the back of his messy head.

“She may forgive you, but I shan’t.” A fiery woman said.

Eugenia had a mask like expression on her face. She had been so absorbed in the moment that she hadn’t even realized that someone had entered.

“You good for nothing oaf!” The woman lightly kicked the groaning merchant’s back repeatedly while insulting him. “Who gave you the right to look so happy?! You ruined her life and have nothing to show for it!”

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

“Ouch-Argh-owow! P-Please forgive me Eopia!” He begged while shielding his head from her kicks.

“It isn’t me you should keep begging for forgiveness!” She said grimly and then pressed him back down with full force. When she finally exhaled, she looked up and completely changed her expression. “Nice to finally meet you priestess. My name is Eopia of the noble house of… It matters not. I am just Eopia.” She extended her hand in all her grace and shook the confused priestess’ hand.

From the loud rustling all her movements created it was clear that she was wearing an exceptionally gaudy himation, befitting of a noble woman. From how Zosimos had described her, she was apparently a thin and beautiful lady with a long ponytail and eyes so fiery that they might almost be red. The description had always struck Eugenia as exaggerated (he compared her to many gems), but from her voice alone she knew that he had never overstated her personality.

“I’m Eugenia of Lamia.” She introduced herself sheepishly.

“I know, I know. There has not been a day since this oaf returned where he did not speak of you. If he was not so hopelessly infatuated with me, I might have thought you were his secret lover.” She jested. “You can take him if you are interested, though.” She added dryly.

“Uhm… I d-did not even consider it.” She stammered.

“Eopia, my wildflower, you know my heart beats only for you.” Themistokles protested and tried to raise his back up, but was promptly kicked back down.

“It shall not beat much longer if you rush to your death. Then what use does it have to me?” She said coldly.

“Ugh.”

“I had a premonition that he would do something foolish and came to the guild as swiftly as possible. Artemis seems to care for her cubs.”

The cub in question moaned in pain.

“I don’t want to endanger Zosimos. I just need his help to find Archon Leander.”

“Uncle Leander? He is at the port right now.” She revealed straight away.

“Uncle?!” The one in shock was Themistokles of all people.

“He visited me at home back when we were staying in Athens the longest time. I remember he would always bring me trophies from his hunts. It was very messy, but the deer skulls make great decorations.” She reminisced with a dignified expression.

“The port.” Eugenia nodded. Now that she knew where to search she was ready to leave.

“Wait a minute, sweetie.” Eopia grabbed her by the collar before she could even get past her. “This fool may have been rash, but he is right about the danger of this endeavor. You should reconsider.”

“I can’t go back now.”

“I am not saying that you should run and hide. Just wait for us to get ready to accompany you.” She said with a large smirk and then kicked Zosimos over so he faced upwards. “Don’t make me worry for you all the time.” She whispered while lowering herself to his ear, quiet enough that she assumed Eugenia could not hear her.

Eugenia’s face softened a little.

----------------------------------------

After getting a few things in order the trio made their way to the port, which was surrounded by a strong guard presence. They had not sealed it off by any means, but there was hostility in the air, which kept most of the peasants away.

“I am glad I sold my boat when I returned.”

“Did it fetch a good price?” Eugenia asked curiously.

“Huh? It was so-so. They only paid me for the iron and some of the undamaged wood.” He replied sardonically.

“They took it apart then?” She felt a bit miffed by those news. All that work they had put into it was treated no better than a shipwreck.

“Did he really make you work for him? Without pay?” Eopia asked her suspiciously.

“I definitely paid her back! Those wares were not cheap. You are so cruel to doubt me, my morning glory.” He walked behind her like a scolded dog.

“You left them behind, because they would have slowed you down, did you not?” She retorted knowingly.

Zosimos’ denial was drowned out by the barking of a guard captain at the edge of the pier. He was instructing his men who were searching a certain large vessel. That ship belonged to none other than Irvenos. Eugenia stopped the bickering couple and pointed at the heavy inspection. They figured out her meaning right away and got serious.

“Search every man and every chest on this ship! Archon Leander wants any and all traces of evidence reported to him!” The armed captain shouted. Then he turned around when he noticed the trio approach. “This is a restricted area. Return to your business in the city or face the consequences.” The gruff and sweaty looking man was visibly disgruntled and would certainly make good on his threats.

