Page 82 of Beyond the Storm
“Please, Elasus.” He looked at me, face so close to crumpling again. “Carefully consider what it means to share your life with me. You say you do not fear danger, yet with me, danger will be around every corner, hiding within every shadow. You will face enemies stronger than any you’ve ever seen.”
“Why do you try to convince me to change my mind?”
“Because I want you to be certain this is what you want,” he said, voice cracking. “I don’t wish for you to wake one morning and despise me for taking you from this life. I can live with many things, Elasus, but the thought of you resenting me is more than I can bear.” He released another shaky breath. “So I ask that you make this decision without me around. Our connection might be swaying your words at the moment. Distance from me will clear your mind.”
“I will do as you ask.” To ease his worries, if for no other reason. Because seeing him right then, I knew in my heart I didn’t need more time to decide. Being parted from him would be a wound I’d never recover from. But he was too consumed by his doubt to believe me.
“I will be leaving tonight when the moon is at its highest in the sky. You have until then to give me your answer.”
“Where should I meet you?” I asked.
“You once told me about the hill you sat on to look at Mount Taygetus. That’s where I’ll be waiting for you.”
He released his wings and flew away from me before I could say another word. The surrounding trees soon swallowed him, preventing me from seeing which direction he had gone. I stared at the place he had stood in the grass as my thoughts rolled over one another.
“He truly is a god.”
I spun around at the voice.
Nikandros offered me a weak smile as he approached. “Apologies for eavesdropping. I was curious and followed you.”
“You heard what he asked.”
“I did. I also heard your answer.” Nikandros advanced closer, sweeping his gaze among the treetops. “He is like a bird.”
“A raven,” I said, and the center of my chest tightened.
“A raven who asked you to fly away with him.” He smiled again, still weak.
“Yes.” The tightening in my chest clawed its way to my throat. “Do you think me a traitor?”
“Why would I?” Nikandros bumped my arm in our familiar way. “Here in Sparta, you are but another warrior defending our city. But with them? You will be among gods. You will fight to make the world a little less dark. For everyone. I can think of no greater honor.”
He had already accepted that I would leave. “You won’t attempt to persuade me to stay?”
“No,” he answered. This time when he smiled, it was a little brighter. “I will miss your ugly face, but I’ve always known you were meant for more than this life could offer, Elasus. You’ve finally found where you belong.”
“It’s a bittersweet feeling. While I’m eager to start a new life by his side, it also pains me to see you and know we must eventually say goodbye.”
“You worry over me,” he said, squeezing my shoulder. “Don’t. I will be fine.”
“I know you will.” Although small, Nikandros was an even greater warrior than I was. He could more than take care of himself.
“Besides, I don’t see it as goodbye.” He peered up at the branches. “Much like when the blossoms awake to welcome spring and then fade away once the air turns cold, we too will part for a short time before greeting each other once more.”
The two of us had often playfully swatted and slapped at each other. But rarely did we ever embrace. I threw my arms around him and hugged him hard. He returned my hold, fingers digging into my skin.
“I thank the gods for bringing you into my life,” I told him.
“And I thank them for the same.” Nikandros drew back and squeezed my arm. “Now. Let us enjoy one final meal together. As brothers.”
We left the coppice of olive trees and joined the rest of our syssition for evening meal. Laughter echoed around the long table as we all ate and drank. Some of the men spoke of women they planned to wed. Others spoke of war.
Nikandros met my gaze from across the table and gave a small nod of his head. I returned the gesture before lifting my goblet to him. He did the same, and then we each took a drink. And as we left the dining hall later in the evening, we reminisced about our days as youths in the agoge and laughed like we’d so often done.
As brothers.
***
