Chapter Text
The payment the fisherman demanded for the crossing to Delos was much too high, but Alexios didn’t feel like negotiating. He just wanted to get to the other island as soon as possible. If Thaletas was in the hands of the Cultist, he had no time to lose.
The minutes on the small boat seemed to turn into hours and a light headwind slowed down their journey. Every second felt like torture for Alexios and his thoughts started to wander. Where was Thaletas? Was he safe? Was he in the cave Alexios was heading to? Or was the hiding place somewhere else? And what if he didn’t get there in time? Was Thaletas still alive or was he –?
Alexios shook his head. He shouldn’t let those thoughts come to him.
When they arrived on the island, Alexios passed the fisherman his complete pouch of drachmae without thinking. There were probably far too many coins in it, but he didn’t care.
He left the boat as soon as he could and ran. Up the beach and over the hill until he came to the road that led across Delos. He didn’t stop but followed it to the north of the island as fast as he could. Some people shouted after him as he pushed them aside on his way, but he didn’t care. Every second was too precious.
He almost instinctively ran up the hill to the Archegesion, but a shriek from Ikaros reminded him to take the narrow path leading to the northern beach. Silently Alexios prayed to the gods that the old bear cave was the hiding place he was looking for. It was the only smuggler’s lair he knew of on Delos.
When he reached the beach, he stopped abruptly and gasped for breath. Alexios ran often, but usually he paced himself. This time he sprinted the whole way as fast as he could. He signaled Ikaros to scout the area, while he tried to calm his pulse. It didn’t take long until two shrieks in close intervals told him what he needed to know: The cave was guarded with two men in front of it.
He grinned. So this was the right place at last.
Normally two guards were no problem for Alexios. He could just run towards them and get them out of the way even if they were trained by the Cult. But he did not know how many men were inside the cave and the Cults men were stronger than the average soldier. An open confrontation with a whole group of them would surely be his death.
Almost silently, he ducked into the bushes on his left and crept along the rocks until he was above the entrance of the cave. Ideally, he would wait for nightfall before he acted, but he didn’t want to lose any time.
He gave Ikaros a sign and swung himself over the edge of the rock. Carefully he tried to grab hold on the unevenness of the rock and slowly let himself down on the wall, ignoring the pain coming from his right arm. The guards had their eyes fixed on the vast beach so they didn’t notice the figure creeping up from behind.
Alexios sneaked up on the right guard. With two deft grips, he covered his mouth, pulled him backwards and cut his throat with his spear. The man went down silently, but the stabbing pain from the fast movement let Alexios loudly draw air through his clenched teeth.
The second guard immediately turned around and drew his sword but Ikaros was faster. The eagle rushed at the huge man and attracted his attention while Alexios let his blades do their job.
‘Cháris,’ he gasped as he dragged the corpse aside and nodded to Ikaros who rose into the air again.
Then he crouched down and crept along the wall into the cave, his spear in his left hand, ready to react at any time. If he remembered correctly the cave consisted only of one open area, so he was prepared to be immediately involved in a fight.
But when he left the narrow tunnel leading into it, all he saw was an abandoned camp. Carefully he sneaked between boxes and amphorae, always watching out for cover, but nothing indicated that Thaletas had been here.
Alexios was about to turn back when he discovered a narrow gap. He moved closer and slowly pressed his way through. On the other side, a passage awaited him, gently lit by some torches. Pressed as close as possible to the wall, he followed it deeper into the cave. He was careful not to make any noise that could break the silence around him.
After some time he reached a fork in the passage. Alexios stopped and listened but from no direction could he hear a sound. He decided to follow the left arm first and after a short time the passage opened up to a bigger den. The place was overcrowded with weapon racks and armor, enough to supply several units. And on the back wall, Alexios thought he could detect two cages.
‘Please be there and alive,’ he whispered under his breath.
He ducked behind some crates and tried to get a better overview of the area, which wasn’t easy in the dim light of the torches. If he counted correctly, there were three guards. Two lighter soldiers stood next to the cages and talked quietly. A third, much bigger one, sat in Alexios’ immediate vicinity. With his right hand, he picked up some loose stones from the cave floor and carefully threw them one by one towards the sitting guard. The man looked up and took the weapon that lay on the floor next to him before he started to approach him.