“We have come to speak to Archon Leander.” Eugenia said straightforward.

“So does half the damn city, get in line.” The man spat out and turned away.

“Is he on the ship?”

“I said scram already or-” He turned back, but then noticed who was standing behind the priestess. “You?” His mouth was agape.

“Good day captain. I hope you do not mind if we have a little chat with Uncle Leander.” Eopia said very dignified.

“The lord’s daughter wishes t-to speak with the Archon? Naturally! Go ahead!” His tune had changed faster than the transformations of Zeus into a bull when he was badgered by Hera.

“Appreciated.” She smiled and then grabbed Eugenia`s hand to pull her on board. “Their guard house was built from my father’s investment. They are rather understanding of my family business.” She explained dismissively.

“He didn’t even recognize me.” Zosimos grumbled. As the Archon’s grand assistant he had higher expectations. His pride took another hit.

On deck things were even more hectic. Chests and sailors were pushed around and all manner of objects piled on top of a little mountain. Most of them were standard ship equipment, but there were also a few bottles of cheap wine and dice that certainly didn’t belong there. More objects were carried from below deck already.

“What fancy wannabe bard brought a stinkin’ harp on a cruise?” A guard appeared with a beautifully crafted wooden harp in his arms. It was still half covered by leather and linen, but the design was shining through all the same.

“Hey! You can’t just take that!” Eugenia called out to him and stopped him from throwing it on the pile.

“What’s a brat doing here? Put your greedy eye on this thing or something? Listen here lass, everything on this ship has been confiscated by the city of Athens. You better back off before I throw you overboard.” He glared down on her and held the harp above her reach.

“That belongs to me! It was a present.”

“Hah! And I am the Pharaoh of Egypt. This thing is too precious to belong to some peasant girl-” He patted the harp haughtily and then accidentally strummed it. The low pling sound lasted merely for a second, but its vibrations reached the man’s deepest core. “Feelingsotired...” He collapsed immediately and began snoring face down.

Eugenia carefully picked the harp from his veiny hands and dusted it off. She made a note in her head not to underestimate a Satyr’s enchanted instrument.

“Poison! We found poison!” A shout came from below deck and everyone turned their heads to the caller. A young guardsman climbed up the ladder and put down a tiny pouch. It was filled with a strange white powder.

“Thanatos Puff?” The guard captain ran up the plank.

“Dried snake poison?” Another guard guessed.

“Flour, if the taste is anything to go by.” A third said after putting a finger into it and then licking it.

“Keep looking!” The captain growled close to an aneurysm.

“You are doing good work men.” Leander stepped out of the captain’s compartment and praised the suddenly very busy guards. The Archon was wearing a cuirass and military boots, but his cape was more on the aesthetic side. Overall his aura was far more dignified than during the short exchange he had with Achaeus back at the town hall. In his left hand he held a small vial that was tightly wrapped in ox leather. Clearly he had found what he came for.

“Greetings uncle.” Eopia waved gracefully.

“Eopia? This is unexpected. I haven’t seen you since the negotiations with…” He looked a bit surprised, but then it seemed to settle in where they were and who was standing behind her. “What is the meaning of this?” He put a hand to his sword hilt and the atmosphere got tense.

“Do calm yourself. There is no need for such hostility among civilized people.” Her words were bold and sounded more like a command than a request. She really was of high birth.

“I hold no grudge against you Eopia, but your company is worrying. You brought along Achaeus’ lapdog and someone who was supposed to be detained.” The Archon circled them slowly and nodded the guards to take position at the exit.

“You know milord, I am serving all the Archons to my utmost.” Zosimos said with forced reverence.

“I will keep my doubts about that… Themires.”

“It’s Themistokles!” He let his head sink down in regret.

“We are only here for insurance. This matter is all Eugenia’s.” The proud woman said firmly and then pulled Eugenia forward to give her the stage.

“The priestess? I had thought that this would be one of Achaeus little games, but you can’t possibly be involved.” He crossed his arms and fell silent. His expectant stare was quite crushing.

“Lord Leander.” She forced out a stable voice, even though she suddenly felt rather faint. “I have information that you must receive.”

