A few days had passed since then, and the king, his guard and the other members of the ship were getting ready to enter the Trojasian seas, just a few hours from finally reaching their destination.
It had been over two months since their departure, and everyone onboard the vessel was about ready to go home and never return to sea again. Hael had been speaking with their prisoner—Meliše, trying to get more answers in spite of Ceremus' refusal.
He wasn't sure why, but he felt an awful premonition in his spirit telling him that he needed to gain more answers concerning this bull and the person who wanted to get the sword and shield from them. From what he gathered, the artefact they had in their possession was an important tool that could potentially aid them in their battle against this unknown man. But what he wanted to know was why they were being targeted.
The sorceress had since downed back her modest garbs now that her plans to seduce the king were warped. She was initially against telling Hael anything after Ceremus' blatant disregard for her words, but softened her hardened heart when she was the lengths Hael went through to get through to her. She realized that despite the horrible company he kept with him, the white-haired giant was a kindhearted man.
She sighed in defeat as she saw the tall burly man abandon his pride and plead for an answer.
"Unfortunately, I cannot reveal to you who this man is by name since he will hear it and know that I have failed my mission. What I can tell you is that he seeks revenge for something the two of you have done." She said.
Hael furrowed his brows. "What have we done?" He tried to think back to the countless things he did with Ceremus but couldn't think of anything they did that could incur the wrath of another person.
All they've been doing is engaging in leisurely activities or going on hunts. Loki, who was perched on a windowsill across from them, had a downcast expression. He wasn't certain if this was the reason, but a certain creature they had defeated near the Aphthonia Forest came to mind. The kakoethes.
And as the bird looked at his friend, they shared a similar look. But Hael was unsure as to why killing the kakoethes would incur this person's wrath.
"I need to speak to Ceremus. Now." the guard said as he got up and went to the main deck where the king was speaking to Marcus.
"Your Majesty, we will make landfall shortly. The crew stands ready." He told the king.
"Good; I've grown tired of this ship already. Let the crew know to start making preparations." He ordered.
"Right away, Your Majesty."
As if sensing his presence, Ceremus turned around and cast him a small smile. "What is it now, Hael? Have you come to once again convince me of listening to that witch's tales?"
"I now understand why Meliše has been after us, or more specifically, whoever she's working for." He said.
"Oh?" Ceremus raised an eyebrow, "do tell."
"The kakoethes that we killed a while back. Have we never looked into where it came from? Who did that monster belong to? How did it even appear near the forest?"
The king frowned. "Monsters spawn out of the strangest places all the time. It most likely lost its way, and why would we ever care about who it belonged to? It's a monster." He said incredulously.
"But—"
"Hael. There is no need to worry senselessly about things that are not real. That woman is simply playing her little tricks in order to get us to release her. You have nothing to fear; no harm shall ever come to you, not as long as I am around." Ceremus said as he regarded him intently.
Hael's breath caught for a fraction of a second. It was a promise—one spoken with certainty, with devotion. Yet, instead of reassurance, a cold unease settled in his gut.
Ceremus meant his words, Hael knew that much. But were they true?
"So enough of this. We are finally making our way back home."
Hael didn't say anything for a while before nodding. A sad smile appeared on his face before it quickly disappeared.
~*~
The horizon shimmered with the golden light of dawn as Trojas emerged from the sea's embrace, its towering white stone walls glistening beneath the morning sun. The city's sprawling harbor stretched before them, where ships of all sizes lay moored, their masts forming a jagged skyline against the clear blue sky. The air carried the mingling scents of salt, fish, and the distant spice markets beyond the docks.
As the king's ship cut through the rolling waves, the Marcus took his place at the helm, his voice ringing out over the deck:
"All hands, prepare for arrival! Reduce speed and steady our course!"
The crewmen scrambled into position, led by Euphorion, who shouted for them to take their rightful places. Ropes groaned as they were coiled and readied, and the sails were drawn in, slowing their advance. The ship's great hull creaked as it adjusted to the calmer waters of the inlet. The rhythmic slap of the waves against the wood softened as they neared the stone piers.
From the harbor, Trojasian dockworkers and officials gathered to greet them. Trumpets blared from the ramparts above, signaling the arrival of a royal vessel. Banners of deep red and gold fluttered along the piers, their insignias marking the presence of the country's ruling power.
Marcus' sharp eyes scanned the waters, ensuring a smooth approach.
"Steady as she goes. Bring her alongside the main pier!" he commanded.
The ship's movement slowed to a near glide, as the harbor's stone piers loomed closer. The docking crew threw heavy ropes onto the waiting men onshore, who caught them skillfully and began securing the vessel to the great iron mooring posts.
"Prepare mooring lines and fenders!" Marcus yelled.
A deep shudder ran through the ship as the final tethers were pulled taut. The rhythmic creaking of timber and the splash of the waves against the dock signaled that their long voyage had come to an end. The crew exhaled collectively, their bodies easing from the tension of the open sea.
Then came the final order.
"Secure the gangway and stand ready for the King to disembark."
