Kairos 78: Home Sweet Home

When the Foresight returned home, its crew found snow falling on Histria.

Deep clouds obscured the sun and showered the shores with a thin layer of ice. The smoke of fires rose from the cities’ countless chimneys, warming the citizens in their homes. After enjoying the Valian warmth, Kairos had no choice but to put a heavy coat over his armor so as not to shudder.

His entire fleet had returned to port to weather the winter, but the Travian captain noticed many more vessels than expected. Some he recognized as the Valian mercenaries hired to protect the myrmidon ambassadors, but also dozens of transport ships bearing the famous silver wolf flag of Lyce. Kairos counted at least eighty of those, including a very familiar galley.

“Sertorius,” Kairos whispered to himself.

Indeed, his brother-in-law awaited on the docks alongside Aurelia and a large escort of Lycean legionaries. Sertorius had changed little since the last time Kairos saw him. He was still the same impeccably groomed Lycean diplomat, his crimson toga covered by a white lion’s pelt. He had added a crown of golden laurels onto his short black hair, and stood with the unshakable confidence of a young conqueror.

But his eyes… they had changed from dark brown to pale blue, glittering like stars. When they gazed at Kairos, the captain felt as if they pierced through his body to see the soul inside.

A quick use of [Observer] confirmed Kairos’ thoughts.

Julius Flavius Sertorius, the Inexorable Advance

Legend: Lawbringer (Hero)

Race: Human

Class: Spellcaster (Priest, Mage, Pegasus Rider, Judge, Strategist, Inquisitor)

Level: 45

Sertorius had gained a [Legend] of his own.

“Welcome home, my son,” Aurelia greeted Kairos as he made landfall. She exchanged a kiss with him, Cassandra, and Andromache. “I have longed for your safe return.”

“Was there ever any doubt?” Kairos asked his mother.

“Nothing is ever certain in this world,” she replied with a sad smile. “Julia kept me informed of your journeys, but you haven’t answered in days.”

“We tried, but couldn’t.” Apparently, Orgonos cloaked his island in powerful protections and no magical messages could get through. Kairos didn’t miss Andromache’s blank face at the mention of Julia.

And neither did Sertorius. The would-be conqueror observed the nymph with undecipherable eyes. Did he consider her a threat to his sister’s position? Or beneath his notice? In any case he greeted his brother-in-law too, though not as warmly as Aurelia. Sertorius was a cold man, even with his family.

“Good to see you again, Kairos,” the judge said with a sharp nod. “You too, Tiberius. Your father is very proud of your achievements.”

“I have done little,” Tiberius replied while Cassandra stood at his side like a shadow.

“Small actions can have far-reaching consequences. You have advised my brother-in-law well enough, and helped him navigate dangerous waters.” Sertorius’ gaze moved to Cassandra and betrayed a hint of approval. “Congratulations on your engagement by the way.”

“My engagement?” Tiberius held his breath while Cassandra tensed. “Father gave me his blessing?”

“Of course he did.” The Lycean Judge looked almost bemused. “Lady Cassandra greatly impressed him, and he will gladly welcome her as his daughter-in-law. I will be sure to attend the wedding.”

While Tiberius and Cassandra exchanged a pleased smile, Sertorius lost interest in them and glanced at Kairos. “I see your adventures were successful. You have a new [Legend] in your crew, and broke the curse on Lady Andromache.”

“You’re not so unfortunate yourself,” Kairos replied. “When did you become a [Hero]?”

“Recently.” This time, Sertorius’ blank expression transformed into a genuine smile. “In fact, I have you to thank for it.”

“Truly?” Kairos blinked in surprise. “How so?”

“I had been preparing a vast purge of corrupt politicians and conspirators for the last two years,” Sertorius explained. “Most took bribes from foreign powers, including Mithridates. Though I had already gathered a pile of evidence, the information you sent me about the Poison King’s alliance was the tipping point. I publicly denounced our enemies’ plot to destabilize the Republic, and had them all arrested. The trial shook our institutions so much that the System saw fit to reward me, though I had to survive a few assassination attempts in the process.”

Kairos couldn't help but chuckle. “Are you telling me that you ascended through the power of the law?”

“Power is power, whether it comes from mastery over institutions or skill with a weapon,” Sertorius replied. “In a way, I have slain many people with words and due process. The appealing thing about politics is that you can kill your foes more than once before it sticks.”

