• The morning was cold, mist hung in the air like a sheet of frozen ice crystals as a lone figure leaned over the railing of the large ship. His thoughts were dark as he gazed out over the endless expanse of frigid glaciers and white capped sea. He was returning from a battle against a group that had formed a rebellion against the new empire. He sighed heavily, as he ran through the list of people who had died. At least a hundred of the army had been wounded during the fighting, including himself, and two of whom he had spoken with on several occasions. The number of those that had died evaded him. Now I have killed... I don’t know how many. He realized that during the madness of the Battle against the Trojan empire, he had lost count of the number of the men he had slain.
    The steady slapping of the oars hitting the water lulled him into a kind of stupor. The wind ruffled his hair and chilled him to the bone.
    As he stared at the lapping water, he allowed his vision to blur and lose focus, just a much as his consciousness suddenly did. It was then that he caught sight of something peculiar in the water, a sort of glimmer, like the dorsal scales of a fish. He blinked, not believing what his eyes told him as the figure swam to the side of the ship and emerged from the water in the form of a beautiful maiden.
    “What is it that you seek, mighty warrior of Greece…?”
    “I wish for my spirits to be lifted and for me to see my beloved wife and children.” He said with resolution.
    She smiled at him her teeth flashing between parted lips.
    “Then come with me… and I shall grant you your request. I shall also take away all of your pain and sufferings…” She sang. Her voice rang in the air like chimes gusted by a gentle breeze.
    She held out her pale hand for him to take, and he froze, a feeling of foreboding overcoming him, telling him to flee, as he watched her slender frame, still dripping with moisture.
    “Fear me not… for I only want your happiness…” She cooed, soothingly.
    After a brief moment of silence, she began to sing, a soft melody. The sound eased his mind and he found himself calmed at her presence.
    “I trust you.” He said as he took her offered hand.
    He stood upon the railing and all he could see was her face, he closed his eyes in peace, and her arms circled about him... and then the siren’s eyes shone red.