THE INSUPERABLE: a close betrayal

Part 10: acceptance

"My own flesh and blood!" Acastus was beside himself, "This! This is wrong! How dare you...how could you?! My home, my wife, my... Malakas! Drachmae! You stupid, stupid Malaka!" Acastus swore. "Father I..."

"No Argus! No! Let me finish; this is unacceptable. How do you expect me to even look at you and call you my son after you just stuck a massive spear into my back?!" Acastus said with fire in his eyes. "Father!" Argus yelled in desperation. Acastus suddenly grew quiet, eying his son warily. "Father I love her, we love each other. I knew you would not approve. I knew that you would send her back to Athens, back to that whoreson king Pericles. I could not let that happen father, nor could I let my sweet Iris be with a man she did not love. We had no other choice father, please understand...". Argus begged, wiping tears from his eyes. Acastus having noticed his son's tears asked, "You love her?" " I do father more than anything," Argus exclaimed. Acastus' eyes turned towards Iris, "and you Iris? What do you have to say to all of this?" The fetching young, dark-haired girl wiped tears from her eyes and looked at Acastus. "I never meant to hurt you. When you first brought me here, you showed nothing but kindness, you never forced yourself upon me nor did you treat me with disrespect. In time, I even grew to love you, not as a husband but as a father. I'll always appreciate everything you've done for me, no matter what you decide, but I love Argus and for that, I can not apologize," tears streamed down the girl's cheeks.

Acastus remained silent for a while. After some time he wiped his face and began to speak: "To the south at the end of the river lies my current dwelling. On the mantlepiece above the fireplace, there is a statue of Zeus. Pull his Uhm..." Acastus started to blush, "his unmentionables...A door to a hidden room behind the fireplace will open, inside is the last of my fortune. Take it and start a new life together. Far from here," Kalib looked at Acastus with surprise. "Father?" Argus enquired. "No Argus..." at that moment Acastus looked every year of his age, and oh so very weary. "Not another word, just go and promise me that you will look after one another." Iris ran towards Acastus, wrapped her arms around him, and gave him a kiss on his cheek. The two lovers then turned, mounted Acastus's horse, and galloped towards the dwelling to the south.

Kalib and Acastus stood there staring at the horse as it vanished from sight. "Interesting choice Acastus, why the sudden change of heart?" Kalib asked. "I was mad Misthios, I still am," Acastus explained, "but when I looked into my boy's eyes, I saw myself, and I remembered how it was to be young and in love. His actions are not his fault. Everything he did was for love. I have experienced great love once, a love that will never be topped. Trying to replace it with a younger girl, was stupid and foolish. He's a good boy Misthios, he deserves to be happy. Who am I to stand in his way? I only pray that Aphrodite blesses their love." Acastus lowered his eyes sadly.

"A mature and rational choice Acastus, a lesser man in your position would have flogged the boy and sent the girl back from whence she came. You're a good man, your wife would be proud," Kalib smiled. "What will you do now dear Acastus"? The older man sighed: "I guess I'll go back to selling olive oil. 'Tis the only thing I'm good at. I'll have to start all over again but it's nothing a bit of hard work can't solve. Anyway, enough of that. The matter of your payment still stands, if you wait right here I'll collect it from my secret stash within the estate." Acastus smiled, "I still have some coin left..."

Kalib raised his hand dismissively, "No need. I'll collect it from you some other time. I fear the horse is already over-encumbered as it is.".A wide smile spread across Acastus' face for the first time in a very long time. He nodded as if deep in thought. "Ahh I see, then I'll have your drachmae ready the moment you return. Thank you for all you have done Misthios." Kalib mounted his horse, "Take care Acastus."

Kalib pondered the events of the day as the estate disappeared behind him. The late afternoon sun touched his face lazily. He admired a deer crossing the dirt road just ahead of him while hummingbirds played near the flowers beside the road. A familiar voice could suddenly be heard calling out to him. "Misthios! Oh Misthios!" Acastus came running from behind desperately trying to get Kalib's attention.

Kalib stopped and watched as Acastus ran towards him. The merchant stopped and weezed as he desperately tried to regain his breath. "Forget something Acastus?" Kalib laughed. "Misthios," Acastus said, breathing heavily. "Misthios please. I beg of you, take me with you," Acastus fell to his knees. Confusion spread over Kalib's face, "Acastus..." he started. "No Misthios, listen!. My entire life I've been a sad and weak little man that allowed others to walk all over me. I want to regain my self-respect. I want more from life than just oil. Please misthios, if you won't train me then at least let me be your servant. I'll clean your swords and restock your goods, please Misthios I beg you, take me with you!" Acastus begged desperately. Kalib looked down at the poor, desperate man at his feet, he rolled his eyes. "Come on Acastus, let me buy you a drink!"