Tides of Fate

Chapter Three: Waves

I woke up to an empty room, Theodoros's bed untouched. Panic set in as I frantically searched every nook and cranny of our small home, calling out his name.
But there was only silence.
I rushed outside, asking our neighbours and passersby if they had seen my son. No one had.
He wasn't in any of his usual playing spots.
I ran to the market, maybe he'd gone to play by the docks.
I saw the soldier whose nose I'd broken yesterday.
He looked nervous when he spotted me, but I approached him anyway.
"Excuse me, soldier. Have you seen my son?"
The soldier hesitated.
I grabbed his arm, panic rising in me. "Sir, please. I can't find him."
He saw the tears building, his expression softening and he spoke. "I saw him with Commander Phoebus, ma'am. They were on the shore, near the commander's ship."
My heart skipped a beat.
Phoebus? Why would Theodoros be with him?
I rushed to the shore, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But as I approached the ship, I saw Phoebus and Theodoros laughing together, Theodoros holding a small wooden toy on the deck of the ship.
My heart faltered, seeing Theo so happy, Phoebus smiling at him as he played.
I found my way up, not being noticed until I'd stepped onto the ship.
"Mother!" Theodoros exclaimed, running towards me. "Phoebus made me a boat!"
Phoebus smiled apologetically, trailing behind Theo as he showed me his new toy.
It was beautifully crafted, a replica of Phoebus' ship.
I squinted at it, seeing a small engraving on the bottom, Theo's proclamation going through my mind.
I looked up at Phoebus, my heart still between panic and... awe.
"Y-you made it for him?" I asked.
He chuckled, embarrassed. "I hope you don't mind. I promised him a special gift and I thought this was safer than... Anything else I had." I knew he went to say the word sword, thankful he stopped.
I'd never hear the end of it if Theo was offered a sword.
"I...thank you, Phoebus. But next time, please tell me if you're taking my son somewhere." I looked down at Theo, giving him a scolding look. "You shouldn't have run off without telling me."
Theo ducked behind my skirt, muttering an apology.
Phoebus touched my arm, a look of understanding in his smile. "I apologise for any worry I caused. Next time, I'll be sure to ask first." He looked to Theo, smiling then.
I hugged Theodoros tightly, noticing the way he tried to avoid my eye like he was hiding something.
I looked up at Phoebus, seeing him scratching the back of his neck.
An action Theodoros' father used to do when he was lying.
I looked at Theo, smiling at him. "Did you find me a seashell worthy of Poseidon's envy?"
Theo's eyes widened, forgetting our morning routine.
I gave him a fake look of hurt, touching my chest. "Do you wish the God of the sea to stop providing us with wonderful waves and fish?"
Theodoros didn't answer me, he merely tilted his head to the ocean, calling an apology to the waves and began his search.
I turned on Phoebus, seeing a surprised expression on his face, biting back a smile.
"You wear a trinket of the Gods, yet are surprised I use their influence to distract my son?"
He looked at me, raising a dark eyebrow and smirked. "I was just surprised which God you worship," he said simply.
I giggled, looking towards Theodoros' as he feverishly scoured the sand, looking for shells and other items he thought I might find pretty.
"I'm surprised you lied for Theo," I tilted my head, giving him a sly smile.
A touch of pink hit his cheeks, surprising me, and he scratched the back of his neck again, chuckling.
"I confess, Chrysa." He raised his hand to me. I turned, crossing my arms at him, setting him with the same look I would Theo.
"Go on," I encouraged, both of us biting back a smile at the silly game.
"Theodoros came to my ship at dawn, asking if he could help out. He was so eager and enthusiastic, I didn't have the heart to say no."
I started laughing, Phoebus flinching slightly. "That sounds like Theodoros, alright. He can be quite determined when he wants something."
Phoebus smiled, his expression warm. "I can see that. He's a remarkable young man. I enjoyed having him on my ship, and he was quite helpful, too."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What did he do?"
Phoebus leaned against the ship's railing, his eyes gazing out to sea. "He helped me with some tasks, and then he asked if he could learn more about navigation. He's got a keen mind, Chrysa. He picked it up quickly."
I felt a surge of pride, hearing Phoebus's praise. "Thank you, Phoebus. That means a lot. It's not often men like yourself find a tolerance for his...."
"Excitable talents?" Phoebus offered with a smirk.
