Athenian Arrow

Chapter IV

The curvature of her silhouette enveloped Alexi's vision. The architecture of white porcelain stone overlooks his small body in comparison to the tall statue. Earlier, Alexi made a mental note to visit Artemis' temple which led him here.

Alexi always felt a connection with the goddess, Artemis. Her majestic way of using the bow and arrow influenced him as a young boy to become an archer like herself. Her gracefulness captivated the way Alexi thought was the best way to fight. Since then, Alexi has made multiple attempts to become as graceful as Artemis. He was determined to make the goddess proud. Artemis changed Alexi into the warrior he is today, how his heart was devoted to that one goddess.

Alexi visits the goddess quite frequently. He comes here to clear his thoughts. On occasion, it wouldn't be the goddess he is seeking, but the comfort he feels in the temple. Essentially, his sanctuary.

Bright blue eyes bore into the goddess of the moon as his thoughts ran through his mind. Exactly what was Artemis trying to show Alexi? The moonlight shining on Andreas and putting him into a trance must have some explanation. Alexi's eyes dart from her leg to hip, chest to face yet no questions are answered. Alexi came here to receive answers but as he asks Artemis, the goddess remains quiet. So Alexi asked himself if it was some type of warning. Perhaps the Spartan will eventually betray him? Or will Alexi listen to another goddess? Perhaps a love goddess and...

Alexi quickly shakes his head before the thought even comes to mind. That could not be possible. Alexi would never betray his Athenian people in that manner.

"I was out looking for you but since this is where you spend most of your time, I thought to peer in here." Alexi was too deep in thought to notice his sister entering the temple. "Can you please find yourself a real woman instead of lusting over a goddess? You act as if she fell in love with you, a mortal, but like every Olympian, travelled back to Olympus and now you stand here sulking. Praying that her existence will come back to Gaia." Anastasia says as she walks to stand beside her brother.

"I come here to think quietly to myself but clearly, I cannot do such a thing when my sister keeps pestering me all the time," Alexi gives her an annoyed look.

Anastasia frowns at that statement. "I just wanted to inform you that Nikolas is holding a meeting this afternoon with the archers. You are expected to be present seeing as you are the head archer. Father will also be there and I expect to see you stand by his side," Anastasia says firmly, turning towards Alexi now.

Alexi turns towards her as well. "I will proudly stand beside our father. He has shown me great respect and I will do the same," he smiles kindly at his sister.

"Then it's settled," she states as she readjusts Alexi's cape at the shoulders. She proceeds to continue, "Thank you, Alexi. You make Mother and I proud." A warm smile is directed at Alexi. Lips stained the colour red by a berry. Her words linger in the air as silence fills the room before she speaks again. "Come now, we must make you look presentable for the meeting," Anastasia's slender, pale hand takes hold of Alexi's and guides him out of Artemis' temple.

...

"Packing for Athens I see?" Andreas' mother questions. He was currently going through his father's belongings. Taking any weapon he may need for the journey. His mother walks into their room to Andreas holding a dagger and sees a supply bag resting on the bed. Andreas turns to look but does not answer. She takes that as her queue to continue, "Your father will be holding a meeting with the Spartan archers. I expect you to accompany him." Her brown eyes are stern. Stefania was always one to be serious. Though she has an innocent look with big brown eyes, long wavy brown hair, and leaves to encircle the top of her crown, the way she walked and spoke always had a menacing undertone.