The former arena champion struggled to lift himself from his furs, after yet another full day of training his body was covered in bruises. Even so, results could be seen, the dark splotches having dissipated. Few remained now, and his body appeared more defined than before, the muscles far denser and more compact, a result as the Scholar stated from Borgrul’s blood.

Luckily for him and everyone else the colds winds had ceased blowing the day before, and as the others who were knowledgeable of the path had stated, they were close to the exit. Soon enough the convoy would leave the mountains and descend the path on the other end, overlooking both the sea and the lands along the coast.

Honestly everyone was able to see the signs of depression and sadness in the youths’ eyes, up until this point the constant training tended to occupy his attention. Until now he had never been given proper time to grieve. His eyes focused on the sky above, he breathed in the cold air, took in the scents of the world, and realized all that had been missing from his life until this point. A reality he never would have the opportunity to experience together with his teacher.

Just as the boy was about to wallow in regret a familiar face appeared running alongside the column, albeit one limb short. “Looks like you’re awake kid… Get a good night’s rest?” Timeaus ran up to the wagon, grasped the wood with his right hand and swung up onto the wooden plank on the rear.

Unconsciously Timeaus reached over to ruffle the boy’s hair until he realized which arm, he had used. Timeaus’s stump was outstretched, hanging in the air, his eyes focused on the place where his hand and forearm used to be. In a complete reversal, it was the youth who placed an understanding hand upon his shoulder, the two, sitting side by side, watching the horses as they trotted along.

“So, how are you feeling? I know Maatilani and the Lord have been pushing you pretty hard during the trip.” Timeaus kept his eyes on the horses, occasionally turning his attention to the skies and glistening mountain peaks.

“I don’t know what to think. I still don’t know much of the world, Mera, and the others are all helping, but how can I enjoy this freedom when those I care about are no longer here. How am I supposed to enjoy life when all I can remember is the death…? My hands are dirty Timeaus… I have killed so many people. Do I deserve to be happy? To be free?” The youth had was not even an adult, just shy of adulthood. Yet he had experienced horrors that no child should have ever had to endure, the only crutch that he possessed all this time, the person that kept him moving forward was gone. Worse still was the truth that he was the reason for his teacher’s state all these years, that by protecting him, his teacher suffered for so long.

“Don’t allow that to stop you from growing boy. We all experience hardships, some of us drown ourselves in despair, fail to face our demons… We project our wants onto others, or rage against the world, or distract ourselves with luxuries… All to forget the things we have lost.” As the youth looked toward the older man he could see the pained expression, could see the reflection of himself. As the boy was about to open his mouth a cough echoed from inside the wagon, and from the shadows emerged the Scholar.

“Timeaus I apologize, but I will need to borrow the kid. Is that fine with you? Or would you rather I wait until later?” Timeaus just shook his head at the Scholar’s question, taking hold of the cloth wagon bonnet he heaved himself upward. “No problem with that my Lord, we were just chatting is all. I need to check on the prisoners at the rear anyway, they have been getting rowdier lately… and Maatilani’s been too busy hunting with the wolf pups to deal with them, so I volunteered. I’ll come see the boy later.” The Scholar nodded in acknowledgement and allowed Timeaus to be on his way.

“Come with me. I have something to tell you, and I don’t think you’ll want to miss the sight as reach the capital approach.” The boy didn’t answer, simply choosing to follow along silently. It may have been that the boy somewhat blamed the Scholar for his teacher’s death, as illogical as it may seem, even still it was difficult for the boy to accept the reality. Likely time, familiarity, and some comradery would help resolve that, but bonding would take time.

“Sit with me.” The Scholar dismissed the coachman, taking the reins of the horse and leading it himself. Neither of them said anything, opting to simply sit quietly watching the sun rise, listening to the cries of the birds and the continuous clomping of the horses’ hooves.

Around ten minutes after the two had taken their position their wagon passed the final mountain, the trail opened, the path descending gradually. As the convoy followed the highland path, they retained a commanding view of the lowlands below. Stretched out were patches of farmland, rows of golden wheat swayed in the morning sun, acres of fig trees provided their bounty, and the vineyard workers could be seen hard at work.

Far in the distance, past the idyllic countryside, past the farms and vineyards lay the crown jewel of Syroneika. The capital Merlabria, it rested upon the sea, a sliver of which remained upon the coast connected to the island with a wide wooden bridge at its center. Numerous ships could be witnessed, even at this distance as they dotted the horizon, moving to pass through the massive sea walls that guarder the two seaports.

Impressive forty-foot-high stone walls could be seen bordering the sea, with the walls circling Orlika Island around twice that. Orlika Island was the true seat of power, the Archon’s palace resting within the center. The scattering of structures on the island which could be seen were much more organized, the streets more visible, and the buildings nowhere near as compact as could be seen on the mainland portion of the city.

However, as impressive as the cities white stone walls, and towering pillars appeared in the distance, the young man could not tear his eyes away from the endless sheet of blue. The river he had hunted, bathed, and swam in for the few days leading up to the battle of Kallithene Hills was nothing in comparison, a puddle. Here was the sea, the great endless blue that his teacher spoke of, his eyes became heavy as he looked out at that magnificent sight.

A reassuring hand was placed on his head, “Don’t worry, you are one of us now… and as one of us I can’t keep referring to you as boy now can I. As I promised your teacher I have been thinking long and hard these last few days, and I would officially like to welcome you to our family Nikomachos. How does that sound Niko?” Niko was unable to respond, as his mind began to comprehend the words tears began to flow from his eyes. Caedyrn said nothing, just responded with a knowing smirk and a reassuring pat on the head for the new addition.