Kairos 28: Household Chores (Patreon)

The Foresight reached Histria’s shores with a fleet at its back.

In total, Kairos’ allies had provided him with ten more galleys: two whalers specialized in sea monster hunts, three warships, and five merchant vessels. Rook bravely guided the fleet like a flying scout. “Home!” he screeched from above. “Home!”

Kairos and his wife looked at the settlement from the ship’s bow, with Caenis standing in the background to answer their every wish. Julia now wore a traditional white mantle on her clothes, and her husband the Achlys ring on his left hand.

To his surprise, the pirate lord also noticed a dozen new ships lined on Histria’s crescent beach. It seemed the food distribution to Lissala had encouraged more colonists to move in. “It is a camp now, and we are limited to the southern half of the island for the moment,” Kairos said, his arms around Julia’s stomach. “But this small settlement will grow in time.”

“On one hand, the lack of amenities bothers me, but on the other hand, it means we can shape the place as we wish.” Her eyes wandered to the merchant ship staffed with Dispater’s engineers and stonemasons: the Fabri. “As for the geographical limits, it is a blessing in disguise. We can concentrate our resources in a smaller area.”

True to her word, she had used her own dowry to draft a contract with Dispater’s Fabri, and discussed with Thales about where to dispatch them. The automaton now spent his time inside a trading galley, detailing his urban development plans to stonemasons and carpenters.

“You have an eye for these things,” Kairos complimented his wife, who seemed to shine as she spoke.

“I received a good education,” she replied. “Your settlement has many strengths. As the island’s only port, all the wealth will flow through it. The land is fertile, rich with timber, and the soil overflows with precious metals. I think we can build upon these strengths.”

Kairos’ [Barter] Skill immediately provided him with a few ideas. “We’ll clear the land near the woods for farming and lumber work. Encourage carpentry through charters, and redirect it to shipbuilding. Our ships will be our walls, and trade our lifeblood.”

Thales had imagined a lever system moved by water. With the right adaptation, the mechanism could use the river’s strength to cut wood on its own.

“If you undercut the competition with low tariffs and cheap warehouses, you could easily redirect trade from Thessala to this place,” Julia commented. “You will need more people too. The land is fertile, but needs hands. A greater population means more soldiers, more taxes to levy, and more labor.”

“But if we have too many people at once, it could create food shortages,” Kairos replied with a frown. “The island has resources but no thriving agriculture yet.”

“We’ll create a land bank and food treasury to manage things.” Julia shrugged. “Tax exemptions and free land should encourage immigration.”

“We need more Travian colonists.”

“Not just Travians. You should import artisans from Achlys, metalworkers from Vali, shipbuilders from Thessala.” Julia glanced at Caenis. “And artists from Lyce.”

“My lady would prefer more singers or dancers?” the handmaiden quipped, a shy smile on her face. “Perhaps puppeteers?”

“I think that can wait,” Kairos replied, more down to earth.

“Artists are important, husband,” Julia replied. “Metalworkers shape steel, but artists shape minds. The best ones like dear Caenis can also provide buffs, and they are excellent informants.”

Kairos raised an eyebrow, remembering that his wife had [Spymaster] among her subclasses. Julia’s hand moved to caress his cheek. “I can do this for you, while you hunt that ghost ship.”

He smiled, her fingers warm to the touch. “You will manage things at home while I am at sea?”

“Isn’t that a wife’s duty, to keep up the household while the husband wars on foreign lands?” She returned his smile. “If we play our strengths correctly, none will stop us.”

Kairos had the feeling this marriage would grow strong as an oak tree.

“Is that your Scylla on the shore?” Julia asked.

But there may be a few hurdles.

Kairos looked at the beach, and indeed, he noticed Andromache in her Scylla form talking with another woman on the sand. Nessus played knucklebones with Orion and Horace the bird, three half-eaten corpses impaled on a rock nearby. The sight made Caenis pale, though Julia didn’t even seem to notice.

As the ship approached the shore closer, Kairos got a better look at the woman talking with Andromache, at the wolf pelts she wore, and the cerberus she petted. “Mother?” Kairos asked, his eyes widening in shock.

Andromache raised her head from the gaze to look at the approaching Foresight, as if she had heard him. Her gaze fell on her lover, and harshened upon seeing the Lycean woman in his arms.

Kairos tried to remove his hands from Julia, but his wife grabbed them. “There is nothing to hide,” she said.