Eugenia went ahead to tell Leander of what she had found out about Achaeus from Irvenos and Themistokles. The merchant confirmed her words, albeit regrettably. This would make him a traitor to the other Archon. Eugenia’s words were filled with a pleading appeal to the goodness of his heart, but also with the desire to change the situation at all costs.

“This is a tall tale to swallow.” He finally replied with almost closed eyes. There was a hint of pain in his voice.

“But-!”

“Yet I cannot ignore reality.” He raised his hand to intercept her retort. “I was aware of Achaeus movements. His actions have grown bolder by the year, but I did not wish to believe he would go this far. Lupus was a dear friend. To snuff out his life merely to get my approval for his next operation is cowardly.” His personal loss had driven him here, but he still remained objective. “A war with Persia will cost us more than just blood. If he had the blessings of the gods and a good strategy I might not interfere.”

“What?” Eugenia didn’t believe her ears.

“With all due respect milord, such a campaign would throw Athens into a grueling recession.” Themistokles said convinced.

“You were the man that brought him the map, is that not so Themistero?” Leander asked stoically.

He backed off with a guilt ridden expression. The Archon’s words were undeniable. If he did not owe Eugenia his life, would he even have spoken out against this plan in the first place? Those worries surely plagued his soul.

“He did so to satisfy my father’s demands.” Eopia suddenly came to his side and revealed the truth. “It was a gamble to attain a seat among the candidates of the next vote.”

“Did Achaeus promise that?” Leander seemed displeased.

“Why does it matter? All of this is meaningless. Think of all the people, all the citizens of Athens that will be sacrificing their lives for this war.” Eugenia cut in sharply. Her emotional voice demanded attention. “The envoys of Eretria will be executed for no fault of their own. Agapetos, Bion, Therses, these men have not done anything wrong! They only wanted to save the city that they loved, just like everyone else. Even captain Irvenos was only acting out of fear of Achaeus' wrath. Aren’t you a hero? You cannot put a blind eye to this!”

Her breathing was ragged from shouting and her face red from the blood rush. She clutched the harp against her chest as if to find solace in it.

“That was a long time ago. I don’t feel like much of a hero anymore.” Leander said with a surprising heaviness. He laid a hand on his sword and closed one eye. “Achaeus has the military on his side and he already controls the towns all around Athens. My only sworn duty is to guide the citizens of this city and its commerce. There may not be much I can do at this point, for my gaze has been clouded too long.” He roughly sat down on the mountain of goods that had been piled up in the middle of the deck.

“Lord Leander, please…” The priestess could feel a profound melancholy from this man.

“Say, priestess, what does Athena think of this?” He asked earnestly.

Eugenia stayed silent. To make a claim on Athena’s will was not in her power. She realized that she could not bring herself to ask for her support anymore. The image of the goddess she had lived for was already blurry in her mind. Yet at the center of that darkness was an unshakable core. Something like the essence of what she perceived the goddess of wisdom as.

“I believe… that the great and wise Athena… would not sanction a war that we cannot win.” She stumbled a few times, but ultimately that was her judgement.

“Indeed. Were it Ares, any war would be a festival, but this is Athens, the jewel of the wise owl. Wisdom is a rare good that we cannot raid and plunder from our enemies. It is cultivated in the minds of our scholars.” Leander was speaking to himself more than the trio. “I tire of battle. I am weary of wearing this sword on my hip. Lupus always told me truth was in numbers and words, not steel.”

“I am sorry for your loss. He... he sounds like he was an intelligent man.” Eugenia said quietly. Only now did she understand what plagued Leander so deeply. A man weary of conflict that was always drawn back into another skirmish. Someone who mourned more than anyone would be the one that fought the fiercest. It was a cruel fate.

“Your kindness honors you priestess. What is your name?” He asked and looked her in the milky eyes for the first time.

“Eugenia of Lamia.”

“Lamia, eh? A beautiful town. I was there during its defense.” He trailed off and then forced himself back on his feet. “I may be an aristocrat, but I cannot turn my eyes from the suffering of the commoners, much as I try. Good men have given their lives to protect our lands. Achaeus has sullied their sacrifices and will walk over a mountain of corpses to reach his goals if we leave him unchecked.”