I giggled, nodding. "That's a way to put it," I resisted the urge to touch his arm, leaning against the railing next to him instead.
His tone turned soft. "May I ask...what happened to his father?"
I didn't meet his eyes, staring out into the ocean instead, knowing Poseidon would carry my tears. "He died in the name of Poseidon," I said, my voice distant. "He was a fisherman, but when the call from the Gods came, Theoden was sure Poseidon had called for him personally."
I gave a sad laugh, glancing up to see Phoebus' stone expression, a million emotions I couldn't decipher running across it.
"Do you believe that?" He asked, his ocean blue eyes dropping to my light blue ones. "Do you blame Poseidon?"
I shook my head after a moment, looking back out to the ocean. "My husband was..." I sighed, dipping my head and saying a silent prayer for forgiveness. "He was a kind man, but he wasn't a soldier. I prayed he would be safe in the war, but the truth is, his ship capsized before he'd even made land to fight. My prays were useless either way,"
Phoebus touched my shoulder. "They were still heard," he said softly. "Even if it may not seem they were."
I sighed again, looking up at Phoebus, seeing no pity or shame for me, only sadness.
I gave a small, guilty smile, making his brows furrow in confusion. "Don't tell Theo, he thinks Theoden died fighting sirens who tried to trick Poseidon into kidnapping me."
Phoebus laughed suddenly, surprised. "I'm sorry?" He asked.
I waved him off, seeing Theo close enough there wouldn't be time to cover everything. "Remind me later, we'll call it even for you lying to me for him."
Phoebus chuckled, squeezing my shoulder. "Chrysa, I know we've just met, but I feel like I've known you and Theodoros for much longer." He stepped a fraction closer to me, the warmth of his body seeping through my dress and I suppressed a shiver.
"I hope it's not odd to say this," he gave me a small smile. "I hope you'll continue to visit, that you'll let me see you...both of you, more."
My heart skipped a beat, hearing his words. What did he mean? And why did I hope he meant it?
I blushed, turning away for a moment, unable to handle the weight of his gaze or the twisting in my stomach.
"I think Theo would love that," I mumbled.
His hand cupped my chin, turning me to look up at him. A smile played on his lips and his eyes shone with emotions. "And you?" He asked.
I blushed. "I might not hate the idea," I muttered, my lips barely moving but Phoebus still heard it, laughing and releasing my chin with a gentle caress against my jaw, pushing my dark curls over my shoulder.
"Good," he turned then, holding my shoulder and turning me with him to see Theo playing at the helm.
Phoebus continued, giving me a playful smile. "Because I promised to take Theodoros' sailing and it wouldn't be right if his mother wasn't there to see his first voyage."
I blinked. "Me?" I squeaked, Phoebus laughing loudly at my horrified expression, wrapping an arm around my waist and leading me up to an excitedly waiting Theo, announcing we were to set sail.
I hated sailing.
Though, looking at Theo and Phoebus, the pure joy and excitement they shared, I thought maybe I could find something to like about it.
--
The call for aid had sounded through Delphi.
I knew what that meant.
I hid in my bedroom, trying to compose myself as I heard Phoebus's footsteps approach.
Two months had passed since we met, and our lives had become intertwined in ways I never thought possible. Theodoros adored him, and I...well, I couldn't deny the softening of my heart towards the commander.
We saw each other nearly every day, if I didn't, Theo would come home and regale me with tales of his day learning under Phoebus on his ship.
Phoebus joined us for dinner every few days, his stories a comforting sound at night that Theodoros fell asleep to, sometimes even I did as well, waking to find us both tucked into our bed.
I twisted my hands in my dress.
I shouldn't have...
Phoebus knocked gently on the door, and I hesitated before opening it.
He stood before me, his expression serious, his eyes searching mine.
"Chrysa, I have to go," he said, his voice low. "I've been called to aid them in the protection of the temple."
My heart sank, the thought of him not returning from war settling like a stone in my stomach.
I nodded. "The temple of Zeus," I muttered, remembering what the fish seller had told me yesterday.
He nodded, reaching out to pull my hands free from my dress. "Chrysa-"
"Be careful," I managed to say, trying to sound calm.
Phoebus took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. "I promise to return, Chrysa.
I wanted to believe him, to trust that he would come back to us. But the uncertainty of war hung like a shadow over us.
