The next day, Amir went looking for Nikoloas. The man who gave him hope. The only one who stood up for him.
But no one knew who he was. Amir described him to a few people, but they didn't understand because he couldn't speak the native language. Some just shook their heads.
He gave up and went back to the place where he had been beaten. Maybe he would find a clue.
There, on the ground, was a small bronze coin. The one Nikoloas had dropped. It had a Greek warrior holding a sword on it.
Amir picked it up.
And just as he was about to carry up his head, he saw another coin a few feet ahead.
Then another.
And another.
Each one leading him forward. Like a trail.
He followed the coins all the way to the edge of the coast.
There, hidden behind some trees and old rocks, was a small house.
He walked to the door and knocked.
No answer.
He pushed it open.
Inside, the room glowed.
Right in the center was a golden light, warm, and bright. It lit up the whole house like magic. Amir stepped closer, overwhelmed by Its beauty. He reached out to touch it.
Then a voice.
"Don't touch it."
Nikoloas was sitting in a corner, still as stone. Part of his face was covered by his hair, just like before.
Amir stepped back. "I'm sorry for entering. But I came to ask for your help."
Nikoloas stood and walked past him.
"I don't help people anymore."
Amir didn't move. "But you helped me yesterday."
Nikoloas turned slightly. "That was yesterday. That doesn't mean I'll help you today. What do you want from me?"
"I want to learn how to fight."
Nikoloas laughed and kept walking. "I'm done with all that. Go home."
But Amir didn't leave. He pulled out his father's sword and pointed it toward the ground.
"You have to help me."
Nikoloas turned and stared. "Put that away. A true warrior isn't quick to draw out his sword."
But then Nikoloas froze.
His eyes looked at the sword.
"Where did you get that?"
Amir said, "My father gave it to me a year ago. When our kingdom was under attack. He said I would need it one day. It belonged to his father. They called him the Splasher."
Nikoloas stepped closer.
"The Splasher? That title was only given to elite warriors. You come from a bloodline of fighters."
Amir nodded. "My father never had to use it again after the war. There was peace. But he kept it safe. And gave it to me."
Nikoloas took the sword gently. He turned it in his hand.
"This blade… it's pure iron steel. It can cut through anything. This is no regular weapon."
He moved with it, in a quick, sharp moves, and the air around him divided with every step.
Amir watched, full of awe.
Nikoloas looked at him.
"I may have been hard on you, Amir. But I had to test you to be sure. Now I know. You're ready."
He pulled him and gave him a hug.
"Welcome to the life of a warrior."
Then he asked, "Who's your father?"
Amir replied, "King Zarhaddon."
Nikoloas paused. As he looked at him.
"I knew your father. Once, the king sent me and my men on a mission. On our way back, we were tired and lost. He welcomed us, gave us food, drink… and more. He treated us like brothers."
Amir was surprised.
"You really met him?"
Nikoloas nodded. "He was a good man. And you, you look just like him."
He smiled and offered Amir food.
"Eat. From today, this is your second home."
Nikoloas, then grabbed an old jug and two clay cups. He poured the wine, handed one to Amir.
Here you go, he said "It's good for the spirit."
Amir took it. "Thanks." He said then added. "A friend told me once that men drink to escape, and forget their pain even for a moment."
"Who taught you that?"
"Elias the merchant. He was helping me escape."
Nikoloas smiled. " Men also drink to bond with one another and to celebrate victories. Just like we are doing now."
Nikoloas took a sip, then looked at him again. "So, how old are you?"
"Eighteen."
Nikoloas raised an eyebrow. "Young. But not too young. Old enough to feel a woman's warmth. " He smiled a little. Eighteen, huh? Have you met any girls yet?
Amir feeling abit shy. "I think I have."
They both laughed and took a drink.
Nikoloas leaned back, his voice lower now.
"Don't expect too much from women. That's the trick. If you set your hopes too high, you're just asking for heartbreak. Your heart is valuable. Protect it.
He took another sip of wine before turning back to Amir. But, he continued, with a soft tone, "When you do find someone who really loves you, give her everything. Don't hold back. Love is like a sweet butterfly that finds us when we least expect it."It's worth it all.
Amir nodded, the words sticking with him.
They sat in silence for a while, and then got up to cut firewood and build a fire to keep warm.