Athenian Arrow

Chapter XIV

"Alexi requests the presence of Anastasia, sir." Nikolas was currently sitting in his chair as a messenger who was sent by Alexi himself, informing the Athenian leader. "He wishes me to notify you that they have found a Spartan civilian who knows of a Cretan woman who works for Vasilis. In order to find this woman, he wishes his sister to help him by seeking out the women in symposiums where she mostly spends her time."

Adonis was present as this meeting was taking place. He and Nikolas were planning out a ship battle before the messenger appeared. Nikolas did not have the chance to speak his input before Adonis announced his disapproval, "Alexi... wants my daughter... to join him where the savages run free? I think not," Adonis states, shaking his head. "This is preposterous!" He yells as he throws his hands up in the air.

"Calm down Adonis," Nikolas says with his hand raised to silence him. He turns his attention back to the messenger who was only trying to achieve his duty. "Very well. Inform Alexi that I will grant him his wish. As for Anastasia, you are to approach her as soon as possible." 

The messenger leaves with a nod at the granted permission.

Adonis waits for the messenger to leave before confronting Nikolas, "Are you absurd?! I will not let my daughter be sacrificed by a barbarian like him. Vasilis will not kill another loved one of mine. Not my daughter. Please, Nikolas, I beg of you." Adonis knew that man did not show mercy, even to young, inexperienced soldiers who were just starting out. Adonis loved his son but he had a special heart for his daughter. She was innocent, caring, and selfless. She knew she was the type to protect her younger brother no matter the circumstances. Adonis refused to lose his firstborn. Especially to the man who killed his first love.

Nikolas decided to read Adonis before speaking. His eyes were full of anger at first upon hearing the news, though as reality set in, they became full of desperation and sadness. Nikolas did not need Adonis to specify for he already knew the reason. Adonis was always looked at as a wonderful father. He adored his children to the point where he treated them both equally. But because of his daughter's innocence, he couldn't help but be more emotionally involved in her life. For a lot of Greeks, it was looked down upon to have a girl as their firstborn for they could never be the heir. But for Adonis, it was the first time he ever felt like he had something to fight for in this long-lasting war. 

"I understand your concern, Adonis," Nikolas started. "Though Alexi is finally thinking as an Athenian leader should. It will take them too long to find this woman on their own. Her belonging to Crete does not give them a lot of time to find her either. It is also wise to consider that the dark-haired woman may trust women more than men," Nikolas looked at Adonis who still did not seem convinced. "Anastasia will be protected if Alexi is there, Adonis. You see how those two adore each other. Although Anastasia would do anything to protect the younger, Alexi is a man after all. He is capable of restricting her if need be. There is nothing to worry about. Alexi would do all that it takes to bring your daughter back home to you."

...

There was a knock at the door while Anastasia was preparing food in the kitchen. She puts down the knife and walks through the courthouse to open the wide doors. There, stands a singular man. It must be a messenger, she thinks. "Hello," she greets. "My father is not home at the moment but I can pass on the message," she says considerately as men were usually the most likely to receive messages.

"While that is much appreciated, I'm afraid this news is for you dear," he paused as he noticed her face distort in confusion. "Your brother Alexi has requested you to join him on his mission."

Now Anastasia was greatly confused. Women didn't particularly join men on missions. "What is this mission about?" She questions. 

When the messenger informs her of Alexi's plan, she understands why her brother needs her person in order for this plan to work. Anastasia would do anything for her younger brother, and since she didn't need any fighting experience, she accepted the request.