I shook my head, stepping back, away from my desire. "You can't promise that, Phoebus." I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion.
He matched my step, catching my waist and pulled me against him.
I wanted to cry, the feeling of his arms around me making me weak and my emotions flared.
I tried to push against his chest. "Phoebus-" I choked on my own words.
Wanting to tell him to stay. Beg him not to leave.
But I couldn't.
It was his duty, and if I'd learnt anything about Phoebus, it was he was bound by that.
He pulled me against him and I let him, falling into his chest and hugged him tightly.
"I'll miss you," I whispered into his chest.
His arms wrapped around me, squeezing me as if he could bind our souls together. "I'll miss you, both of you." He kissed the top of my head, tears spilling from the action. "I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise."
I pulled away, anger ruining my swell of- I cut off the thought, shoving Phoebus, managing to push him away this time.
He stared at me, surprised.
I glared at him. "You can't promise that!" I suddenly shouted, hesitating for a moment, waiting incase Theodoros heard me.
Phoebus raised his hands to me. "He's at the docks, helping Polites with navigations."
I couldn't even feel grateful for the kindness of the commanders second in command, too angry. "You better not have said the same thing to Theodoros!" I snapped.
Phoebus looked at me, his expression hardening. "I'm coming back-"
"You don't know that!" I shouted, turning away from him, looking for something to to busy my hands with.
Stupid, helpful Phoebus had helped me clean the other day, leaving nothing for me to do.
Fine, I'd cook.
I shoved past Phoebus, going into the kitchen.
He followed me, having seen similar actions when others had upset me before, even Theodoros - mostly when he insisted he needed a sword because every one on Phoebus' ship had one -
He waited by the table, watching me while I gathered my supplies and began to make the only thing my hands allowed me to make.
"Chrysa-" Phoebus took a step closer.
I raised my knife at him, raising my eyebrows. "It's the lard or you," I warned.
He raised his hands, stopping where he was and then crossed his arms when I went back to weigh out ingredients.
"I understand your worry," he started, watching me and continuing when I kept working, listening. "But, I'm not Theoden."
I dropped the mixing utensil I was using, staring at him. "Excuse me?"
He stepped forward, seeing me unarmed and safe enough to approach. "I'm coming back, whether you like it or not," he said then, making me blink at him. "I care about Theodoros. I care about you."
My heart skipped a beat. "We care about you." I said, seeing his eyes soften at the admittance. I went back to cooking, knowing I didn't have much time. "But, don't promise my son something you can't keep."
He was suddenly next to me, making me jump and step away in surprise.
He caught me, pulling me against him and hugged me tightly. "I don't break my promises, you know that." He said against my neck.
I wrapped my arms around his, pulling him close, as if I could will the Gods to keep him here.
I prayed Poseidon would protect him, that he could feel how much Theodoros needed him. How much I need him.
"I'll be coming back to you," he promised, as if he heard my thoughts.
"I'll be waiting," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper when he pulled away.
Phoebus's gaze held mine for a moment longer before he turned to leave. "I'll hold you to that, Chrysa." He touched my cheek with the back of his knuckles, giving me a small smile.
As he departed, I felt a sense of emptiness wash over me.
Two months had changed everything, and now, I couldn't imagine a life without Phoebus in it.
Theodoros and I woke early the next morning, bleary eyed and still half asleep on my shoulder, I made my way to the docks with a borrowed cart worth of items.
Polites, a slender but gruff looking man spotted me, struggling for a moment when the wheel got stuck on a rock.
"Miss Chrysa!" He called in greeting, "here, let me help!" He dashed to me and held out his hands for either the sleeping child or the cart.
I gave him a thankful smile, gesturing to the cart.
"I brought you and the men a gift." I said, a shy smile forming as I looked at the number of men who walked about the ship. "It's not much, but-"
Polites brows rose in curiousity, coming and throwing the cloth I had over the baskets of sailors bread I'd made after Phoebus had left.
Polites took one of the small biscuits, biting into it and made a noise in his throat, throwing his head back with his eyes closed.
"Thank you, the men will appreciate the cooking of a good woman." He beamed, grabbing the cart and easily moving it off its obstruction, leading the way while I shuffled Theo on my hip.
When had he gotten so big?
And heavy?
