After a night in which Ortynos did not sleep a single moment, the decision was made. There was no longer any place for lessons or philosophy; the capital was calling, and his father's blood demanded justice.
At the small harbor of Acadia, the townsfolk gathered early in the morning—not to celebrate a bountiful catch this time, but to bid farewell to the prince who had lived among them as one of their own.
The ship Astreia rocked gently upon the calm waves as Ortynos stiffly slung his satchel over his shoulder and stepped aboard. The city's baker approached him and handed him a cloth bundle.
"Take this, my boy. The sea journey to Actanus is long and harsh, and you won't find bread like ours out there."
Ortynos nodded silently, but Romilius—who was inspecting the ship's sails beside him—said warmly, "Thank you, kind soul."
Old Nikos stepped forward, carrying his long spear and a neatly folded fishing net. Behind him stood Darius, looking flustered as he struggled to balance several swords, and Pikos, dragging a small barrel across the pier.
Ortynos: "Nikos? What are you doing here? The sea toward Actanus is rough this season. It's no place for a fisherman seeking rest."
Nikos: "I was born upon the waves, Ortynos, and the sea is never faced alone. I know hidden waterways that don't appear on any map. You won't reach Actanus without someone who knows how to avoid patrol ships."
Darius: "And I'll be your personal guard! I'll keep your spirits high—even if I have to throw Pikos into the water just to make you laugh."
Pikos: "As for me, I've heard that fish caught in the waters of Actanus have a royal taste. Someone must ensure the quality of food aboard this ship to protect you… naturally by tasting every meal before it reaches you."
Ortynos managed a faint smile. "This journey is dangerous. We may encounter pirates or hostile ships."
Romilius: "The true danger is staying here while invaders seize your throne. Raise the anchor—let us go."
At Sea
The ship set sail, and as the outlines of Acadia vanished beyond the blue horizon, conversation sparked among the group to fend off the loneliness of the sea and the howl of the wind.
Darius: "Tell me, Master Romilius, as a wise man—why do they assassinate kings? Isn't it enough to live in palaces and eat from Pikos's hand?"
Romilius: "Power, Darius, is like drinking seawater—the more you drink, the thirstier you become. King Selius sought justice, and justice has many enemies who prefer chaos when it serves their interests."
Pikos (patting his stomach): "If I were king, my first law would be the abolition of hunger. If everyone were full, no one would have the energy to plot or assassinate—they'd all be too busy sleeping."
Darius laughed and nudged him. "You'd turn the kingdom into a sleeping lodge! Look at Ortynos—he's been standing at the bow since we left, like a statue."
Nikos, holding the helm, turned toward Ortynos.
Nikos: "Young prince, the sea is never calm forever. The shock you suffered is the first great wave to strike your ship. If you remain rigid, the next wave will break you—or drown you."
Ortynos: "My father was murdered in cold blood, Nikos. How do you expect me to joke or care about what Pikos eats?"
Romilius: "No one asks you to forget. But blind rage will cloud your sight and keep you from seeing the rocks beneath the water. We need your mind now to plan our entry into the capital more than we need your sword."
Pikos: "Exactly. Even a ship needs fuel to keep moving. Take a piece of this salted meat—an empty stomach doesn't forge kings, only angry rebels."
Ortynos (sighing): "I have no appetite, Pikos."
Darius: "Listen, my friend. My father always says that the fish which swims against the current with excessive force dies of exhaustion before it arrives. Save your strength for when we reach the docks of Actanus—there we'll need every drop of your anger."
The First Night on the Waves
Night fell. Pikos carefully lit a small fire at the center of the ship while Nikos watched the stars above.
Ortynos: "Romilius, do you think the harbor of Actanus will be open to us?"
Romilius: "Certainly not. Chaos spreads faster than fire at sea. Actanus may already be under siege or controlled by military commanders. We must enter as strangers, not as princes."
Nikos: "We'll approach the western coast tomorrow. I know fishing villages there well. From them, we'll learn who controls the harbor now."
Darius: "Father, do you think palace ships will pursue us if they learn we're here?"
Nikos: "If you keep your voice that loud, they'll hear us even while asleep in their chambers. Quiet now—watch the port side."
Pikos: "Enough talk of pursuits. The soup is ready. Ortynos, come sit with us by the fire. You're the captain of this journey to reclaim your right, and a captain must eat with his men."
Ortynos looked at his companions and saw in their eyes a loyalty he could only explain through love and devotion. He sat beside them and, for the first time, felt that the journey across the treacherous sea was far easier than facing the truth alone.
Ortynos: "Thank you. Tomorrow, we raise the sails fully. Actanus awaits—and justice does not drown."