Alexios grinned. They never called for help if they noticed anything suspicious.
As soon as the man was within his reach, he chased his spear through his throat and pulled him towards him behind the crates. Then Alexios looked at the other two men, who seemed to not notice anything.
He crept near them and jumped as fast as he could towards the first guard. His dagger slipped off and the man survived badly injured. Immediately, the two guards attacked and Alexios ducked away under the blows of their swords. When he had enough distance, he ran towards them, kicked the severely wounded guard with full force, so that his head hit the cave wall and he went down lifeless. Out of the same movement he thrust his dagger from above into the neck opening of the others chest plate, while he pushed the spear from behind through the neck.
‘Malákes,’ he cursed and looked around to see if any other guards had noticed the sounds, but no one came.
After a few moments, he put his weapons into the holders and held his aching upper arm. Why did the most harmless injuries always have to be the most painful?
Then he turned towards the cages. The first was empty, but from the second a familiar figure was staring at him.
‘Thaletas!’ Alexios whispered, dashing towards the side of the cage where he spotted the general.
Thaletas sat slumped down against the bars with his legs bent. His hands were tied behind his back and his mouth gagged with a piece of cloth. His face and arms showed numerous new smaller wounds which indicated fierce resistance.
‘In Hermes name, what are you doing here?’ Alexios asked and knelt down. He reached through the bars and carefully pulled the dirty cloth down, allowing his thumb to gently brush the man’s cheek. Thaletas immediately took a deep and audible breath.
‘Alexios!’ Thaletas voice trembled, then he shook his head and cleared his throat. ‘Thanks for coming, but the situation is under control. You are free to go.’
Alexios only raised one eyebrow.
‘I mean it.’ Thaletas said and tried to straighten his back. ’I am a general. I can handle this somehow. Leave me alone’
‘Thaletas, swallow your fucking Spartan pride and tell me what happened!’ Demanded Alexios.
Thaletas looked at him dismissively, but Alexios remained adamant. Finally, Thaletas blushed, lowered his eyes and whispered, barely audibly. ‘I was caught examining the cave. I … I failed.’
Alexios carefully reached between the bars, took Thaletas’ face in his hand, and turned it so that he had to look into his eyes.
‘Spartan generals are made for the phalanx, not for sneaking into caves.’ He said gently. ‘You should have asked me to help you. I earn my drachmae with situations like these.’
Instead of answering, Thaletas blushed even more and tried to look away.
Alexios bit his lower lip. Why did that man have to be so bloody handsome? Everything in him wanted to pull him close and kiss him.
‘Did they hurt you?’ He asked softly and hinted at the wounds.
Thaletas slowly shook his head. ‘I wish I could say that I was outmatched in battle.’ He sighed and turned even redder. ‘The truth is, I tried to climb down the rock face to sneak past the guards. I slipped. And before I knew it, I was here.’
‘Stupid Spartan’ Alexios whispered chuckling and leaned closer. He still held Thaletas face in his hand and suddenly realized that he had started brushing his cheek again. ‘They could have killed you.’
‘Oh, look at that. Nikolaos’ son and one of my generals. Is it cute or disgusting?’ Asked a haughty voice behind Alexios.
‘Kinyras!’ Alexios grunted and turned around.
‘Governor Kinyras’ corrected the man. ‘But what do I expect from you? You never knew how to behave. Isn’t that why your father threw you off Mount Taygetos?’
‘Watch your mouth.’ Alexios hissed and drew his spear.
‘Or what? Ask Kinyras. ‘Will you slaughter me like you did our king?’
‘Maybe.’ Alexios’ muscles were tense. Ready to jump into battle any second.
‘Oh, I almost forgot to thank you.’ Kinyras said calmly and crossed his hands behind his back. ‘I mean, it was a shame to lose such a powerful ally. But on the other hand, this was my chance to take his place in the Cult of Kosmos.’
Alexios huffed. ‘Glad I could help.’
