Evander

Nikolas keeps his distance from the center of the village, leaving Calista alone to deal with inspiring the villagers.

“A shy tradesman I think not, but I’m sure you have your reasons. So be it.”

Calista prepares. Hours after asking Damon to gather the people of the village once more, he has managed to convince most to return. Their eyes still doubt but any opportunity for hope is one they are willing to take, even after the disappointment that the gods will not come for them.

“Thank you all for coming.” Calista begins, realizing that giving speeches is much more difficult than she believed, “I understand your doubt, I too would harbor it after the events following the fall of the gods. We lost guidance and our way of life, but that challenge is something the Olympians were able to overcome, and it is one I believe you all will be able to do as well. You are capable of it without the gods. If you will give me the honor, however, I will be what leads you to a new life. I will prove that with combined effort you can survive and prosper. And we will begin with the river.”

Calista explains her plan in two steps: cleaning the river, and shaping it to feed the villages as best as possible. Although a few walk away once more, many stay behind. Their concerns voiced against one reason,

“The lord will come and ask for payment. Even if the river returned, it would bring us no benefit.”

“I will deal with the lord. As much as I believe you all can prosper alone, such injustice deserves some Olympian intervention. While I deal with him, I need you all to gather more help from the nearby villages, their help will bring this project to life much sooner.”

The villagers agree to Calista’s plan, wishing her luck with the daunting task of dealing with the lord. Knowing little of the local lord leaves her uncertain of the upcoming meeting, but Nikolas leaves nothing to chance and borrows a sword from the villagers.

“You seem adept with the sword. Do tradesman train in combat?”

“Only the best. Fortunately, you stumbled upon just that.”

“I will trust your word, but if I must wield the sword in your stead then I will be withholding some payment.”

“You will clip the wings off my boat?”

Calista giggles. “Or poke holes on the bottom.”

“Then it’s best I keep steel away from your hands.”

“Good, I’m glad you are understanding.”

The local lord’s manor is surrounded by giant walls. The land inside once a resort for the gods, it was traded for luxury wine and other offerings such as land privileges and at times even bodies. Built by giant slaves eons ago, such marvels are rare as the gods transitioned to remaining on Mount Olympus most of their days.

Just outside the walls is a large well at use by the servants of the land. Each carry two large buckets with enough water to keep those inside satiated for weeks given the number of men collecting.

“The lord should have more than enough, yet it’s clear they’ve made no effort to help others.”

Calista and Nikolas are stopped at the gate by four guards. Their armor is expensive and collected from the war against the gods. Olympian and mortal smiths joined together and created some of the greatest armaments to ever exist, though their separation after has left what was created then as the only if its kind.

“State your… you’re an Olympian?”

“Indeed. I wish to speak with you lord. Will you dare turn an Olympian away?”

“Take them inside and inform lord Evander.”

The other guards follow orders, though they fear the lord, they fear the might of an Olympian much more. For now, Calista and Nikolas are left at a guest house outside the main building.

From the window of the guest house, the main door of the Evander’s home is visible. Moments after the arrival of the surprise guest, Evander rushes out while pulling up his pants. A servant rushes behind him with an overcoat and hat in hand.

“Shall I handle the conversation?” Calista asked.

“It would be for the best.”

“Very well. Do keep your blade sheathed unless necessary. Your employer is not as frail as you may think.”

“Is that advice or a threat?”

“You really are understanding.”

Nikolas glances at Calista as she prepares herself. Ever prim and proper, it’s simple for her to take an almost perfect posture before the arrival of Evander. The seriousness and calmness of her eyes is almost entrancing, a confidence he would have never believed Calista was capable of upon their first meeting.

“Apologies for my rudeness, I did not expect an Olympian to visit.” Evander said as he walks in with his maid just behind him.

“No need, we thank you for making the time.”

Out of breath and wiping his sweat away, Evander glances at Nikolas before focusing on Calista. “What can I do for you?”

“I have a simple request. We plan to revive the dry river; however, there is hesitance by many as they fear you will tax access to the river.”

“Of course. It is my land, access to my river must come at a price. I assure my prices are fair, and I do exchange for service or produce as well.”

“You will charge for access to a natural river? Will you charge for the air they breathe next?”

“If I am able to, yes. You must understand that I have many mouths to feed, I do protect them as well. It is only right.”

Calista glances at Nikolas. Although his mood is often calm, a tense shift in his shoulders reveals that they are being surrounded by guards. Calista’s senses are impressive, but even she didn’t notice the guards at the distance they are.

“Cut a deal.” Calista said, her eyes asking Nikolas to remain calm, “As an Olympian I have much to offer. Even more so when I take a seat.”

“Of course! I’d love to. They can have the river all to themselves, in return, I wish for your hand in marriage.”

“My hand in marriage? Do you believe I would marry a mortal?!” Calista calms herself before continuing. “Even if I were to agree to such a thing, you must understand that it is not possible. The laws of our world prohibit such a relationship, I’m here to help the world, not end it.”

“Would a god not be able to ignore such laws?”

“You should know that we are not almighty beings. It was the arrogance of the old gods that set their fate, I alone am not capable of such a thing.”

“Then there is little else you can offer me.”

“Fine. Then I will extend a fair warning. The river is open to those in need of it, you are not to tax or punish for the use of it.”

Evander bellows, catching himself before rolling off his chair. “You speak with far too much confidence for someone without a seat. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but I see little else impressive about you.”

Calista smirks, causing Evander to reach for his hidden blade. “I will remember that. Now then, we will take our leave. I do hope you understand my warning.”

“Was threatening the lord a good idea?” Nikolas asked as he stares into the stars.

After they gained enough distance from the manor, Calista asked him to stop and allow her to vent her frustration. She took ten minutes of stomping around and cursing before sitting down next to Nikolas who lay on the floor.

“Oh, he was never going to cut a deal. And, he is right. I don’t have much to offer. At best I have my boat but I have promised that to you.”

“I do appreciate your honesty, but what will you do if he attacks?”

“I’ll have a friend or two help me, I’m sure at least one of them is bound to take a seat. You could help as well, given how confident you were in keeping me safe in the manor.”

“I doubt anyone inside the manor could kill an Olympian, the sword was for my protection.”

Calista tosses a rock at Nikolas. “Fool, even an Olympian woman wishes to feel protected.”

Nikolas crawls over to Calista and kneels on one knee. “Forgive me, I would have laid my life down for you milady.”

“Very good, I’ll allow you the honor of sitting next to me.”

“Dreams do come true.” Nikolas says as he sits, the two look at the river under the light of the moon.

“I hope they do.”