They hadn’t even landed, and she was already starting with the power games.

Nessus noticed the approaching fleet as well, and gestured at Orion to go back to Histria. By the time the Foresight’s fleet gracefully made landfall, the crew’s families had come ashore to welcome them home. Rhadamanthe’s wife, in particular, a humanoid cow with warm eyes, immediately embraced him. The minotaur had been in a foul mood the entire trip, blaming himself for Prince Critias’ demise, but he smiled upon seeing his family again.

Kairos’ mother Aurelia embraced her son as well, when he, Julia, and Caenis climbed down from the Foresight. Andromache adopted her human form and put on some clothes to join them. The wife and the mistress exchanged cold gazes.

“It is good to see you again, my son,” Aurelia said with warmth.

“Young master, Rook, how much you have grown!” Spot the cerberus howled in happiness, and the griffin happily landed on him. Both animals exchanged licks and friendly nudges, playing on the sand like children.

“Mother, what are you doing here?” Kairos asked upon breaking the embrace, a happy grin on his face. “I thought you were in Lissala?”

“I was, but when I heard that you finally decided to marry, I dropped everything to see the bride for myself.” Aurelia nodded deeply at Julia. “Such a spry, refined young lady you brought home too.”

“Lady Aurelia, your son and my brother told me great things about you,” Julia replied, the very picture of courtesy. “I hope you will accept me into your family.”

“Of course. How could I refuse someone who shares my curse? Travia may not have all the pleasures and comforts of Lyce, but you will find a home here with us nonetheless.”

Andromache’s harsh gaze faltered at the mention of the curse, her eyes wandering to Kairos with longing. Though neither said a word, they understood each other’s thoughts perfectly.

Aurelia’s gaze soured when she glanced at Caenis. The werewolf hummed the air, causing the dancer to blush. “And who might you be?” asked Kairos’ mother with a frown.

“This is my handmaiden, Caenis,” Julia replied, a mask of politeness on her face. “She is a close companion of mine.”

“Very close,” Aurelia said with a heavy tone. She had guessed their true relationship with smell alone.

“We all look for closeness in this harsh world of ours,” Julia replied, her eyes wandering to Andromache. “And who might you be?”

The witch ignored her and glanced at Kairos. “He will tell you.”

This won’t end well, Kairos thought immediately. Five minutes and everyone in the vicinity could feel the tension in the air. “I know what he thinks,” Julia said, trying to gauge her rival. “I am more interested in what you have to say.”

“What will it change?” Andromache replied with an arrogant sneer. “I will take what I want, when I want, and there is nothing you can do to prevent it. I could tear this fleet apart, and none would even scratch me. None but my other half.”

“But all you have is your strength, while mine is that of thousands,” Julia replied, unimpressed. “Our bonds are that of marriage, written in blood and ink.”

“A paper shield,” the Scylla replied scornfully.

“Yet one stronger than your magic, since he married me instead of you.”

“Now, ladies, you have too much in common to be at each other’s throat,” Aurelia said, trying to defuse the argument. “You have both been cursed by a god.”

“A shared degradation does not create kinship,” Andromache replied.

“Enough,” Kairos said, deciding to intervene. “You are both important to me, and I will not see you kill each other before my eyes.”

“As I told you, husband,” Julia replied, her eyes set on her rival. “I will have no problem with her as long as everyone knows her place. Which in her case, is not under our roof.”

“What about that one?” The Scylla glanced at Caenis, the poor handmaiden gulping at Andromache’s fiery gaze. “My place is where I want to be, mortal.”

Aurelia interrupted her son before he could open his mouth. “Kairos, be a dear and give us all a private moment, women to women.”

“Agreed,” Julia said, her gaze locked with Andromache’s. “This is between us.”

“Are you sure?” Kairos asked. After a moment, Andromache slowly nodded in confirmation. “Very well.”

“Do I leave as well?” Caenis asked, biting her lower lip.

“You will stay,” Julia insisted. “For now.”

“I will make sure nobody dies,” Aurelia told her son with a wolfish smirk. “Please tell Cassandra I would love to have her for breakfast, once she finishes her work.”

The captain reluctantly left, Andromache and Julia arguing in a lower voice the moment he left. “You should make your mother a diplomat, oh my captain,” Nessus said as he joined his comrade. “Because I thought we would have a murder on our hand for a second.”

So did Kairos. “To whom do the impaled corpses belong?”

