Chapter 4 Frees

The days go by, when it is time to return home, Dario must arm himself with all his patience and self-control in order not to be aggressive with his wife.

As soon as night falls, the three of them set off, Selene finds it strange that they are traveling at night, yet she says nothing, on the contrary, despite her young age, she will be a free woman and wife of a Spartan soldier, she knows that she will be protected by his side, she trusts blindly in her "powerful" Artemis. It is night but in the port it seems like day, loading and unloading of products, seeing the sea of people Selene clings to the arm of Dario, he lowers his gaze smiles at her, again he looks up and sees the people passing, one or another collides with them, he embraces her to protect her, Daedalus speaks in the ear of the prince, for the words received he does not even flinch so the thin being leaves the pair alone. The youngest can finally pay the fare for the three of them, the ship sets sail but the thin black-haired man does not go with them, the passengers fall asleep, only the sailors are left standing, guided by the stars, at a certain time of the night Dario leaves the crew unconscious, he makes sure that no one is awake, He howls loudly and a few minutes later the vampire arrives at his side, the two are the ones who lead the boat, during the rest of that night while sailing they talk to know each other better, Daedalus tells him a little of his life story and why he and his younger brother were condemned to be children of the night for eternity and to drink the blood of his brothers to live, the youngest understands almost everything, however his curiosity makes him ask several questions, questions that had no answers, nor does he demand them, as thanks for the trust received he also narrates how he ended up being cursed by the actions of his grandfather, how they lose all trace of humanity when they are changed into beasts, and how he learned to have self-control in his transformation but not in his reasoning, without intending it the dawn is going to reach them, Dario takes out the blankets in which he wraps the black-haired man imitating a big roll of cloth, the navigators wake up disconcerted, the Greek goes to his wife and snuggles into her, she falls asleep, the trip passes quickly when they go with good company, it is daylight when they arrive at the port of Athens, Dario throws the large roll of cloth over his left shoulder, Selene carries what little luggage they have, Daedalus whistles, a couple of seconds and the whistle had its answer, the black-haired man gives instructions to the youngest, he follows them to the letter, they arrive at a carriage worthy of a king, the door opens, Dario places the roll, closes the door but does not move from the place, a voice he does not know speaks, he introduces himself as Ramses and thanks the care towards Daedalus, he tells him to open the door so he can get in, he obeys, His eyes quickly get used to the darkness, he is struck by a boy who looks the same age, no doubt it was the younger brother, was very similar to Daedalus despite his green eyes, not counting the fine features was not mistaken, the young Cy is presented to the "Cy, son of Lilith, the first woman" "Dario, son of Eleuther, Dario, grandson of King Lycaon" his gaze travels to the other crew member who was undoubtedly the consort of Daedalus, the three again thank the help to the eldest of the Lilin, Cy, gives him a small sack full of gold, Darius feels offended by such action, but it is Daedalus who speaks to him "for your new life and she will never be a slave again" with those words he accepts.

_ Here we part ways my friend, be happy with your wife.

_We will see us again?

_ -The three smile- Are we children of the night, immortals, are you still a child, of course we will see each other again, the correct question is when?

_In that case, we'll see each other again - Having said that, Dario got out of the carriage, offered his arm to Selene and they left the place-

_ Daedalus, that boy smells like two that we met months ago.

_What are you talking about?

_ Months ago we met two very peculiar brothers-Ramesses while seeing Daedalus-his blood is powerful but I couldn't drink from them.

_ Me neither. - confesses Cy-

_ I drank from him, indeed his blood is powerful, it was very intoxicating, so much so that I couldn't move my body.

_ You were vulnerable, me without being by your side.

_ - The black-haired man gives him a kiss full of love- That young man took good care of me and even brought me food.

_ I will thank him the next time I see him.

_ Don't bother about that, I already did it, the woman who accompanies him, I released her for him.

The Lilins continue on their way while the young couple that same night get their ticket to Persia

_ They say there is no slavery there.

_ We are all slaves to something or someone. – answers Dario seriously – since we are alone we are free to talk.

