Returning to Sparta after seventeen years was an experience, both for Kassandra as well as her mother Myrrine. Some things had changed, some had been forgotten, and some things had remained the same.
Dialogue
Approaching the Village of Gytheion via the sea, Kassandra noticed something.
Kassandra:This bay feels... familiar somehow.
Barnabas:A bird can fly away for seasons, but it will always recognize its nest when it returns. This is Sparta.
Kassandra:I don't think I'm welcome here.
Barnabas:I'm not sure of much, Kassandra, but I do know that when the time is right, we always get to go home.
Kassandra:And where is your home, Barnabas?
Barnabas:I'll save that story for another day.
The Adrestia docked and Kassandra stepped onto Lakedaemonian land for the first time in 17 years. Myrrine called out to her.
Myrrine:Kassandra!
The two placed their hands on each other's face.
Myrrine:Lamb... you made it. I trust the seas were favorable?
Kassandra:Poseidon may be the only one not trying to kill me.
Myrrine:And, did you go to Thera? Did you find... him?
Myrrine:You should. The answers to many of your questions are there. Your father would be proud to see how you've grown.
Kassandra:For now, let's deal with what needs to be done here.
(If 'A Family's Legacy' was completed)
Kassandra:I did.
Myrrine:What did he tell you?
Kassandra:He told me where I'm from and where I must go.
Myrrine:So now you know the truth.
Kassandra:I'm not his daughter. I'm just a... weapon.
Myrrine:That is the furthest thing from the truth. You were brought into this world with love.
Kassandra:He told me a lot of things: Ikaros was once his, the doors to Atlantis need to be sealed, and something about mind-controlling artifacts... I think I left with more questions than answers.
Myrrine:Yes... he tends to have that effect on people.
Kassandra:When you and he... um, well, did you know he was over a hundred years old?
Myrrine:He looked young for his age.
Kassandra:Let's focus on what needs to be done in Sparta.
Myrrine:You can keep it secret if that's what you want. But you don't have to carry all of your burdens alone. Not anymore.
Regardless, Myrrine remarked on their return home.
Myrrine:I never imagined we'd stand on Spartan soil together again.
Kassandra:As much as I cursed this place for what it did to us, it feels more like home home than Kephallonia ever did.
Kassandra:I don't know how to feel. I spent some of the happiest days of my life here. And some of the worst too.
Kassandra:It's strange to be back. I spent so long running from this place.
Myrrine:So did I. But we can't run from anything anymore.
Kassandra:Agreed.
Myrrine:Sparta is our home. But we'll have to rid ourselves of the puppet king if we are ever to find peace.
She heard the bark of a wolf and looked down at the woods. She saw a pack of wolves encroaching on two Spartan boys with little more than spears.
Kassandra:Those children will be ripped to shreds! We should help them!
Myrrine:Kassandra, wait! You mustn't interfere. This is Spartan training territory.
Kassandra:I can't stand here doing nothing. I'm going to help them.
Kassandra:I hope you're right. For their sake.
Myrrine:The agoge is what turns boys into men. Interfering would only weaken them, weaken Sparta.
Kassandra:They're no good to Sparta if we leave them to die.
Myrrine:And they're no good to Sparta if they're too weak to kill a wolf.
Myrrine:Come. Let's go home.
Kassandra paused at her mother's callousness.
Myrrine:The agoge is what turns boys into men. Interfering would only weaken them, weaken Sparta.
Kassandra:They're no good to Sparta if we leave them to die.
Myrrine:And they're no good to Sparta if they're too weak to kill a wolf.
Myrrine:Come. Let's go home.
Kassandra had to choose between interfering to save the boys, Nikeratos and Hebontes, or leaving them to certain death.
(If Kassandra interfered)
Kassandra slew the wolves, but Hebontes was injured.
Hebontes:Help! I can't feel my legs!
Kassandra knelt down to speak to him.
Hebontes:Mater?
Kassandra:I'm not your mother. But I'm sure she's proud of you.
Hebontes:Tell her I'm sorry I yelled. I was angry, I didn't mean to...
Kassandra:I'm here.
Hebontes:I'm so cold.
Kassandra:The sea that will carry you is very warm.
Hebontes:I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was angry. It wasn't your fault...
Kassandra shushed him soothingly.
Kassandra:You have nothing to be sorry for.
Hebontes succumbed to his injuries. A Spartan appeared from behind at Nikeratos' side.
Spartan Heavy Soldier:He died with honor.
Kassandra:His death was unnecessary.
Spartan Heavy Soldier:What are you doing here?
Kassandra:I was passing by when the wolves attacked these boys. But they're Spartans in training, so I let them handle things on their own.
Nikeratos:She lies! She fought the wolves, clearly wanting glory for herself!
Spartan Heavy Soldier:You've interfered with Spartan law and lied about it. There's more honor in that dead boy's heart.
Spartan Heavy Soldier:You should return to where you came from.
Kassandra:These boys were in trouble. I thought I'd help.
Nikeratos:No she didn't!
Spartan Heavy Soldier:Don't lie to me, boy. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Spartan Heavy Soldier:And you. These boys are weaker now because of you. The Spartan army will be weaker because of you. I should kill you where you stand.
Myrrine intervened before things got bloodier.
Myrrine:Are you all right? What happened?
Kassandra:I couldn't just stand by and watch.
Myrrine:The agoge is what turns boys into men. And soldiers into Spartans. You have only made them weaker by interfering.
The soldier and Nikeratos walked away, casting a scornful look at Kassandra.
Kassandra:What good are they to anyone if they're dead?
Myrrine:Kassandra, please! This isn't Kephallonia, Naxos, or anywhere else. This is Sparta, and breaking Spartan law can get you killed.
Kassandra:Believe me, mater. I know exactly what breaking Spartan law gets you.
The soldier slung Hebontes' corpse over his shoulder as he and Nikeratos walked off. Myrrine broke the silence.
Myrrine:Come. Let's go home.
Regardless of Kassandra's choice, they rode off and discussed the agoge.
Kassandra:That training is ruthless.
Myrrine:Not ruthless. Effective. The best of those boys will become krypteia - keepers of the peace, and stalkers in the night.
Kassandra:Stalkers in the night?
Myrrine:There's a reason Sparta never changes. It has rules, and they are strict. Spartans rule Lakonia, but most of its citizens are helots - enslaved peasants, made to work the fields and mines.
Kassandra:Slaves? Why don't they revolt?
Myrrine:Spartan fields keep them fed, and Spartan warriors keep them safe. First from the Persians, and now from the Athenians.
Myrrine:When they forget their place, the krypteia are ordered to keep the peace.
Kassandra:I see.
Myrrine:Most of us make great sacrifices for comfort.
Kassandra:Most. Not all.
After a long ride, the two finally arrived at the entrance to Sparta.
Outcome
Kassandra and Myrrine returned to Sparta, but reclaiming their citizenship and home was another matter.
Gallery
Myrrine waiting for Kassandra in the Village of Gytheion