“Colonists who wanted to assassinate your pretty Lycean wife on arrival. Thought you should marry a good Travian woman instead. But your metal birds caught them and informed me.” Nessus glanced at Julia, the noblewoman exchanging a word with Aurelia. “They might have reconsidered upon seeing her fair face.”

“You won’t touch her,” Kairos warned his officer.

“My captain, she is a fine woman, but you are a friend. One does not touch a friend’s girl; for women come and go, but companions stay with you forever. Even after they die.”

The captain couldn’t help but smile at this piece of wisdom. “Nessus, how old are you?”

“Older than you,” the satyr replied playfully, before his voice turned serious. “The gorgon told you.”

“How long were you trapped in stone?”

“Long enough for the living to forget me, and for all that I knew to turn to dust.” The archer looked at Kairos with a sad smile. “Perhaps I will tell that tale one day, my captain. But that day has not yet come.”

“I understand,” Kairos replied with a smile. “Speaking of dust, we are leaving tomorrow to hunt for the Argo.”

Nessus laughed, as they approached Cass. She was talking with Tiberius, Dispater’s son, as men pulled crates from the merchant galleys. “Hey, lady, did you hear? We’re finally getting around to doing your Quest!”

“You are awfully cheerful considering the task ahead,” Cass replied, far less enthusiastic. “Tiberius just confirmed to me that Jason was a level 60 [Hero].”

“According to survivors who could use [Observer] on him, at least,” Tiberius said, before nodding at Kairos and Nessus. “Lord Kairos, mister…”

“Nessus,” the satyr replied with amusement. “Lord Nessus of Nowhereland.”

“I do not know this pla—” Tiberius stopped. “Ah, I get it.”

“Nessus is a better archer than jester,” Kairos mused.

“Look at him, he's so young, I cannot use my best material on him,” Nessus said while waving a hand at Tiberius. “He would die from the shock.”

“I…” Tiberius coughed. “I admit I lack experience, but I am no child either.”

“I do wonder why you chose to join us though,” Cassandra said.

“I am a fourth son, Lady Cassandra,” the young man answered. “While my father will not leave me penniless, I do not stand to inherit much. I have to make my own way into the world, and I figured one could do worse than joining a [Hero]’s crew. I… I understand the risks, but I assure you, I am not without bravery.”

It was one thing to say it, and another to back up the claim. Kairos couldn’t tell how Tiberius would react until they confronted real danger. Perhaps he would flounder, or rise to the occasion. “You have information about the Argo?” the captain asked his new recruit.

“Yes, Lord Kairos. When my father informed me that you intended to hunt it, I thought I should gather as much information as I could.” Wise. What he lacked in practical experience, the youth made up with diligence. “According to reports, the Argo rises from the depths at night, and sinks back into the ocean at dawn. The Argonauts’ Eidolons make up the crew, alongside daemons and Spartoi.”

“Eidolons?” Kairos asked with a frown. He knew Spartoi were undead that necromancers created from dragon teeth, and daemons evil spirits.

“Doppelgangers of dead [Heroes] and [Demigods],” Nessus explained. “They aren’t the real thing, just echoes left behind after the original passed on into the afterlife.”

“The problem is that no one agrees who sailed on the Argo in the age of myths,” Cass said. “Some like Orpheus or Atalanta appear in all versions of the myth, but others… I pray Jason didn’t sail with those heroes.”

Indeed. There was one legendary warrior in particular whom Kairos didn’t wish to fight at any cost, even as a shade.

“The Achlys ambassador says that the Argo stalks and attacks ships with female spellcasters with the [Witch] specialization onboard,” Tiberius said. “It targets one ship and hunts it relentlessly. Even if one manages to elude the Argo until dawn rises, it resumes the hunt the next night.”

Jason had perished a broken man after his wife, the witch Medea, took a terrible revenge on him. The maddened undead probably took revenge on anything that reminded him of his late wife. “Couldn’t they get an amicable divorce?” Nessus said.

Cass ignored the jab. “This means that we could lure the ghost ship out of hiding with Andromache onboard the Foresight. Perhaps even lure it into a trap.”

“How many ships will we bring to the hunt?” Tiberius asked.

“Only one,” Kairos replied, to his junior’s shock. “Numbers don’t help against the undead, since those who perish will rise again under their slayers’ control.”

“Agreed, we should rather bring a small unit of [Elites] and [Heroes], than an army of [Commons].” Cass nodded, glancing at Kairos’ gladiators, as they climbed down a warship. “Perhaps we should bring them with us?”

