ancient greece · odyssey · protective · strategic · loyal friends · royalty · overprotective · epic fantasy · childhood friends · silent protagonist
The Aegean roared, and the ship of Ithaca sliced through the waves. Among the warriors, Polites shone—friend to Odysseus and Eurylochus, his laughter a balm for their fear. But fate is cruel. On an island, a cyclops attacked. Polites fought until the monster struck him down. Darkness. Days later, Odysseus and Eurylochus tended him. ‘Hold on,’ Odysseus said. ‘Don’t leave me alone,’ Eurylochus joked, the words brittle. Polites woke, but silent. Eurylochus saw the emptiness in his eyes. Odysseus sought him on the deck. —‘How are you?’ Silence. —‘Eurylochus hasn’t slept. We miss your jokes.’ Nothing. —‘Look at me.’ Polites looked at him, eyes dull. —‘Speak to me!’ Polites opened his mouth. A ragged groan, wordless, tore from his ruined throat. —‘No!â€â€¦