#pamesijos

- Did you hear him, Noor? "Hope you continue your science career, even though you are now married" and yadda yadda. He is such a hypocrite!

The families had come together to celebrate Mezamura's wedding, and Teteriu had just finished his speech for the bride.

- I'm sure he meant well, Eira. He wants what best for his sister doesn't he? And Aurelio seems like a decent man.

- Yeah, it's nothing wrong with Aurelio, he is fine. But Teteriu just say things he doesn't live by. Pretending to be something he isn't. If he really meant what he is saying, why didn't he let me continue my studies? And this big party... giving them your old house... he is just showing off.

- The party is great though, and we all needed something to celebrate after this terrible summer.

- Oh sweet Astanna, yes! First uncle Itaja, then Telamon, and Nashuja wanting to leave Manthos for good. It sure hasn't been joyful.

- Well uncle's death wasn't that unexpected, he was getting older, and I'm just grateful Nashuja was still here when he passed. But Telamon...?! Did you learn exactly what happened?

- Not really. They just told me he was found dead outside the shelter where he lived. From what I've heard he had stopped drinking, but maybe he had a relapse? Or maybe he was robbed? Or struck by lightning? I don't know. I'm still in a bit of a shock, because deep down I did hope to see him again.

- So how is aunt Simadhne coping? Is she feeling better now?

- Well you know. Since we moved in after uncle's death she's been kind of busy with helping with the children and cooking for us all. But when Nashuja is leaving... I fear she will fall apart. We will all miss him so much. And knowing we will never see him again... It is unbearable!

- And Pamesijos? Will he go with him?

- Not if I can prevent it, Noor whispered. How can I loose them both?

- Really makes you think about the sacrifice they made, doesn't it?

- What do you mean? The war?

- I mean our parents Noor, when they let us both go. We were so young! About Khará's age actually! Can you imagine how it must have been for them?

- Well it was different. They wanted to keep us safe.

- Yes, exactly! Not so different from this situation, when you think about it.

- I've never thought about it that way, but you are right.

- But I'm not sure if I ever could have let Khará go, under any circumstances, so I totally understand your reluctance to let Pamesijos go with Nashuja.

- You will have to let her go some day anyway...

- What?

- I mean, she will move out, get married, have her own household. All of our children will. It is terrible, but true!

- Noor! Do you have to talk about such excruciating future visions? Can't we just enjoy this party and have some fun?

- ♫♫ Ναι, να ζήσουν, ευτυχισμένοι για πάντα! ♫♫

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The King's death was unexpected, even with a war going on. The body was to be taken back to the palace, but the men were allowed to give their respects first.

- The King instructed me to convey his gratitude to you, Captain Trypitis told Nashuja. He wanted me to give you some of his valuable stones, his horse Kappa and his sword.

- To me? His horse? The same horse that killed him? What am I going to do with that beast? It's a curse, not a gift, I don't know anything about horses!

- Well it is yours now. It was the King's wish. For your travels, he said And he really loved that horse, even if it killed him I believe he wanted someone to take care of it.

- My travels? Oh. Yes, that makes sense. Okay, I will try my best to honor his wishes. I will take care of the horse. As best I can.

In the beginning Nashuja was intimidated by the size and appearance of Kappa. He was cautious and patient, and made sure to have carrots or apples whenever he approached her.

After some weeks, there was certainly more trust between them.

The war continued, and Nashuja was again fit for fight. The men in general were not as motivated as they had been. The war-weariness probably had to do with the lack of progress. Victory seemed impossible.

Then, about three months after King Ifiklis death, they received the message from the regent; Prince Heraklis. He had made a deal with the enemy. The conditions were harsh, but peace was finally reached. The agreement was formally approved by the new king; the very young King Mijararos I. He was now formally the head of Manthos, but since he was just a child it was of course his uncle who had the real power and authority in the kingdom.

It was a very special day wen the soldiers marched home to Manthos. They weren't overly excited about the agreement Prince Heraklis had made, they felt that he had sold them short. There were rumors that he had betrayed them, his own people. They said he probably was on the enemy's side from the beginning, a renegade. Some even said that the former King had found out about it and confronted him, and that Prince Heraklis then killed his own brother because of it.

The citizens of Manthos were however ecstatic that war was over and that their boys were coming home.