“They aren’t seafarers, so I thought to make them my family’s bodyguards in Histria,” Kairos replied. Since they came from different nations and owed their freedom to him alone, the gladiators should prove loyal and reliable. “Speaking of armies…”

“Dispater offered us a loan of one hundred thousand gold coins to recruit mercenaries,” Cass said. “With the promise of two hundred thousand more, if we repaid the first account.”

“A loan?” Nessus asked with a frown. “I hate loans.”

“A loan without interest,” Cass confirmed with a forced smile. “But a loan nonetheless. He will expect repayment.”

“Which means my father considers you a friend,” Tiberius said, somewhat embarrassed. “Others he burdens with heavy interest.”

After some consideration, Kairos thought the deal was fair. He was wary of free gifts, since they came with heavier, subtler strings; and few would be willing to loan such a kingly sum to a pirate lord.

“We shouldn’t use the money all at once, especially since we can only use it for the purpose of hiring or supplying soldiers,” Cassandra said. “I thought to hire two thousand Travians on a yearly basis to secure the island first, organize them into our own mercenary company, and then increase our armed forces as needs come. I also suggest we buy war horses and ships.”

“The average Lycean soldier costs one gold coin a month, or twenty-five silver, if you exclude the loot share,” Tiberius suggested. “Two-hundred fifty silver a year. My father pays his own three hundred with occasional bonuses, to keep them loyal.”

Which was double than what the average Travian mercenary could expect. “We’ll send trusted men at home to recruit,” Kairos decided. “Orthia and Mithridates will be too occupied with Critias’ succession to start trouble in the coming months, but this is only a respite. We also need to fortify Histria in case monsters descend from the north. Tiberius, you will assist my wife while we sail for Achlys.”

“I am not coming with you?” the young man protested.

“You understand hunting the Argo is an extremely dangerous mission?” Kairos asked. “If you perish, your father will blame us and this might jeopardize our alliance with him.”

“But if I grow in power, my father will be grateful and offer more. I can defend your interests before him.” Tiberius frowned at Kairos’ skepticism, trying his hardest to convince him. “Please. My father knew the risks when he agreed to send me away. You don’t have to coddle me.”

Kairos observed that young man, full of goodwill and the earnest desire to prove himself. Tiberius had spent his life coddled or protected by his almighty father, and yearned to show he could stand on his own legs. Making him part of the Foresight’s crew was risky, since his death would alienate Dispater.

On the other hand… keeping him away would only make him resentful and cause him to do something stupid down the line. Better to show Tiberius that he was valued, and keep him close at hand.

“Fine, you can come,” Kairos decided. “But since your class specialization is limited to horsemanship, you will act as my personal aide first and foremost on the ship.”

“Thank you,” Tiberius replied with a nod. “I swear, you will find no better assistant.”

“You have competition, Cass,” Nessus said, causing the first mate to smirk.

Kairos briefly glanced at his mother’s group. Much to his surprise, he found Julia laughing at whatever tale Aurelia regaled them with. He even caught Andromache smiling, though her lips didn’t reach her eyes.

Perhaps he should indeed make her an envoy.

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Kairos had only heard good things about Dispater’s Fabri. Julia said they were the best stonemasons in Lyce, and rebuilt half the city within a moon after a terrible fire. Her husband had his doubts about their effectiveness, but they didn’t last long.

At sundown, a tall fort stood proud on the hill which the commander tent occupied in the morning. It was a modest but imposing fortress three stories high, with thick walls of black basalt, and strong timber. Kairos’ hydra flag floated proudly above its single, central watchtower. Rook and the Stymphalian birds had inaugurated the building by sitting on its roof, like a flock of gargoyles.

It wasn’t luxurious like the Flavii’s villa, but it was a fearsome seat of power.

“Highly impressive,” Kairos commented, as he stood in front of the strong wooden gates with his mother. Julia and Thales directed the workers; from what the captain understood, his wife wanted to include storehouses and escape tunnels inside the hill below the fort.

“Indeed,” his mother agreed. “As long as they have the necessary materials, they can build one house per day.”

Not just houses, but roads too. Julia had contracted the organization to turn Histria into a city within a month, but at this rate, they might be done within a fortnight.

A third of the Fabri were [Spellcasters] with the [Geomancer] and [Earthshaker] subclasses. The other two-thirds were [Crafters] specialized in architecture, woodworking, and stonemasonry. They used their combined expertise alongside standardized plans to create buildings at a startling pace.

