I Swear It On The River Styx

I had a dream. The same dream, I saw last time!

It was the same dark place. This time I didn't try to see anything because I knew I can't.

The prisoner, who was struggling to get free last time, was still here. I could feel his presence. But it seemed that he gave up trying. I could feel that he was getting weaker day by day.

Until last time, all he showed was anger. But now, when he was drained of his strength, it was obvious that he was afraid.

He tried to break free again. He gathered his strength and roared. The ground shook, the air tensed up and my dream collapsed.

I woke up drenched in sweat. I looked at the clock at the wall opposite to me. It was two in the morning. I looked beside me, Will was sleeping soundly. His face looked like a little angel. And for the first time, I saw the innocent child that he actually was. Yesterday, I had asked him his age and was surprised to know that he is fourteen years old. When he is awake, the weariness on his face makes him look older. When I first saw him, I presumed that he is probably of my age and maybe a year older. But now I know that he is two years younger than me.

Isabella had told me that Will was the most playful kid in the entire valley. But when Michelle disappeared, he changed completely. He resents Apollo and the gods for not taking care of Michelle.

When I came to know about this, I felt like I had been hit by lightning. Just in one day, I have started to care for him dearly. He was now like my younger brother. I wanted to see his cheerful side.

That night, as I was staring at Will's peacefully sleeping face, I made a promise.

"I will do anything to bring back the lost brightness on your face. I WILL find Michelle. I swear it on the river Styx." I promised him.

Then I remembered, what dire situation I had pushed myself in. I realized the deapth of this promise. But now it was too late. What's done is done. It can't be changed.

'But what if I am unable to fulfill it.' I panicked.

'No. You will fulfill it.' The optimistic side of me said. There was no choice now. I already had the burden of a cursed sword on me. I didn't want the frightening curse of the Styx, too.

My angelic and demonic sides were debating inside my head. I was feeling really tired because of overthinking.

"I'll deal with it tomorrow." I said to myself and drifted off to sleep. After that, I had a dreamless night.

I woke up, feeling as fresh as a fruit. I glanced at the bed beside me, Will was not there. Some of the children were still fast asleep.

I left my bed and got ready. I walked out of the cabin and went straight to the infirmary. Yesterday I had come to know that Will was one of the valley's healers. This was because Apollo was the god of healing and diseases too. So, his descendents were the best healers.

I entered the infirmary and I was right. Will was right there, applying something over a guy's wound. I was surprised by his medical skills. He did everything so carefully and excellently that he could have easily qualified for a doctor.

He noticed me and came to greet me.

"Why do these guys hurt themselves everyday?" I curiously asked.

"It's because, someone like us should know how to protect themselves. We don't just practice but also test our skills. And during that we get hurt, but don't worry. Nobody has ever died. Me and my half-brothers are very good at healing." he said.

Just then, Isabella came. "Both of you." she said pointing to Will and me.

"Come, it's our archery class." she said.

And we left the infirmary.