Night fell on the first island, and quiet fell on the shore. The sailors sat around a small fire, warming their hands and drying their clothes after a long, tiring day. The sound of the waves drifted in the background, while the night birds chirped from deep within the forest.
Linus sat by the fire, staring into the flickering flames. His body was tired from facing the daytime creature, but his mind was alert, unable to rest. Romulus approached him and sat beside him in silence.
After a moment, Linus said, "You know, Master? This island seems to be testing us. During the day, we encountered a monster, and I don't know what the night holds."
Romulus smiled a small smile and said, "Life is all about tests, my boy. But the night… the night always holds secrets that it reveals only to the brave."
He had barely finished speaking when they heard a strange sound coming from the forest. It was like a long howl, but deeper and more terrifying than any wolf. Silence fell among the sailors, and they exchanged worried glances.
"That's not a normal sound," said Callias, the huge sailor, rising, holding his axe.
"I've heard of creatures that only come out at night… Perhaps we're about to see them," replied old Nikos, his eyes shining in the firelight.
Linus stood, grabbed his sword, and said in a steady voice, "We won't wait for it to attack. We'll be ready."
The men began to form a circle around the fire, their simple weapons in hand. The night was growing darker, and the wind carried mysterious sounds from the trees. Suddenly, the shadows shifted, and a huge creature emerged from the forest.
He was taller than two men, his body covered in thick black fur, and his long arms ended in sharp claws. His eyes glowed yellow, and his voice sounded like the growl of a hungry beast.
Darius cried out in fear:
"It's bigger than the Day Creature!"
But Linus raised his sword and said:
"It doesn't matter how big it is… we'll fight together!"
The creature rushed at them quickly, and the men's voices rose. Callias tried to strike it with his axe, but the monster drove him to the ground with a single blow. Darius jumped to his side to help him, while Linus lunged straight at the creature's chest.
His sword hit a thick fur, but failed to penetrate. Linus quickly backed away, then Romulus shouted:
"Linus! Don't face him with force alone… Use fire!"
Linus understood the idea immediately. He grabbed a torch and waved it at the creature. The monster backed away slightly, its eyes flashing with anger. Linus shouted:
"Men! Light the torches! Light up the night!"
The sailors grabbed burning branches and began waving them. Flames rose, illuminating the shore. The creature seemed hesitant, but it didn't retreat. It roared loudly, then leaped toward Linus.
At the last moment, Linus thrust the torch into his face, and the monster let out a loud scream and recoiled. Callias seized the opportunity, striking it in the leg with his axe, causing it to fall to the ground.
"Now! Together!" Linus shouted.
The men all rushed forward, striking the monster with fire and weapons. With each blow, the creature grew weaker. Finally, it fell motionless, its massive body trembling for a few moments before succumbing to its death.
A heavy silence fell after the battle, broken only by the sound of the men's labored breathing. They sat on the sand, catching their breath.
"I didn't think I'd live to see the night," Darius panted.
Callias laughed aloud, despite his wounds. "We did it... thanks to our leader."
Everyone looked at Linus, who stood holding his sword and torch in his other hand. His face was tired, but his eyes shone with unwavering determination.
Romulus approached and said in a calm voice that everyone could hear:
"Tonight you have proven that you are not just an heir… but a leader who knows how to protect his men."
Linus smiled a small smile and said:
"I couldn't have done it alone. Together we will cross this sea and reach Athens."
The men cheered loudly, their voices echoing on the shore. Linus sat by the fire, watching the flames, and whispered to himself:
"If this first island holds such danger… what awaits us on the next islands?"