“Milord, do you mean…?” Themistokles' face lit up.

“It may not be too late. If I can convince Topos and the great houses to veto this campaign we can find a different solution. You have my support, so I swear by the honor of my family!” He hit his chest plate with his fist and the guards around him cheered once, copying the motion.

“I don’t know how to thank you.” Eugenia said with teary eyes.

“A prayer will have to do. We move for the town hall right away.” Leander turned around, letting his cape wave in the breeze and then stomped off the ship. “You will come with me Themistes. I need your word as a witness.” He added over his shoulder.

“Of course milord! But it's actually Themistokles.” He hastily followed after the Archon.

The two women were left behind and moved down much slower. Eugenia took a few deep breaths. Her heart had still not settled down. She twitched a little when Eopia put a hand on her head.

“You have my thanks as well.”

“Huh? Whatever for?” She nervously turned her head.

“Themistokles has been blaming himself for your death for a long time. The unreasonable demands of my father have driven him to become a scoundrel and thief again. I never wanted to put this burden on him. He tells me that I am worth all these trials, but I do not agree. If he has to change from the man that I fell in love with, then it could never be worth it.” She was not losing her countenance, she simply revealed her true feelings. “Thus I only wished I could have done more for him. That thought has been a deep scar on my pride.”

“Worth the trials?” Eugenia repeated slowly.

“Today you forced him to move out of his rut and gave his eyes hope again. I know you cannot see it, but he looks much handsomer when he is doing something for a cause he believes in.” She chuckled.

“I think your understanding and love is what justifies the challenges to him. He tried to change for his love.”

“Is love enough to defy fate? To change one’s values and mission?” Eopia wondered and looked up to the blue sky.

The priestess could not answer that question yet. What drove her was not love, but something else. That was why she could not return yet. Even now she asked herself whether this was part of the trial Hermes had given her.

----------------------------------------

“Open the gate!” The guard captain ordered the soldiers on the opposite side. The entrance to the Akropolis was sealed.

“We got orders from the Archon not to let anyone pass.” The lean soldier replied.

“Are you blind, man? This is Archon Leander! Your order is overruled!” The captain kicked the iron gate with fury.

“Stop it Trifos. Let me speak to him instead.” Leander pushed him aside and faced the unimpressed soldier. “What is happening in the Akropolis? Has there been an emergency?”

“Can’t say. There was a poisoning and we incarcerated some traitors. Currently everyone connected to Eretria and the port is being investigated.”

“Yes, I am aware. I am part of the investigation.”

“My apologies Archon, but you are not expected in the palace.” The soldier replied firmly.

“Who did he pay to spy on me?” Leander asked coldly.

The soldier stayed quiet.

“Very well. Achaeus knows this will only delay me shortly, so he must be planning something big.” He turned back towards Themistokles. “One of the guards sold me out. They are aware that I am going to confront Achaeus, so he is probably inside the palace to do something about it. We must act swiftly-”

“Archers!” Suddenly one of the guards shouted and pushed Leander and Themistokles out of the way. The arrow pierced Leander’s shoulder and created a deep bleeding wound. The Archon managed to steady himself without flinching and readily drew his sword. Immediately the remaining guards gathered with shields to protect him and readied their own bows.

“This was a direct attack on an Archon.” Leander shouted over the shields. “You know well the punishment for traitors!”

“You have no authority in this place.” The soldier said with a dark smirk and a dozen more appeared at the gate. The archers lined up on top of the wall were all aiming at them.

“Did Achaeus order this?” Leander asked with a deadly glare.

“Heh heh heh, you got too much earwax or something? I said your words aren’t worth dogshit here! Bark somewhere else and leave the ruling to the worthy!” The soldiers laughed and made obscene gestures towards the town guard.

“How dare you, traitorous dogs!!” The captain drew his sword.

“Enough.” Leander shouted and everyone, even the hostile soldiers turned quiet.

The Archon grabbed the arrow shaft and broke it clean off. Then he dug the arrow tip out with his bare hands and threw it to the soldier`s feet. Blood was leaving spots on the ground, but they seemed to be evaporating under the heat of the man’s rage.