"I think the terms is-" I faltered, nothing coming to mind on how to correct him. I shook my head, ignoring his teasing smile as we headed for the dock. "Just know, I'm pretty sure you're wrong, but it's too early to remember why."
He chuckled, climbing the ramp onto the ship easily and gestured for me to follow.
I sighed, mustering the strength to start the climb.
Theo lifted his head, glancing around sleepily.
Seeing where we were, he woke up instantly, making me yelp as I almost dropped him when he pushed himself out of my arms and threw himself up onto the deck.
I blinked, watching what two months had done to my son's confidence on a ship. He moved with a grace, bounding up the ramp, grabbing a hold of a rope and began to scale it, seeming to be trying to reach the heavens.
"Theo!" I squeaked, my hand clutching my chest in panic, seeing him dangling above the deck.
A booming laughter drew my attention, Phoebus standing at the helm watching Theo with a proud smile and a gleam of awe at his prowess.
"Excellent, my boy!" He called, waving to Theo. "Make sure you untie the sail for me!"
I could barely see Theo, stepping onto the deck and trying to spot him in the fabric and wood.
"All done, Commander!" Theo called back after a moment, one of the smaller sails unfurling perfectly.
My eyes widened, seeing Theo somehow now above the helm, easily scaling down the mast and landed beside Phoebus, a proud smile on his face.
Phoebus laughed, ruffling his hand and pointed to the table behind him, saying something to him. Theo nodded excitedly and ran to it, picking up a tool on it, he began to hold it against the map, seeming to know exactly what he was doing.
I made my way up the ship, keeping out of the way of the men working, though all of them stopped for a moment to greet me as Miss Theodoros, before going about their work, making me smile.
Phoebus smiled when I approached, holding out a hand for me.
I took it, letting him pull me into a hug, savouring the feeling while I could.
"You came to see me off?" He mused, his breath tickling my hair.
I gave a shy smile. "I made you some sailors bread," I gestured to the cart Polites stood over, sorting them with the ships cook.
"The bread you made for Theodoros' lunch a few weeks back?" He asked, looking down at me curiously.
I nodded. "Theo mentioned he shared it with the crew, saying you liked it." I shrugged, looking away then.
I couldn't explain why I'd wanted to make them. Just that I did, and I needed to bring them myself.
I needed to see Phoebus, even if it was one last time.
He cupped my cheek, guiding my face to look up at him. His eyes shone with emotions as he looked over my face.
"I'm coming back," he reminded me, a small smirk on his lips. "You promised to wait for me, remember?"
I blushed, but nodded. "I remember."
He chuckled, stroking my cheek with his thumb. "I'm going to hold you to that," he whispered, leaning forward, his lips moving towards mine.
"All done, Commander- eww!"
Phoebus and I pulled apart, Theodoros' groan echoing through, what I'm sure, was the whole ship.
He looked between the commander and I, both of us looking like children caught stealing a snack.
I shook my head, scowling at Theo. "Don't 'eww' me, you're the one who suggested I kiss him!"
Theo made a face, as if he no longer saw that as a thing he'd be okay seeing.
I laughed, glad that conversation didn't have to be had anymore.
"Now," I giggled, looking back at Phoebus who was rubbing the back of his neck and ducking his eyes. I looked back at Theo, smiling. "We should go," Theo's face dropped, making me step towards Phoebus, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Or, we could stay?"
Phoebus, catching on like the smart man he was, hugged me close and beamed at Theo. "I'd love for your mum to hang out longer."
Theodoros' eyes widened, horror and, I believe, a tint of green touched his face.
He shook his head, putting down the instruments he held and dashed for the deck below, hesitating for a moment to throw himself between Phoebus and I, hugging his waist.
Phoebus huffed a pained noise, my face twisting in apology realising why.
He waved me off, giving me a tight smile and crouched.
I stepped back, emotions tightening my heart as Phoebus gathered my tiny son in his arms and hugged him, his expression tight and sad as Theo hugged him back.
"You be good for your mum, okay?" I heard him mutter.
Theo nodded against him, making a small noise of agreement.
Phoebus' expression tightened, squeezing Theo. "I miss you."
Theo gripped a hold of Phoebus' shirt, as if he thought he could will him to stay.
"Don't go," Theo begged, my heart tearing and I crouched beside him, rubbing his back.
"Theo," I whispered, Phoebus looking at me for a moment, an understanding passing between us and I nodded, stepping back.
