When I tried to embrace him, he shrugged me away. When I tried to meet his gaze, he moved past me.
His actions irritated me. Was this the thanks I received for saving him from the madness of my uncle's home? Surely as bare as the slaves' quarters had been, they were preferable to being mauled by others.
"Don't be so petulant, Acheron. I had no choice."
Still he spoke no words.
I wanted to shake him. This was the first time his behavior reminded me of Styxx. "What is wrong with you? Answer me!"
"I want to go home."
I was completely flabbergasted by his whispered request that was tinged with anger.
"Are you mad? Why would you ever want to return to Atlantis?"
He didn't respond.
Sighing in frustration, I led him from the deck. Once we were on the docks, Boraxis went to procure us a closed herio for the journey home.
Still Acheron remained silent. He didn't look around or show any interest at all in the fact that he was safe from Estes's clutches.
"We're in Greece now. Not too far from home."
When he made no response, I sighed and was grateful to see a herio drawing near us. Maybe that would cheer his malaise.
As it stopped before us, a nobleman hailed me.
"My lord?" I asked as he drew near. He wasn't much older than I. His clothes and bearing said that he was extremely well to do, though I didn't recognize him as an aristocrat or dignitary.
He barely looked at me. It was Acheron who held his attention, Acheron who shrank away from the man. "Is he yours, my lady?"
I hesitated at answering that. "Why do you wish to know?"
"I want to buy him. Name your price and I'll pay it."
Anger cut through me. "He's not for sale."
The man finally met my gaze. I swear I saw madness in his blue eyes. "I'll pay anything you wish for him."
Boraxis rejoined us and frowned a stern warning at the man. "Get in the herio, Acheron."
Acheron didn't speak as he quickly climbed inside.
When I tried to join him, the man actually stopped me. "Please, my lady. I have to have him. I'll give you anything you wish."
Boraxis forced the man aside.
I climbed into the herio all the while the man continued to try to bribe me.
"I can't believe this," I mumbled. "Does this happen often?"
"Yes." Acheron's response was barely more than a whisper.
Boraxis secured our door. "I shall ride with the driver, my lady." He handed me a wineskin and what felt like bread wrapped in cloth. "If you need anything, call for me."
"Thank you, Boraxis."
He nodded, then climbed up on the seat outside.