Kairos 73: The Line in the Sand

The Foresight had received a warm welcome when they reached Vali, and would depart in a cold silence.

There were silver linings to the situation though. The Myrmidons had accepted Kairos’ offer to settle a new colony in Histria by sending a fertile queen alongside a retinue of male workers and soldiers to the island. If the first ant settlement proved successful, more Myrmidons would make the journey across the Sunsea.

“How many men did you manage to recruit in the end?” Kairos asked Nessus, as the two walked along the docks to survey their new mercenaries. The Travians had hired merchants to transport the troops to Histria on large galley ships, alongside spices and winter provisions purchased with Orichalcos’ loot.

“Only three thousand,” Nessus replied, dawn rising beyond the horizon. “But eight hundred camel-riders and thirty elephants among them. Zama hired the rest first.”

It wasn’t as much as Kairos had hoped, but better than nothing. “Why hire camel riders?” he asked Nessus.

“When the world was less wet, I led an army to conquer the distant land of India,” the fallen god explained. “We fought a few skirmishes with eastern tribes, and I noticed something very funny whenever my horsemen confronted camel-riders. The horses panicked and ran away.”

“Really?” It had to be a joke. “I would have expected such a reaction if the horses faced lions, but camels?”

Nessus chuckled. “It’s the smell, oh my captain, The camels’ scent spooks horses unless they grow used to it. Trust me, this tactic is unbelievably effective against cavalry. A skirmish with camel-riders cost me half my expensive mounted archers and nearly ruined my whole campaign.”

And no doubt Zama would know that fact too. Having their horses familiarizing themselves with camel scent might prevent a disaster down the line, when Kairos’ armies would confront the old general’s.

“Would you accept the role of army officer?” he asked Nessus with a smile. What the satyr lacked in raw power, he more than made up in craftiness and experience.

“Only if I get a pay raise, and my own mini-Tiberius to boss around.”

“Deal,” Kairos replied. He already had a few naive candidates in mind.

“Could I get my own goat banner too?”

“Now, you’re asking for too much.”

In the end, Kairos was relatively satisfied with the new recruits. Most of them were archers and light cavalry, owing to Vali’s style of warfare, but well-equipped and high-leveled. A good fifth of them were [Elites] and the rest capped [Commons]. Valian longbows could punch through most armors, and the recruits had the good sense to invest in high-quality steel weapons.

It was the slinger contingent that impressed Kairos the most. Although Nessus swore that they trumped archers in power, his captain had remained skeptical… until a Valian slinger demonstrated his strength by shattering a stone wall with a well-aimed projectile.

These living rams will shatter unprepared infantry, Kairos thought as he examined the elephant corp. The Valian had armored the beasts and outfitted them with wooden towers on their back, allowing archers to use them as mobile platforms. Though we’ll have to use them wisely.

Kairos had heard enough stories of panicked elephants shattering their own army’s battle lines to remain wary of the creatures. The many [Beast Tongue] users in Histria would reduce the risks, but not erase them completely.

Nessus ended the review with the cherry on the top: two dozen Myrmidon siege specialists he had managed to hire at a high cost. The worker ants swore that they could dismantle any fortress in days, either by digging tunnels or destroying fortifications with the right alchemical elements. Considering almost all of the Thessalan League’s major city-states had powerful walls protecting them, Kairos considered it money well-spent.

Having reviewed the mercenary fleet, the Travian King reached a decision about the journey back to Histria. “They will escort our new Myrmidon allies home, while we sail to Orgonos’ demesne,” Kairos ordered. “They’ll take a different, safer winter route.”

Zama and his allies won’t dare to attack the ant-men’s diplomatic mission, as it would risk uniting them behind Kairos.

“So we’ll travel alone?” Nessus crossed his arms. “We’ll make a tempting target.”

Kairos glanced at the open sea. The Unconquered had left the port earlier this morning without a word, taking its crew and allies with it. “I’m counting on it.”

“I beg your forgiveness, oh my captain, but we can avoid a battle completely by diving down below the sea,” Nessus pointed out. “The Unconquered didn’t look submersible to me.”

