by carl ashmore
‘Mind if I join you?’ Becky said.
Uncle Percy looked up. ‘I believe this rock was made for two.’
‘It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’ Becky said, sitting down and gazing out at the water.
‘The sea is always beautiful,’ Uncle Percy replied softly. ‘It’s one of life’s constants. No matter when or where you are, the sea remains the same - wonderful, elegant, dangerous and vast.’
Becky hesitated for a second. ‘The messenger’s worried you?’
‘Well, granted, it was unforeseen,’ Uncle Percy replied, ‘but when travelling you come to expect the unexpected. After all, it is we who are the trespassers. You must never forget that.’
Shocked to hear him use a word like trespass, Becky said, ‘I prefer to think of it as visiting…visiting the best museum in the world.’
‘But you can’t take museum exhibits home with you. Visiting a museum is a passive activity. Time travel is as active as can be. That’s precisely why it’s the most potentially destructive power the world has ever known.’
‘You sound like you wish it didn’t exist?’ Becky said.
‘Age changes a man.’ Uncle Percy said without a hint of sadness. ‘Believe me, I have enjoyed every journey - well, almost…’ his eyes dimmed, ‘but I have devoted my life to travel, and that’s not always a wise thing to do. Sometimes it’s too easy to dwell on the past and ignore the present.’
‘But look at the life you’ve lived,’ Becky said. ‘It must’ve been brilliant. You’ve seen things people would kill to see.’ As soon as the words left her mouth she knew she’d said the wrong thing.
Uncle Percy looked sad. ‘And people are being killed. And if we don’t put a stop to this, more will die. That is why I’m prepared to take the risks I’m taking.’
‘Good,’ Becky said resolutely.
‘But it’s not just me who’s in danger, is it? Believe me, I wish it was, but there’s you, Joe, Will, Maria and Jacob to consider, too. The people I care most about in the world. I’m growing old, it doesn’t really matter what happens to me.’
‘It matters to me.’ Becky gripped his hand. ‘Besides, you’re not that old, and you shouldn’t worry about us. We’ll be okay. I just know we will.’
Uncle Percy turned his head toward the water. ‘I don’t know, perhaps it was a mistake inviting you to Bowen Hall. Perhaps you should have stayed at home with your mother. At least you’d be safe.’
‘Please, don’t say that,’ Becky replied. ‘And besides, you don’t know that. After all, it was our rooms those freaks trashed.’ She paused. ‘To be honest, I didn’t want to come and stay with you at all. I thought it was going to be the worst summer of my life. And I was wrong. It’s been the best.’
‘That’s very kind of you to say.’
‘But I am angry with you…’
‘Why?’
‘Because I’m thirteen.’
‘And?’
‘And it’s taken you all this time to let me back into your life. And that’s not fair...’ She could feel her entire body begin to shake.
‘I know,’ Uncle Percy said quietly, ‘and I am very sorry.’
But Becky hadn’t finished. ‘So, if Joe and I are your only family, why didn’t you want us around?’
Uncle Percy sighed. ‘You’ve got every right to be angry with me, Becky. The reason I’ve not seen you is -’ He hesitated, unable to find the words.
Becky stared at him impatiently. ‘Well?’
‘The reason is complex…’
‘Okay.’ Becky found her temper rising. ‘I’m not a child. You might think I am, but I’m not. I can handle it. What was it?’
Uncle Percy took a grave breath. ‘It was your father’s wish. He ordered me not to see you …’
The words hung in mid-air like the echo of a distant bell. He ordered me not to see you! Becky whirled with shock. ‘I - I don’t understand.’
Uncle Percy’s eyes found hers. ‘How could you understand? In retrospect, I’m not sure I do. There was a time when your father and I were close, you see. Very close. He was my favourite nephew, and we spent a great deal of time together.’ He smiled fondly. ‘Anyway, some time before he died, we had a disagreement - a particularly heated disagreement. And, as often happens in the fervor of the moment, we both said things perhaps we shouldn’t have said. Anyway, the upshot was he asked me to never to see him or his family again. I had no choice but to respect his wish.’