_ You already know about me.

_ You have never told me where you are from.

_ I'm from Arcadia. Selene responds.

_ From the cursed kingdom?

_ When that happened I was a baby, my father and mother left the island just before it got ugly.

_ But you were free, what happened?

_ I don't remember, just a fire and I ending up in Sparta as a slave.

_ -takes her hand- I'm also from Arcadia. When everything happened I was three years old, my brothers and mother ran away.

_ I thought you were Spartan, the discipline, the body, your name.

_ It is false, I am the smallest of the family. My brothers always defended me.

_ So you decided that you would be the strongest of all.

_ A bit. I lost their trail I don't know where they are, I think I wouldn't recognize them anymore.

_ And tell me Artemis if that is your name.

_ - The black gaze travels from one place to another- Yes, it is. - So sure are her words that she leaves no doubt in her-

_ When we are in Persia I want a big house with a big garden. – He pulls her making her sit on her legs-

_ I will build it for you, you will have your garden.

_ Children, many free children.

_ They will be free, they will help me to graze or to wander or to sow. But you will be a mother when you turn fifteen.

_ As you say, now let's try to sleep.

_-She steps aside to give space, offers her right arm as a pillow- Is she comfortable like this?

_Yes, thank you - she turns facing him- You're not like other men.

_ What are you talking about?

_ You know what I'm talking about - she turns red with shame-

You're still a girl, you're twelve all in due time for her.

_ You are older than me three years.

_ And she looks at the difference between our bodies, you're thin, small-she caresses her cheek-all at the same time as her.

_ You are one of the strongest soldiers I have ever seen. I thought you were also kindhearted.

_ Shh! No one must know that I am a deserter from Sparta.

_ In that case let's change your name.

_ I'll let you choose my name.

_ As we are both from Arcadia, what do you think of Eleuter as the prince.

_ If you like that name I will use it. Now you, although I like Selene a lot.

They will know that I am a slave.

_ I don't think so, you don't have any brand. Now my lady, sleep.

_ If my lord - snuggles into him, she closes her eyes after a few minutes she falls asleep-

_ "My lord" am I doing the right thing? Shadow as I need you, your death caused me pain dear battle partner.

They arrive at the port of Miletus by day with new names, new airs, when they disembark the first thing they do is buy a horse and cart.

_ Do we stay in Miletus or do we leave?

The farther away the better, there is no risk of being discovered.

Saying that, they buy provisions and start their journey north, as the days go by, a small band of wolves follow them on their journey, she does not see them but he, he not only sees them, he has been talking to them for advice on where to go, the further the better, they travel beyond the walls of Troy, they arrive at a fertile plain, the river as well as the sea is relatively close, the promised, he starts with the construction of the house his years of training, his physical stamina have helped him with the construction, at night he is visited by the alpha of the friendly herd without her knowing night after night he talks to his friends, On nights when the moon is full, he transforms himself and runs around his grounds happy and content. From time to time he goes to the city or nearby settlements to eat, after all, he is still a man-eating wolf, what he likes most are fresh entrails, the few who have seen him describe him as a giant wolf with grayish fur and bright blue eyes, to avoid being followed, he gets into the river and changes to man at will, he gets to a certain height, there he gets out of the river, climbs a tree and jumps from branch to branch until he is sure that he will not be followed and before the moon gets in he arrives home, gets into the matrimonial bed, hugs his girl and falls fast asleep knowing that his house is guarded by his four-legged friends.

Three years have passed, the house is already under construction, what is being built is the garden she wants, a big one with many flowers and trees, they are working in the garden when some strangers arrive, he stops digging, she stands behind her husband.

We come in peace, we are travelers, we are passing through, we want water.

_ There is the well, you can drink the water.

_ - The visitors go to the well- We are going to Troy, we are merchants.

_ A few more hours on the way, if they hurry up, they will arrive tonight.

_ Thanks for the information.

_ - Nods- You say you are a merchant. What do you sell? – see that they hide weapons-

_ Things that are not from a farmer who is about to be a father.