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The fight was hard, and Alkides, Nashuja's opponent, was no push-over.

Nashuja's supporters held their breath...

... but once again Nashuja turned the game to his advantage - and was announced as winner!

- Hooray for Nashuja Sharruma!!

- A great match, King Ifiklis stated. Many congratulations! Did I see you before? You seem kind of familiar?

- No Sire, this was my first match.

- Sharruma, you say. So you are the son of...?

- Itaja Sharruma Sire. Itaja and Simadhne Sharruma.

- I see. Well it was a pleasure to meeting you, Nashuja Sharruma. I hope to see you again soon. A great match, like I said.

- Thank you Sire!

- Sharruma… it really is something familiar with that name, but I can't recall... Prince Heraklis mumbled.

- I don't think I've heard it? Princess Konchylia said.

- No, it was probably before your time. Maybe a really long time ago. Oh holy Dias! I think I know who he is, he then whispered, flabbergasted with his own discovery.

- Well? Who is that boy, Herakli?

- I'm not sure, but if my theories are correct... I must discuss it with mother first, then you will be next to know, I promise you.

- I'm happy you are so excited dear.

- Excited may not be the right word, shocked might be closer to the truth. I don't see how we could have missed this.

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Nashuja was well established at the front. His physical strength made him superior in close combat, and until now he was, thanks Astanna, unharmed.

The evening Pamesijos arrived at the camp, the men had a well deserved rest at the outskirts of the battlefield, close to the burnt down temple.

- Cousin Pamesijo! Welcome!

- Cousin Nashuja! Are you hurt? You are full of blood?

- No, no, don't worry. It's not my blood!

- Aha! So you have been fighting? Where is the enemy?

- They are holding their position behind that little hill. We are probably not going to see them until tomorrow morning. That's how it's been the last few days.

- Okay, I'm here to fight you know!

- You don't know what you wish for. It's not a game.

And Nashuja was right of course. The next morning the enemy was back. And they were a vicious bunch.

- Εμπρός!! Εμπρός!! Forward!! Captain Trypitis shouted.

Pamesijos was in the back row, and his enthusiasm waned as the strain and fear set in.

Slowly, but surely, the reality of war dawned on him. It was brutal.

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In the shadows of the old temple, the King, the Prince and the Captain had gathered to discuss strategy for the next days.

- ... so I think we should use him on the left flank, Heraklis argued.

- The boy is physically very strong, do you really think that's the best position for him? King Ifiklis was not convinced. I mean, wouldn't it be wiser to use someone with more speed in that place?

- He is fast enough. Heraklis wasn't ready to give in.

- He is one of our best men, and the flank is risky. It would be a petty to loose him. What do you think Kleomeni?

- Although the Prince is usually right in his strategies, I'm not sure about this one. It seems very risky to me.

- Well, like you say, my brother is usually right in these matters. It's not what I would have chosen, but I'm trusting my brother's expertise.

The next day the fights started again, and Nashuja was keeping the left flank.

It became the most bloody battle so far. Things were not going well for the Manthos men.

Pamesijos had his hands full keeping the enemy at bay.

The officers were not thrilled about the development. There were many reasons for concern.

But for Nashuja it was about to become fateful.

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That night when they came home Noor had a long chat with her son.

- I know you are angry with me Pamesijo, but you have to understand I only want what's best for you.

- I know mother, but you are treating me like a child. I am not a baby anymore. I can make decisions for myself.

- I know Pamesijo, Noor sighed, It's just that the thought of never seeing you again, it's freaking me out. Worrying about how you are, where you are. As a mother, I just can't...

- Well even if I don't have to go, like Nashuja has to, I still feel it would be the right thing to do. We have always been brothers, even before we knew we were actual brothers. How can I NOT go with him? You don't know what that does to me!

- I do understand, believe me. So if you really think you have to go, I... I will let you go. Noor's voice was barely audible.

- What?! You will let me go? Mother, I'm so happy. Thank you!

- Oh, I can't believe this is happening. How shall I endure? I just ...

- Mother, I'm know it's hard for you, but maybe we will come back one day? And even if we don't, you know we will be safe together. We will always stand by each other.

- I know you are trying to comfort me, but this is breaking my heart. I never realized how much it would hurt. For my mother too. I hope you will find my parents, Pamesijo! Let them know that we are happy and well. Please don't tell them about the bad things. It will only break their hearts.

