Warrior Of Thermopylae: A Novel Of King Leonidas Of Sparta

I have come here to gaze upon the imperishable light. I have traveled far and wide, but never have I looked forward to seeing the light of the hot springs with such glowing anticipation, until now. I wish to look at it with the eyes of a dying historian, and then to feel the touch of the healing waters. I am beyond healing, that much I know for certain. But I wish to lay my eyes on the springs that cure all wounds and ailments. I long for these waters to bridge the gap inside me, the hole of not knowing where true, immortal glory resides. I wish for these waters to soothe an inner wound, one that festers with the knowledge of leaving history's most elusive mystery unplumbed. I am now making my way to these waters in order to feel history unfold as never before. They are known as "the hot springs," but they are far more than meets the eye. Within moments, I drift upon the sight of these restless waters in blissful silence. I look down at the vapors rising, and then the view of the thermal springs fills me with a secret warmth. I feel as though a god has descended and blessed me with the act of witnessing the splendor of his celestial stride. The hot springs breathe before me, churning out the mystery of their unparalleled vitality. Then I become frozen, my limbs slackening in a single moment. Undiluted shadows rise from behind me. A slight paralysis overtakes me as shadowy figures emerge. Armies entire burst forth upon the once-quiet scene. I look to my left and see armies of men rush forth in soundless unison. The shape of these warriors move as clouds dispersing slowly along a peaceful sky. The Spartans moved in silence as their unmatched glory unravels in a spectacular slowness. I have fathered history for as long as the treasured light lay half-dormant in this place, the most precious cradle the world has ever known. History unfolds before my eyes. The Spartan king is a shadow that rises and solidifies with the sound of oblivion tumbling. For a moment, his gaze falls upon me. His eyes then rest upon the timeless thermal springs. I am dying. I reach out toward the waters as my paralysis begins to wane. I wish to feel the power of these healing waters. But then the shadow of the Spartan king gives way to a shape fully formed and embraced by a splendorous light. Then my eyes witness the thermal waters moving in reverse. The Spartan king casts one last look at the healing waters before withdrawing back into history. The shadows retreat, and then another shape emerges. This time, the springs have taken my mind to the moment when the demigod places stones along the Lion's Wall. The demigod rises and looks at me. History is my child, but I must let it go. I have always held my child close to me, but now a larger shadow appears and sweeps over me. I have fathered this child for many years, but now the child must become a man. I see my child being swept into large, majestic shadows. My child becomes a warrior whose inner strength is untethered, allowing himself to partake in the bold striving of those who propel him forward. The demigod moves along with this new, fierce warrior. And then the shadow of the Spartan king reemerges. My hand reaches for the healing waters. And then I can feel the shadow of the Spartan king moving upon the soothing waters. The shadow consumes me. Many have died here, but never could I have realized that the healing waters were such a splendid sight. The hot springs consume me, ethereally pleasing to the touch. My inner wound is healed. The world's most precious wonder reveals unveils its secrecy to me and me alone, until others emerge and glimpse it for themselves. I am now witnessing the stream of events that have become inextricably bound to this place. I see men building the East, West and Middle Gate. I see men dying while passing through the gates.

• | Author: Costas Komborozos
• | Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• | Publication Date: Mar 16, 2016
• | Number of Pages: 123 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 1530583780
• | ISBN-13: 9781530583782