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My beloved Eagle-Bearer,
I know this letter puts me in danger, but I need you to know I survived the attempt on my life on Mykonos. I am alive and doing well.
Poison – only a coward would resort to such spineless tactics. I was indisposed for many weeks because of it. If Kyra had not prayed for me and the healers had not nursed me back to health, I would be dead now.
Kyra told me I was attacked by one of her rebels, an extremist who called himself Kasos. She also told me that you killed him with a single arrow through his left eye mere moments after he tried to run from the celebration. According to the children on the island, even though the arrow pierced through the back of his skull he ran for a few more steps because he was killed too quickly to realise what had happened. Children will tell their embellished tales and I quite enjoy listening to them. There are still hints of his treacherous blood in the stone floor where the party was held, I do not think anyone else has noticed them and I will not have it cleaned away because I want to be reminded of what happened.
My every waking moment is filled with thoughts of you, my dearest Spartan misthios. It pains me to think you believe me dead and might have misunderstood what I told you at the party. Kyra and I are not together in the same way that you and I were. What I thought was love for her was only a deep admiration for her and her cause. She and I will help rebuild Delos and Mykonos together but as something equivalent to business partners, not lovers. I’m sure we’ll become closer friends in time too, she can be quite witty even when she’s not drunk.
I received word from Sparta recently that I am officially to remain on the Silver Islands to govern them, a replacement for Podarkes. I am to protect the islands from the Athenians for as long as I live. I accepted without reservation. After what we went through together, the thought of going back to Sparta alone upsets me. I will not return to the motherland without you on my arm.
Alexios, I pray to the God’s every day for you. I pray this letter reaches you, I pray you are healthy and safe, I pray that your travels are burdenless and your tasks are light. I pray that I will see you again and we can be together just like we promised each other. I fear the God’s are not listening to me because I keep hearing tales and legends of your dangerous adventures every time a ship docks at Tavern Point. Or maybe they are listening, and I am simply being tested on my patience and ability to carry on even though the thought of losing you makes me miserable beyond all reason.
I will visit my second favourite place in all the Greek World every day at dusk for the rest of my days and I want you to meet me there when you have destroyed those who wish you and your family dead, and you have reunited with them. I will wait for you. And if I grow old and never see you again, I will die with the memories of the best times of my life.
If I could leave a trail of flowers across the sea that guides you to me, I would.
Come back to me alive, Spartan. I love you.
Yours forever,
Thaletas