Chasing Blue- The Final Saga (Book 4)

Chapter 38: Time's Up

I waited for his words to confirm what I already knew but all I got was silence.

"Oh, there you two are," Jason exclaimed from behind. Spurius' fingers retreated from my throat.

Spurius turned to face him. "He is still breathing.

Jason nodded with a tight grin. Even through his grin, I could sense the growing unease. I knew him too well to know when he was pretending.

"That is good," he managed to say, masking the tremor in his voice. It was the fear that I was getting worse. The fear that if Crispus did not return soon with the medicine that my odds at survival were bleak. But I had already beaten the odds more than once. I could do it again. I just had to hold on just a little while longer.

With the ship firmly anchored on the docks, the crew began to file into the cargo hold to carry the heavy wooden crates and large amphorae jars filled with everything from spices to wine. It was amazing how fast they moved, clearing the once cluttered space in an hour. For many of the men, the journey would end here as many of them departed to reunite with old friends, family or explore town. I likely would not see them again. It shouldn't bother me considering I hardly knew half of their names. But I did know Theseus. Jason. Crispus. Now it did bother me.

Theseus and Jason turned in my direction. This was the last day we would all be together. For weeks I had anticipated coming to Crete. Now I dreaded it.

"I think the rest of the items can stay here for now," Theseus said to Spurius who returned from the deck. "It is not like the boat is going anywhere anytime soon. At least not for another three weeks." Spurius nodded. "I do not want to leave you here," Theseus said, staring in my direction.

"What about the inn upstairs from the tavern you said Hyros loved to go to when he came into town?" Jason suggested.

"What other services do they provide besides that brothel they run?" he asked in a cynical tone. Repressed memories of my first night in Crete flooded my mind. I recalled the strong whiff of fermented grapes as you stepped inside. I remembered the burly, boisterous men sitting around the tables with one ready to start a fight with me for speaking out against his brute behavior. Only then the thought of fighting someone bigger than me was unthinkable. If that had happened now the outcome might have been different. The only saving grace was the beautiful server that handed me my drink only to find myself floating out to sea the next day in a cruel joke. Even if she did not participate in it I could not bear to see her face. The thought of returning there was out of the question!

"He can stay on the boat," Spurius blurted. Startled, both men looked back at him. "Crispus wanted me to keep a close eye on him. He is too weak to get up on his own so it is in his best interest to stay here until Crispus arrives."

"If Crispus does not arrive back by tonight, you can come stay with my family. It is a modest dwelling but I can spare room for an extra guest," Theseus assured.

"I appreciate your kind offer. I hate to be such a burden on you, Theseus," I said, adjusting the cloth which now felt lukewarm.

"You are not a burden Troy. You are always welcome in my home," he said. Just then one of the crewmembers tapped him on the shoulder to relay a message in hushed tones. Immediately, Theseus' face brightened. Was Crispus coming back?

"She never told me there was another one on the way!" Theseus exclaimed, throwing his hands up. He gave his head a shake before leaning against the flying buttress along the wall.

Jason smiled. "Well news does not travel very fast to Rome in the winter months." He patted him on the back. "Congratulations, my friend. Your children will be happy to have another newcomer to the family," Jason beamed. They were elated but it had nothing to do with me. Theseus was about to be a father again. While I was happy for Theseus I knew he had his own expanding family to care for. To think, even for a fleeting moment that I would be entertained as an invalid guest was delusional at best. The two conversed amongst themselves while I faded into the background. Just then another crew member came rushing into the cargo hold. I jolted up from the bed in a cold sweat only to find it was not Crispus but a man small in stature. I let out a tired sigh.