‘But I must admit, little Alexios, I would have expected more from the legendary descendant of our great king.’ Said the governor slowly, arrogance in every syllable. ‘I’ve given you so many clues, and yet it was my general who detected me first. Unfortunately, he refuses to join me. Pity I have to kill him. What a waste of talent.’
Alexios gripped his spear tighter. ‘If you even make a scratch on Thaletas –’
‘Then what?’ Kinyras laughed. ‘Look at yourself. You're tired and wounded. Just like I planned.’
Alexios gritted his teeth. He could feel his muscles tense and the adrenaline rushing through his veins. ‘Let. Him. Go.’
‘Oh, I will let him go. He will go to Hades. And you will follow him. Isn’t that romantic?’ Kinyras snorted contemptuously.
With a loud scream, Alexios threw himself on the governor, but one of his guards blocked his dagger. The other three immediately drew their weapons while Kinyras calmly picked a spear from the weapon stand behind him.
Alexios blocked several blows and stabs and dodged as best he could, always trying to protect the cage behind him. He didn't want to risk any of them getting too close to Thaletas.
The men were well trained and gradually he was pushed with his back towards the cage. When he touched it, he suddenly had an idea. He dropped his weapons and grabbed the bars with his hands. With a powerful jump, he lifted himself into the air and kicked the attacker in front of him with full force. The man stumbled backwards, straight into Kinyras’ spear.
Alexios let himself fall, picked up his weapons and dashed towards the second attacker. From below, he rammed his spear through the man’s neck straight into his head.
‘Not bad for a mercenary,’ Kinyras remarked and pounced on Alexios.
He blocked the attack while he hurled his own spear at one of the remaining soldiers from the same movement. The blade hit its target and the man went down immediately.
‘I did not survive this long for nothing,’ Alexios called out to the Cultist.
Suddenly, he felt a blade strike him from behind.
‘Malákas!’ he cursed and turned swiftly. Before the soldier could step back, Alexios had already grabbed him by the head and broke his neck with a powerful movement.
He let the dead body sink to the ground and dodged the next thrust of Kinyras spear with a roll. As good as he could, he tried to put distance between himself and the Cultist and looked around. He quickly discovered what he was looking for.
He grabbed an amphora, hurled it at Kinyras and sprinted past him towards one of the dead soldiers. Then he drew his spear from the neck of the dead man and turned to Kinyras, who still stood with his back to him.
With a skillful movement, Alexios jumped on the governor and brought him to the ground. He pinned him down with his thighs. With his right hand, he pushed the man’s neck to the ground while he had his spear ready in his left.
‘It’s over, malákas’. He hissed. ‘You will follow your traitorous king.’
‘I might die.’ Kinyras said croakily. ‘But you cannot stop the Cult.’
‘Oh, I will.’ Alexios squeezed harder. ‘Tell me who is the so-called Ghost of Kosmos.’
‘Never.’ Kinyras tried to spit in Alexios’ face.
‘Then die.’ With a single firm stroke of his spear, Alexios ended the Cultist’s life. He waited briefly until the corpse‘s last twitching stopped, then he examined its pockets.
‘Nothing. Fuck.’ Alexios screamed and rammed the spear into the ground in rage.
‘What’s wrong?’ Thaletas asked and tried to straighten up a bit to see what was happening.
Alexios looked up, slightly confused. For a short moment, he had completely forgotten about the general.
‘There is nothing there.’ He said frustrated. ‘Not a single clue. I will never find the head of the Cult.’
‘I am sure you will.’ Thaletas voice was gentle. ‘Maybe we will find something with his belongings in the Fort.”
‘We?’ Alexios asked in surprise and turned around to look at Thaletas.
‘I will help you this time.’ Thaletas said.
‘The last time you helped me I was afraid you were going to kill me.’ Alexios gruffed. ‘Right after you kissed me.’
Thaletas sighed. ‘I was … confused. It won’t happen again. Please, Alexios, let me out of this humiliation.’
’I will.’ Alexios’ voice found its strength again as he stood up. He pulled the spear out of the ground and fastened it again on his back. Then he sank to the ground next to the cage and leaned against the rock wall. ‘But first, we should talk.’
Thaletas nodded.
‘I also think we should.’ He smiled nervously at Alexios. ‘But can you free me first, please?’
