Chapter Text
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— “Eurypon, the boy did nothing wrong!” — The scene shows a young, blond woman, whose beauty chases her determined warrior soul. She kneels before a man holding steadily an infant, wrapped in a blanket. — “This is murder! Do not sully the noble name of Kremnos with the blood of an innocent child! You mustn't reveal your weaknesses to the enemy!”
— “Enough! You think I am not aware of it? That I will shed blood of my own? That my opponents will mock me for fearing a child? But what else do I have left to have done to prevent our land from its end? We must use this child's life to preserve the soul of the great Nikador. We must... save Castrum Kremnos.”
— “Don't be absurd! Those tiny hands lack the strength to even lift a spear! Do you truly believe him a threat to Castrum Kremnos!?” — Despite anger rising within her heart, her voice stays firm. — “Or maybe the fates want you to believe that? What if this child will bring more glory than destruction for our nation itself, the bright spark of its future even? You will never know that if you do this!”
The silence happens to join their conversation, leaving the king for a couple of seconds with his own thoughts of consideration. Glancing at his son wasn’t easy, when the baby tries so eagerly to reach the majesty with his little hands, so full of life and trust in his golden eyes. Meanwhile lots of emotions can be seen on the king’s face – pain, regret, a spark of hope in eyes and then certainty of made decision.
— “…I can’t risk the fortune of our people, Gorgo. Not when by sacrificing one life I can save thousands.”
— “But listen to yourself now! Do you truly believe you can cleanse the blood from your hands through mere words alone?”
— “Nay, quite the contrary. I will end this cycle of bloodshed… Starting with this child. With these bloodstained hands, I will end it all.”
— “Your failure is inevitable, Eurypon! You are just a coward who can only raise his blade against his own child! A beast that murders his own kin!” — At this moment the woman has lost her temper, becoming more and more desperate with every second of this ‘negotiations’, trying so hard to save her child. She turned around to face the gathered crowd. — “Royal Wing Elites and Ephors of Kremnos, you cannot sit idly by and watch this atrocity unfold! If you consider yourselves the honorable sons and daughters of Gorgo, then take up your spears and join me in putting an end to this bloody charade!”
— “...Does anyone else have any objections? If so, come forward with your spear and prove your mettle! May our blood and sweat be faced in an honorable battle!”
But despite everything, no one dares to oppose the king's decision. Even if there were people disagreeing with the ruler, no one would be that insane to be against his will. Only Gorgo, the king’s wife, stood courageously in front of his former majesty in her eyes, ready to fight her husband to save her baby’s life. Deep down she wished at least one person stepped out.
— “No one dares stand by my side? Cowards! Has that crown stripped you of your courage!?”
— “It appears there are no objections.” — He took a deep breath and exhaled. — “Then, in accordance with the Kremnoan Council's principle of tacit consent, the decision is final. With all present as witnesses, this child shall descend into the Sea of Souls, where he will nourish the Lance of Fury and join the fallen heroes.” — Eurypon paused for a second, glancing one last time at his son before slowly turning on his feet towards the edge. — “May fate and the gods await your arrival… My son... Mydeimos.”
— “Stop! Stop this madness!” — Gorgo stepped forward, detained the king. The only thing he did was sigh and turn back to face his wife.
— “If you have more to say, then speak. On account of the life we have shared together, I grant you this one final chance. Speak your mind before I'll change my mind.”
Without waiting for any help from her comrades nor titans she challenged the man.
— “With the Blade of Fury above us and the Council bearing witness, I, Gorgo, hereby move to challenge the crown in accordance with the laws of Kremnos! O unworthy king, in the name of the Council of Elders, I demand that you duel me!”
It doesn’t seem to surprise Eurypon, yet this strange spark appeared in his eyes she used to love to gaze on. The same spark just like when they fought each other. He snorted, but didn't plan to back off from a thrown gauntlet. With a hand gesture one of the servants took the baby to the side, while the other brought a spear.
— “Heh... Very well. We shall see whose spear strikes down the other.”
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She runs as fast as her legs let her, not even trying to look back or bother to check the state of her soaking clothes nor her body. The most important thing was in her hands, still whimpers and sobs since they long left their homeland. At least she hoped so.
The exhaustion slowly letting her know of its presence made her slow down her pace. The old olive tree greets her with open arms, letting her rest by its trunk and finally enjoy the little miracle she had in her arms.
- “Shh, my dear child, as long as I am beside you I won’t let anyone do any harm to you, not even your own father.. I promise you that, my brave cub.” — She places a soft kiss on the child’s forehead. Maybe it wasn’t certainly it but somehow the baby finally calmed down.
The silence gave Gorgo an opportunity to coldly think of their next move. Running away with nothing by her name wasn’t clearly one of her best choices in her life, but on the other hand the best choice she ever made. With how little time they had it was definitely a success that they managed to leave Kremnos in one piece at all with only small wounds over her body.
She wasn’t sure where they were supposed to go, but definitely far, far away from Kremnos. The nearer they’ll be to that land, the higher would be chances for Eurypon’s people to find them. They were already on their way to Janusopolis, so maybe go to Okhema? After all, she highly doubts they’d search for them that far. On the other hand, the Okhemans weren’t really… Warmhearted toward Kremnoans, and of course vice versa so this was out of option.
The only choice left for them was going even further than Okhema.
