Ki-ur Kakkabu

Chapter 6: Revelations in the Moonlight

Chrysomallo agreed, adding, "According to my research, there's some confusion about the ship's actual fate. Despite stories of a gruesome end, no wreckage or remains were ever found. It's as if the ship disappeared without a trace, along with its entire crew."

She unrolled an old, worn-out parchment on the table, revealing an ancient map of the Aegean. "The Poseidon's Fury was last seen near the island of Kea, close to Athens, on a clear day with calm seas. After that, no survivors came forward to explain what might have caused the ship's mysterious downfall."

"It's a haunting final sighting, indeed," mused Mnesarete. Chrysomallo carefully put away the map.

Mnesarete, her eyes shining with recognition, shared more. "The rumours of the ship's grim fate spread far and wide, reaching even the shores of Lesbos."

Pausing briefly, Mnesarete looked thoughtful. "It is said that the mysterious end of the Poseidon's Fury inspired Sappho to write one of her most famous poems, known as 'The Bloody Vessel'."

With a dramatic gesture, Mnesarete began reciting Sappho's poem:

"O vessel of cedar and sail,
Your crew met a watery grave,
As demons of sea and storm,
Tore your strong hull apart...."

A chuckle escaped Dex as Mnesarete hit a very dramatic note. Soon, the rest of the group joined in the laughter.

Once the laughter calmed down, Chrysomallo smiled at Mnesarete. "Your recitation of Sappho's verse beautifully captured both sadness and beauty. Her Isle of Lesbos was only a distant observer to Poseidon's Fury, but you clearly understand her works deeply."

Mnesarete's eyes gleamed with passion. "Indeed, I really like Sappho and her gift for writing songs. Her poems about desire and connection between women are incredibly beautiful."

Chrysomallo nodded. "Her writings were ahead of their time, unapologetically celebrating the love between women. Sadly, so much of her work has been lost."

Mnesarete sighed wistfully. "If only walls could talk, what secrets and poems might they reveal from her school on that beautiful island? To walk where Sappho once walked and see things from her perspective."

"Her poetry lingers like a gentle touch on the soul," Chrysomallo agreed. "Even fragments of her work have a lasting impact. It inspires great scholars like you to honour her memory, my friend."

Chrysomallo closed her eyes briefly, as if imagining the scene, before reciting:

"Through spume and threshing waves, they reel'd,
While heaven look'd on with aspect mild,
Calmly, they viewed the desperate fight
Between man's skill and darkness' might."

Opening her eyes, Chrysomallo said, "These lines from Homer are appropriate - they show the horrors that even the most experienced sailors could face when the demons of the deep are unleashed."

Themistonoe smiled at Chrysomallo's accurate recitation. "You rightly invoke the immortal words of Homer. That passage has always reminded me of the doomed voyage of the Fury. As a poet whose works are inspired by his muse, I deeply admire the Bard of Ages."

"For years, I have immersed myself in the Iliad and Odyssey, marvelling at how one man's verses can capture the grandeur and filth of the mortal world with such divinely bestowed skill."

"In his words, I found not only poetic beauty but also profound insights into humanity - our strengths, flaws, and inherent tendencies that have changed little throughout the ages."