Tides of Fate

Chapter Six: Guidance

Theodoros woke shortly after I had, rushing around excitedly to get ready for his day.
I had to practically strap him into his seat to make him eat his breakfast, telling him the crew wouldn't set sail without him.
He dutifully informed me it was ship maintenance and new island mapping on the schedule, no sailing.
He'd swallowed his food in a few bites, trying to run off once he was done.
I placed my hand on my hip, raising a warning brow at him as I saw the item on his that he tried to hide.
"Where do you think you're going with a sword?" I asked, crossing my arms when he squirmed, ducking my eyes.
He toed the wooden floor. "Everyone else has one." He grumbled.
I laughed. "Because they are soldiers! You're still a boy, Theo!" I held out my hands for the weapon, giving him a look.
"I'm old enough," his hand went to it protectively and he took a hesitant step back.
I raised my brow at him, looking over his determined and slightly pleading expression.
I sighed, glancing at the weapon compared to his size. I gestured for him to come to me and turn around.
With a suspicious gaze, he did, letting me remove the scabbard and the belt he wore it on.
I adjusted it, taking an extra moment to alter it, and repositioned it across his back, slipping the sword into the two holds.
It was designed for someone with longer legs than Theo and probably would fit him perfectly fine when he was grown, but for now, he could wear it across his back.
I turned him, letting him go. "See how that feels," I said, permitting him to draw the sword.
He gave me a small smile, excitement creeping into his shining topaz eyes when he reached back, found the hand and pulled it free with a grace that made me proud and terrified.
He beamed at me, placing the sword back over his shoulder. "You're the best, ma."
I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "I'm sure all the twelve-year-old boys say that when their mothers let them play with sharp sticks." I handed him one of the baskets, and he took two, not allowing me to carry too much when he realised he was stronger than me.
I giggled, kissing the top of his head as we headed out.
He nudged me playfully, giving me a disapproving look I echoed with teasing.
As we walked down to Phoebus' ship, I made my drop-offs for daily orders, Theo proudly showing off his few finds, excited to tell everyone he found it in the apple tree.
Some noticed my new necklace, but thankfully Theo's excitement for his day kept us from lingering too long that they could ask.
Once the ship was in sight, he was off.
Calling the names of crew members like they were old friends as he ran through the crowd and up the dock.
I trailed behind, a smile on my lips seeing how excited he was. It grew wider when I saw the commotion that had started when he arrived on the deck.
The crew gathered around Theo, embracing him with strong hugs, slaps on the shoulder that rocked his small body and ruffling his hair, marvelling at the young man he was becoming, seeming just as excited to see him.
"By the gods, Theo! You're a giant!" one of them exclaimed, a tall man with dark skin and a scar across his chest that looked newer than the ones that marked his nose and chin, ruffling Theo's hair.
Theo grinned, his eyes shining up at the man. "I'm not that tall, Uncle Sophos!"
Sophos chuckled. "Ah, but you will be! You've got the heart of a giant, we've missed having it around."
Theo shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Having the heart of a giant isn't a good thing, Uncle Sophos." He said factually, Sophos laughing.
Polites clapped Theo on the back, his smile bright and teasing. "You may be as small as a mouse, but we'll have you hauling anchors in no time!"
The crew laughed, and I smiled, watching the easy camaraderie between them.
They'd always treated Theo like one of their own, and it warmed my heart to see him so happy among them. He'd spent so many days, retelling me stories he had with each of the men, teaching him and showing him a kindness that echoed their commander.
I stayed to the side of the ship, giggling as one of the men hoisted Theo onto his shoulder, declaring it was time to start work.
Theo's eyes found me, smiling happily as he was led away, some of the men calling him 'little commander'.
Some of them finally spotted me, waving and greeting me as mother commander, making me roll my eyes at them again. "Chrysa, my dear, you're as lovely as ever," Polites smiled at me with a gallant smile, lazily crossing to lean against the railing beside me. "We've missed your pretty smile."
Sophos chuckled, hauling a sack over his shoulder and slapped Polites arm as he passed. "Careful, she'll slap you like she did me." He winked at me. "Not that I didn't enjoy it, ma'am."
I blushed, feeling a flutter in my chest at the crew's teasing affection, a giggle bubbling from my throat. "Not that you didn't deserve it, you mean."
Sophos shrugged, grinning. "Same thing, ain't it?"
I laughed, rolling my eyes at the rugged sailor who was an insatiable flirt, but a truly lovely man.
Polites smiled at me. "Stay for a bit?" He touched my arm, but nothing about the action made my skin prickle with discomfort. He smiled softly. "We truly have missed you both." I found myself putting my hand over his.
"And we've missed you all," I said sincerely, patting this hand then and gesturing to the small scar on his bare shoulder. "Care to regale me?"
Polites smiled brightly, leaning to rest his chin on his palm, resting his elbow on the railing to look at me.
I giggled, matching his stance, earning a trilled giggle of delight from him as he began to talk.
As we spoke, I couldn't help but overhear the crew, who couldn't stop remarking on Theo's growth, no matter how small he still was. They teased him good-naturedly, calling him "little sprout" and "young sapling,", asking if he truly meant to be a solider with such scrawny legs and a shiny sword, but their eyes shone with genuine affection.
Theo put them all in their place, displaying the leaps of strength and skill my small child had made, even outdoing some of the smaller crew members when it came to climbing the sails and fastening knots.
Much to Polites surprise and my delight, Theo could pick up the chain of the anchor, something even Sophos struggled to do alone, only to be shouted at by the large man for attempting it with his arm still not hundred per cent.
The kindness for that alone had almost brought tears to my eyes.
All of them praised, teased and trained my son as if he was their own.
I watched, feeling grateful for these men who'd become like a second family to Theodoros...to me.
I smiled at Polites before he left to teach Theo navigation skills, touching his arm to get his attention.
"I was thinking, why don't all of you come for dinner tonight?"
Polites smiled, but his brow rose, looking across the thirty men who sailed under Phoebus.
"Are you sure we'll fit?" He asked, teasingly.
I shook my head at him, rolling my eyes for probably the hundredth time. "My garden is big enough for all of you, even if my house isn't." I chuckled.
Polites turned away from me, raising his voice. "Men, attention!"
They all stopped what they were doing, even little Theo, turning to look at Polites.
He smiled, gesturing to me. "We've been invited for dinner!"
The crew suddenly cheered, making me jump in surprise, their faces lighting up at the prospect of a home-cooked meal. Theo's lit up as well, cheering with the men making me giggle.
I turned to Polites before leaving.
"I'll come by after shopping, you can help me carry the supplies home."
He gave me a small salute, a goofy grin on his face that I found charming. "Anything for the lady commander."
I blushed at his words, seeing the mischievous glint in his eyes that told me he wasn't talking about Theo.
I gave him a playful scowl, waving goodbye to Theo and the men before I made my way off the ship, my heart feeling light knowing my son was in good hands.