‘No,’ Alexios looked him in the eyes and shook his head. ‘I feel this is saver in case you start having mood swings again.’
Thaletas stared at Alexios with his eyes wide open and said nothing for a moment. Then he swallowed visibly. ‘I hurt you.’
‘Yes.’ Alexios looked to the ground and drew circles with his fingers. ‘You hurt me a lot.’
‘I am sorry, Alexios. I was unable to cope with … everything.’ Thaletas began carefully. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. ‘After you sailed away, it took me a long time to get you out of my head. I had finally succeeded and got my life in order when you suddenly appeared here again. You made a mess of my life again. All the feelings I had for you came back in a blink. It was like you weren’t even gone.’
‘You slept with me and told me afterwards that you are in a relationship.’ Alexios said deadpan. His hand clenched into a fist. ‘Afterwards, Thaletas.’
‘I didn’t know when to tell you.’ Thaletas’ voice trembled slightly.
Alexios lifted his eyes and looked at Thaletas. ‘The moment you told me that you are not a father would have been a good opportunity.’
‘You are right. I made a mistake.’ Thaletas sighed. ‘But you are not better than me.’
‘Huh?’ Alexios pulled his brows together.
Slowly, Thaletas opened his eyes and turned his head. He looked reproachfully at Alexios. ‘You completely hid the fact that you are in a relationship, too. And even worse, you cheat on your woman with Mikythos’ sister. And the gods know with whom else.’
Alexios tried to say something, but Thaletas went on. ‘You have no idea how much that hurt me. I don’t want to be just one of many.’
Alexios bit his lower lip and looked Thaletas in the eye with his head lowered. ‘There is something you should know.’
Thaletas raised his eyebrows expectantly.
‘I’m not in a relationship.’ He gulped. ‘And I haven’t been. Not for years.’
Thaletas widened his eyes in disbelief. ‘You are not?’
‘No.’ Alexios shook his head. ‘I was hurt and angry. It was Herodianos who suspected I was with Odessa. I just didn’t correct him. And I already know it was a stupid idea.’
‘And that other woman?’ Thaletas asked sternly.
‘Zopheras wanted to help me.’ Said Alexios and tried to smile. ‘She guessed my feelings for you and thought if she made you jealous, you would fight for me.’
‘Sounds like a girl’s plan.’ Thaletas voice softened.
‘She’s still very young.’ Alexios said. ‘I told her it was stupid, even though I wasn’t really any better myself.’
‘You weren’t. But I am … happy. Even if you’re confusing my feelings again.’ Thaletas sighed and leaned his head back against the bars. ‘Will you get me out of here now?’
‘Of course.’ Alexios got up and went to the cage’s door. He cut the rope that kept it locked with a forceful stroke of his dagger. Then he went inside and knelt beside Thaletas. Carefully he bent over him to untie the knot that bound his wrists on his back.
Suddenly he felt a hot breath against his ear.
‘You still fight like a god, Alexios.’ Thaletas whispered.
‘Thaletas, I –’ Alexios paused. He could hear his own voice tremble and feel his heart beating faster.
Thaletas purposely breathed against Alexios’ neck, causing the mercenary to groan quietly.
‘How do you feel about me?’ He asked slowly and was careful that his lips hardly touched Alexios’ skin.
‘Honestly?’ Alexios’ voice was barely audible. He leaned closer to Thaletas ear and whispered. ‘I still don’t know if I want to kill or to kiss you.’
’How about you find out?’ Thaletas murmured with a raspy voice into his ear. ’I suggest you try kissing me first. Don‘t be worried, I‘m still tied up. I can do nothing to you.’
‘That sounds tempting.’ Alexios’ hands moved away from the rope and his fingertips followed Thaletas arms. Finally, he laid his hands on the general’s breastplate and kissed his collarbone gently. ‘But that would be wrong. You can’t do that to Althea.’
‘I’ve already ruined it. One mistake more or less won’t make any difference.’ Thaletas gulped audibly. ‘I want you, Alexios. Here and now.’
Alexios gave a soft moan. Tenderly, he kissed along the general’s neck, up to his jawbone.
‘Do you love her?’ He asked between kisses.