“But if we can lure out and kill Teuta now, the battle for Travia will be won before it even begins,” Kairos explained. “She will be easier to slay on her lonesome than with her fleet at her back.”

“True, but you forget one thing.” The satyr pointed at his missing eye. “The half-gazing general.”

Kairos hadn’t forgotten. While Zama should have moved to Alexandria by now, the Travian captain couldn’t rule out the possibility that he might have hidden near Vali in an ambush. The fact that he also had ample time to study the Foresight’s crew with the [Eye of Athena] put Kairos on edge.

“We must assume that Teuta knows all of our abilities, or at least those we had before we reached Vali,” Kairos said. “If you have unspent SP, now is the time to take new Skills she won’t expect.”

“I guess I can always try to improve my sense of humor,” Nessus quipped. “Our lovely pirate queen can’t fight well if I make her laugh all the time.”

Somehow, Teuta didn’t strike Kairos as the type to joke around in a fight. The pirate queen was as sharp as her axe; she would go straight for the kill.

The review finished, Kairos and Nessus returned to the Foresight. The ship was ready to sail, with Rook excitedly making circles in the skies, but no official from Vali came to bid them goodbye… least of all its prince.

“You know, Kairos,” Cassandra told her captain once he climbed on the deck, “I’m noticing a pattern here. Wherever we go, we leave a burning wreck behind.”

“We didn’t start any fires this time,” Kairos pointed out. Except maybe a diplomatic one.

“Give it time,” she said while glancing at Agron. The minotaur sharpened his Songaxe near the Foresight’s ram, quietly preparing for the storm he knew would come soon. “Andromache has been crafting Fire Rods nonstop since she came back.”

Kairos knew it all too well. He had interrupted his efforts to craft a sword for Tiberius and a spear for Nausicaa to build up their stock of long-distance weapons. “And she’s been having fun with it,” he added.

“I’ve noticed. She’s happy for all of us.” Cassandra smiled. “Is it because she anticipates blowing up Teuta?”

“That, and because I made a sacrifice for her happiness,” Kairos explained. “I asked a lot from her, so it was time I gave back. Our relationship is stronger for it.”

“I see...” Cassandra’s smile turned sadder. “I’m sorry, Kairos. I know the alliance meant a lot to you.”

“It was my pride talking,” Kairos replied with a sigh. “I have a hard time accepting defeat. A part of me wants it all, and gets frustrated when reality enters the fray.”

“Your ambition has always been your foremost quality, Kairos,” Cassandra reassured him. “Take it from someone who failed at nearly everything. Failing from time to time is natural. The hard part is getting back up without losing enthusiasm.”

Kairos’ thoughts bitterly turned to Rhadamanthe, his old friend who perished fighting the undead Argonauts in Achlys, and to the fiery battle against the Orthian fleet. Cassandra was right. He had had his share of losses, but the key was keeping the strength to get back up… and have friends to help you lift you up.

“I feel you’re underselling yourself,” he told his adoptive aunt. “You broke your losing streak a long time ago.”

“I still feel strange about it,” she admitted. “Less than a year ago, I lived in the shadow of your uncle with no ship, no hope to settle, and no [Legend]. Now, I’m a [Hero] with a ship of my own, and a fiancé.”

“And you’ve earned every part of it.”

“Thanks.” Cassandra put a hand on her commander’s shoulder. “Kairos, if we get through this and I end up marrying Tiberius… I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“I considered making Aurelia my witness, as she’s my best friend, but I can’t think of anyone who influenced my life for the better more than you did. And since the marriage will probably take place in Lyce...”

“My mother won’t be able to attend.” Perhaps one day, Lyce would change its laws and Aurelia could return to her homeland… but it wouldn’t be anytime soon. “I would be happy to stand in for her, and I’m honored you chose me.”

“Well, I was the witness for your marriage,” Cassandra said with a chuckle. “What goes around comes around.”

Kairos wished she would find marital bliss… if they made it back home in one piece.