Kairos needed to recruit his own builder company. “So you are moving to Histria, Mother?” he asked. “I heard you had our family’s remains and gravestones transferred here.”

“I had nothing holding me back in Lissala except bones and memories, and I thought I should rather support the living,” his mother said. “You will need help to manage your household.”

Her son’s eyes wandered off to Julia. “I didn’t think it would be this bad.”

Aurelia chuckled. “When your father made his demand, I said I would only marry him if he set his concubines aside. No woman wants to share the man they love, because he only has enough space in his heart for one.”

“Yet you suggested that I take a concubine,” Kairos reminded her.

“I did because you are a [Hero] and my last son capable of carrying on the family name,” Aurelia conceded. “I won’t suggest that you set aside Andromache. I feel affection for her, and alienating someone so powerful will do more harm than good. However, you should treat both her and your wife with equal respect. They will never get along, I’m afraid.”

At least they would tolerate the other, from what he had seen. Kairos hadn’t expected more.

“You are setting sail again soon, my son. Cassandra told me you are going after that ghost ship.”

“To make a [Hero] of her.” Perhaps they could also take the opportunity to bring back more recruits. Amazons often hired themselves out as sellsword companies. “Is Cass well?”

He already knew the answer, but Cass told his mother things she wouldn’t tell him.

“Your wedding left her a bittersweet taste. You raised her from the dead, my son, and she admired you before. Watching you marry made her feel like losing your uncle all over again.”  She marked a short pause. “Will you pursue her too?”

“No,” Kairos replied firmly. He had entertained the thought, but not after what happened on the beach. “Cass is… she’s my closest confidant, and Uncle did her a terrible disservice. However, I think pursuing her will only hurt everyone involved.”

It already infuriated Julia and Andromache to share him, and the captain couldn’t put his pleasure above that of his loved ones. He had to compromise.

“And you would be right, son. Making one woman happy is difficult. Two is harder. Three is impossible. Cassandra is my friend, and I want the best for her, but that ship has sailed.”

Julia approached them with Caenis, the mortified handmaiden avoiding Aurelia’s gaze the best she could. Kairos wondered what they told each other.

“We are almost done,” Julia said while giving Kairos a knowing look. It meant she wanted him to take her in his arms, which he did. “I will keep Thales, and direct the workers. When you come back, the camp will have become a town, I guarantee you.”

“With a theater?” Kairos asked with a smile.

“With a theater,” she replied by kissing him on the lips. Aurelia smiled at this scene. “We will have a welcome feast tonight, for everyone in the colony.”

“Everyone?” Kairos balked at the logistics involved.

“Everyone,” Julia replied, before reassuring him. “We will use the [Horn of Plenty].”

Ah, wise. Julia immediately tried to leave a good first impression, and it would cost her nothing. Even the most die-hard Travians wouldn’t spit on the hand that fed them, and it would foster bonds between the various immigrants.

Kairos slipped from his wife’s grasp while she and Aurelia prepared the festivities, using [Invisibility] to walk unseen through Histria. He watched Travian colonists and Orthian helots discuss with Lycean merchants; minotaurs help transport stones to the Fabri, under the watchful eye of Stymphalian birds.

It would take a while for this motley to become a true community, but Kairos had faith. Travia transitioned from a brotherhood of exiles into a true nation, and this small town of his would follow the same pattern. Mithridates, Teuta, even the gods could try to threaten it, he would stand to defend its walls.

Kairos slipped inside Andromache’s lair, a small grotto near the sea. Though she preferred to sleep under her lover’s tent, the witch had established a workshop for herself to work in solitude. She had set up a workbench covered in flasks of strange fluids, gemstones, and scrolls borrowed from Euryale’s library. Fire rods filled two crates near the entrance, alongside a few lightning bolt-shaped scepters Kairos didn’t recognize.

Andromache was working on some kind of diadem in human form, when she sensed his approach. She immediately stopped her task, glancing at him with relief.

“Andromac—” She was on him before the second he dropped his invisibility spell, her hungry lips meeting his own. A shiver of pleasure went down the pirate lord’s spine, as he returned her passion with his own.

“Watching her touch you is pure agony,” Andromache said upon breaking the kiss.

“I thought this arrangement didn’t bother you?”

“It was one thing to say it, and another to live it.” Her hands moved to his thighs. “The nights were long and cold without you, my foolish human.”

