Chasing Blue- The Final Saga (Book 4)

Chapter 6: Changing Tides

Let me tell you a story about a boy. He was no ordinary boy although he felt like one on the inside. He lived the life of royalty. When he woke up to his world, servants and slaves would cater to his whim. The rooms of his palace seemed endless; decked with marble and precious stones that was fit for gods to live in. There he knew no hunger; no thirst. He was the envy of his peers for he lived the life that many could only dream of. Then one day he opened his eyes to his "little" world. He saw his world for what it really was. He threw it all away like a pebble tossed into the sea, as he watched it sink before his eyes. All he wanted was the approval of his father; a value more precious than corals. He would trade it all to save another father as his life hung in the balance. What would you say if I did something so shocking, so unspeakable? I went to apologize to the one who redeemed me but I choked. It was too late... So now I am here in the deep, waiting for my life to begin. I am here to forgive myself for all the wrongs and escape this destiny I was never ready to take on. I did not say it would be easy or it would end well. I just wanted to start anew.

Salty tears stung my brown eyes. The words were beginning to flow and with it all the emotions that welled inside. The ink was left to dry as I wiped my eyes. With nimble hands, I placed the writing quill and my oil lamp next to my cot to wither in the cool night air. I tiptoed to the edge of the stern, weaving through the cots scattered across the hard, sanded floor. The heavens would guide us now with the crescent moon and starry constellations decorating the black expanse. Amongst the competing specks of lights, I kept my eye out for the Polaris star as it glimmered to the north.

Mounting the stairs along the cabin, I finally reached the deckhouse. It was Philemon who stood poised at this elevated deck, barking orders. Tonight I took his spot while he slumbered peacefully in the cabin beneath my feet. My gaze dropped from the heavens to the murky waters. The shores of Crete were cloaked in darkness while our boat lay anchored at an enclave of rock formations that formed the cove. Somehow when I looked into the sea, it seemed to take my mind off the pain. I supposed it was best I could not remember the last fifteen years of my life except hazy moments that people had spoon-fed to me. It was better this way. And I was better forgetting the last year of my life at that.

I am one day's journey closer to Rome...even if it is a thousand miles away.

Just then I heard footsteps. I glanced around until I spotted the shadow lurking behind the cabin. I held my breath, waiting for the moonlight to expose him. Emerging from the corner was the young lad that never spoke to anyone. He stopped to glance at me. His glazed eyes looked more vacant then our last encounter. He turned away, glancing past the lifeless swan that rose to my eye level. Whatever caught his attention, seemed to have entranced him.

"Are you here to take over the night watch?" I asked. He ignored me as he shuffled his feet to the tip of the stern. He dropped his head, gazing at the frothy waves below.

"It looks beautiful, does it," I continued, climbing down the steps. His body seemed to only stiffen as he hugged the rail.

With his eyes fixed on the sea, he said his first words.

"Do you think Poseidon live in the seas?"

"I suppose. That is what legends say. Why do you ask?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow. I watched in horror as he clamored on top of the rail, spreading his feet across its slanted angle. His lips merely quivered; chanting words I could not make out.

"What are you doing?!" I asked, catching my tone grow louder. He closed his eyes shut but I could observe his arms shaking. "Please just jump down," I said gentling my voice. "There are rocks below," I hissed, pointing at the murky sea. There was no telling the countless rocks hiding below the dark churning waters. One false move over the rail spelled death. I reached for his hand but he yanked it away.