The Travian captain wondered if he should purchase more Skills, but the only ones available to him belonged to the [Moonblood] subclass. After Julia had fallen under Romulus’ influence, Kairos knew better than to invest in a werewolf-oriented specialization.

Instead, he decided to raise one of his secondary stats. He had enough to raise either his [Intelligence] or [Luck] to B+.

A part of Kairos wanted to grow smarter and wiser; one could never be too canny. But if his recent adventures had taught him anything, it was that the world was utterly chaotic. Opportunities passed, unforeseen events shattered the best laid plans, and a famed general with the ability to see the future could be blindsided. Even the most innovative strategy fell apart at the whims of Fate.

But one could hedge their cosmic bets.

You sacrificed 25 Skill Points to raise your [Luck] from B to B+.

Your chances of inflicting status ailments, critical hits, and succeeding at crafting attempts have increased. Additionally, you are more likely to receive boons from the Fate System.

Kairos made a note to visit the Moirae when he could. The servants of the Fate System had told him that he needed to strengthen his crew before he could undergo another Quest, but that had been months ago. By now many of his officers had gained [Legends] of their own, the Foresight had grown into a powerful entity, and Kairos himself approached the level ceiling of the [Hero]-Rank. Once he reached level 60, he wouldn’t be able to progress anymore.

In any case, Kairos was about to give the order to set sail when Rook let out a screech. “Somebody is coming, Kairos!” he warned his partner.

“Who?” the captain asked.

“The princess and her silly hound!”

Kairos moved to the deck’s guardrail with Cassandra, his eyes widening in astonishment.

Princess Anat rode on the docks with a small retinue of armed guards, followed by eight camels carrying large bags full of golden powder. The purity of the metal caused the sunlight to reflect on them, illuminating the docks.

“Greetings, King Kairos,” the princess said as she unhorsed and walked on the plank leading up to the deck. Her Sha hound followed her around, though he paid more attention to Rook than his mistress. “I’m afraid my father couldn’t attend your departure for health reasons, so he sent me in his stead with gifts.”

“Gifts?” Kairos could only choke, as soldiers relieved the camels of their bags and deposited them on the Foresight’s deck.

“I understand it is a very small donation,” Princess Anat replied with a knowing smirk. “But my father insisted on repaying you for your help on a national security issue. He wishes you good luck and joy in your own trials.”

Kairos could read between the lines.

Though Vali would remain officially neutral, the king had taken heed of Mithridates’ schemes and decided to hedge his bets. Who could blame him if his lavish gifts helped fund Zama’s enemies? Everybody loved careless generosity.

“I… I am thankful,” Kairos said.

“It’s unexpected,” Cassandra added while squinting. She was looking for the strings attached to this gold delivery. “Will you join us on our trip?”

“I would have loved to, but my brother forbade me from leaving the island,” the princess replied with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, Hadad has a soft heart. He’ll sulk for a few weeks, and then realize you weren’t so bad after all. All will be forgiven by the time you return.”

“If we return,” Kairos replied with skepticism.

“Then I will visit when things clear up on your end.” The princess winked at him. “Though my country will remain neutral, my prayers are with your crew… though I have the feeling you won’t need them.”

Kairos chuckled. “You would rather avoid marrying a Thessalan prince?”

“I would rather visit your island,” the princess replied. “As a friend.”

“Of course.”

Princess Anat gave him a bemused smile. “Is it true you denied my hand out of love?”

“Yes.” Though politics took part in Kairos’ decision, Andromache had been the key factor.

“Good, I would have been furious if it had been anything else.” The princess smiled warmly, and unlike her family, it appeared sincere. “Some will call you a fool for your choice, but as a woman, I hope my future husband will show me the same gallantry. Make your lover happy for the two of us, would you?”

“I will,” Kairos replied. “And you will always be welcome in my kingdom. I’m sure Agron will love to have you around.”

“I will take you up on your offer someday. You welcomed so many people and creatures from all around the world, I’m sure I would make so many friends.” The princess offered him a bow. “Good luck with your war, King Kairos. I pray we meet again.”

