Chasing Blue- The Final Saga (Book 4)

Chapter 7: Water's Redemption

"What did you do this time? Throw more dice at Philemon?" Hyros joked. I pursed my lips, teeth pressed against my lips; daring not to ooze a bruising insult. Hyros stepped closer to examine the frustration and defeat that resonated against my tired face.

"You do not belong up there," Hyros mumbled, with a chewing stick dangling out his mouth.

"Explain that to Philemon," I muttered.

"I will." Without another word he pulled out a silvery knife as he walked behind the mast where my hands were clasped together.

"What are you doing?" I asked in a shaky voice.

"I am freeing you. What do you think I am doing?"

"Thanks. But I cannot let you. You will get in trouble if you do," I warned.

"I will take my chances," he said spitting out the chewing stick from his teeth as he positioned the knife against the knotted rope wrapped around my wrists.

"I will get in trouble then," I sighed. "Once he finds out, I will be in deeper trouble. As much as I would like to be freed it only spells more punishment for the both of us. I am not going to keep fighting him. I give up... he wins," I said as I plopped my head against the wooden mast.

"Very well. You can stay tied up. But I am curious to know why he is doing this to you? First you are heralded as a hero, and now you are being treated like you committed something so horrible. It is ridiculous if you ask me," he said shaking his wavy locks.

"But he is the captain. There is nothing you or I could do about it," I muttered.

"Unless something was to happen to him," Hyros answered with a mischievous grin.

"Like if he decides to go jump off the boat instead of Clitus. Only difference is I will let him jump and he can go catch himself!" Hyros burst into hysterical laughter. I watched as he clutched his firm stomach as he tried to regain his composure.

"I did not know you were a comedian, Troy," Hyros snickered.

"Neither did I. I suppose that did make me feel better," I said relinquishing a much needed grin. I certainly wish he would disappear. The little respect I had for him had all dried up.

"What are you fellows laughing about?" Jason inquired, shaking his head.

"Nothing that concerns you," Hyros scoffed. I tried to hold back a smirk.

"I heard something about Philemon so I know that is never a good thing. Would any of you fellows kindly inform me on what is so funny?" Jason beseeched. I shook my head no. Then his gaze shifted to Hyros who shrugged his shoulders.

"I need to get my cot ready for the night. I will tell you later," Hyros answered briskly before walking away. Clearly Hyros had no intention of informing Jason the inside of our joke and rightly so.

"You know Troy; I am really disappointed in you. I supposed the report you handed in to Philemon will be your last. I will inform Theseus in case he does not know already." I remained silent as Jason departed that sweltering evening. It would not be the first or the last time I disappointed someone. As nightfall came, I was once again alone with my thoughts. I had failed him and myself. I wished that I could be home but what home? I had none. I had to make a new home. After the trial that marked both me and Romeos' fate it was I that was granted to live while he was voted by the council to be put to death. He tried to save me from getting the greatest punishment of all; death. I could not let Hyros take my fall. Not again.

"I think you learned your lesson already," Theseus calmly uttered. He cut the cords that bound my hands behind me; I noticed the white slime that drooled over my shoulder. Immediately I looked up and saw seagulls flying overhead.