“Promise you’ll never leave.”
Green eyes gazed back at blue ones, belonging to a young boy just of his age.
He grasped the outstretched pinkie of the other’s with his own.
A pinkie swear.
A childish promise made.
“Never. Till death do us part.”

Ships of all sizes were docked at the port and the usual, daily hustle and bustle can be seen. Travelers and traders from afar were unpacking their goods, ready to show off their wares to the locals of Skyros. In exchange, the marketplace was lined up with stalls of food and busied sellers, ready to serve the weary traveling customers. The harbour is the main reason why the kingdom of Skyros was thriving well. The citizens lived a carefree life, untainted by any events of wars so far. This is due to the king’s persistence in maintaining diplomatic ties with their neighbouring kingdoms. Such was the result of years of peace and harmony. Though there is the occasional theft from a pickpocket or two within the city itself, it causes not much of a concern at all. In all, Skyros was a city where life moves in a slow-pace. However, that very image of tranquility was to be shattered at a palace that was situated on a cliff, overlooking the entire kingdom. It was home to the Royal household of Skyros

“And why is it, may I ask, that an urgent audience was to be seek abruptly?”

A middle aged man, with dirty blonde hair messily tied back into a small bun and a stubble spotting his face, stepped forward to give his respect. His footsteps resonated around the hushed, spacious throne room until he was noticeably standing right in the middle of it,

“Apologies, your highness.” The man hoped to appease the other before introducing himself. ”I, Odysseus, have an important request from Menelaus, King of Sparta.”

The silence broke into harsh murmurs among the few servants. The King of Skyros perked up from his seat, attentive. Sparta was somewhere further down south of Skyros. Despite the distance, being allies rather than rivals was much preferred with such a huge and strong Kingdom.

“And what is it?” The King egged on, gesturing for the other to continue with a small roll of his hand.

“A request that Achilles be handed over to us.”

Silence once again befall in the room, leading to a slow built up of confusion and tension in the air. The clueless servants watched on, though Odysseus was quick enough to spot the visible stiffen from the King himself. The latter stuttered.

“I…I don’t quite understand-”

“Achilles. Prince of Pythia. Son of King Peleus and Queen Thetis.” Odysseus went on, straightforward as ever, as if mocking the other’s act of being puzzled.

“…I can assure you that there is no such person-”

“We have information that the Prince of Pythia has taken residence in your household.” He give a brief glance behind him. A figure moved from somewhere within his own companions, flinching. Odysseus then focus his attention back onto the King. “We request that you have everyone gathered here right away, your highness.”

In disbelief of the other’s ridicule behavior towards him, the King could only gape in bewilderment. He was still King! He deserves an ounce of respect at least rather than being ordered around as the other so please to do so! Especially in his own kingdom!

However, Odysseus wasted no more time before turning around, signalling for the rest of his followers to do as he has instructed them to beforehand. Soon, soldiers after soldiers piled the ground right in front of him with jewelries, of fine gemstones and crystals. Along later, came weapons and shields made from the most skillful smiths. The last of the soldiers were followed by a well-built warrior clad in armor and a meek, average looking boy with a worn-out cloth draped around his neck, one end hanging loosely over his shoulder. Both of them took their positions right by Odysseus, though the boy seemed reluctant to do so, as if he yearned to stay in the shadows.

Still sullen with anger, though mostly dissipated upon the sight and greed for treasures and the fear of soldiers, the King arched a brow up in question.

“It’ll be rude as a guest not to present gifts while visiting someone’s home. A gift from King Menelaus to the royal household of Skyros.” Odysseus explained with a simper.

Why how cunning…!

There was a moment of contemplation before the King eventually beckoned one of the servants to make the announcement within the palace.

Chapter 2 >>>