Becky’s brow furrowed. ‘Mum told me about your argument. I mean, she didn’t know what it was about, but she knew dad really regretted it.’
‘As did I. Of course, you always think you have time to fix these things. Unfortunately, in this instance, time was the one thing we didn’t have. I am aware of the irony. Anyway, after he died, I didn’t know how to introduce myself back into your family. Naturally, I offered your mother financial assistance, but she wouldn’t take it. I invited her to bring you to live at Bowen Hall. Again, she declined. She’s an honourable woman. I respected that.’
‘What was the argument about?’
‘I can’t say,’ Uncle Percy said sadly, breaking eye contact for a moment.
‘Why not?’
‘I just can’t. It was merely a difference of opinion. He thought a situation should’ve been handled one way. I thought something else.’
Becky remained unsatisfied. ‘Well, I can’t see how any argument was worth having nothing to do with us when dad died.’
‘I said I didn’t know how to introduce myself back into your family. I didn’t say I had nothing to do with you.’
‘What - what do you mean?’
Slowly, Uncle Percy turned to Becky and his gaze met hers. ‘I was always there for you and Joe. You just didn’t know it.’
‘I don’t understand?’
‘I used my time machines to journey back to see you and Joe as you were growing up. To ensure you were both safe and well.’
‘You did?’ Becky whispered.
‘Many times. I was there on your first day at that new school … you made friends with that small, freckly girl who was crying because she was cold. You gave her your duffel coat. ’
Stunned to silence, Becky remembered the incident well. The girl’s name was Kelly Martin.
Uncle Percy continued. ‘I was there when you visited Chester Zoo and were scared by the chimpanzees. Your teacher wanted you to leave the ape compound but you stayed until you conquered your fear. You even ended up buying a book about them from the gift shop. I could name dozens of other things I’ve seen you do.’
Becky felt her eyes dampen. She remembered these events as clearly as if they happened yesterday. And Uncle Percy had been there? Silently watching, standing in the wings like an understudy in a play.
Becky exploded into tears. She covered her face, ashamed of her outburst.
Leaning over, Uncle Percy placed his arm gently around her shoulders. ‘Please, don’t cry. Just believe me when I say I was always there for you. And Joe. I just couldn’t let you know.’
But she had stopped listening now. The sound of weeping muffled any words. All her life, Uncle Percy had been her guardian angel. It was the saddest, most touching thing she’d ever heard.
*
Hours later, as dawn approached, the camp lay as still as a cemetery. A cool sea breeze had swept in and finally extinguished the dying fire. Everyone was in a deep sleep. Everyone, except Jason. He’d been awake for hours, his stomach churning with guilt and confusion. Surely, he couldn’t do it? But he knew he must. He had no choice.
The Gods had spoken.
Silently, he stepped away from his bed. It was late now, and the gentle breaths from the sleeping group floated throughout the darkness. He eased past Phineus, Hercules, and finally Theseus, until he stood over his target. Feeling his fingers tremble, he gazed down at the sleeping man. What was he doing? Surely this was a good man? A worthy man?
But no, he could not be what he seemed. The Gods had told him the tr
uth. Drawing his bronze dagger, he whispered ‘Hestia, forgive me...’ And he plunged the blade toward Uncle Percy’s heart.
- Chapter 19 -
Capture
With a gentle swish, an arrow sliced the air. It connected with the blade, sending it flying from Jason’s hand. Will leapt from the blackness. He loaded another arrow and pointed it at the small man’s throat.
‘P - P - Please don’t kill me,’ Jason whimpered.
Will drew back the bowstring, fury creasing his face.
Uncle Percy’s eyes snapped open. Shocked and disorientated, he saw the dagger. He scrambled to his feet, creating a human shield between the two men. ‘WILL…NO!’
The turmoil caused Becky to wake. She screamed. Joe, Theseus, Phineus and Hercules jolted up simultaneously.
‘Forgive me.’ Jason curled into a quivering ball.
‘I think you can lower the bow now, Will,’ Uncle Percy said assuredly. ‘He is no longer a threat, are you, Jason?’
