Arrival in Athens

After Kael told Theos they would be heading to the city of Athens, the boy was overjoyed, knowing he would soon see his friends again. He ran to share the news with his mother and quickly packed his belongings.
Two days passed, and as Athena had said, the ship was approaching Kryphos. From afar, Kael watched the vessel with its white sails and a golden owl painted both on them and on the mast.
— Goodbye, Mother. I’ll be back soon. I love you. — said Theos to Helena.
— Goodbye, my dear. Take care, and have a safe trip. I love you too. — Helena replied warmly. — Kael! Please, look after him.
Kael said nothing, only nodded. Then he and Theos boarded the Athenian ship. For Theos, it was his very first time on a vessel, and his excitement was impossible to hide.
— This is amazing! — he exclaimed with pure joy. — I can’t believe I’ll soon see Sophia and Icarus again. Sir Kael, how long will it take us to get there?
— The same time it took for the ship to arrive here: two days.
— I hope those two days pass quickly.
Kael didn’t answer, but he understood the boy’s happiness. Still, he noticed something odd: as the wind tousled Theos’ hair while he gazed at the sea, Kael thought he saw more silver-white strands than before.
— Theos…
— What?
— Maybe it’s just my imagination, but… doesn’t your hair have more silver streaks than before?
Theos leaned over the ship’s side, looking at his reflection in the water.
— Looks normal to me.
— Must be my imagination, then.
The journey went on, and they had already crossed halfway. But Theos, unaccustomed to sea travel, was beginning to feel sick. Kael, watching him struggle, couldn’t resist teasing:
— You endured all of my training, yet you can’t handle a boat ride?
— It’s just… I… ah, damn it! — Theos groaned, vomiting once again.
Kael chuckled lightly, but then rose when he heard one of the Athenian soldiers calling out. Several small fishing boats had been destroyed, their remains floating in the water. Some soldiers speculated it was the storm or strong winds, but Kael knew better. The scene reminded him of Athena’s unease, confirming that something dangerous was indeed about to happen. For the first time, he wondered if bringing Theos along had been the right choice, as the boy might be in danger too.
Meanwhile, Theos overheard the soldiers speaking:
— May the Judges receive these souls and decide their fate…
— Judges? — Theos asked. — What are they talking about, Sir Kael?
— The Judges of the Underworld, the realm of the dead: Aeacus, Rhadamanthus, and Minos. They judge the souls of those who pass away and determine their punishment. But the final word always belongs to Minos. — Kael explained. — From what I’ve heard, every judgment is overseen by the god of the Underworld, Hades.
— And do you believe that, Sir Kael?
— I only believe in what I can see. People like to embellish many things.
Another day passed, and at last, they arrived in Athens. Theos, thrilled, whispered to himself:
— Sophia… Icarus… I’ve finally made it.