Defying Fate

Chapter 5-p3

Polites stared at Odysseus, then at the infant, peaking over his shoulder. Odysseus felt a small hand in his hair, and reached back to comfort the boy.
"So, Cassandra was telling the truth?" Polites asked. "Zeus will not let you return home with the boy?"
"I don't care what she thinks she saw," Odysseus said. "Our fates are bound together. I will no sooner kill this boy than I would my own son."
Polites smiled, and reached behind Odysseus to ruffle Asterion's fine hair. It seemed he was blonde, like Cassandra. Though Odysseus knew hair could darken over time, it was unlikely he would resemble his adopted family in any way.
"I'll follow you to the ends of the earth, captain," Polites said softly. "No matter what we get into, I know you'll get us out of it."
"Let's keep going," Odysseus said, seeking a change in subject. He started into the center of the clearing, when a very clear voice, that did not belong to either of them said:
"Welcome."
Standing in the clearing, where no one had been standing a moment before, was a figure. Indistinct, as if shrouded in a veil. The figure spread its arms wide as Odysseus focused on it. Odysseus threw his arm out to prevent Polites from starting forward.
"Who are you?" Odysseus shouted across. The only sound was the wind, and the figure laughing. As Odysseus watched, the figure sank into the tall grass of the clearing.
"We are not your enemies, little warrior." The clear voice sounded all around the two, neither quite male, nor female.
Polites came up behind Odysseus, pressing close to Asterion, keeping the baby sandwiched between them. Odysseus reached for his sword, only to find it gone. More laughter from the mysterious voice, which seemed to have multiplied. It echoed in the trees.
"We mean you no harm," Polites called out, his eyes wide, still standing behind Odysseus. "Maybe they're friendly?" He added more quietly. "Maybe they know where the good fruit trees are?"
"More likely that its some malevolent spirit," Odysseus replied.
"We are here for you," the voice said. "To make you feel welcome."
"Welcome? Welcome where? Where are we?" Odysseus asked.
"Home..." A fresh breeze blew through the trees and suddenly, Polites was gone, as was Asterion's weight on his back. Odysseus smelled the familiar scent from the vineyards of Ithaca, of fresh soil and ocean breezes. The smell of fresh bread, and perfume, and he turned, and found himself on the dock where he had set off for Troy, ten years ago.
This was no memory though. It was too clear, everything was too sharp.
"Welcome home, my love," Odysseus heard a voice, and there she was, exactly as he had left her. Her dark hair was unbound and cascaded down her back in gentle curls. Her dress was pale lavender, and over her hair she wore a veil, as if in mourning.
"Penelope..."