Page 27 of Phoenix Chosen 3

It’s down the hill, with fresh water directly from the nearby river stream. What I don’t expect is that it’s a communal bath, and it seems like every man in the village has decided now is a good time for a soak.

“Keep your eyes to yourself, Airos,” Kalistratos says as we all strip our filthy robes in the changing room.

“Aw, Kalistratos, but you have such a nice ass,” Airos says, grinning at him.

“Not talking about me, dammit.” Kalistratos scowls.

“But he’s right, youdohave a nice ass.” I smack it before scurrying out to the pool.

The room is made of stone, with a pool about the same length and width as a large cargo van. Steaming hot water tumbles out of a wooden mouth, and the walls above us have narrow windows just below the ceiling where the steam flows out. There’s a faint smell of charcoal smoke and floral incense coming from somewhere. A few stone benches line the walls,where some villagers relax and chat after their bath. One of the walls has a tile mosaic of a man riding a dolphin next to what looks like a sea serpent. I dip my toe into the water—it’s surprisingly hot—then lower myself in.

Fuck, that hits the spot, especially with a good dinner and wine in me.

Kalistratos and Airos soon join me. The room falls silent, and every eye is fixed eagerly on us. This must be what it’s like to be a celebrity.

“Erm… hello,” I say, with an awkward wave.

“You’re staring at my mate,” Kalistratos growls. All of the bathers go back to their business.

“Is it weird that this bandit dude can do magic?” I ask Airos. “You seemed surprised.”

“It’s not very common. Such knowledge is usually obtained through the study of the Gods—meaning, belonging to a cult. And for a monk or priest to join bandits and devote their time to robbing elderly folk of their wine… It seems a little strange to me. With such abilities, there are many other ways to make money, if that’s their goal.”

“Like being a mercenary?” Kalistratos asks with a smirk.

“Amongst other things,” Airos says, shrugging off the jab. “Anyway… there’s also not been a single casualty. What kind of bandits would work that way?”

“The kind who see easy prey,” Kalistratos replies. “Seriously. These people keep trying to send their caravans to Aelonos and they’re robbed every time. Their ‘guards’ are the same peopleout there picking grapes. They can barely hold up a sword. They know exactly what will happen every time, yet they keep doing it.”

“I mean, maybe it’s kind of like paying protection money,” I suggest. “If they don’t send their wine through, these bandits could end up coming here and raiding the village. Seems worse, right?”

“I suppose they don’t have any other choice,” Kalistratos concedes. “We need to learn more about these bandits before we just meander into their little snare.”

“I’ll speak with Markos,” Airos says.

“No, you’re gonna rest,” I say. “You’re goddamn exhausted, we can see it. We don’t want you passing out or something.”

“As my Chosen commands. You’re right, I’d have no one to revive me if I do.” He grins cheekily at Kalistratos. “Unless you want to give me that kiss.”

Kalistratos groans and looks away. I can’t help but laugh at how easily Airos can get under his skin.

I grab Kalistratos’s arm. “Hey, leave my mate alone,” I say jokingly to Airos. “He’s a very sensitive man.”

“Since Alyx isn’t here to rib him, it’s my duty to put in twice the effort,” Airos replies.

A smirk spreads across Kalistratos’s face. “Feh. You’re not wrong.” He sighs. “This would be a lot easier were he here. The son of a bitch. He’d better be alright.”

“We’ll find him,” I tell Kalistratos, squeezing his bicep to my chest.

13

TYLER

After the bath, we’re given robes to wear while our chitons are being cleaned, and Kalistratos and I are put up in our own small house on the edge of the vineyards, not too far from the house where Airos is staying. It’s clear this secluded little village isn’t getting any younger. The house is old, still filled with the belongings of the couple who lived here before.

“Davos and Ilos,” Markos says. “Once Ilos went to the next world, Davos wasn’t long to follow his mate. That was several years ago.”

“They didn’t have kids?” I ask.

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