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Chapter 9 - Androkles
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Destroyer Chapter 10 - Androkles
It was that thought that stayed with me the rest of the week. Even as I entered my childhood home of House Zeus for my Sunday lunch with Diokles, it was one of the rare days I was given no tasks. Diokles had always insisted, even when he first came here, that we have a meal together on Sundays. He told me that in the mortal realm, his family would have Sunday meals together with whoever was able to attend. Eugenius felt this was good practice for me. He, of course, wants me to carry on the long-standing alliance between Ares and Zeus. But nothing about Sunday lunch with Diokles is business. It's just a chance to relax. Sitting in the dining area waiting for Dio, I found my mind returning to Ismene-Eirene, again. I need to stop that. But she said she wanted to see me again, to speak again. I don't know how or if I should. I am not shopping for a wife, and I know my father and Eugenius would probably not approve of her, given her blindness. Though they may be talked into considering h
The Destroyer Chapter 11 - Ismene-Eirene
It's been over three weeks since Andy, and his brother Dio visited. Three weeks hoping he may call on me. So we could talk more. But he never called on me. And I've not gotten to leave the house, so I couldn’t try to call on him. I sighed as I sat in my room, practicing my lyre, singing softly, "Oh Nymphs, daughters of the ocean. Daughters of springs and of deep caves. Beautiful virgins, wood-clad priestesses. Xothies of the woods amadryades daughters." I paused as I heard a commotion outside. Something was moving through the woods by our property. Whatever it is, it is knocking down trees. I listened to the servants as they hurried to inspect what was causing the disturbance. After the chimera back in the village, father was extra careful about wandering beasts. After a moment, I didn't hear any fighting, just the sound of whatever was out there continuing to knock down trees. The servants returned, not thinking it was a threat. "The groves resound by their songs. And their choir
The Destroyer Chapter 12 - Androkles
I'd been so frustrated about everything that I'd not even paid attention to where my path of destruction led me. No wonder I'm called the Destroyer. But it led me here. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. But I do know I like talking to Ismene-Eirene. Even if I'm frustrated, I can't talk about this with her and be Andy, a mere soldier, which was confusing. Why hasn't her family told her? And then that brought my mind back to what her parents thought of me. And the speculation they probably have about my involvement with her. I sighed again, running my hand through my short hair. She made it sound so easy. Which, on the surface, it was. Diokles seemed to think that too. And I wanted to believe that it could be. "I'm sure people have wanted to use Lord Hades and his power in the past. A previous Lord Hades tried to start a war with his powers, and it landed him excelled and his heirs till the current Lord Hades to be ostracized." I shrugged. I blinked, startled when her hand touched
The Destroyer Chapter 13 - Ismene-Eirene
I know I’m nitpicking. Andy… Androkles… er, Lord Androkles giving me a shortened version of his name may not be a lie. But I saw it as lying, a relatively harmless and honestly helpful lie, but still a lie. I smiled as he promised no more lies of any type. “And as far as I know, you have no ulterior motive. At worst... you kept who you were from me so I would talk to you.” I said. “I have no ulterior motive. It is exceedingly rare to come across someone who doesn’t know me or has a preconceived view of me. And other than Dio, even if it was because I introduced myself as Andy, you didn’t seem afraid of me.” he affirmed. “In that case, Lord Androkles, Androkles, or Andy. You have my permission to call on me as any friend would.” I agreed. “Though please don’t startle our horses anymore.” I smiled softly at him. I can’t call on an heir. Socially... I couldn’t reach that high. It would be like calling on Lord Ares. But if he calls on me… “I will see what my schedule would allow, then
The Destroyer Chapter 14 - Androkles
It'd been over a week since I found my way to Ismene-Eirene's home. And worse than before, she seems to haunt my thoughts, mostly my dreams. She knows who I am now, yet said I could call on her if I wanted. Sure, she'd been afraid, but she didn't let the fear she felt, which she knew was only there because of what others said, decide her view of me. It was strange, and it felt nice to know someone out there wanted my company. It was a stark contrast to dealing with my father and Eugenius as they not so covert attempts to arrange my future. Such as this morning. When I entered the dining hall for breakfast, I found my father seated with Eugenius talking with General Thales at one end of the table. At the same time, Kyltië chatted away with Thale's wife, Nomiki, and daughter Daphne at the other. All conversation stopped when I entered. My eyes cut from our guests and landed directly on my father. What the hell is going on!? I don't probably want to know the answer to that. This can't
The Destroyer Chapter 15 - Androkles