Kairos had been wrong.

The Valians had been warm hosts until the end.

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The Foresight sailed on the open ocean, with only the rising sun for guidance.

The skies were growing grayer with the freezing winds and clouds of winter. Though Kairos didn’t sense that a winter storm would fall upon them, they had left the warm waters of Vali for more dangerous ones.

And still no sign of Teuta.

“There’s enough gold to trigger a price crisis if we spent it all at once,” Tiberius informed Kairos, as the captain surveyed the sea. The crew’s warriors waited in a line to receive buffs from Andromache. “We could buy ships and provisions for multiple campaigns.”

After having struggled so many years with poverty, Kairos had a hard time imagining a world where he wouldn’t have to worry about money anytime soon.

We need secondary treasuries, he thought, watching Rook and Stymphalian birds make circles in the skies. Nausicaa hadn’t returned from her scouting mission yet either. Putting all our golden eggs in one place is a bad idea.

“Sir?” Tiberius asked.

“Is everyone buffed?” Kairos asked, as he noticed a shape in the water. He had used the [Idols] he had left in Orichalcos to call for assistance, but he doubted Hybris would send anyone. He was too busy dealing with the merfolk’s remnants.

“Almost,” his assistant confirmed. “Everyone received the [Water Breathing] and [Water Resistance] spells, and the Fire Rods are ready.”

Kairos nodded in answer before looking over the deck’s edge. Nausicaa rose from the waters below, pointing east with her arm.

“How many?” Kairos asked her over the sound of the waves.

The mermaid raised a single finger, before making more gestures.

Only one ship, but more people aboard than before? Kairos translated. “They called reinforcements?”

Nausicaa made more gestures, and Kairos clenched his teeth.

Summoned help.

“Kairos?” Cassandra asked, as she rushed to his side.

“They have summoners onboard,” the captain explained, his fingers tightening on his spear. “Everyone, prepare for battle! They outnumber us!”

No sooner did he give the order that his officers started barking commands to the crew. Cassandra distributed the fire rods, Nessus reviewed the archers before taking position behind the ballista, Agron started singing a magical melody, and Andromache tossed Nausicaa a purple scepter.

“This fire rod will work underwater,” the Scylla informed the mermaid. “It should stick to wood as well. Spray the symbols with blood and leave.”

The mute mermaid nodded as she accepted the device, a cold smile forming on her face.

“Are you ready, my love?” Andromache asked Kairos, as she removed her clothes.

“As much as I can be,” he replied, calling Rook down to the deck. “She won’t take us by surprise like the Argo did, but she knows what we can do.”

“She knows us, but she doesn’t understand us.” Once naked, Andromache approached her lover for a quick kiss. “I can’t wait. I have been waiting for this moment my whole life.”

“She won’t stop us from reaching Orgonos, no,” Kairos replied with confidence as he climbed on Rook’s back. “Nothing will.”

Andromache smiled ear to ear, before diving into the waters and transforming back into her cursed shape. Rook extended his wings and took flight. Kairos inhaled sharply as he cast his [Invisibility] spell, he and his mount vanishing from sight.

Though he could control the winds with his spear, the [Hero] felt another force pushing against his own. An invisible force challenging him for control of the skies.

“I see them,” Rook warned as he looked east.

The Unconquered’s flag appeared over the horizon, surrounded by small tornados and shielded by a circle of water. A flock of birds darkened the skies, their dreadful song soon revealing their true nature.

Elementals and sirens, Kairos identified the creatures escorting the Unconquered. He looked for the shape of Teuta’s griffin among them, but couldn’t find her. Did she hide among the sirens, or remained on the deck? Kairos knew she led from the front, but she might have known better than exposing herself to his touch.

No matter. Kairos hadn’t journeyed across half the ocean to die here in foreign waters. He had faced worse odds, and would survive these ones.

The Unconquered chased after the Foresight, both ships engaged in a collision course.

The battle for Travia had begun.

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