_ Yes, I guess you're right. – He looks suspiciously at men, his eyes travel to different points while protecting his woman-

_ I see that you are still young, you are strong.

_ I try to keep fit, you never know.

_ That's right, you never know.

_ - The married couple waits for the travelers to leave, when that happens he shows off his transformation, changes to a wolf howls the friendly pack comes to his aid escorting everyone almost until he reaches Troy, Dario returns home he feels quiet when he sees that she is fine, he becomes a man again- If they were merchants.

_ Good thing, did you see the weapons?

_ I saw them, I think it will be better if I teach you how to use one.

_ I hate weapons.

_ Still, I think you'll be good especially with the dagger.

_ We'll see tomorrow now I just want to sleep.

_-He leaves the house whistles several times, his friends arrive to protect his home, he returns to his room and goes to bed.

_ I hope they are not bandits - Dario offers his left arm as a pillow-

_ If that were the case, he doesn't have a chance against me, you know it well.

_ Once a soldier always a soldier.

_ No my girl, rather you guardian, it is my duty and obligation to take care of my family - he caresses the bulging belly- What do you think it is?

_ Hmm? I think she is a girl.

_-He sees the belly with determination sniffs several times- I think he is a man.

_ You will see the day he is born.

_ We must go to the city, according to my accounts you have seven full moons.

_ Do you think you can afford your stay in the city?

_ Of course I can! Trust your husband - close your eyes, his face is serene-

_ I like to see you calm knowing that you are well, calm calms me down and takes away my fear.

_ You should not feel afraid.

_ Many times I dream that it comes for us.

_ They are just that dream. I give you my word that as long as we are together no one is going to take away his freedom, nor will they take you away from me.

_ May our children be free.

_ They will be.

The two fall asleep, she a little restless because of the day's events, he calm knowing that they are protected, the next day after protecting their belongings they travel to the walled city to wait for the birth. Two full moons pass and after the last night of the moon, Selene begins to feel labor pains, Dario takes her to the Gineco house where she is attended while she waits outside, in the distance, the howling of her friends who were as anxious as he was for the birth of the baby could be heard.

_ By Zeus! I am the man of the house and I must be calm.

_-A grunt from his companion takes him out of his thoughts-

_ How dare you call me fearful?

_ -Another grunt-

_ When you go through this I'm going to laugh at you too. – He kneels down to be at the height of the wolf- do you think his howls can travel throughout the continent?

_-he sticks out his tongue as if he was mocking-

_ I would like my brothers to know that they are uncles, that I am happy.

_-He tilts his head several times trying to understand-

_ These three are my pack.

_ -gasp-

_ My older brother Elian, Ciro, Lucrecia, they are my family, I don't know if my father lives or dies. – the baby's crying causes him to freeze in place-

_ -Grunt-

_ He was born! What I do? – His friend pushes him with her head, the eighteen-year-old enters the house running- Where is he? How is he? what was it?

_ Calm down son, they are fine.

_ They? – without understanding-

_ Your wife and daughter.

_ she is a girl! – The house comes out-she is a girl! – He yells at his friend and immediately the howls were heard throughout the city, he enters the house, they take him to Selene's room- how do you feel?

_ Tired, sore but fine. Have you seen her yet?

_ No, let's see her - she is shown-she is very small, isn't she going to break?

_ That? ha ha ha! I don't believe it.

_ Tomorrow we return home first thing in the morning, I'll carry them if necessary.

_ As you say. I want to rest, sleep.

_ Yes, yes, go ahead, I'll take care of her, I'll watch over your dream.

_ I know that, if you will, you always do, thanks for taking care of my Artemis.

_ Always.

Tired from labor, the new mother sleeps soundly, Dario does not stop contemplating his newborn daughter who is also sleeping, gently touching her little hands, she moves in her place.

_ I will always take care of you-he takes her in his arms, whispers into her ear- your father is immortal, he will never abandon you, I still don't know if you are like me, although I don't want to, I sincerely want it.