With the first rays of dawn, the city of Acadia was waking up in an unusual way. It wasn't an ordinary morning, but one that carried a heavy farewell. In the large harbor, where wooden ships lined the shore, all eyes were on one ship: the one that would carry Athens' heir, Linus, and his tutor, Romulus.
The ship was medium-sized, painted white, and on its prow was a carefully carved lion's head, a symbol of strength and courage. Sailors stood around it, preparing the ropes, raising the sails, and carrying crates filled with provisions: dried bread, olive oil, water skins, and navigational instruments.
Linus stood on the dock, wearing his white Greek robes, a simple leather belt around his waist. His face was serious, but in his eyes was a gleam of unmistakable sadness. Beside him stood Romulus, as calm as ever, observing everything with the eye of an expert.
The people of Acadia gathered around them. Men, women, and children, some waving their hands, some shedding tears. They had loved Linus during his years of residence among them; they loved his laughter, his enthusiasm, and his kindness.
An elderly sheikh, one of the city's wisest men, stepped forward and said in a trembling voice:
"Son of Athens… we have lived with you for years, and we have seen in you a pure soul that knows no age. Today we bid you farewell, but we know that the sea will carry you to your destiny. Come back to us one day, not as a guest, but as a king who unites this land."
Linus bowed his head in respect and said in a loud voice so that everyone could hear:
"People of Acadia… you are my second home, and I will never forget your kindness as long as I live. You gave me love when I was far from my homeland, and today I carry this love in my heart like a shield that protects my soul. I swear that one day I will return, bringing with me the good news of victory."
The voices of the people rose in prayer and encouragement. Some women threw flowers onto the dock, and children ran after him, waving their small hands.
An old woman, the same one who had given him the loaf of bread the day before, approached and offered him a small bag. "It contains some dates and oil," she said. "It is not fitting for the heir to Athens to set sail without provisions from our hearts."
Linus smiled, took the bag with both hands, and said, "This is more precious than gold, for it is from you."
Then he climbed onto the deck of the ship, Romulus beside him. He stood on the prow, looking out at the city he loved, at the white columns shining in the morning sun, at the faces he would never forget. A lump formed in his throat, but this time he didn't allow the tears to fall.
Raising his hand high, he shouted, "Goodbye, Acadia… Goodbye!"
The ship began to move slowly, propelled first by the oars, then by the wind. The sound of the sea rose, and the waves began to crash around it. The people kept waving until the ship became a white dot on the horizon.
Romulus stood beside him and said in a calm voice, "You have said goodbye to your second home, Linus… and now your real journey begins."
"Yes… now it all begins," Linus replied, staring into the distance.