With the first light of dawn, the White Ship prepared to cross the most dangerous passage at sea: the Path of Shadows. It wasn't a route known on sailors' maps, but a forgotten passage between three rocky islands, traversed only by rebellious souls or those with no other choice.
Linus stood on the deck, watching the horizon, which was beginning to turn a gloomy gray despite the rising sun. The three islands appeared like black specters, as if guarding a gateway to another world.
Romulus approached him, holding an old map, his eyes shining with concentration:
"This is where the passage begins. The winds are unstable, and the waters are shallow in places. We will need perfect coordination between oars and sails, and any mistake could sink us."
Linus replied firmly:
"We will not retreat. Athens is waiting, and we will not allow the shadows to stop us."
The crew began to move. Callias steered the oars, Darius watched the sails, and old Nicos stood on the bow, staring at the rocks as if reading the language of the sea.
They entered the passage. The water was narrow, and the waves bounced off the rocks, creating small whirlpools. The wind was blowing from opposite directions, as if testing their patience.
"The wind here is crazy… it doesn't settle for a moment!" said Darius, trying to secure the ropes.
"That's normal," replied Romulus. "The passage is called the Shadows because it doesn't follow the laws of the sea."
The ship began to sway, but the crew held together. Every man knew his role, and every movement was calculated. Linus watched everything, giving orders, intervening when necessary, and encouraging his men with his steady voice.
Suddenly, they heard a loud crash. An underwater rock struck the side of the ship, causing it to rock violently. Callias shouted, "Leak on the port side!"
The sailors hurried, using canvas and wood to patch the breach. Time was short, and the water was seeping in quickly.
"We won't sink here," Linus said, pressing his hand against the wood. "Plug the breach and keep rowing!"
They succeeded in controlling the leak, but the wind began to push them toward the starboard rocks. "Turn quickly!" shouted Nikos. "The rocks are too close!"
Linus gave his orders, and the crew moved in amazing unison. The oars pushed the ship to the left, and the sails lowered to relieve the pressure.
They survived the collision, but were on the verge of collapse.
Romulus sat beside Linus and said in a low voice, "This passage doesn't just test our strength… it tests our faith in ourselves."
"My faith hasn't wavered," Linus answered, panting. "But now I know why no one takes it."
They pressed on. After hours of tension, the rocks began to move apart, and light gradually returned. They emerged from the gangway, the white ship sailing in calmer waters.
The sailors' voices rose in cheers, some falling to the ground in exhaustion, others raising their hands to the sky.
Callias said, laughing, "We've crossed the Passage of Shadows... and we haven't become ghosts!"
Darius laughed and said, "We've become a new legend!"
Linus stood on the prow, staring into the distance. His deep voice said, "Every step brings us closer to Athens... and every test makes us stronger."
Romulus approached him and said, "You've passed another test, Linus. You weren't just a captain... you were the soul of the ship."
Linus smiled and said, "And now... to Athens."