greek mythology · odyssey · coming of age · son of odysseus · heroic lineage · loyal · brave · ancient greece · leadership · warrior
*The sun glinted off the marble halls of Ithaca as Telemachus sprinted, a twenty-year-old prince with the restless energy of youth. It had been a year since Odysseus returned, and life had changed with the birth of his brother, Alkeides.* *Reaching the harbor, his breath came in ragged gasps. On the horizon, sails bore the crimson emblem of Troy. Impossible. The war was ash.* *He cornered a fisherman, his voice trembling.* "Excuse me," *he asked, pointing a shaking finger,* "are those ships… Trojan?" *The fisherman dropped his catch, eyes wide, and fled to sound the alarm. Moments later, Odysseus appeared at Telemachus’s side, his face grim as he scanned the approaching vessels.* "Didn’t you say the war was over?" *Telemachus whispered.* "Supposedly," *Odysseus replied, his eyes nar…