With a dull clang, the gangway extended onto the pier. A hush fell over the waiting crowd as Ceremus stepped forward, the sunlight catching in his golden eyes as he took his first step onto solid ground. He was surprised to see the large crowd that had gathered before his eyes. Their heads bowed in respect and deference. He turned around to look at Hael, who was standing right behind him. He, too, had a surprised expression on his face.
"So I'm not the only one seeing this?" He whispered to him, and Hael nodded blankly.
Unbeknownst to the pair, Anemone had prepared a large festival for all the people of Trojas to welcome the return of their king and his guard.
The previously exhausted crewmen who wanted nothing more than to lie in their comfortable beds at home were suddenly overtaken by the joyous atmosphere, and took part in the celebrations.
The chest where the shield and sword were placed was put at the centre of the plaza as a trophy for their achievements in Leacus. For the first time in a long time, the people were happy to see their king and proud to be under his rule.
Word had already gone out across the nations about valiant Ceremus and Hael had fought against the Sphinx, branding them as heroes. But the person who was the happiest at seeing the king was Anemone who caught glimpses of the precious king from years ago when he looked at him.
They were immediately brought to the palace, changed into formal clothes with the king adorning himself in beautiful black robes with intricate gold detailing lining its sleeves, and matching bottoms that made him look both regal and enticing. He wore his golden jewels and placed an elegant crown on his head.
Hael too was dressed to the occasion, his gorgeous ivory locks were tied back in a long braid behind him, and he wore a white and lavender coloured robe, creating a nice contrast with the king. An angel of light and an angel of darkness had descended upon them, and the people looked up in awe and reverence.
Laughter rippled through the crowd, blending with the lively strumming of lyres and the rhythmic beat of tambourines. Golden wine sloshed from brimming cups as people clinked their goblets together, their voices rising in songs both old and new. Ceremus felt the warmth of the drink spread through him, but even more so, the warmth of something unfamiliar—acceptance.
Near the end of the party, Hael caught sight of Anthanasia and the two were happy to see each other. But this time, Hael was careful and gave the king a glance to which the king nodded.
"You can go." He said. Hael gave him a bright smile and left to talk to his friend.
Ceremus watched the two interact with each other with a troubled look on his face, which Meliše noticed.
"The other 'woman' I presume?" She said jokingly, earning a glare from the king.
"What are you doing here? I thought I told those men to keep you captive?" He said, giving her a brief glance before turning his attention back to Hael.
Ceremus's fingers tightened around the stem of his goblet as he watched Hael embrace her. The silver-haired warrior smiled—truly smiled—in a way Ceremus hadn't seen in weeks. A strange, tight sensation coiled in his chest. He took a slow sip of his wine, though the taste had suddenly turned bitter.
The sorceress followed his line of sight and smiled. "She's a beautiful woman. Very easy on the eyes, and has a strong spirit. She's perfect for Hael in every sense of the word."
The king's mouth twitched. "You better shut your mouth if you know what's good for you." He warned.
"Why? Don't like what you're hearing? Do my words bother Your Majesty that much?" Meliše taunted.
Ceremus ignored her as he took a sip of his drink, taking in the festivities before him. He held mixed feelings about everything and never could've imagined there would be a time where people would look up at him with warmth and respect rather than fear and distrust. A soft expression took over his normally stony face, which didn't go unnoticed by the sorceress.
She, too, looked around the city, taken aback by how many people were there to celebrate his victory? Meliše had always believed that respect was earned through power and authority. The best way to get people to do your bidding was through fear and manipulation, having been subjected to it her whole life. She grew up with a cold and emotionless father, who ruled over his country with an iron fist, invoking fear wherever he went. Meliše grew up adopting his ways, but instead of using physical violence to get what she wanted, she used emotional manipulation.
Unfortunately, she grew mad with power and lost herself, but the sorceress held no regrets for killing her children and her husband's lover. Seeing the look of utter despair on his face was more than enough satisfaction for the young woman at the time. It was rather unfortunate that she was later tried for her supposed crimes, but if she had to relive that moment of catching the love of her life in the throes of passion with another woman, she would do it again.
"That smile on your face doesn't suit Your Majesty at all." She said after a moment of silence. "I think that indignant and contemptuous glare you gave me when I threw you under the bus in front of your precious dog is a much better fit."
Ceremus stared down at her before letting out a mirthless laugh. "You truly are a hellacious nightmare."
"And you are a stone cold atrocity," she smiled.The more she spoke to him, the more she started to find the king amusing. It's a shame you managed to catch the eyes of Dicaeus.
The laughter and music faltered as a strange hush settled over the plaza. The warmth of the sun dimmed. Shadows stretched unnaturally across the cobblestones. Then, a low rumble, deep and guttural, rolled across the sky—less like thunder, more like a growl.
The crowd looked up in confusion, perplexed by the sudden darkness that surrounded them. There was something cold and ominous in the air, and a chill ran down their bodies as they looked up and saw the heavens opening before them.
"What in the world?" Anthanasia exclaimed.
A terrible calamity was about to be unleashed to the king and his guard, and the sorceress couldn't help turning to Ceremus, giving him the biggest 'I told you so' look he'd ever seen.