Phoebus pulled Theo to arms length, looking over my son like he was the most precious thing in the world.
"Remember what I taught you," he gave Theo a smile. "You'll need it for when I get back."
Theo nodded, reaching out for another hug. "I promise, if you promise."
Phoebus pulled him in so quickly, Theo made a noise of surprise, but he fell into Phoebus, holding him tightly and Phoebus stood, holding him just as tightly. Phoebus gave me a sad look, whispering to Theodoros. "I promise."
A tear fell, one I wiped away when Theo finally released Phoebus, coming to me and clinging to my leg.
"I'll be waiting," I reminded him, reaching down and picking up Theodoros.
Phoebus nodded at me, watching us leave.
We waited on the beach, Theo playing half-heartedly in the wave as the watched ships start to set sail.
He stopped, spotting Phoebus' ship before I did, a small cry leaving him as he waved his hand high in the air.
He called for Phoebus and the others, but apart of me knew they couldn't hear him.
I stood, going to stop him only to see the edge of the ship filled with the sailors, my heart twisting in my chest as they all waves and cheered, shouting Theo's name loud enough it could be heard from the shore.
Above them all, was Phoebus.
"Be good, my boy!" He shouted, his voice seeming to be carried by the waves.
"I promise!" Theo called, my eyes widening when his voice seemed to take the same strength, carrying to the ship and Phoebus' booming laughed echoed back.
I found myself laughing as I cried, waving with Theo to the ship, my eyes on the dark-haired figure I prayed I would see again.
That night, Theodoros insisted we hold a tidal prayer.
I was concerned at first, but I found myself organising all of the things we'd need and we made our way to the shore near midnight, when the moon washed the sea with its power.
By the time I'd finished setting up the offerings, wreath and some of the tokens Theo had collected over the years, I found nearly half the town had gathered, joining us in prayer.
I sat there the longest, watching the waves brush against the shore, Theo sound asleep in my lap as I played with his silky locks that were so much like his father's.
A twist of sadness and guilt went through me.
I had loved Theoden. He was kind and loyal to a fault, he had given me Theodoros, the best thing this world had to offer. But, I hadn't been in love with him, I realised.
I had grown up without a family, not long after the fall of the first few Gods - Eros, Persephone, countless others lost.
I had learnt to survive through heartache and loss.
But... This felt different. As if the whole world would crumble if I never saw Phoebus again.
I woke Theo up gently, letting him take his time to get to his feet.
He blinked at the ocean, his eyes narrowing for a moment as he got up. "Mumma?" He mumbled, half asleep and pointed to the shore, knowing he wasn't allowed near it tired.
"What is it, baby?" I asked, getting to my feet and stepping to him.
I faltered, seeing what he saw.
Theo's eyes widened with excitement, his mind clearing enough to remember the story Phoebus had told him countless times at bedtime.
"It's an opal shell!" He squeaked in delight as I pulled the curled smooth shell from the sandy shore, washing it off.
It was fan shaped, similar to a scallop shell, only the top was an incredibly smooth glass like material, them underneath shimmering and sparkling like a sheet of opal.
"Phoebus said it's Poseidon's most desired treasure!" He snatched it, holding it to the moonlight and aimed it at small pool of water below. "Mumma! It works!"
I looked down, blinking at the display of lights that shimmered and sparkled against the water at our feet.
Swirls of blues and greens, forming with the fragments of dark moonlight, forming into a figure with a trident in their hands.
Just as Phoebus said it would, claiming it was a piece of Poseidon's original armour from the birth of the Gods.
My eyes narrowed, realising I'd seen the material before.
On Phoebus' wrist with the trident symbol.
My heart set, looking to the destroyed statue on the rocks.
I picked up Theodoros, finding he wasn't as heavy as I expected him to be.
"What'd you say we do this every night?" I asked, looking at the offerings starting to pulled into the surf.
Theo smiled. "Only if we can pray Poseidon protects Phoebus!"
I giggled. "I think Phoebus can handle himself," the waves moved at my words, a sound touching my ears that made me shudder.
Phoebus' chuckle.
I smiled, turning for the road as Theo settled against my shoulder. "But, he could still probably use the help." I thought aloud.
Theo chuckled, agreeing and falling asleep, clutching his new treasure with his boat from Phoebus, something I suspected he'd never let go off.