After the White Ship emerged from the Corridor of Shadows, the crew thought the sea would offer them some respite. But the sea didn't calm down for long.
On the horizon, strange waters appeared, dark and black, as if concealing something beneath their surface. The bay was surrounded by small rocky islands, forming a circle like a natural trap.
"This place… they call it the Gulf of Secrets," said old Nikos, staring with tired eyes. "Many ships have entered it, never leaving."
A heavy silence fell among the men. But Linus didn't back down. "We've crossed the shadows," he said firmly. "The Gulf won't frighten us. We'll enter carefully and see what it has in store for us."
The ship slowly entered, the waters around them unnaturally still. There were no waves, no birdsong, just total silence.
Suddenly, the hulls of sunken ships began to appear around them, some half-broken, others still standing like ghosts of the past. Torn sails hung like shrouds, and rotting wood floated on the surface.
"It's a graveyard of ships…" Darius said in a trembling voice.
"Rather, it's a warning to us that the sea is merciless to those who underestimate it," Romulus replied.
They drew closer to the center of the bay, where a strange current swirled slowly, like a small whirlpool. It wasn't strong enough to swallow them, but it reminded them that any mistake could be fatal.
"Tighten the ropes," Linus ordered the crew. "Fix the oars. We don't want to be dragged in."
The men began to work hard, sweat dripping from their foreheads despite the chill. The wind was still, but the tension made their breathing heavy.
"This place is suffocating… It's as if the air itself doesn't want us here," Callias said, pumping the oars.
Linus replied firmly:
"Fear is of no use to us. The sea is a test, and he who perseveres will emerge unharmed."
After hours of anticipation, they successfully crossed the current, and the rocks began to move apart. Light gradually returned, and the birdsong began to return from the distance.
The sailors' voices rose in cheers, some falling to the ground in exhaustion, while others raised their hands in thanks to God for their safety.
Old Nikos said with a smile:
"We have emerged from the Gulf of Secrets… unharmed. Few have done so."
Darius laughed and added:
"Indeed, we are the first to emerge, and with even stronger resolve."
Linus stood on the prow, staring into the distance, and said in a deep voice:
"Every step brings us closer to Athens… and every test makes us tougher."
Romulus approached him and said:
"You have passed another test, Linus. The sea is merciless, but it respects those who face it with steadfastness."
Linus smiled and said, "Now… forward."