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Poseidon raised his trident, the weapon looming just above Odysseus’ neck. The air was thin from the raging storm the former captain released from the windbag. Even as the tides howled in rage, it was nothing compared to the deadly tension coming from the god and mortal. The storm circled around the two, waiting for the first one to strike.
“I’ve waited years for this moment. Years that you’ve spent hiding in corners to avoid me, but we both knew you could never escape from me. All those sacrifices made and where did they lead you? In the end, you’ve wasted those years, I’ve wasted nothing. So, tell me, Greek, was it worth it?”
Odysseus kept his hand on his sword, never shying away from Poseidon’s glare. “Years ago, I might have given a different answer, but every step I have taken has gotten me closer to my home.”
“Even with the blood on your hands, you believe it justified?”
The king of Ithaca narrowed his eyes at the god. “I may have become a monster, but I’m a monster who’s still alive.”
“Not for long,” Poseidon added. His dark green eyes shifted to blue, transforming their colors like the restless waves.
“Then end it,” Odysseus spat. “Let’s finally put an end to this game. I’m done with looking over my shoulder waiting for you to attack beneath the sea, and I’m done being at the mercy of other gods. Kill me now and return me back to my crew. I refuse to live on in fear.”
There was a small falter on Poseidon’s grin. Odysseus noticed it despite how quickly the sea god fixed it.
“Do you think you will escape me in death?” Poseidon asked.
“I don’t fear death,” Odysseus said boldly. “But I will not stand to continue this game. You’ve hunted me long enough; I want it over.”
The golden trident was lowered from his throat. Odysseus did not move from where he stood. His features remained unyielding and strained. There was no relief clear on his face, only a coldness in his eyes.
Poseidon noticed this. “You’ve changed since I last saw you.”
Odysseus did not respond. He was unsure where the god was going and he knew better than to assume.
“Was being a warrior of the mind not enough?”
“I never forgot her teachings, I just learned new ones as well,” Odysseus spoke in a low voice.
Poseidon’s lip quirked up, understanding what the mortal referred to. “She was right about you; you are a quick learner.”
The hand on the trident clenched tightly. Poseidon’s eyes darkened as a storm cloud would before a hurricane. “You realize if I let you go, you will never be rid of me.”
Odysseus held back from showing the ting of hope flickering inside him. “My death is not enough for you? You would still torture me with freedom?”
“Killing you would be a mercy more than anything. All I would do is reunite you with those you cared for and eventually, you’d be reunited with your wife and son. No, they need to see the monster for themselves in Ithaca.”
Odysseus kept his calm. His excitement could not show. He had to be careful with his words. “What would you do then? You’d let me go and that is it? No, I know Gods, there is always a catch.”
“For once in your life you’d be right, Greek, you’re not free of me forever,” Poseidon mused darkly. “I have only postponed your demise. I will allow you to return to your precious island, to see your long-lost wife, and meet that babe of yours whose grown into a man. I’ll allow you to grow grey and spend your years ruling over your kingdom. But know this, there will come a day when I will come for you. You will have to live knowing that one day I will be the one to kill you. There is no escaping me, Odysseus. You’ve learned from me before, and this is my final lesson for you.”
Odysseus swallowed thickly. If that was the price, so be it.
“Continue to look over your shoulder. Never stray too far in the water. When you see the tides rise always wonder if it’s me watching. I’ll strike one day, maybe while you’re sleeping in bed, maybe while you play with your grandchildren on the beach, or maybe while you’re celebrating your nameday. Never forget I will be there when you draw your final breath.”
Odysseus glared at Poseidon, there was less anger in his expression but more grim understanding. “Then until we meet again, Poseidon.”
A dark smirk was on the sea god’s features. “Until then, Odysseus.”
The god’s body dissolved into water, slipping back into the abyss of the ocean. The wind grew weaker eventually dying with a soft gasp. Grey clouds parted away from the sun, letting the light touch the earth once more. All the sea became calm and still. From below the waters, a wooden raft floated up. It breached the surface, guiding itself back to Odysseus. He recognized it as his makeshift raft from Ogygia. With a steady hand, he took the oar and began rowing back to the Ithaca where Penelope and Telemachus awaited.