‘N-no,’ Jason whined.
‘You were just carrying out orders, weren’t you?’
‘Y-Yes … I am sorry.’
‘No harm done. Will, please, sit down.’
Reluctantly, Will complied, but never once took his steely gaze from the tiny man.
‘Now, Jason,’ Uncle Percy continued. ‘You were told to kill me. Why?’
Jason lowered his head. ‘The messenger said you were a cruel man. That you had travelled here to secure the Fleece of Gold and use its sacred power to destroy these lands. He claimed to be an emissary of Zeus himself. That it was Zeus’ decree that I carry out a divine mission: your execution. And if I failed, my soul would forever be condemned to an eternity in Tartarus.’
Uncle Percy’s face shone with compassion. ‘Your soul is safe, Jason. You have been the victim of a deception, that is all. This so-called messenger is not godly in any way. He is but a man...’
‘But only a God could foretell your coming.’
‘There are other ways, believe me,’ Uncle Percy said simply. ‘The messenger was just someone that wants me dead. He tricked you into doing it for him.’
‘Can this be true?’
‘I swear,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘He is the dangerous one. And that is why we have travelled a great distance to be here. We are trying to stop him. Now, tell me … what exactly did he want you to do?’
Ashamed, Jason turned away. ‘He said I must gather a crew and boat, and then journey to Crete. That soon after our arrival, I would meet you and your companions, that I was to gain your trust. I was to wait until you slept, then … then slay you.’ Jason paused. ‘Then I was to kill him …’ He inclined his head toward Will, who responded with a derisory grunt.
Jason seemed unable to continue his admission.
‘Please, go on,’ Uncle Percy said.
Jason hung his head. ‘I cannot.’
Uncle Percy’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘What was to happen to Becky and Joe?’
‘He ordered they remain unharmed.’
Uncle Percy nodded sharply as if this confirmed what he already knew. ‘And what was to happen to them?’
‘He said I was to take them with me.’
‘Take them where?’
‘To Hypatia Point in the Grey Mountains.’ Jason pointed into the distance.
Everyone turned to chart the direction of the finger. The night was lifting and in the early morning light they could just make out a sprawling mountain range. One mountain towered above the others.
‘The messenger said that there would be an olive grove at the base of the mount. He said he would meet me there. He would take charge of the child from then on.’
‘Child?’ Uncle Percy asked. ‘You mean children?’
‘If possible, both children, yes …’
‘Go on,’ Uncle Percy pressed.
‘The messenger demanded I deliver both children to him, but if they became troublesome …’ he faltered, ‘then only the girl mattered. I was to kill the boy…’
*
Becky watched as Joe’s face turned white.
Kill the boy!
Joe took a moment to digest this. Then he exploded with rage, his hands balling into fists. ‘I’d like to see you flippin’ try!’
‘But I couldn’t have seen it through. I could never harm a child.’
‘But you could kill Uncle Percy?’
‘But I couldn’t -’
Joe was about to shout again when Uncle Percy held up his hand and stopped him. ‘Please, calm down, Joe. Jason was fed a pack of lies.’
‘I don’t care if he was fed cabbage,’ Joe roared. ‘He was going to kill you, then Will, probably me, and kidnap my sister.’ His eyes flicked to Becky before returning to Jason. ‘If you ever lay a hand on my sister … I’ll - I’ll come back when I’m fifteen and kick your - ’
‘That’s enough, Joe,’ Uncle Percy said firmly.
Becky placed her hand gently on Joe’s arm. Then she shuddered as an alarming thought entered her mind. It was definite now: the traveller wanted her. And only her. But why? What possible use could she be? Uncle Percy didn’t seem to know either … or did he? Perhaps he had known the whole time? Had this been why he invited her to Bowen Hall for the summer, for her protection? Then something else occurred to her: they could use this to their advantage?
‘Let him have me!’ Becky said.
All went silent.
Joe stared blankly at his sister. ‘What’re you talking about?’
Becky stared at Uncle Percy. ‘It makes sense. Let the messenger have me. Let Jason take me to the Grey Mountains. You can use me...’
