Athenian Arrow

Chapter V

The third morning has risen and Alexi is nowhere to be found. Athenian archers are preparing the ship with bows and arrows, food, armour, and anything else they may need. Nikolas observes the men stocking the boat in search of a specific blonde. His eyes deceive him when he spots blonde locks only to realize it's Alexi's father, Adonis. His age forces him to approach Adonis slowly. "Adonis, it is good to see you on this beautiful morning Apollo has risen for us," Nikolas smiles warmly at him, hands behind his back.

Adonis smiles back in respect but is certainly worried about his son's absence. He hopes Nikolas has not noticed but Nikolas was always known for his sharpness. "Nikolas," he bows his head, "it is a pleasure to see you as well," he says lightly in hopes his worries are not showing through his voice.

"I have come to ask about your son's whereabouts. He is supposed to lead this ship after all," Nikolas stands there expecting an explanation. Unfortunately, Adonis is just as clueless as Nikolas is. It would look bad on Alexi for not arriving on time and Adonis would never let his son look like a fool in front of the Athenian leader as he knows his son is a trustworthy soldier. Something is wrong, Adonis can feel it.

Before he has the chance to make up a believable explanation of Alexi's whereabouts, he hears a scream to his right. Whipping his head around, he sees the sight a protective father never wishes to see. A Spartan is standing at the front of the Spartan ship with Alexi holding the arm that threatens his life with a dagger against his neck. Both Nikolas and Adonis' eyes stare in shock. "Alexi!" Adonis calls out to his son. Tears filled his vision. His hand reaches out to grab but only catches the air that separates them.

Alexi's eyes search for the familiar voice. Once he sees Adonis in the distance he shouts, "Father!" Though Andreas was quick to silence him.

"Your declaration of war does not matter anymore!" Andreas shouts from the bow for all archers to hear. "A little nymph told me that this man right here is your greatest archer. Allow me to strike you a deal. Us Spartans will keep him for we shall use his greatest skill if this war is won. If you wish to retrieve your precious gift from Artemis then do us the honours," Andreas raises his dagger in the air while his other arm encircles Alexi's neck. 

The Spartans are quick to set sail and voyage at sea after Andreas' confession. Adonis' tears finally fall down his reddened cheeks as he watches his son sail away in the hands of a Spartan. The other soldiers often commented on how loving Adonis would seem. Whether that would be with his wife, children, or other soldiers. Adonis often sacrificed himself for the people he loved. For that, he was perceived as a good man.

He quickly wiped away the tears for Nikolas not to notice how weak he seemed whenever it came to his children especially. "Those Spartans. Always looking for a war," Nikolas says with disappointment while shaking his head. "We must set sail immediately. Adonis, I need you to take charge of the ship. All I ask is for you to not let your emotions dominate your decisions. Bring him back safely to us." The hands that rest on Adonis' shoulders are comforting. Nikolas is aware of what type of man Adonis can be. This is why he cannot afford to lose both Adonis and Alexi. This is a strategic mission with no time for himself to plan out. 

Adonis understands what Nikolas is saying. He looks down at Nikolas with understanding eyes due to age, shortening Nikolas' height. The love Adonis has for his son determines his willpower in retrieving Alexi from this traitorous scheme.

...

Andreas roughly drags Alexi down inside the ship. Alexi looks around to notice weapons, armour, crates of food, and other supplies lying around but more importantly, a singular cell with black metal bars deep inside the boat. It was the last object to be seen considering it was all the way in the back. It's dark down there. No candles are lit. The only light seeping through is from the door on the deck that Andreas left open.