This was the most awkward my rounds have ever been. The only person who was having fun was Hypatos when he joined us, having been waiting for me at the first stop. The old one-armed soldier was having difficulty not laughing. I’m glad he finds this amusing. I think it’s a damn waste of time. At every stop, her presence created a stir. Soldiers were surprised to see a woman with me, period. They were even more surprised because she was attractive. They held their tongues well enough around me, but I saw how they looked at her and then the fear when I caught them. I don’t care that they were undressing her with their eyes. It isn’t polite, but it’s not going to offend me. She isn’t with me in that sense. I’m stuck with her till my rounds are over, and then I can dump her off at her house and never speak to her again. She can tell her parents I was rude and dismissive of her and that she’d prefer any man but me as a husband. And I can tell my father and Eugenius to talk to me when they
The Destroyer Chapter 16 - Ismene-Eirene
It had been over two weeks since I’d last spoken with Andy. I’ve been busy learning the business and getting more familiar with the house and surrounding streets. Though without Rae, I am still limited on how far I can go. My parents don’t trust many to accompany me far from the house. So, I only get to go into the market if it’s with one of them. It is getting tedious. When I could go out, I heard some news about Andy. He’s talked about much more here in the capital than he ever was in my village. But that makes sense, as he lives here. I recently heard the news that he’d been seen escorting someone named Daphne, apparently a beautiful young woman from House Apollo whose father is a general in Ares’ army. The rumors are that they are to become betrothed. I should be happy for Andy. A friend would be happy, right? But instead, I have this unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t want him to be betrothed to this Daphne or anyone. For all I know, she is his soulmate; if not,
The Destroyer Chapter 17 - Ismene-Eirene
I smiled and walked closer, deciding to play it off that I hadn’t just been listening to their conversation. “Hello, father. I wanted to greet Lord Androkles as I heard he was here.” I greeted him. After all, it is an insult not to greet an heir or council member. And it was an excuse to see him. My father was confused that I’d called Andy by his proper name. As far as he knew, I’d yet to be told the truth. I hope he feels foolish for keeping such a secret from me. "Hello Miss Ismene-Eirene. You have good timing. If you don’t mind, Leander, she should join our conversation as it involves her.” Andy greeted me. I looked in his direction as he spoke, bowing. "Hello Lord Androkles.” I said because I had to be a good Olympian right now. “It is an honor.” I can imagine how my father must look. I’ll have to ask Andy later to describe it for me. In my mind, it is a very amusing image. My father is rarely caught off guard. So, the fact that I have managed to surprise him makes me smile. “
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The Destroyer Chapter 67 - Androkles
I’d wanted to stay in the room with Ismene-Eirene, but Helene and Rea shooed me out to the hall. I could hear Ismene-Eirene in pain, and I hated it. I hated not being able to take the pain from her. I paced the hall, stalked like a caged animal with my eyes darting to the door at every cry from my wife. Hypatos sighed against the opposite wall as he watched me. Saea sighed and rolled her eyes, and tugged at his arm. I don’t know what the satyr whispered to my steward, but he found it amusing. I glared at them as they just smiled innocently at me. I know they are talking about me and most likely mocking my nervous energy, and to hell with them. Since the day we met, all I’ve wanted to do was protect Ismene-Eirene from pain. And when I heard a loud cry of pain, I said to hell with waiting. Screw what is normal or acceptable. I don’t give a damn if most men in Olympus don’t enter the delivery room. I couldn’t stay away. I can’t protect her from the pain of bringing our children into th
The Destroyer Chapter 66 - Ismene-Eirene
“I take it the doctor and midwife hadn’t realized that yet. Well, don’t blame them. I have the healing touch to sense the two babies.” Melanthios explained. “And I can hear their heartbeats easily.” Rosalyn nodded. I was still dealing with what the doctor and midwife had told us at our last visit. I’ve worried about my baby and my chances of surviving childbirth. And now Lord Melanthios and Lady Rosalyn have added to my distress by telling me there are TWO! Does that mean both babies are breech? Or is it just that one of them is? My mind has a million questions that I can’t form into words. “Would you like to hear your children?” Rosalyn offered. Her offer threw me off guard, completely derailing all my new fears. “I… can hear them?” I asked. “Of course. I’ll put the ear tips into your ears and then press the drum on your belly. You’ll be able to hear their heartbeats this way.” she explained, doing exactly as she explained. My eyes widened as I smiled, hearing their steady, fas
The Destroyer Chapter 65 - Androkles
Life has mostly returned to normal or perhaps a new normal now that Eugenius and Nikos are dead. Against my better judgment, I let Bion live to be sent to the Underworld with the other traitors. He had better be grateful for every breath he takes. I only spared him because Ismene-Eirene asked that no further blood be shed. And I wouldn’t refuse her, even if she wasn’t pregnant with our first child.Today we are meeting with the doctor from Apollo and a midwife from Hera to check up on the pregnancy as Ismene-Eirene has been having a migraine that seems never to end and has complained of pains in her abdomen that aren’t the baby kicking. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I know I want to be as involved as I’m allowed. Not to mention I don’t trust most people with my wife.