‘Oh, no way, Becky,’ Uncle Percy blustered. ‘Not - a - chance!’
‘No, this is the chance,’ Becky said. ‘The chance to finish it. To stop all this for good. Let’s have Jason take me to Hypatia Point, and have Will follow us. When the traveller comes into the open, it will only take Will one shot - one shot and this whole thing is over.’
‘I am not using you as … as bait!’ Uncle Percy said with disbelief. ‘That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.’
‘Why is it?’ Becky replied. ‘You know what’s at stake here. Give me one good reason we shouldn’t do it?’
Uncle Percy looked flustered. ‘There are a thousand reasons, all of them involving your demise.’
But Becky wasn’t about to give up. ‘That’s not going to happen.’
‘And how do you know that?’
‘Because I’ve got Will on my side and he’s the best there is.’
‘Well - err - what if Will misses?’
Becky glanced proudly at Will. ‘Will never misses. Your words not mine. Come on, you know it makes sense. This man has to be stopped. If this stupid Fleece is as powerful as you think, then imagine what he’ll do if he gets it. Besides, if anything does go wrong, you can always use the -’ she scanned the Argonauts’ faces, ‘- the you-know-what and change things.’
Uncle Percy sighed heavily. ‘I’ve told you about the Omega Effect. You can’t always change things. It doesn’t work like that.’
Becky held firm. ‘It’s worth the risk…’
‘Listen, Becky,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘I appreciate what you are suggesting. Your proposal is very brave, but I am not prepared to risk your life. Besides, we’re not here to kill anyone. We’re the good guys remember. We’re just here for the Fleece.’
‘I’m not saying kill him,’ Becky clarified. ‘Just capture him.’
‘Well,’ Uncle Percy said defiantly, ‘it’s not going to happen. End of story!’
Becky gave a loud snort. She turned her attention to Will, hoping for a sympathetic ear. ‘Will, you know that I’m right?’
‘I agree with your uncle,’ Will said softly. ‘Tis a valiant gesture, miss, but far too dangerous.’
‘Pah!’ Becky huffed. Why couldn’t they understand? It was her life that was at stake.
Uncle Percy sat beside Becky, placing his hand on hers. ‘I’m sorry, but I
’m not prepared to risk losing you again.’
Becky, however, refused to let it rest. ‘But twenty minutes ago I nearly lost you, and that’s all right, is it? You’re dispensable? Well you’re not to me…’ Tears of frustration welled inside. ‘You know I’m right about this. You should use me and -’
But Becky stopped herself. The soft shafts of first sunlight had highlighted Will’s face. He appeared anxious, his eyes locked firmly on the valley behind them. Swiftly he jumped to his feet, his bow raised high.
‘What is it, Will?’ Uncle Percy said as the ground shuddered and a rumbling sound filled the air.
‘Horsemen are approaching …’
*
Everyone scrambled to their feet, their heads rising over the dunes to see a billowing cloud of dust and sand.
Within seconds, a dozen men riding giant warhorses galloped into view. The Argonauts panicked. Phineus tripped over, falling flat on his face. Hercules fumbled for his sword, terrified.
Only Theseus demonstrated a hint of courage as he gripped his short sword. ‘Argonauts. Arm yourselves!’ He raised his sword high. ‘Be brave, my brothers!’ Then – thump - a spear punctured the patch of ground between his feet. His courage deserted him. ‘Surrender, my brothers. We are defeated!’
The lead rider halted and gestured for the soldiers to gather in line on the dunes. ‘Lower your weapons!’ he shouted, drawing his sword.
The Argonauts dropped whatever they were holding with a resounding clank.
Becky watched as the lead rider threw his huge legs over his warhorse and dismounted. The horse looked relieved at shedding the weight. He took off his plumed helmet to reveal a tangled mass of black hair and a enormous cherry-red face. She wasn’t sure where his head stopped and his neck began.
The lead rider strode self-importantly toward the group. ‘You are now the prisoners of King Minos,’ he yelled. ‘I am Helladius. Captain of the Night Guard.’