“My wife made me swear to finish my nights in Histria with her,” Kairos warned his mistress, before pulling her closer. “But the Foresight will set sail for Achlys soon, and you will come with me.”

“Then we will become one at sea, my other half.” She held him so tight, Kairos thought she might snap him in half. “You are mine. You are mine.”

She rested her head against his shoulder, her skin warm against his.

“You are mine,” Andromache repeated these words like a possessive curse. “You are mine.”

He held her in his arms, sensing the passion and the dread. Andromache feared to become another Hera, always doubting her partner’s loyalty, always being shamed by indiscretions. The old gods too thought themselves above the rules, and it cost them greatly in the end. Moderation and self-control were not weaknesses; they were strengths.

He understood why this arrangement upset Andromache, even if she had thought it wouldn’t. The Scylla had been used and toyed with by others for eons, and lashed out angrily at the world. Below the rage and the fury, there was only pain.

Kairos was the only one to have shown her kindness, to love her for what she was; the thought he might abuse her trust gnawed at the witch’s heart, drove to anger.

His mother was right. Kairos had already committed to Andromache’s happiness, and Julia’s ambitions. It might hurt, but he would have to set things straight with Cass and bury his crush. Andromache loved him, and Kairos couldn’t hurt her feelings more than he already did.

“I’m yours, and you are mine.” The pirate kissed the witch on the neck. “I won’t set you aside for her.”

“If you do, I will kill her,” Andromache replied; though his words reassured the Scylla and her hold on him loosened. Kairos’ eyes wandered to her workshop, stopping at the diadem his mistress had been working on. It was an unfinished, jeweled circlet of gold with huge, venomous fangs encrusted on it.

“What is this?” he asked, gazing at this strange crown. His [Magical Knack] Skill identified individual pieces, but not the whole item.

“Something I am making for you under Euryale’s tutelage,” the witch replied with great pride. “A crown of fangs.”

Hydra fangs, from what Kairos saw. A crown for monsters. “And the gemstones?”

“Taken from my personal collection. I am weaving wards and magical protections within them, to protect you from harm. Just as I warded this city.”

“I thought you didn’t know much in terms of magical defenses?” Kairos asked, sensing she wasn’t telling him everything. At least, she pretended she only knew about basic alarm wards, when he asked her if she could improve his ships against Orthia’s fleet.

“I underplayed my talents,” the Scylla admitted. “I was conflicted on you before the battle with Lysander. Even my decision to shield you was… a momentary impulse.”

Kairos frowned, as he glanced at the lightning rods she had crafted. As he guessed, [Magical Knack] confirmed to him that they could catch electrical spells sent at their owners, and respond with bolts of power. The rods could be put atop masts to protect ships from storms and magic.

“You could have stopped Lysander’s spell.” The memory of that terrible day flashed in Kairos’ mind. “You just did the bare minimum to keep up the wording of your oath.”

“And I regret it now. If I had done more, you could have kept your fleet and refused the wolves’ bargain.” She looked at him with concern, fearing he might reject her. “Do you hate me for it, Kairos?”

“It is not me you should ask, but the men who died against Orthia. Though I share responsibility.” Kairos chose his next words carefully. “I enslaved you, and you tried to work around your chains. What is done is done. But if you keep information that could have saved lives again...”

“I will hold nothing back,” Andromache promised softly, her hands moving to his chest. “So long as you do the same. We will be one soul, in two bodies.”

She said this so softly, that whatever reproach he could have told her died on his lips. Had Jason felt the same, when he held Medea in his arms? Kairos couldn’t help but see some parallels between the ancient [Hero]’s tale and his own.

“I took scrolls from Euryale, to prepare for our hunt,” Andromache said. “On the Argo, and undead in general.”

“Anything that can help?”

“Perhaps,” she replied with a predatory smile. “We will be prepared.”

Good.

The hunt for the Argo would begin with the next sunrise.

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A/N: chapter made possible by you, dear Patrons.

Uh, I'm sorry. I thought I could start the 'Hunt for the Argo' arc before my break, but the wedding arc took a bit more time than expected for pacing reasons. My apologies. At least the break won't start on a cliffhanger though. 

Also, for Andromache and Julia, one of my intention with Kairos was to explore Antiquity and the social relationships during that time. Themes like arranged marriages, people looking for love while marrying for political alliances, etc... it might prove controversial, but I hope it enhances the 'Old World' feel.