Eteric

Archí

1017AD Olympia, Greece

Dusk is at its arrival and wind forcing its way through the court. It's been two weeks since I'd arrived at Olympia. The smell of fresh olives and spices fills the air. There's something about this place, like a never ending dream with only written possibilities. Ersa had warned of the men here, their arrogance, boastfulness, their frequent drinking habits and how they collected woman like precious souvenirs. I was not looking to be a another man's woman though. The men are beautiful, they dress themselves in the finest white silk from far lands with golds and trinkets of their gods. Deep rich radiant skin with bulk shapes from all the hard labour. Sure they are eye catching but I came here for one thing only. To find Ersa.

Ersa is my sister. Two summers ago she and some other women from our village set for Greece. In hopes to marry into the court of Olympus, be one of the many wives or Arti. Only the most powerful man in all of Olympia, he attracts and with being one of his wives
would come fortune, you would have the palace, rights and the children of Arti were cared for. It was better than trying to fix the ruins in our villiage. Cape Verde. My home and my heart, stolen by the Vermelho men and their ships. To live under thier cruel rule would go against everything our tribe believed so most of us left. I was one of the few who stayed, with a plan of course. Greece was part of it, and only time will tell who it will end.

The two weeks of settling went by quickly as I plotted the fall of The Vermelho. It was my father's plan. He was the general back home, and had been working on this for years. But the Vermelho captured him,last I heard he was being held here in Olympia. That's another reason Ersa had come. But now I'm all that's left, I have to continue. Sure it was a long shot for a 17 year old girl but no one was ever going to do it. So I figured if I was to do it, I would do it in secret and no one would ever know a girl saved their people, it would be too shameful.

So I became a spy, but for myself. It sounds merely impossible but I had a dream. I saw my people free, on our land or green grass and blue waters. When I'd left my village, reports of animal attacks got too high, the men brought their wild animals from their land. Though Ersa didn't think they were animals attacks, she studied victims and said bites were too precise. She'd always believe in tales but she'd convinced herself that vampires were the ones attacking our village. She's intelligent and fierce so if these creatures existed,she'd be the first to figure it out. But of course I have no time to be dealing with blood sucking enemies, I would simply have no chance against them. I had another problem on my hands.

The Vermelho had arrived in Olympia. This was real now, although it all hits me like a wave while watching their men settle amongst the others. I may have no chance and this would have all been for nothing, I would have failed everyone. But that is not an option not possibility.

Two weeks and still no sign of Ersa. May God be good to me.

"Isn't he so beautiful, I've never seen anyone like him" said Irisia, a woman from Crete looking for a husband in Olympia like I supposedly am.

"Most certainly, you fancy him?"

I say mildly, I cannot give the impression that I am annoyed with her yearn for male attention. So I play in.

"With all my heart, I wish he ask me to the court ball morrows evening"

I had been too busy sneaking in and out of the general's maids room for anything such as clues to help with my mission. I had forgotten to find a escort for the ball tomorrow. It's not like I can ask someone. My pride would never let me.
" And who is your escort for the ball, Amaria. Don't tell me you "haven't found the right man"".

Iris sighs, she's been trying talk me with the painter from Athens. Ares. But I'll have to go with him although I already declined his request the day of my arrival.

Our eyes meet as he walks by with man, a Vermelho soldier.

I do not look at the man in the eyes for I am already exposed. He knows where I'm from but doesn't shake a reaction.

He's tall, muscular, skin toned a golden brown with night black curly hair. His features are sharp and bold, his face sculpted by the Gods themselves, and his clothing the finest linen in colours of red and black, high boots and black pants. But no gold but many trinkets. By the time I am done reading him he's already made his way towards Iris and I. Right there in front of me, my enemy. I should pull out my dagger and slit his throat in front of the whole court but that would of course compromise my plan. But I consider it.

"Ladies please, allow me to introduce my old friend. Marques Silverio of The Vermelho from Lisbon. He stays two full moons by our seaside"

Ares voices, spoken like a true artist.
Iris curtsies but stand still. I will not bow to the enemy.

He notices lowers his eyes to level at mine. They're a radiant olive green that reminds me of emeralds. My heart pounds loud in my ear and breathing fastening. I slowly slide my hand behind my back to the dagger hidden under corset but it's too late. I have to retreat.

"My lady, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"

He breaks the tense silence. His accent thick and exposing. I hesitate then remember I cannot break character, I have to pretend to like this man.

"Amaria Monteiro of the isles of Cabo Verde." I reply with confidence. "Daughter of Alfonso Monteiro" I add just to startle him and I do.

His eyes widen as he realises. Yes, your people just finished murdering mine.

He reaches for my hand, removes my silk gloves and kisses the back and then the palm gently. It's a tradition back home, a gesture, he fancies me.

The enemy fancies me.

And how does he know of our traditions? He may be attractive but that means nothing compared to what he's done to my people.

I consider seducing him to eventual murder but that would distract me from my mission.

"From far away land you come." Why is he still speaking.

"What brings you to the Olymperum ?" He butchers the name, is he gonna take this land too ?

"I wish to seek a suitor, not any man though."

I speak soft and politely. My voice almost breaks on the last few words.
He whisper his next words.

"I know of your home, and your people. But I am glad you're here, I was almost losing hope."

What does that mean ? What could he possibly know ? Was he part of it ? Was he there? What does he know of me? My blood heats my next words fall out.

"What can I say, I'm unpredictable." I whisper back seductively. If he wants to play that game then I will play better.

"Will you be attending the Court Ball morrow's evening Mr Silverio ?" Iris asks. I think she's forgotten about her other interest already.

"Only if the lovely Miss Monteiro accompanies me, if she wishes so." He speaks so calm as if he did not just threaten me at my ear. When I kill him I'll start with his emerald eyes.

I have to say yes, I can't draw attention. What if he knows something, I can use him. For information. But I have to be careful or I'm as good as dead.

I make a traditional gesture accepting his request. Just to test if he really knows the culture. He understands and replies back.

"See you morrows evening, muneca" he says pleased.

He curtsies and spins off with Ares. Who looks over his shoulder at me. Well I got myself a date. I need to plan out tomorrow's night.

I reach for my dagger which is no longer in its sheath. Hilted with pure iron and laced with poison. My father's dagger is gone. Silverio.