The White Ship was sailing slowly after the recent stormy events. Its tattered sails were being sewn together, and the men's wounds were being tended to as the meager provisions allowed. But despite the fatigue, a different feeling pervaded them: a sense that they were no longer just a passing crew, but a community bound by a common destiny.
That night, the men gathered on deck around a small fire they had lit in a metal bowl. The sea was unusually calm, and the sky was full of stars. They all sat in a circle, awaiting their leader's words.
Linus stood among them, not sitting this time. He held his sword in his hand, not to fight, but as a symbol. He looked at the faces of his men, one by one: the strong Callias, the young Darius, the old Nikos, and the wise Romulus. He saw the fatigue in their eyes, but also the confidence.
He said in a deep voice:
"Men… Ever since we left the first island, we thought we were just travelers, searching for a way to Athens. But the sea taught us that the journey is not just a distance, but a test. We have faced storms, pirates, betrayal, and even ourselves. And each time, we have emerged stronger."
There was silence, and the men listened intently.
Linus continued:
"I thought I was just an heir, a son of Silius, carrying on his name and striving to be like him. But now I realize that I am not here to be anyone's shadow. I am here to lead you, not as the son of a king, but as a man who has experienced the sea with you, who has stood by your side in every battle."
He raised his sword high, the light reflecting off its blade:
"From this night, I will not be just Athens' heir… but your leader. And this ship will not be just a ship, but our home, our banner, our covenant. We are not a passing crew… we are brothers in the sea, brothers in destiny."
The men's voices rose in cheers, stamping their feet and raising their hands.
Callias said in a booming voice, "You are our leader, Linus, on sea and on land!"
Darius added enthusiastically, "We will not abandon you until we reach Athens!"
Old Nikos smiled and said, "I have seen many leaders in my life... but never one who combines strength and compassion like you."
Romulus approached, placed his hand on Linus's shoulder, and said in a quiet voice so that everyone could hear:
"Today, you are no longer just Silius's son... you are Linus, the leader of the sea."
There was a brief silence, then the voices rose again in cheers:
"Linus! Linus!"
Linus felt his heart burning, not with vanity, but with responsibility. The road to Athens was no longer just a personal dream, but a promise he had made to his men.
He then sat among them and said, "From today, every step we take will be toward one goal: to reach Athens strong, united, not as those seeking a throne, but as those who deserve it. We will not be pirates, we will not be merchants... we will be men who know the meaning of honor."
The men nodded, their eyes shining with determination.
That night, there was little sleep. Each one sat pondering the words they had heard. They knew the road was still long, and that the sea would test them again, but they felt they now had what they had never had before: a true leader, a new era.
As for Linus, he sat alone near the prow of the ship, watching the stars. He whispered to himself, "Father... I am no longer just your son. I have begun my own path."