Sure, It’ll take them days.. In the worst case scenario maybe even a few weeks to get wherever her feet lead them. However somehow she felt it’ll be worth it. After all she wasn’t doing it only for herself. A chuckle left her mouth, as she finally decided to stand up to her feet, glanced with a smile to the baby in her embrace.
— “Maybe we’ll find some peace, wherever the wind will lead us.” — The smile on her face was gentle, as she once again placed a kiss on the child’s forehead, which caused a little giggle from the golden eyed baby. It’ll definitely be a long journey, just waiting ahead of them.
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She was lucky enough to be able to sell almost everything she owned that had any worth in the next village they visited. The only thing that she left with her was her family signet and earrings with bright blue gems - a simple reminder of where she came from.. At least thanks to that she could buy supplies, clean clothes, a proper blanket to carry Mydei in a wrap and still managed to save some money.
The path wasn’t really that bad, only danger awaiting for them was titankins and prevailing darkness, which was nothing unusual for Amphoreus norms. It took them two solid days to get through Janusopolis, about 5 more days to reach the borders of Okhema and pass hawk sight of the demigod of romance.
The Dawn Device shone gently upon them, guiding them to their next destination. She couldn't pass by unbothered and not admire the view that blessed their “little” journey. Afterall not everyday you’ve got a chance to bathe in Kephale’s light. It only gave her more hope that maybe they really have a chance for a new tomorrow.. In her heart she fully thanks Kephale, yet again not looking back at anything she left behind.
Left with only excitement flowing through her veins.
After some time of walking she was met by golden fields of wheat and freshly green meadows full of colorful flowers of any kind, gently swaying in the wind. Landscape was as gentle as a floating wind - full of small hills, surrounded by olive and fig trees, goats and sheep peacefully grazing with young men keeping watch over them. They waved at her sight friendly, on which of course politely tilted her head at them, as she walked forward, hugging the baby a little tighter to her heart.
From the distance there was a sign of small buildings - maybe nothing unordinary but it was a good sign for her. This cosy village was far enough from anything for her to finally take a deep breath. It wasn’t like anything back in Castrum Kremnos, but somehow you could already feel at home, even without crossing its borders.
— “Hello Miss! May I help you?” — The sudden childish voice threw her out of her thoughts and musing. Pink haired girl was clearly shorter than her, full of curiosity and wonder in her blue as sky eyes, with hands behind her back. She reminded her of the priests of Janus. Woman just nodded with affirmation
— “Yes, can you maybe lead me to an adult? You seem to be a nice and bright young lady, but sadly the problem I have requires someone older.” — As much as the child wanted to contre-argue (at least by determination in her eyes), she took her hand and took the lead without another word. Of course she started asking her questions like “ Where do you come from? What are you planning to do in our village?” etc. on which she decided to ease her curiosity.
The village wasn’t that big as she thought before. There were maybe 6, at most 8 houses with a small square meant for Oronyx, but it seemed it was enough for its residents.
They passed a few people who were looking at her just like at some interesting mural, which she couldn’t blame them since probably new faces weren’t that frequent to see. Just like a little girl, their eyes were full of curiosity of their new guest, but at the same time some suspense. Good thing she didn’t have her old clothes, but only by the way she walked or her accent someone could deduce she’s a Kremnoan. Maybe it was a reason for their uncertainty or maybe just fear of the unknown.
Soon later they stand in front of white house with a beautiful garden full of flowers, vegetables and fruits. You could see how much care and passion the person behind it gave for that to look so goodlooking.
— “Please, wait a minute, I’ll be right back!” — Before she could even answer, kid was already inside. She took another look at her peacefully sleeping baby. He definitely had a sound sleep, just like his father. He wasn’t big yet and he already reminded her of her husband. Who knows, maybe in the future he’ll be a good leader like his father? She just wished he won’t make stupid mistakes or let the madness consume him..
— “Mom! Can you come with me? A nice Miss would want to speak with you!” — She heard, still patiently waiting outside. There were more voices, now more muffled, but soon she was met with a young woman, maybe around her own age, smiling in her direction. Next to her leg was tiny, white haired toddler, tightly hugging her and looking at Gorgo’s direction with his big, blue eyes.
— “Hello! I heard you wanted to talk with another adult, what can I help you with sweetie?” — She spoke with such softness it almost took her by surprise. Ah, the cultural differences. She cleared her throat before speaking.
— “Hello and yes that’s true. Do you maybe recall if there’s any free locum? It doesn’t need to be big, since it’s only me and the baby. Just wanted to take root in a new place, you know what it’s like.. I’ll of course re-pay you!”
— “Ah it won’t be necessary darling. Hm, I don’t think there’s a free one but if you’re comfortable you can stay at our place. There’s enough space for everyone.”
— “ I’m not sure.. I don’t want to cause trouble.”
— “Nonsense, it won’t be a problem at all, after all it was me who proposed the idea. But before anything, may I ask what’s your and that little fella names ?”
With a little hesitation, a moment later she answered.
— “My name’s Gorgo and that little sleeping prince’s Mydeimos”
— “Oh what pretty names you two have! Pleasure to meet you! Well, my name is Audata.” — She smiled so brightly that someone could mistook her as a dawn device itself. — “And that shy boy is ████████. Now, would you like to come in?”
— “Gladly, but pleasure’s all mine.” — The hesitation from before disappeared completely, as she took another step into the bright future.
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