And the fleet in Kairos’ port was proof his strategy was just as effective as burning down cities. “So if you removed rival factions, you’re now in de facto control of the Republic?” he asked his brother-in-law.

“I wouldn’t go that far, Kairos, but Dispater and I are currently the dominant power-players in Lyce.” No wonder he gained a [Legend] and ascended to [Hero] in short order. “A throne we will share with you, once we have conquered the Thessalan League and return triumphant.”

Speaking of Lyce, Kairos noticed a very important person missing from this gathering. “Where is my wife?” he asked while Andromache looked away at the snowy skies.

“At the Temple of the Fates,” his mother answered.

Kairos frowned. “We don’t have Fates in Histria.”

“We do now,” Aurelia replied with a chuckle. “Thales found an entrance while digging our second cistern.”

Kairos could see the hand of Fate at work.

“If you have time, I would suggest visiting this temple together,” Sertorius told him. “It will be the opportunity to discuss our next moves.”

The Travian King answered with a nod, before looking at his crewmates. “You’re off-duty for the day,” he declared. “You’ve earned a moment of rest.”

His words were welcomed with resounding cheers and applause. The journey across the Sunsea had lasted months, and the crew was more than happy to enjoy some time-off with their families.

“I will set a statue of Orgonos in our temple, next to mine,” Andromache said. “I believe he’s earned it.”

“Allow me to accompany you,” Aurelia proposed gracefully, as she took the nymph’s hands in her own. “I want you to tell me everything about your adventures at sea.”

“I shall,” Andromache replied with a grin. Seeing her beaming with joy warmed Kairos’ heart.

Sertorius took Kairos aside, and they walked through the snowy streets of Histria under heavy escort. The city had kept growing since its king left, with warehouses and buildings growing like plants. The myrmidons had already started making themselves at home by taking over a patch of land near the southern wall, probably to dig a local embassy.

They had gone a long way since the early days when Histria was nothing but tents on muddy soil. The war camp had grown into a town, and soon it would evolve into a true city where all species could coexist. That was the dream Kairos would die for.

“Your concubine is pregnant,” Sertorius stated bluntly as they walked.

Kairos flinched as if he had been slapped. “How do you know that?”

“My gaze has improved since we last met. I can see many things now, including a second strand of fate growing inside the nymph. Congratulations.”

Truthfully, Kairos knew this would happen. Andromache had ridden him like a stallion all the way back home with the passion of a newlywed, and even taken fertility potions to help with the process.

Two children, Kairos thought. Two families. The idea made him feel both scared and excited. He was happy to be a father, and he would protect his progeny from anyone who dared to threaten them. Romulus, Mithridates, let them come. I will slay them all.

“Does that worry you?” Kairos asked Sertorius.

The judge responded with a shrug. “Julia was born from a concubine too, and she and I remained close all our lives. It all depends on how you raise your children, Kairos. Though I must warn you that I will defend my nephew’s interests if they ever come to blows with their half-sibling.”

“I wouldn’t have expected anything else,” Kairos admitted. “Did you come to witness the birth? If so, you’re early. Your niece or nephew won’t be born until late spring at least.”

“Considering the attempt on my sister’s life, I asked Julia if I could spend the next few months in your domain alongside some of my legions to better protect her,“ Sertorius admitted. Though his tone remained cold, Kairos detected an undercurrent of worry in his voice. Whatever his flaws and his willingness to marry her off for political gain, the Lycean Judge cared for his sister. “She graciously accepted.”

“You are family and always welcome,” Kairos replied. “Isn’t it risky to leave Lyce for so long though?”

“Dispater defends our interests at home on my behalf. The attempts of a foreign power to interfere in our affairs caused quite an uproar, so our support is secure for now.”

“Do as I say, not as I do?” Kairos said, knowing Lyce didn’t hesitate to influence lesser nations.

“Power tastes all the better when sweetened with hypocrisy.”

“How many men did you bring?”

“Two legions, so around ten thousand men,” Sertorius said as they reached an open quarry on the southern side of Histria. Miners had dug out the gates of an ancient marble temple, hidden below ground. “The rest of them await in Lyce with Dispater. Considering the ideal position of your island, I thought it wise to use it as a naval base to transport troops to Thessala. With Zama now aligned with our foes, we will need to strike as soon as we can.”

