A Second Voice Stops Me…

“Odysseia…” It says, but unlike before it wasn’t intangible. The voice was real, male, and… standing behind me? I turned around to see Maron quickly rushing up to me with a large blanket, wrapping it around my body and covering my head. At first I struggle, but quickly he whispers in shushing tones.

“Do not follow him.” He whispered to me, his hand on the sole of my back now. “You spared my life and I wish to do the same. Your men blame you for this insurrection, if you return to your ship you are a dead woman.” His voice is breathy, harsh, as he leads me to a window so I can stare outside.

The locals of the island had begun their assault. Flames roared throughout the city, my men were being run out with swords and weapons, as they had all seemed to let their guard down.

“They… think this is my fault?” I whisper softly as I watch the scene, my heart wrenching in my chest at the screams and torment of my men. It is no wonder that they planned to kill me if that is the case… I have lead them into this trap! But… why would they blame me?

“Odysseia, there is no time for questions.” Maron whispered as he grabbed another bottle of wine from his table side. “Drink this. It will clear your mind enough to escape without fear.” He says, pushing the drink to my mouth and practically feeding it to me now. I let the liquid fill my mouth and throat, but I struggled to keep up with the flow of the liquid as he poured. The wine was strong and he was giving me…

“Too… much…” I whispered between coughs before taking a small step back, wiping the excess liquid off of my lips. Maron looked tense, and a small bit of fear grew on his face.

“My apologies, but we must disguise you. As my wife.” He says, causing me to raise an eyebrow as he shoved more clothing into my arms. “We will hide you here until the time has come that you are safe.”

“I must return home.” I growled, dropping the clothes on the floor and approaching him with a deep grimace. “Even if I must fight my entire fleet I must return home to my beloved Penelope.”

“Then you will die, Odysseia.” Maron bit back, staring me deep in the eyes with deep, baiting breaths as he waited for my response. But I stayed silent, holding, as I watched his shoulders slump. “You are a warrior of the mind, you know it would be unwise to take on your entire fleet. They know enough of your weaknesses you will be killed in seconds.”

“WHERE IS THE CAPTAIN?” A loud scream from outside could be heard from my friend Harmocydes as he rushed to the ship, chased by violent islanders protesting our stay. My eyes widened as I watched his demeanor: short, angry, and violent.

“They want your head, Odysseia.” Maron continued, holding out a hand as he gave me a soft, welcoming smile that looked almost desperate. “You saved me, allow me to save you as well.” He whispers.

I hesitate as my eyes bounced between his hand and his eyes. It was clammy, scared, but who wouldn’t be as their entire city is rioting, and you are single handedly holding and hiding the one responsible? He is risking quite a lot… for me.

I let out a quick sigh as I reach up, grabbing his hand and clasping it tightly with a small growl. “Fine… Thank you, my friend.”