‘She is nice.’ Thaletas replied, tipping his head back to make room for Alexios’ lips. His eyes were closed and his breath grew heavier. ‘She is an old friend. I have nothing against her.’
Alexios stopped and leaned back. He waited until Thaletas opened his eyes and looked at him earnestly.
‘I asked you if you love her.’ He repeated in a firm voice.
Thaletas blinked twice, then he shook his head.
‘No,’ he whispered. ‘I never did.’
Alexios breathed a sigh of relief and a grin spread across his face. He believed Thaletas. Slowly he bent forward and his lips brushed affectionately against the generals’.
Then he hesitated for a moment. He knew that if he kissed Thaletas now, he could not stop anymore.
‘Alexios,’ whispered Thaletas. And at that moment Alexios stopped thinking and he kissed Thaletas. He felt the desire overtaking him and he could no longer hold back.
‘I think I have found something.’ Thaletas voice came from the other side of the cave. Alexios put back the scroll he was about to open and hurried to the Spartan.
Thaletas knelt before a chest filled with some ostraka and papyri and read the texts with bewilderment.
‘What have you gotten yourself into?’ He asked and handed Alexios an ostrakon that said The Eagle Bearer must be eliminated.
Alexios shrugged.
‘Many people want me dead,’ he said and sat down on the ground close to Thaletas. ‘Anything that might point to their leader?’
‘Here,’ Thaletas handed him two papyri. ‘It’s not much, but it might help.’
Alexios quickly skimmed the words. Then he folded the letters and put them in his belt pouch.
‘Together with the other clues I already have, it is actually a great help.’ He bent over and kissed Thaletas on the cheek. ‘I should have started working with you much earlier.’
Thaletas blushed slightly and laughed softly. ‘I don’t think I would have been such a great help. You’ve seen how good I am at sneaking into places.’
‘With you by my side, I don’t need to sneak into anything.’ He pulled teasingly on the Spartan’s braid. ‘We would simply knock at the main gate and take the direct approach.’
‘That sounds tempting.’ Thaletas winked at Alexios. Then he got up, closed the chest and picked it up. ‘But I’m afraid it’s time to return to the real world.’
Alexios sighed. ‘Do we really have to?’
‘I am a general, not a mercenary. Unlike you, I have to write reports.’ Thaletas set out for the cave exit. ‘And believe me, the longer I stay absent, the more uncomfortable it becomes to write those reports.’
Alexios cursed reluctantly, then got up and followed Thaletas. In his opinion, this man was far too attached to a state that threw its citizens off mountains.
They left the cave and followed the path that led to the inner island. Thaletas told him how he had fared in Mykonos over the past few years and how he had supported Kyra to grow into her new role. When he mentioned his involvement in planning the new fort on the beach, he was almost bursting with pride. Alexios couldn’t help but smile.
Finally, they turned to the beach and found a fisherman who was about to bring his morning catch ashore. He greeted Thaletas warmly and immediately offered to take them to the other island. They thankfully accepted the offer and were brought to the landing near Kyra’s villa.
‘I guess I have to go inside and tell Kyra that I solved her cultist problem once again.’ Alexios said when they reached the path below the gardens.
‘And I’ll go to my study and take care of the paperwork.‘ Thaletas sighed. ‘If I find anything else that might help you, I will bring it to you.’
Quickly he looked around and when he was sure that nobody was watching them, he kissed Alexios on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you later.’
Alexios spent the next three days doing some errands for Kyra and supporting Lykaon in the infirmary as best he could. He wasn’t ready to go back to the Adrestia and meet Barnabas and the crew yet. They would certainly notice the wide grin that had been on his face since his return from Delos and would pester him with endless questions. Besides, the sight of them would remind him that he needed to leave soon.
In the morning, a courier had stood at the door, bringing him a message from Thaletas. The letter was written as concisely as one would expect from a Spartan and listed some clues that pointed to the leader of the Abantis Islands. If he really wanted to destroy the Cult, he had to hurry before the Hydra could grow new heads.
‘Are you ready?’ Kyra vigorously knocked on Alexios’ door. ‘We’ll wait for you in the courtyard.’
‘Coming,’ called Alexios and put the comb aside.
