Thalassa

Chapter 8

Just wanted to say thank you to you for reading so far. I really hope you've been enjoying Thalassa and I appreciate any comments or ideas. Once again, big thanks!

Thea and Mikalis had sat on the soft sand for an hour before Thea broke the silence. She wasn't sure she would ever see Mikalis again, and now here he was, and she was speechless. But eventually, she knew she would have to make her thoughts clear.

"You're not taking me back." She said, her palms cupping her sun tanned knees.

"I didn't say anything." He replied. He couldn't quite meet her eyes.

"Mikalis, I am serious. I won't go back. I realise I can't stay here, but I won't return to Athens. The life I had there was not my life to lead. I will find somewhere else. I could leave now, I'm just not going home" Thea hated anyone to see her cry, but visions of her in Athens, and married, caused her eyes to sting with bitter tears.

"Thea, please try to understand. Your father has been at sea for a year, still leading a search party. People say he's mad, because your dead, but he won't give up. Your mother combs the beach everyday in the ridiculous hope that you'll suddenly appear out of the blue. It's as if Stellius is now invisible. They have lost their reputation, people are gossiping and spreading rumours. I have to take you back, and you will come, if you care at all for them."

Tears now rolled down Thea's face, so she turned away.

"And then what Mikalis? They will be a happy, yes, but soon enough I shall be married off and a housewife. Expected to conform to that reputation. I can't live like that. You know I can't Mikalis." Once again, Mikalis was speechless. He hadn't known it had made her so miserable. He hoped he had nothing to do with it. That it was just a betrothal, not their betrothal, that had made her escape. He turned to her, and found her curled up with her eyes shut. He had just noticed the sky, which was reminded him of his long and eventful day, and so he to gave him self up to the tugging of slumber.

***************

In her sleepy trance, Thea heard a whispering. The voice was unfamiliar but soothing. It sounded mystical, enchanting.

"Thea, my child. You must leave now with Mikalis, and travel by boat. Poseidon is brewing a storm for tonight, and your father is at sea, and in danger. If you leave now, you may be able to get their in time. Speed is your only hope. Follow my voice, I shall guide you away from Myathos. But you need to wake Mikalis. Go!" The hushed tone flowed through her ears. Immediately after it had drifted by, her weary eyes shot open and she was on her feet in seconds. She knew she could trust this voice, now that she knew the secrets of Myathos, though she would never speak a word of it to Mikalis. Thea pulled hurriedly at Mikalis' calloused hands. He mumbled a curse, and pleaded for her to let him be.

"Wake, Mikalis! Please! This is so urgent! Take me to the ship you came on! Now!" She was shouted. Mikalis was so startled by her sudden outburst, he got up and pointed to where the boat was anchored. He had never seen her in such a fluster. She was always calm as a millpond. Thea clutched his hand and ran. Mikalis stumbled, still dazed with sleep. A wooden ship was anchored beside a collection of grey boulders. Ignoring the scraping and blood on her legs, she ambled across the rough surface and jumped from the highest rock to the side of the boat, her foot getting splintered as she did so. She turned to face Mikalis who was trying to get his balance before he jumped. His landing wasn't quite so smooth, as he missed the side of the boat and hit the boat's deck.

"Start rowing! I can give you directions, just row." She commanded.

"Thea, wait, I can't leave the other men! I am their leader! What is this about anyway? You're acting like a madman!" He looked at her sternly.

"My sister Eleni shall help them, I promise. For the safety of the island, as well as theirs. I will explain, but only if you just start rowing. I'm begging Mikalis, please!" And so he did.