Day 7 - Part 2: Arriving before sunset, we made our way onto the hallowed ground. Holy markers guided the way to the monastery proper. At the bottom of a basin was etched, "You will be guided to the path to immortality by signs and an eye...".
Leaving the monastery, a scribbled message on an abandoned building said, "Life everlasting this way." Although incredibly obvious, a simple protective ward shaped like an eye hung nearby.
Scanning the nearby foliage, there hanging openly and delicate in a well-kept garden, the tree bearing golden fruit; the apples.
Ecstatically, we rushed to claim our prize, plucking several fruit from the tree. Triumphant in completing one of our objectives, we made our celebratory dinner by the beach.
Delectable varying seafoods comprised the majority of our meal, with salads and bean dip. The evening view was beautiful, whilst the rhythmic splash of the beach sounded nearby.
Day 7 - Part 1: At sun up, we left our gorgeous villa and made our way out searching for the golden apples. Having spoken with the locals, there are two constructs of note, Chrisopigi monastery and church of the seven martyrs, which are worth exploring. With limited time this day, we resolved for the former.
The long journey was filled with strange markings and signposts along the way. Eerie ritual circles, lost felines, contradictory directions, and treacherous foot paths were some of the encounters we faced in the blistering sun.
Ruined farm houses, desolate chapels seemed to crop up every few kilometres, with but a few other travellers on the same path. More than once did we believe ourselves lost, but having gone to high ground we saw our destination far on the horizon.
Day 6: Early the following morning, we set out catching two ships to reach out next destination. Maritime meals, and an ocean sunset were the highlights of our travel.
Arriving at the island of Sifnos, we dropped our belongings and sought supper. An amber mead like beverage, spiced with clove and cinnamon, named Rakimelo had become our favourite.
We strolled to our room and made preparations for the exploring tomorrow.
Day 5: The next morning, we booked passage to the next island in our search. Unfortunately, the ship didn't leave until the following day, and so we decided to relax and see what the seaside village had to offer by way of distractions.
We returned to the monastery during open hours. Met with a museum, who inspired us to get our clothes laundered and buy new tunics.
We climbed to the lookout for evening dinner and marvelled at the beauty of the picturesque sunset We lazed about, even put a shop in a bottle, drinking and being merry. The delicious, although steeply priced meal, accompanied the memorable moment.
Afterwards, we found a playhouse showing an apt classic in repetition. An evening under the stars was a needed wonderous ending, after several arduous travel days.
Day 4: Heading out to explore the eastern coast and part of the island, we found a commemorative plaque that directed us towards two consecutive memorial statues, crewman of the late navigator.
They led us to an odd sun sculpture along the coast, but the doors were sealed shut, as we had not yet solved the puzzle of the two aligned suns.
We searched further east and discovered a small abandoned church. The final clue pertaining to the suns lay within, " Two suns align, twice a session. Find the direction quickly, lest you be imprisoned."
Rushing back to the sculpture for sunset, we spotted the aligned suns and quickly entered the structure.
Rapidly scouring the interior, we found strange and disturbing sculptures and art objects caged in cells.
One in specific seemed to be pointing out a window to a plateau in the distance. Having assessed the location, we dashed for the exit before both it and the sunset sealed shut again.
Path in head, we found the final crewman, who directed us to the navigator. Inscribed on the plaque, "the fruit of our labour is one voyage away...". On the wheel, the coordinates of the next island in our journey.
Confidant we had our next leg solved, we dinned at a local eatery (more of the round breaded sandwiches), and stopped by a closed monastery before heading home for the night.
Day 3 - Part 2: We continued our preliminary survey of the island and came across a maritime lookout.
We avoided the cunning snares of the checkered floor and ascended to top of the lookout. There, a statue showed our first clue to finding the "navigator".
"Search the island for two suns, that will shine the way..."
With nothing more to be done, we supped on sea food and fried cheese while planning our journey for the morrow.
Walking back, as the clock tower bells rang, travellers and locals alike scurried indoors. An ominous message posted all about made keep out guard up...
Day 3 Part 1: Translating the parchment the clue said, "Travel to the many headed island. There you shall find the navigator of immortality..."
Having solved the cryptic message, the next morning, we rushed to the port booking passage to the island of Idra (Hydra in the old tongue).
An armada of ships were docked, taking passengers everywhich way to islands throughout the Aegean sea. Our sloop was propheticaly called the "Magic Sea".
Arriving at the port of Idra, the beast of burden line the docks ready to transport travellers to their destinations. No wagons were permitted. A sea lion and captain watched all arriving.
Picturesque villas lined the slopes of the island. Mermaids lured the weary to inns and tavenrns.
We stumbled across the throne and home of the world-renowned bard Cohen from our homeland.
Having stopped for a quick meal, we continued exploring the village, finding numerous charms and wards hanging from every door. All wonderous, some morbid, others fearsome. We found lodgings and rest before continuing our search.
Day 2 Part 4: A protective ward of Zeus alleviated our worries, but clue in hand, we dared not open it as the spies were many abound.
We made our way across the city, past great arches, beautiful fountains, and the grand coliseum evading prying eyes all the way.
Into a welcoming restaurant, our host graciously found space for us, and went above & beyond with their hospitality.
Homemade bread, beet and fig salads, octopi with creamy beans, crude beef, and flaky pastries desserts crowded the table.
Wines of all kinds, both floral and sweet, overflowed from our glasses. Even a local sap called retsina came complimentary from our hosts.
Thanking them infinitely for their kindness, we left for our Inn, excited to view our prize in private. However, the operatives had changed forms and grown more brazen in the pursuit.