He tied up his top hair and put on Thaletas red chiton which he had washed extra for today. His armor lay unused in the corner since his return from Delos and he thought about putting it on for a moment but decided against it. Instead, he grabbed his belt, strapped it on and went downstairs to join the others.
‘Someone has dressed up.’ Kyra watched him from top to bottom while Lykaon nodded at him.
Alexios just shrugged and grinned broadly. Indeed, he had tried hard to look his best, he even had a bath, after all, he would see Thaletas finally again. Since they had said goodbye, the general had entrenched himself in the Fort and hadn’t come out again. It was Herodianos who had managed to get the promise from him to go drinking with them.
‘Can I ask you a question, Kyra?’ Asked Alexios as they walked through the city towards the tavern.
‘Sure. Anything.’ Kyra looked at Alexios out of the corner of her eye. ‘Is this about Thaletas?’
‘No, although I admit he raises a lot of questions.’ Alexios laughed. ‘I was wondering how you managed to send me the letters so precisely. It was almost as if you knew where I was and what I was doing.’
Kyra came to Alexios’ side and hooked up with him. Gently she put one hand on his upper arm and started to grin. ‘That’s because I knew. You know my eyes and ears are everywhere.’
Alexios pulled his eyebrows together. ‘But how?’
‘Barnabas,’ Lykaon said. ‘They write to each other all the time. You should see her face when another letter from him arrives. Like a little girl receiving gifts.’
‘You shall not betray my secrets,’ scolded Kyra and pulled a pout towards Lykaon.
‘Barnabas writes letters?’ Asked Alexios in surprise.
‘Sure.’ Kyra punched him on the upper arm. ‘He has a lot of exciting things to tell. But unfortunately, the commander never listens to him.’
Herodianos was already waiting for them in front of the tavern. The soldier greeted everyone with a warm handshake and invited them inside. When Alexios wanted to step through the door, he suddenly held him by the shoulder. ‘Thaletas told me to send you to him. He said he needs to talk to you in private.’
‘Did he say what it is about?’ Asked Alexios, suddenly alarmed.
Herodianos shrugged. ‘He was very taciturn. But it’s probably about the matter with the governor. He said that you would know where to find him.’ He slapped Alexios on the shoulder. ‘Be quick, I would like to raise a cup with you.’
‘This beach? Seriously Thaletas?’ Alexios waded through the shallow water towards the general who was watching the sea. ‘You know I hate it.’
‘I know.’ Said Thalatas slowly. ‘And I also know that you’re going to hate me for what I’m about to do.’
Alexios stopped. He immediately felt a lump form in his throat and his smile faded away. ‘You make me feel anxious, Thaletas.’
The general turned slowly and looked at Alexios. His eyes were thoughtful and a little sad.
He tried to smile. ‘You look good.’
Alexios said nothing but watched with worried eyes as Thaletas approached him.
‘Whenever I see you, my heart beats faster.’ Said Thaletas and went on until he was standing right in front of Alexios. ‘Ever since you came back to these islands, my thoughts have revolved around you. I can‘t even close my eyes without seeing your pretty smile before me.’
‘Thaletas …’ Alexios smiled softly and cupped his face. He bent forward to kiss him but Thaletas turned his face away.
‘No, Alexios. Please don’t.’ Thaletas took a deep breath and made a step back. Then he took Alexios' hands gently in his and looked deep into his eyes. ‘If you kiss me now, I cannot do it. But I have to, and I hate myself for it. Alexios … I have to break your heart.’
‘Please don’t …’ Alexios’ voice faded and his throat tightened.
‘Before I met you, I was certain of everything.’ Thaletas still held Alexios’ hands and squeezed them tighter as he spoke. ‘My life followed an exact plan. I would become a general, marry a good woman and have strong sons. I would raise them to make Sparta proud. Being a good Spartan has been my life. I always knew what would come next. I was happy, I thought.’
He let go of Alexios’ hands and walked a few steps towards the sea.
‘And then you came into my life,’ he went on. ‘You just appeared out of nowhere, wild and free as an untamed horse, and hit me like you were one of Zeus’ lightning bolts. The passion with which you fight, your unconscious smile when you succeed a difficult parry – you were suddenly everywhere in my head.’