“I wish for a peaceful solution to this, but I swear by the 12 Olympians, if Achaeus spits on our traditions and violates the laws of our people, I will not stand for it. This gate will fall under my fury. Every single one of you will be executed. There will not even be a burial for you.”

The soldier felt a cold shower down his back and retreated a few steps. The archers above were all aiming at him, ignoring all other enemies.

“Make your choice! Will you grant me passage or will you light the spark of battle?” His ultimatum had been made.

The soldiers were intimidated, truly. Many of them had served alongside Leander before and his legend preceded him. Most of them were only following orders, so it was understandable why Leander had given them a choice.

Some of the archers lowered their bows and it seemed like the rude soldier in front was reconsidering,

“Open the-” He raised a shaking hand.

“Leander, your charisma was always your only good quality.” A deep voice echoed across the gate passage and the soldiers immediately straightened their backs.

It was Achaeus who graced them with his presence. His slick black hair was combed back to allow him to put on the helmet he carried under his arm.

“Would you turn your blade against your own allies now?” Leander asked with pain. Not due to wound in his shoulder, but rather the taste of betrayal.

“All who stand on that side are no allies of mine.” The old Archon replied. His eyes pierced Themistokles who was cowering behind the shields. “Assistant, you have thrown away a golden future for a mere priestess.”

“To be fair, this golden future wouldn’t exist without her either.” Zosimos moved past the guards and tried to act casual. His sweat covered body was not supporting that attitude. “I have not betrayed you, just so we are clear. This is just a temporary disagreement.” The tanned merchant said in an apologetic pose.

“Hmph. I will execute you last, for the merit of your impressive map. It will serve me well on the campaign.”

“E-Execute?” Zosimos stammered with a pale face.

“All traitors will be disposed of, so the palace may be safe. I have already informed Topos of your betrayal.” Achaeus turned back to Leander.

“What am I accused of?”

“Conspiring with Eretria to murder me and Topos. A dastardly scheme to take Athens for yourself and reinstate the monarchy. I thought better of you.” Achaeus put as much poison into his words as was possible.

“I see. Then this was not just a reactionary move. You intended to be rid of me all along.”

“That is not true. I had high hopes for you in the coming war. It is a shame that you cut your strings at the last moment. Your bloodthirsty spear is hindered by your weak heart.”

“Shall we test this in honorable combat?” Leander asked fiercely.

“Your blade will never reach me.” There was finality in his word and he turned away.

As his back retreated, the soldiers took formation and readied themselves for defense.

Leander put a hand on his bleeding injury and took a few shallow breathes. Then he raised his hand and shouted “Retreat!”

The men made their way back down the giant Akropolis hill and back to its foot. Halfway there they encountered Eugenia and Eopia who had been straggling behind.

“You are injured!” She tended to Leander who finally sank against a wall and got supported by two shields.

“We were too late.” Zosimos explained to Eopia.

“Oh no.” Eugenia felt faint, but had to focus on treating the wound first.

“Do not fear priestess, I will not falter now. Achaeus is… cornered.” Leander spoke between gasps as the pain flared up his shoulder.

“How could that be?”

“He will hole himself up in the Akropolis – ngggh- because his troops are spread across the land. Even if he made the return call before shutting us out, the troops will take a few days to gather. Until then – graaah - until then, he only has the royal guard and his personal battalion.” He bit into a rag while the needle penetrated his skin.

“But milord, it is impossible to take the Akropolis! We will be biting our teeth out on the walls.” Themistokles said pessimistically. “And we can’t starve them out either, the reinforcements will arrive too soon. All we could do is lay fire to the entire hill.”

“That’s absolutely forbidden! We can’t hurt the people inside there! The temple of Athena is sacred ground.” Eugenia refused such drastic measures.

“If we had siege equipment…” Leander mused. “There will be panic among the citizens if we make large movements. I have to form a strategy as soon as possible and…” He held his head, clearly dizzy.

“If there was something that could destroy the gates or the walls without siege equipment.” Eugenia remembered something and it was going to change everything. Everyone was looking at her. “If I could get something like that, would you listen to my request?”

They were all ears.

The Archons clashed for their ideals and at the center of the conflict that would decide the future of Athens and thousands of souls was the priestess. An old scar would now lead to a new path.