At dawn the next day, the city of Acadia was still in shock. In the markets, the vendors no longer called out their wares as usual, but sat silently, exchanging news and whispers. In the harbor, the sea songs had ceased, replaced by a heavy silence. It seemed as if the entire city had entered an unspoken mourning.
As for Linus, he emerged from his room after a long night of self-conflict. His eyes were tired from staying up late and crying, but a new fire was burning within him. He knew the moment of decision had come.
He found Romulus waiting for him in the square, standing under an ancient olive tree, watching the horizon. Linus approached with firm steps and said in a deep voice,
"I have thought long and hard… and there is no more hesitation. I will return to Athens, whatever the cost."
Romulus turned to him, his green eyes shining with seriousness. "I knew you would say that. But a decision alone is not enough, Linus. Returning to Athens is not just a sea voyage; it is a confrontation with destiny. Are you prepared to endure what comes?"
Linus replied without hesitation: "I am the son of Silius, the heir to Athens. If I do not return now, all will be lost. My father died in treachery, and I will not allow his throne to be stolen after him."
Romulus approached, placed his hand on his student's shoulder, and said: "Then let us begin. We will need a strong ship, a loyal crew, and enough provisions for a long voyage. The sea is not a straight path; it is filled with storms, pirates, and unknown islands."
Linus smiled a small smile and said: "Dangers do not frighten me. I was born for this moment."
At that moment, people began to gather around them. Some were students of the Academy, some were residents of Acadia who had grown fond of Linus during his years of residence among them. They looked at him with eyes filled with sadness and pride.
An old woman came forward, holding a loaf of bread, and said in a trembling voice:
"Take this, my son… It's not much, but it's from my heart. Return to your city, and don't forget that there are those who pray for you here."
A young sailor followed her, raising his hand and saying:
"If you need a hand at sea, I'll be with you. I won't let the heir of Athens sail alone."
Linus was moved by their words, and his heart felt stronger. He raised his voice to address everyone:
"People of Acadia… You have been a home to me when I was far from my homeland. I will never forget your kindness. But Athens calls me, and it is my duty to return to her. I swear that one day I will return, not as a guest, but as a king who unites this land under the banner of justice."
The voices of the people rose in prayer and encouragement, some weeping, some clapping enthusiastically. The scene was like the farewell of a hero departing to his destiny.
Linus turned to Romulus and said, "Let's begin preparations. I want us to leave with the first favorable wind." Romulus smiled and replied, "Then to the port... there your true journey will begin."
As the sun set, Linus walked steadily toward the port, the sea stretching endlessly before him. He was no longer just a young man training for fencing, but a leader in his prime, knowing that every wave and every island would be a new test for him.