“I have defeated Teuta as well,” Kairos added, “and taken her axe as proof.”

“You did?” Sertorius didn’t hide his joy. “Excellent. Between the increasing number of [Heroes] under your employ and your victories, you should establish your legitimacy as the only true Travian King.”

“It depends on whom,” Kairos admitted. “Hardliners and Teuta’s most dedicated followers will never switch sides.”

“It would be a waste to court them anyway. The undecided, the crafty ones eager to be on the winning side, the opportunists, those whose heart wavers… they are the ones you should convince. Most of Teuta’s allies follow her because they fear her strength, and defeats kill fear.”

He had a point. Most captains threw their support for Teuta because she was the older and more experienced warlord, while Kairos was young and relatively unblooded. The more he advertised his feats, the more people would rally to his cause.

“I will send propagandists to Travia,” Kairos decided. Nausicaa couldn’t help with exploring the Necromanteion due to being a mermaid, while Tiberius could put his eloquence to good use. “With luck and time, Teuta’s support at home will crumble.”

“Do not waste time,” Sertorius advised. “Teuta won’t stay weakened forever. Did Julia inform you that your rival had another [Hero] in her employ?”

“She did.” Kairos always knew Castor was an agent provocateur, but he never imagined that the man would ascend into a [Hero]. “When we traded information through my [Idols], Julia informed me of a theory she made. That [Legends] were growing more common, heralding the beginning of a new Age of Myths.”

“Her intuition is correct,” Sertorius confirmed. “The Senex keeps detailed records of these things. More [Heroes] have popped up this year than in the last century, and groups like the Beast Cult have grown more active.”

The mention of Lycaon’s cult made Kairos tighten his hands in wrath. “Did you investigate Romulus?”

“I did,” Sertorius replied calmly as they descended into the quarry. To think the Moirae kept a temple hidden there for so long… “Your mother confirmed that she had brothers, though she couldn’t tell which of them inherited the werewolf curse. They are all listed as deceased in the records, but the cult could have faked their deaths. I have brought all the paperwork to study for the winter.”

“You think a dangerous [Demigod] left a paper trail?”

“You underestimate the power of bureaucracy, my friend. Unless you have a better lead?”

Kairos’ silence was an answer in itself. Searching through paperwork didn’t sound like the best option to identify Romulus, but it was the only one available for the moment. “He will come back for her… and for you.”

“I know.” Sertorius’ jaw clenched in frustration. “I underestimated the cult. I thought they were rabble, and while I heard rumors that they were led by a [Demigod], I remained skeptical. Dispater in particular dismissed this information as propaganda. The confirmation of Romulus' existence changes everything.”

“How did Julia take it?” Kairos had seen her shaken, but his wife was very proud and kept her feelings to herself. He wanted to help her, and wondered if her brother had advice to give.

“Poorly,” Sertorius replied. “My sister hates feeling weak above all else, and this vile [Demigod] forced her to acknowledge her limits. Neither does she take her pregnancy well. She does her duty and already loves the child, but the idea of staying at home for months infuriates her.”

“I can imagine,” Kairos said. “I hate feeling vulnerable too.”

“This is something we have in common.” For a moment, Sertorius’ mask of control briefly slipped to show the man underneath. “My family crafted an impenetrable armor, Kairos. One made of money, connections, and armies. Romulus showed us how vulnerable it truly is.”

“[Legends] are the only real power. Everything else follows.” Kairos knew that all too well. If he hadn’t gotten one, he would have remained a nobody.

“Indeed. My sister is looking into ways to gain one, and I will admit I hoped to use the Thessalan war to become a [Hero] myself. Fate smiled on our family earlier than expected, and when Romulus comes for us, we shall be ready.”

“On another note, I have a method to better protect ourselves from assassination attempts.”

Sertorius offered a nod. “I have noticed your new Skill. Indeed, I would be grateful if you could share it with me and Julia, though we should test its limits first. If this divine blessing protects us from all divination spells, it might include our own and complicate matters in the future.”

The two walked past marble columns and into the temple of the Fates. It was an exact copy of the one in Lissala, where Kairos received his first Quest. The moment felt as if it happened a lifetime ago.

The duo found Julia at the temple’s center, talking with one of the Fates in the middle of a ring of marble pillars. Kairos’ wife wore a wolf pelt like her mother-in-law, but his gaze immediately noticed her swollen belly. Julia was well past the first trimester now, and it started to show.

