• Chapter 15: Paxotassia

    Two days later, Galina rejoined the other four.
    “Aeolus has given us the word to continue on to the Ionized Ionian Islands,” said Galina. “It will be another two days before Erebus emerges for another attack, but by going there now, we’ll be in striking range.”
    “Where to?” asked Rouvin.
    “To Paxotassia,” answered Galina.
    At the sound of this, Valerius’ eyes lit up with cheer. It was many days since he had returned to his home island.
    “I would be honored to show you around there,” said Valerius.
    Governor Apalivrochi approached, saying “I shall let you use one of our special motorboats. It is one of the newest makes, with a special motor that has covers so it would not injure the manatees and other marine life.”
    “Thank you very much, Governor Apalivrochi,” said Galina.
    Macario and his parents led them to the craft, which was docked on the eastern side of the island.
    Some elf sailors helped them aboard and brought the luggage into the safe cargo hold.
    “Safe journeys, heroes!” cheered Macario as the ship began to shove off.
    The elf sailors sang wonderful sea shanties as the motorboat went off… and within fifteen minutes, the ship docked onto the harbor of Paxotassia Town.

    Paxotassia Town was a moderately small town, but was much larger than its early years as a quaint fishing village.
    In the center of the town was the shrine of Pontus and Thalassa, the sea gods and the patron deities of the town. The shrine also had a lovely fountain—albeit freshwater, of course—in its front courtyard.
    And it was not long until a woman familiar to Valerius approached the five.
    The woman was pale peach in complexion, with crimson hair and pale green eyes. She wore a gown that was black with pink highlights in some areas.
    “Valerius, my son!” said the woman. Indeed, it was Valerius’ mother, Magaera Magnitis.
    “Mother!” Valerius said, embracing her for the first time in many days.
    After releasing her grip, Magaera looked and said, “These must be your friends, are they not?”
    “They are indeed,” answered Valerius. “Mother, these are my companions—Nauplius Sideras, Rouvin Koukounari, Zanthe Sfendami, and Galina Thyella.”
    Each of the companions nodded as they were called by name.
    “I am pleased to meet you,” said Magaera. “My name is Magaera Magnitis, the mother of this fine man.”
    “We are honored to meet you,” said Zanthe.

    Magaera then sighed, “If only we could’ve met in more peaceful times. I too know of that fiend Erebus Tonadi, and how he is causing trouble in our empire.”
    “The Wind God Aeolus,” explained Galina, “told us that Erebus will resurface in another two days, but at least by being here, we will be in striking distance.”
    “Good,” said Magaera. “It is always best to try to get the drop of an enemy if at all possible. But until then, why not come explore our fair town while you are here?”
    “All you had to do was give the invitation!” chuckled Nauplius.

    The two explored the town.
    After having a brief drink from the fountain of Pontus and Thalassa, the two followed Valerius to the town cemetery to the north. It was there that they visited the grave of Valerius’ late father, Fedor Magnitis. Fedor Magnitis was one of the empire’s bravest heroes back in the day. During one of his adventures, he rescued Magaera from a mad cult of Hecate. They married in the town of Emerald Kavala, and decided to settle in Paxotassia, where Valerius was born. But it would be a magical malady that would end the life of Fedor, the result of a spell cast on the Hecate cult leader before the hero slew her. Nevertheless, because of his brave acts, he was given access to the Elysian Fields in Hades.
    “Your father was quite a great hero in the day, eh?” said Nauplius.
    “Indeed he was,” replied Valerius. “Thank you for your kind words.”
    After the visit to the grave, the five followed Magaera to some other key areas of the town, before heading to the Valerius villa within the east end of town.
    “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” said Magaera. “There’s plenty of room.”
    “Thank you, Mother,” said Valerius.
    “Yes, thank you, Mistress Magnitis,” replied Rouvin.
    “Please, call me Magaera,” replied Magaera. “The formality isn’t necessary. Since you are friends of my son, let’s have it on friendly terms.”
    Valerius was grateful for his mother’s hospitality, but he also had a bit of unrest in him—he was concerned for Delphinia’s life, and did not like feeling helpless. The two day wait was almost torturous for him.