Guardians of the Light (Book 2: Revision)

Chapter 12

James studied the man driving the cart as they moved along the dirt road. He looked like he was from this time period dressed like it too, while the group was hisanist at first to accept the ride from the stranger they all agreed to take a chance and trust someone they had just met. Inside the cart lay a detailed decorated shield, a bronze breastplate, helmet, along with a spear and short sword. Adeodatus, the name they came to know the man by had said he was returning home from war. “Where is it that you seek to travel to?” he asked them . 

They had no clue, the three of them were trapped in a different time period. If they were really in fact stuck in Ancient Greece James knew of only one person that could possibly help them and he knew where he was located. “We’re seeking out an old friend who lives in the City of Athens” he spoke quickly, glancing at Sara and Guardian Isadora whispering to them to just play along. 

The original four priests that were present during the unleashing of The Darkness were currently here in this ancient time period which meant a young former Elder Theokritos would be alive and might be able to help them. James knew the events surrounding The Darkness and the birth of the first Children of the Light happened in Athens so it could be the key to getting more information on the golden box and the witch who had it. 

Adeodatus smiled and looked back at them, “Athens is just north of Thebes. I am sure you have been journeying a long time. Why don’t you settle in at my home for the night and in the morning I can take you to Athens, my contact there, a priest named Photine might be able to find the friend you seek”. James nodded his head and thanked Adeodatus very much for his kindness, it was the moment Photine’s name was spoken from Adeodatus lips that confirmed everything for James, the original priests were very much alive and in Athens and that they were in fact in the presence of one of the original five Guardians hand selected by Elder Theokritos after the defeat of The Darkness. 

Everyone made it to  Adeodatus's home, arriving in an large outdoor courtyard surrounding many different rooms of the house, put together with bricks and small windows high up on the walls. Two young boys were playing in the courtyard when they arrived, when they spotted their father the two boys stopped and ran into Adeodatus arms shouting, “Papa you have returned!”. Shrieks of excitement drew from their lips the noise attracting the attention of a young looking woman dressed in a long tunic fastened with a belt. 

She smiled seeing Adeodatus and came to greet him as well. “My warrior as returned to us, what a great day it is. My dear husband who have you brought with you”. The Greek soldier finished embracing his sons and wife before answering her question, “It’s good to finally be home. This is my wife Eirene and my two sons Alcdeus and Aletios”. Inducing them to the others, “My dear wife these are James, Sara and Isadora. They are travelers from a great distance land, seeking journey to Athens to find a friend of theirs. I have offered them shelter in our home for the night and safe passage to Athens tomorrow”. 

Eirene smiled again and welcomed them to her home, “Come let us prepare dinner. I’ll take the young women with me to the gynaikn and see to get them some proper peplos”. While James didn’t like the idea of them being split up, he knew Guardian Isadora could protect Sara if need be. He watched as the women left, Adeodatus offered for James to come with him to a room in the house he called a andron, James guessed that there were separate rooms for the men and women. Adeodatus had been kind enough to let James borrow one of his chitin he called it, the thin wool material felt nice but it was way too large for James taking him a few moments to adjust the blue coloured tunic so that it fit properly. 

As dinner was called James didn’t almost recognize Sara and Guardian Isadora dressed in the traditional garment of Ancient Greek times. They were greeted with a table filled with an assortment of bread, eggs, cheese, fish and vegetables including cucumbers, beans, onions and garlic. Large shallow cups contained wine and smaller cups with water. James had no idea the customs of meal time so she watched Adeodatus closely matching his movements, this was his first time drinking wine before so he made sure not to overdo it.