“We have been waiting for you, mortals,” the Moira said with an inhuman voice. Like her siblings, the ancient hag took the shape of a hunched humanoid figure. Her robes and cowl were as black as night, while her visage appeared like a reflection of the night sky. A brilliant sun and a moon served as her eyes.

“Husband,” Julia smiled upon seeing Kairos again. He immediately moved to hold her in his arms and kiss her on the mouth. His wife’s lips weren’t as passionate as Andromache’s, but they felt warm and welcoming. “How good it feels to hold you in my arms again...”

“I missed you,” Kairos replied. Andromache was right; he did develop feelings for her. Not quite the passion he felt for the nymph, but a genuine sense of respect and affection. “I wish I could have returned sooner, but things didn’t go as planned.”

“The gods make a mockery of our plans,” Julia replied with a laugh. “Though I admit I never expected you to ally with Cetae. They even sent an ambassador lurking in the waters near our port.”

“Have you set a statue for Hybris in our temple?” Kairos asked, slightly amused.

“Not yet. He’s not popular on the surface, though I think we can justify adding one of his [Idols] to our collection if we do it wisely.” Julia pinched his cheek gently. “Yours will always be the greatest.”

“Will we set another in this temple?” He asked his wife, his hands moving to her back. “Why did you come here?”

“Aglaonice found the location of the [Necklace of Harmonia], but since I am…” Julia glanced at her belly. “Not quite ready for adventures yet, I wanted to know if the Quest would count as fulfilled if I sent agents to recover it. And of course, she answered cryptically.”

“There is more than one solution to a Quest,” the Moira declared. “It is possible for you to fulfill its conditions indirectly, so long as you were the architect behind the success. It all depends on the circumstances.”

“I would have preferred a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” Julia replied, “but I guess we will see when we cross that bridge.”

“How is it that this temple was buried under Histria?” Kairos asked the Moira. “Did you predict a settlement would rise above it?”

“My sister gave you a hint of your destiny when you last met in Orthia,” the hag replied. “Those with the potential to become myths will find their way to our temples. You have planted the seeds of many future [Heroes], from men to minotaurs and monsters. One day they shall visit me, and receive their Quest.”

“Will I be the first?” Kairos asked. “I intended to visit your sister in Lissala and receive one.”

To his welcome surprise, the arbiter of fate assented to his request. “You were not ready, but now you are. By choosing the path of leadership, you bound your destiny to your crew and allies. Their strength is your strength. It is time for you to ascend to a higher level, or perish. Will you accept my trial, and vow to fulfill it?”

“I swear,” Kairos said immediately.

“Then I bestow a Quest upon you, Griffin King. May you soar in the skies and conquer the heavens.”

A notification immediately appeared before Kairos, full of promises and dangers.

Quest Trial: Sunset on the Old Gods

The fires of the Anthropomachia burnt the old gods to cinders, but embers remain. The machinations of Circe and Thanatos have allowed an ancient sun to rise from beyond the horizon. Only by destroying it once and for all will mortals keep their freedom.

Destroy [Helios, the Sun that Was] and prevent him from opening the Gates of Tartarus.

Reward: 30 Skill Points, and ascension to [Demigod].

Kairos showed his Quest notification to his wife and brother-in-law. Julia couldn’t help but gasp, and even the unflappable Sertorius allowed himself to smirk.

The message was clear.

Either Kairos would conquer the Necromanteion and reach even greater heights, or perish with his kingdom.

“A [Demigod]...” Julia whispered. “I know you had the potential to rise high, husband, but to be offered this opportunity at your age… I am impressed.”

“There is no time to waste,” Sertorius declared. “You need to fulfill this Quest before spring.”

“Indeed,” Kairos agreed. The planetary alignment would happen soon, and becoming a [Demigod] would put him on an even footing with Zama. “Will you lend us your strength?”

“Of course,” his brother-in-law said with a nod. “My legions are eager for a drill.”

“I had Thales map out the first and second floors of the Necromanteion, husband,” Julia declared. “We have gathered a great deal of information.”

Perfect. “Gather everyone tomorrow morning,” Kairos decided. “It is time we plan another dungeon expedition.”

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A/N: chapter made possible by you, dear patrons.

And yep, we enter the final arc of volume II!