Safe Harbor “Row, men, row!” Arion bellowed above the howl of the wind. “The sail! Furl the sail!” The storm was finally upon them. “Look out!” Someone grabbed Arion by the ankles. He hurled forward, the full weight of Mezentius upon him. Before he could move a huge wave drove him into the flooring. There was a loud snap and the sound of wood tearing. Convinced the ship was foundering he struggled to his feet, choking and sputtering the whole time. Mezentius released him and without a word took up his position at the oars. He had saved his captain's life, but there was no time now for wasted words from either man. All lives were now in peril. “We've lost the rudder!” Euripides shouted from aft. “We've lost Aeschylus!” Nereus shouted from the fore. And the mast was gone, torn form the ship. It had been a cruel wave indeed. Aiako stood on the cliff watching the tragedy unfold. The storm raged all around but it was calm where she stood. And though no storm could reach her, her face was wet – with tears. She turned and fled up the hill. “Father! There is a ship in the storm!” She dashed to her father's seat and dropped to her knees, beseeching him. He looked at her kindly, but shook his head. “I can do nothing. The Fates carry that ship where they will.” She looked at him, tears streaming down her face. “They are brave men all, Father. Will you do nothing for them?” He cupped her face in his hand and looked on her sadly. “There is naught I can do.” With a sob she dashed from the house. Distraught, She ran to the cliff. There she saw the ship floundering nigh unto the shoals. She stepped up to the edge of the cliff and held up her arms, as if trying to drive back the storm. “Rocks, dead ahead!” Nereus cried from the lookout post. He despaired, for there was no avoiding them. They lay all about the ship like jagged fangs. He looked skyward to offer his last prayer and then stood amazed, forgetting the storm. “A light!” he cried. “I light in the storm!” Arion raced forward to join the lookout. As he did so the storm seemed to diminish. The waves grew less fierce, the wind less stinging. The rocks remained, jagged and deadly before them. “Look!” Nereus pointed. “Land! And a light.” “Aye, but by the Gods, we shall never reach it but for the rocks,” Arion cried. But then he saw the narrow passage. Oh, that they had but a rudder. “Steer left!” He shouted as he raced for the aft. “Steer left if you love your mothers! Steer left men!” He joined Euripides to improvise a rudder. They lashed an oar to the gunnel, and leaned on it together. The Gods were with them, it seemed, for the lashing held, and the ship turned into the narrow breach. Winds lessened, the waves grew calm. Men watched in disbelief, some forgetting to row, as they glided between a gapping maw of black basalt. They entered a natural harbor, oddly protected from wind as well as wave. Arion looked up towards the cliffs. The light was gone. A great cheer went up from the crew. Arion turned and looked back at the cruel sea. It raged on. Yet here, just a bow shot away, all was calm. “We did it!” Euripides shouted, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “Aye,” Arion murmured. “But what did we do?” As they rowed for shore Arion surveyed his crew. There were seven empty seats amongst the oarsmen. Six others, besides Aeschylus, had gone overboard. “They are gathering on the shore to welcome us!” Nereus shouted. All eyes turned towards shore. On the beach was a gathering crowd, come to watch them arrive. Nearest the shore stood a tall raven haired woman of exceeding beauty. It seemed to Arion that a soft light surrounded her. “Euripides, my friend, there stands an angel.” “Aye.” A smile spread on Euripides' face. “Welcome brave sea lords, to Limani, a safe harbor for all who reach it. I am Aiako. My Father, Lord of this Island, bids you welcome. Come, and meet with him.” “What kind of place is this, Limani? I have never head of it?” “Come. Father will explain all.” She led them along a winding path towards the acropolis. Townsfolk came forward to offer food and drink, which were accepted gladly. Both food and drink were of exceptional quality. Halfway up the hill they found Aeschylus seated on a bench. He leapt up at the sight of them, and there was much rejoicing. Then they came on the other missing men. Amongst all the rejoicing Arion grew uneasy and dropped back with Euripides. “I feel misgiving in my heart,” he confided to his friend. “Aye,” Euripides agreed. “But as men, we must accept whatever the Fates have found for us.” They marched on. Aiako lead them to the house of her Father. Without a word the heavy oaken doors swung inward, into a long brightly lit hall. They followed her, now in a sense of great solemnity, down the broad alcove lined hall, to approach the dais where an old man was seated on a large but plainly wrought chair. “Father. I bring you Arion, of late the captain of the fair ship Alogo, and his brave and true crewmen. I beg you, bid them welcome.” The crew all bowed their heads in respect, save Arion, who would not drop his eyes from the old man's. He seemed to know this old man somehow, and was not afraid. “Welcome, Arion, son of Creon, son of Asopus. May you find the hospitality of Limani to your liking. Few find anchorage here, but those that do are always worthy souls and welcome. “You address me as if you know me, sire. Would you honor me with thy name?” “I am Pelias, Harbor Master of Limani.” A murmur went up from the men. “Pelias,” Arion repeated. “Son of Poseidon, and Father of Mariners.” Pelias nodded. “Then our ship...” “Was dashed to pieces but two hours ago.” “And we died?” “To a man.” The old man swept his gaze across the alcoves, first on the left, then the right. Arion looked as men he had known and had believed lost at sea, began to step forward from the shadows. There was Chryses, lost three seasons ago, and Kratos, believed drowned now these many years. Cries escaped from his men, as they too recognized others that they had known. “All on Limani were lost at sea.” Pelias explained. Then he strode forward and placed a gentle hand upon the shoulder of Arion. “Welcome home, my sons.”