- I promise. I will tell them Manthos is a paradise and that we are the richest family ...

- Well don't exaggerate, you silly kid! My mother will see straight through you. She can not easily be fooled. Like me.

- Did you ever think of going back to your birthplace, mother?

- I did, at one point in my life, but how could I? It's a very dangerous and long journey, as you will soon see. It's certainly not for small children.

- So it was because of me?

- No! Actually it was because of Nashuja. Even if Nashuja was more attached to Simadhne, he was still my son, and I didn't want to leave him. I loved him, you know! And I still do.

- You should tell him. Because I think he believes you gave him to aunt Simadhne and uncle Itaja, because you didn't want him.

- What?! How can he think...? But he surely ... Okay, I will talk with him. Thank you my dear sweet boy. I will miss you so much, much more than you can imagine.

- I will miss you too mother! Always!

- My dear boy. Please be safe. Be happy, and be safe.

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- What the ...! I'M HIT! Sweet Goddess! I'M HIT!

- Help me someone! Please!

- Shh! You'll be fine. Prince! Help me get him over there.

- Am I going to die?

- No, I don't think so. The arrow didn't go deep. But you are bleeding. Drink something and lay still.

- I feel so tired. And cold. I think I'm dying...

- No, you will not die. it's just the fluids running out of you. I will get someone to buckle you up. You will feel better tomorrow.

- If I'm not dead...

- You will not die! Stop whining. It doesn't help.

- What kind of games are you playing Herakli? Are you not my brother?

- What do you mean?

- Why are you deliberately trying to make us loose the battle? Or maybe the whole war? Are you a kataskopos? A spy?

- How dare you! I would never...

- Trying to eliminate my very best man? Who also happens to be my own blood? A bastardos, but still. HA! Why do you look so surprised brother? Did you think I didn't know?

- Eh... I...

- Well anyway, as soon as we finish this bloody war there will be changes. I want you to leave tonight, your "advices" will not be needed here anymore. You are a disgrace.

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- Are you okay Nashuja? Noor decided to confront whatever needed to be confronted.

- Eh.. Yes. Auntie Noor, can I talk with you in private?

- Of course! Let us go inside.

- Are you my mother? Nashuja went straight to the point. And if so, why was this hidden from me?

- I am. It was not exactly hidden, but you bonded so well with Simadhne, and then I got married. It was better this way. And Simadhne and Itaja took care of you in a better way than I could have.

- Was King Ifiklis my father? Why didn't anybody tell me about this?

Noor gasped and became visibly nervous.

- It was the King himself that told me. Before he died we had long talks. He was very kind. And generous. Kappa was his horse, you know. And he also gave me valuable stones, and his sword, that's a great honor.

Noor swollowed and her eyes became dark. She still didn't say anything.

- He told me that you were very beautiful. And that he didn't like your husband. He must have loved you very much.

- Nashuja, I can't explain these things to you, Noor was clearly upset, but I can tell you one thing, he did not love me.

- I think you are wrong! He spoke very warmly about you. He was very kind, a real man of honor.

- You don't know...

- He really was, I haven't anything bad to say about him!

- I'm sorry, Nashuja, I don't feel well. I think I will be sick...

- Do you want me to get my moth... Simadhne?

- No, no. I will be fine. I just have to rest for a moment.

Nashuja went back to the party and told his brother Pamesijos that he now had talked with their mother.

- She confirmed what the King said, Nashuja whispered, so it's all clear now. We are officially half-brothers!

- Great! Just don't start behaving like a royalty around me. I know you too well ha-ha!

Simadhne had good hearing, however, and felt cold inside from what she now heard.

- Where is Noor, Nashuja?

- She had to lay down, but she told me she would be fine. Maybe it was something she ate?

- Probably. I will check on her, just in case.

- Sweetheart. I just realized you have told Nashuja about his origin? How did he take it?

- I didn't tell him. He was told by the King, who he now think is a "real man of honor", as he said.

- Oh Goddess! Noor you will have to tell him the truth!

- NO! Absolutely not! Can you imagine what the truth will do to him? I don't want him to know! I forbid you Simadhne! Don't tell him! Promise me!

- Okay, I promise. I don't agree, that I must admit, but in the end it is only you who can tell him. It's your decision.

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