Nikolas had so much to share with Anna, if they ever saw each other again. He promised himself that he would tell her every last adventure he had survived since their separation. He deeply regretted being away from his love for such a long time. "If only things had been different," he whispered to himself.
The ship's log indicated it was May 27, 1952. The sea continued its angry pull, forcing the vessel dangerously close to the jagged rocks. Any small mistake by Yanni or Nikolas would smash the ship into splinters.
"Keep a safe distance from those shores, Yanni," ordered Captain Nikolas. "Sail away from them."
A few warm rays from the sun managed to pierce the dark clouds as Nikolas sank down into his chair. When he lit his cigarette, Adoni took his cue and quickly brought him a cup of strong Greek coffee. Nikolas thanked him with a nod and lifted the steaming cup to his nose to savor the aroma. Before taking his first sip, he inhaled a long drag from his cigarette. He held it deep inside his lungs as long as possible, as though the smoke could fumigate the pain clawing inside of him. Then he blew it out with a big sigh. Feeling defeated, he lowered his head in despair and surrendered once again to his fate.
Yanni glanced over at Adoni and summoned him to take the wheel for a moment, then proceeded below deck and returned with a bottle of raki, which he offered to Nikolas. Pouring a shot for him, Yanni said, "Here, take this, my friend. It will cure whatever ails you."
"Even a heart broken by the war?" Nikolas asked.
"I'm not sure it is that potent sir," Yanni joked quietly.
He had developed a strong bond with his captain. Yanni understood and loved him. There was nothing he would not do for Nikolas; they enjoyed a friendship in its purest form.
Nikolas looked up at Yanni and Adoni, and focusing back on Yanni, he asked:
"Do you think I will ever find her,
Yanni?"
"I know you will, Captain," Yanni replied with a quick salute. He then sighed and repeated in a lower tone, almost a prayer, "I know you will, Nikolas."
Adoni looked at Nikolas and with a smile said:
"I will be with you until you find her, all the way to the end."
"Thank you," Nikolas replied in the same solemn tone. "Let's see if we can find a safe harbor to drop anchor. I want to explore this monastery. I am running out of places to look. What do you think, Yanni?"
"Yes, sir," replied Yanni, slightly lowering his strong head and shoulders, concerned about the approaching darkness and storm. He shared his captain's weary frustration and understood his unrelenting determination. "You are the captain; it's your decision, sir." The two men looked at each other and did not need to exchange words. The idea of dropping anchor was abandoned. The Ithaka sailed away.