The Destroyer Chapter 64 - Ismene-Eirene
It's probably for the best that no one tried to stop us on our way to our bedroom. It’s been months since he was home. I want and need to have this time with him. And while most probably fear him more than me, I think pregnancy hormones may make me the one to fear if they did get in the way. The door had barely closed before his lips were on mine, and I felt my back pressed into the door. “Ahem…" someone cleared their throat nearby. With a groan, we both pulled back from the kiss breathlessly. “Hypatos, you better have a damn good reason to be in here,” Androkles responded, not hiding his annoyance. I blushed at the realization of finding it was Hypatos in here. If anything, I would have expected Rea or Helene. “I was trying to leave m’lord. I put some food and drinks out by the bath Rea and Helene had prepared. So, I will gladly go if you move from the door. I have better things to be doing than standing around here." Hypatos explained. Androkles took my hand and moved us away fr
The Destroyer Chapter 63- Androkles
It was strange, to say the least, as we marched back into Olympia. I saw people from various Houses lining the streets, and they were… cheering. I don't think I've ever heard cheering for me. There was cheering after my arena fight against Eugenius, but I think they'd have cheered if I lost too. The mob is a fickle thing, that's for sure. I gave slight nods as we passed the crowds. As we came to a stop at the gates of House Ares. Holding up a hand, I signaled the dismissal of the army. I watched as the soldiers broke ranks to find their families in the crowd. I watched as wives, children, and mothers hugged the soldier that returned home to them. Most of the women contained tears, but some couldn't. They may have married a Spartan, but it didn't make them Spartans. I could hear crying, both in joy and sorrow. As I know, some widows or parents would not find their soldiers standing here. I'll have to make my rounds tomorrow to notify the families of those that died, but that will wait
The Destroyer Chapter 62 - Ismene-Eirene
Androkles has been gone for nearly two months now. And I don’t know if it’s because of the pregnancy, but it feels like an eternity since he left. We received word that he had defeated Eugenius and Nikos and would be returning home. But that was weeks ago. But I understand that marching home takes time. Especially as they travel with the injured and dead, his letter advised a battalion would be taking the prisoners directly to the Underworld for judgment. Today I was outside, getting fresh air and exercising as my doctor recommended. Rea and Helene have been of great help in making sure everything is getting done and that my instructions are being obeyed. I also ensured that the main House and the grounds were being cleaned and readied for when Androkles and the army would return. We didn’t know how soon that would be, but I wanted to be prepared. Mitha is still here even though the rebellion has ended. She said she would not leave till my husband dismissed her as he was the one that
The Destroyer Chapter 61 - Androkles
I’ve been away from Ismene-Eirene for over a month now. It feels much longer, which is strange. I never really missed home while gone on an assignment. But then again, I never had someone I wanted to return to. I write weekly, though my letters are updates on the war’s progress. I can’t send my wife a letter saying what I want to say. I don’t know how to write in braille, and I certainly don’t want someone reading my words to her. Only she needs to know what’s in my heart or my head. And it feels somehow like a copout if I write how much I love her instead of telling her. So, I’ll have to wait until I can return to say anything I want. We’ve at least made some headway in this war. My father and Eugenius had gathered many followers. However, not all are pledged to Ares or even any house. Rather odd for unpledged Olympians to want to side with the likes of them. It seems war tends to make strange bedfellows. Speaking of war-making strange bedfellows, Hypatos split off from my main for
The Destroyer Chapter 60 - Ismene-Eirene
“Death to….” someone started to shout, but their words turned to a cry of pain as I heard a thud. “I am sorry, but if you call for death, The House of Ares is the wrong house.” Mitha taunted as I heard bones cracking. I’m guessing she landed on my would-be attacker. Alexis growled, barking, taking a defensive stance before I heard him sink his teeth into someone who let out a cry of pain. Andy was right about Alexis. Even if the training never yielded results for him to be a reliable seeing-eye dog, he would protect me nearly as fiercely as him. “Bastard dog!” a voice shouted. “ALEXIS!” I yelled as I jumped to my feet, worried for my precious dog, as I heard him whimper in pain. “On your left, Lady Ismene!” Mitha shouted. Her warning came simultaneously when I felt the slight breeze of her wings before another thud. She must have taken down another attacker. I reacted quickly, revealing the long silver stiletto blade, and stabbed to my left. I winced as I put as much strength as
The Destroyer Chapter 59 - Ismene-Eirene
I don't think either of us realized we had fallen asleep till there was a knock at the door. "Lord Ares. Lady Ismene. The army is ready." Hypatos called. I sighed as we detached ourselves. I don't want to think about how this could be the last time we are together. I don't want to consider a future that doesn't include Andy. My stomach rolled at the mere thought. I shook my head, dismissing those negative thoughts. This is Androkles, Lord Ares, The Destroyer, the man I love even if I haven't dared say the words. He will return to me alive. Olympus is doomed if he doesn't, Olympus is doomed, and I don't mean because of Nikos and Eugenius. Because I will rain fire upon those responsible for taking him from me. I am still determining how I will do it. But so, help me, I will find a way. "We shall be there momentarily. You may wait at the front steps." Andy instructed. We dressed quickly, helping each other with our clothes. I love it when Andy helps dress me almost as much as when he
