I woke at dawn, as golden rays pierced through the treetops. My body refused to move, aching and drained of strength but I couldn't let weakness seize my mind. Spartan blood doesn't permit such luxury for long. Forcing my eyes open and rising to my feet, I quickly realized she was no longer there. Diana had gone without a word, without a goodbye. That meant it was time for me to leave as well. No matter how peaceful this place felt, I had a path to follow.
I cast one final glance at the strange house woven from roots and leaves, then turned away and stepped onto the road. Sparta awaited my return.
I felt a surge of unfamiliar energy within my body something had changed.
*
Buffs:
🌿 Nature's Favorite – All attributes related to strength, agility, and endurance are increased by 60%.You performed a noble deed, and in return, Mother Nature has embraced you as her own child. Your bond with the earth, the forest, and all living things has become part of your essence. Natural creatures see you as an ally, and communication with them from beasts to forest spirits has become easier. Life energy flows through your body, fortifying it and accelerating regeneration.
*
So, I have one month to surpass the limits of a mortal body.
As I passed through the village of Chryssape, I reached the road that led toward the city. I had to make it there before the day ended.
*Caw*
The raven again. That persistent shadow following me hadn't disappeared. I had long accepted its meaning: a harbinger of death. Why must it remind me so often? I had nothing to say to the bird, so I simply ignored its presence.
I often wondered where I could find the strength to stand equal to the gods. Not just power for its own sake, but an aspect something that would allow me to command the gift. Without it, standing against the gods would be almost meaningless especially Ares. If you think about it, he is second in might among them, and his domain is war, where he only grows stronger.
The most direct path to power is war itself. But it's also the most unstable one rage, blood, and death distort the mind, and one can drown in endless conflict.
There are other paths artifacts, for instance. Some forged by Hephaestus himself, equal in strength to any divine weapon. In mortal hands, such relics could even kill higher beings. Others weren't forged, but formed by nature or the gods yet they remain out of reach.
The last, and perhaps most dangerous path, lies with the Titans. Even a drop of their blood could mutate a mortal, granting incredible strength but at the cost of sanity. It's a power best left untouched unless absolutely necessary.
Magic seemed the most accessible. To master it, one only needed knowledge. But where to find those who knew how to wield it?
For now, the only sure path available to me is to maximize my attributes to push them as far as a mortal frame can allow. Perhaps then the road I seek will open.
Up ahead, I saw a Spartan army approaching. I'd been so lost in thought, I almost walked straight into them. I stepped aside, clearing the path.
The army numbered at least a thousand judging by the enomotiai. This road led to the Laconikos Gulf. Why were they heading there now? Could Sparta be under threat once again?
"Spartan, which unit are you with?" a Polemarch called out as he approached me.
I immediately knew who he was by the fibula(clasp) clasp on his cloak, the golden-tipped crest of his helmet, and the elegantly adorned pteruges(skirt). Aside from that, his armor matched the standard Spartan gear.
"I'm assigned to Heron the One-Eyed's unit," I replied.
"Your unit returned yesterday. What are you still doing here?" he asked, fixing his gaze on my face.
"By Heron's order, I was sent to the village of Chryssape," I said, meeting his eyes without flinching.
"I see," the Polemarch nodded.
"Permission to ask, Polemarch where is the army headed?" I inquired, knowing that such information was often above a regular soldier's station.
"Spartan, your commander knows the situation. Return to Sparta, and you'll learn what you need to know there," he said curtly, and without waiting for a reply, turned and melted back into the ranks.
Why can't anything ever be just a little less complicated?
I broke into a run, forcing my body to its limits. Years of training had forged my endurance and speed, and I managed to cover the distance in a matter of hours.
Two hours later
By the time I reached the city, everything was in a frenzy. Workshops roared without pause, forges thundered, and fire burst from their bellies. Smiths reforged old weapons and crafted new ones. Warriors practiced formations, and judging by the loaded wagons they were ready to depart at any moment.
I made my way toward our base a modest barracks with a patch of open ground where our unit usually gathered whenever we were in Sparta.
Heron was sitting outside, leaning against the wall, without his prosthetic or upper armor.
"Damocles, you returned quickly," he said without opening his eyes.
"Yes. I came across the army on the road. What's going on?" I asked as I approached.
"Sparta is preparing for war. In two months' time, a great moment will come if the elders are to be believed," Heron replied, calm and measured.
"Will we march with the army as well?" I asked.
"No. Our unit will provide security," he said.
"Does that mean we're sailing?"
Based on the fleet's preparations and the movement of the troops, it was a logical assumption.
"Correct. We're to clear the sea routes and ensure a safe passage. The main force will follow in our wake," Heron said, finally meeting my gaze.
"Who will we be facing?" I asked.
"You know that most of Sparta's battles have always been fought on land. But recently, we've begun building up our navy. Because of this, we lack experience in naval campaigns and many routes hide threats we know little about," he answered, reaching into a small bag and pulling out a salve, which he began to apply to his left arm.
"Several dozen helots former seafarers have been granted the status of free citizens and now command ships. According to them, the seas are teeming with creatures that feast on men. They wouldn't lie about that they sail in the same boats as us," he added.
"If the war isn't due for another two months, why raise the army now?" I asked, furrowing my brow slightly.
"Because men need to be trained to row, to survive on a ship, and to execute battle maneuvers. The sea is different. I think you understand that well enough," Heron replied.
So war is coming and it seems we're going to play a significant part in it.