Legend of the Seven Seas

Resigned to his fate

Back at Syracuse, Proteus frowned at the setting sun on the day of his execution. As it began to dip down behind the horizon he stared at the chopping block on the deck. This was it. No sign of Sinbad, Odette, or Marina. His father was the only person he cared about that was around to see him die. His heart wrenched at the thought of something happening. Sinbad was the wild card but he knew Amara and Marina would be loyal and fight for him.

With the whole of Syracuse watching the prince stared down the axe and the wood that would end his life. Proteus made a promise and he would never turn back on his word. If he was to die, it would be with honor. Making his decision, Proteus smoothed out his robes behind him so he could kneel. With his hands clenched at his sides he lowered down, resting his chin on the chopping block. He stared ahead at the water, keeping his face neutral. The ax raised in front of him, making a small metallic screech as it did. Just as the executioner began to lower the weapon, a knife swirled through the air, shattering the handle. Proteus' eyes snapped open and he felt his heart stop as the axe head thudded right in front of his nose. He stared wide eyed at his heaving reflection in the metal. Slowly raising his gaze, the prince grinned as a familiar face and his band of pirates pulled themselves up onto the dock, shocking everyone.

Sinbad marched towards his friend who was gaping at him in shock.

"I bet you thought I wouldn't make it." Sinbad joked, clasping Proteus' hand.

"I was...beginning to wonder" Proteus commented, nervously griping his throat.

Proteus smiled, bringing his friend into a hug. Pulling out of it the prince's smile dimmed.

"The book?" Proteus asked.

Sinbad shrugged, not letting his nervousness shine through.

"I did my best...it wasn't enough." Sinbad solemnly explained.

Proteus' eyes widened.

"No, you came back anyway." Proteus assured, clutching his friend's shoulder.

"How could I do anything else......my friend." Sinbad responded.

Proteus wrenched his eyes shut as he knew what would happen. However, Sinbad stared past his shoulder at Odette who was watching from beside his men. She stared at him sadly, unable to keep from shedding a tear or two. After sending her a gently smile, Sinbad painfully tore his gaze away and headed towards the chopping block, where the man held a sword this time. He swallowed as he stared out at the ocean, knowing it would be the last time he did. As he observed the color he smiled wryly as the color reminded him of a certain princesses' eyes. Spike, realizing his owner's distress began barking and tried to bolt but Odette held him back, clinging to the dog for comfort. The canine whimpered, while the rest of the crew stared at their captain in sorrow. Every muscle in their body protested letting their beloved captain sacrifice himself, but they respected his wishes as he had requested of them

Sinbad slowly knelt and clenched his fist, just as scared as anyone would be. He kept his gaze on the horizon, slowly willing himself to work through his emotional turmoil. Un-clenching his fist, he relaxed, resigned to his fate and placed his neck on the block. Proteus remained nearby, watching as his friend owned up to his fate. He pulled Marina to him who had made her way by his side. Glancing back, he was mildly surprised to see such heartache on Odette's face. Yes, they were friends before but this was different. His heart hurt as he realized how deeply Amara had grown to care for Sinbad. Her childhood crush had morphed into something meaningful.......and now she had to watch him die. The executioner raised his sword up, aiming it so it would come down swiftly. Odette buried herself in Spike's neck, not wanting to watch it happen. Sinbad closed his eyes and waited for the blow.