Thaletas turned around and the expression on his face broke Alexios’ heart. The otherwise always strong and calm general seemed insecure and weak, almost fragile.
‘You have changed everything, Alexios.’ He said quietly. ‘Everything I was so sure of in my life doesn’t make sense anymore. There is a part of me that wants to throw it all away and stay with you. It hurts so much to part with you.’
‘Then don’t do it!’ Alexios rushed towards Thaletas and clasped his neck. He felt the tears rising in him and he wanted to turn away from the man he loved but instead, he looked deep into his eyes. ‘Come with me. Stay at my side.’
‘I can’t.’ Thaletas sounded desperate. ‘I wish I could.’
‘Then I’ll stay with you and leave everything behind. Here or in Sparta, I want to be yours. I’ll even quit being a mercenary and join the army if that’s what you want. But please, don’t do this to us.’ A few tears escaped his eyes and made their way down Alexios’ cheek. He did not know if he had ever felt so helpless.
‘How do you expect this to work out?’ Thaletas broke free of Alexios’ grip and went to the water. Gentle waves caressed his feet as he turned his eyes towards Sparta.
‘Three years ago, that was exactly what you suggested.’ Alexios said desperately.
‘Exactly, that was three years ago and I was blinded by my feelings for you.’ Thaletas rubbed his temples. ‘Alexios, I’ve had enough time to think. This is Sparta. And you are the son of the Wolf, the grandson of King Leonidas. You and I, together, that’s not possible.
‘Thaletas ….’ Alexios’ voice was only a whisper.
‘I have made up my mind, Alexios’. Thaletas cleared his throat and put all his strength into his voice. ‘I have spoken extensively with Althea the last three days and I will accompany her and my sister to Sparta for the winter. Kittos, my sister’s husband and my second-in-command, passed away two days ago. Even though she won't admit it, Kressida will need my support. And I have to leave these islands to think clearly.’
‘And Althea? Will you keep being with her?’ Alexios feared the answer, but he just had to know.
Thaletas hesitated. ‘I do not want to make a decision yet.’
‘I thought so.’ Alexios lowered his eyes. He felt like all emotions had been drained from him.
‘This time it’s different. Please believe me.’ Thaletas’ voice was trembling.
‘How? Thaletas, it’s exactly like last time.’ Alexios’ hands clenched into fists. ‘Every time you tell me how much you like me and then you choose the woman.’
‘I promise you, I won’t kiss her or lie with her until I know what to do.’ Whispered Thaletas. ‘Right now, I can’t even tell you what that is, the way I feel about you. It’s all so … intense. I must know if it’s the same in Sparta, where not everything reminds me of you. If you hate me now, I can understand that.’
‘I wish I could. Everything would be so much easier.’ Alexios shook his head. He didn’t want to hear all this. ‘I’ll leave in the morning. You know, there’s no time to lose. The Cult is still operating.’ He sighed and tried to contain himself. ’Come now, we should join the others. They are waiting for us.’
He turned around and walked slowly back towards the city. Oh, how he hated this beach.
‘Alexios, wait!’
Thaletas voice sounded faint in his ears. Distant, as if he were a life away. But suddenly he felt a hand grasp his and he turned around.
‘I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry.’ Whispered Thaletas. Tears were running down his cheeks, and instantly Alexios wanted to hold him and say everything will be all right. ‘When this cult thing is over, I wouldn’t mind seeing you in Sparta. Maybe there we can find out together what this is between us. And then we figure out where we go from there.’
Alexios closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. What he was about to do was incredibly stupid. He should forget about that man and move on. Instead, he looked at him lovingly.
‘It’s obvious to me what it is.’ He sighed. ‘But I’d love to help you. Even though you’re probably gonna hurt me many more times. Bruised, bloody, broken, you seem to mean that. Are you sure you want me to come?’
‘I am sure.’ Thaletas smiled weakly and looked at Alexios with his head bowed. ‘May I kiss you one last time?’
Alexios returned the smile. Sad, but full of hope at the same time. Then he cupped Thaletas face and caressed his cheeks tenderly. ‘You may.’