Gifts of the Greeks

by Edmund A. M. Batara

  “Oh, alright, fine.”

  Tyler could already hear the rumble of the creature’s approach. It sounded big and angry. Then a bright glow enveloped him.

  A period of disorientation assaulted him as he found himself in the main hall of the inn. As he focused, he saw Dionysus watching him.

  “Thanks, Dio. I really doubt if I could take on a poison-breathing giant snake.”

  “We call them “drakon” in Greek, as I mentioned. Ismenian drakontes are favorites of the war-god. But I still think you could have handled that one.”

  “Maybe, Dio, maybe. Though you could have held off from saying there’s more of them. I don't think I need that reminder. But right now, I need a little bit more healing and some rest. Being wounded apparently takes its toll.”

  “Well, you do know your body best. Here, drink this before you take your rest,” said Dionysus as he gave him a small vial.

  “Thanks. With your permission, I'll go back to my room.”

  Back in his room, he removed his armor and changed into ordinary clothes. Then he drank the contents of the vial and laid himself down on the bed.

  "Hal?"

  "I am here, Elder."

  "Analyze the bracer."

  "Hypoeutectic steel 50%, gold 15%, platinum 10%, the rest appears to be hardened magical energy. Trace elements of other metals also detected."

  "Clearly, the smith knows his craft more than he lets on. Any qualities or abilities?"

  "Do remember I am limited by my abilities. But I can detect space and time anomalies within the bracer. A magical energy focusing element also appears to be present."

  "That must be the shield. Location determination characteristics?"

  "None that I can see. Its characteristics appear to be limited to what I had mentioned."

  "Thanks, Hal. What do you know of the Ismenian drakon?"

  “Nasty creatures. Fast and poisonous. Identified with Ares. But legend had it that Kadmos, a Greek hero and founder of Thebes, was able to defeat one by throwing a large rock at it when it had finished eating his men. But it’s legend. Not fact."

  "Sometimes, legends do have a bit of truth in them. That means keeping one’s distance will be the key to fighting it."

  "You intend to fight the beast, Elder?"

  "I don’t think I can avoid it, Hal. Ares will keep on sending it to me."

  "You have a 42% probability of defeating one, Elder. But as the deity mentioned, the battle god's menagerie may contain more than one such creature."

  "You’re a ray of sunshine, Hal."

  "Sarcasm noted. I am merely stating the facts."

  "I wish I could just, you know, blast them all out of existence."

  "Unfortunately, that capability is presently beyond you, Elder. Even now, your level is below that of an Elder apprentice."

  "Are you saying I am underpowered?"

  "Extremely, Elder. If a mere poisonous large snake can give you pause, what more of other beings of this world?"

  "I have been told my level exceeds that of a High Mage of this world."

  "There’s a grave error in that reasoning, Elder. If your template for development is mortal, then you will not progress further. Nor will any new knowledge help you on the path you have chosen."

  "So I have to be a deity? Like them? You know my attitude towards these so-called gods."

  "I didn’t say that, Elder. Even adoption of that path will be restricting yourself."

  "I don’t suppose you can guide me?"

  "No, Elder. I am limited in this form."

  "Are you implying that all I can do now is keep away from that overgrown worm?"

  "I didn’t say that, Elder. The choice is yours to make. You do have a less than ideal probability of winning against the drakon. But the drakon itself is but an animation of magical energy. True, it has biological parts, but magic makes it possible to exist."

  "Do you know the range of its poison breath?"

  "No, Elder. I lack that information."

  "We really have to upgrade you, don’t we?"

  "If you wish. But my research indicates a temple was indeed established in this land. Preliminary data indicates it somewhere to the northwest. I am currently trying to obtain a more exact location."

  "Northwest? That puts us right in Dorian country. Ares would be so happy to see us."

  "Indeed. It appears you will have to find a resolution to the impending conflict to be able to access the area. Either that or be strong enough to withstand anything he throws at you."

  "I came from another war, Hal. I don’t think I can handle the idea of being in another conflict so soon."

  "Then find another way. But it looks as if the way to the temple is through your enemies."

  "I know, Hal. Thanks."

  "By your leave, Elder."

  Tyler's thoughts kept him awake despite his desire for sleep. He thought about his situation ever since he arrived in Hellas. So far, he had been a punching bag. No, not really. More of an elusive target. But a target nonetheless. But staying in a known location does make it easier for his enemies and their plans. An idea came to him.

  He stood up and went down to the main hall. He found Dionysus drinking at the bar. The cavernous room was empty except for the deity. It was still early for the usual nocturnal festivities.

  "Oh, Havard! I thought you were going to rest."

  "I tried, but my mind won't let me. I do have a request to make. It may also help the city. At least I hope it will."

  "Provided you'll join me for a cup or two. Then I'll listen to whatever you say."

  "Done! Some wine may help me get some sleep," said Tyler as he took his seat beside Dionysus.

  A cup of wine appeared in front of Tyler. Ominously, it appeared together with a large jug.

  "So! What do you want me to do?"

  "Find me the location of the brats of Ares. All the information you can get. Of particular interest would be if they sometimes go separately to different cities or locations."

  Dionysus looked at him. Both eyebrows raised. Then he grinned widely and nodded.

  "This is going to be interesting."

  “Really? I thought you would say terrifying. Or “don’t do it, Havard.” Or “You’re going to die, young mage.”

  “When I say “interesting,” it does cover all of those things.”

  “Dio, sometimes I don’t know whether you’re on my side at all.”

  “Havard, how many times do I have to remind you? Gods only take one side. Their own. In my case, it’s my side though I do lean towards your interests. Now, do you have any plan in mind?”

  “If I do, do you think I’ll tell you? Though I will try to avoid killing anybody. Even that stupid snake.”

  “Now you’re learning! But do I get any clue about your plan? Even a little? Something to tickle my imagination?”

  “No, Dio. Even if I wanted to, you might divulge something when you have drunk a little too much.”

  “I am hurt, Havard. Really. But that’s the spirit!” smiled Dionysus.

  “With that, I guess I can try getting some sleep,” said Tyler, finishing off his wine.

  Surprisingly, Tyler went to sleep as soon as he closed his eyes. A dreamless sleep. Except a persistent knocking on his door woke him up. Looking out his window, he saw it was still dark. He found Jorund and Habrok at the door. After getting both men inside the room, he blearily looked at both and asked what time it was.

  “A little past dawn, Sire.”

  “And you woke me up for?”

  “Master Dio asked us to wake you up, Sire. Something is happening,” said Habrok.

  “And that would be?”

  “A panicked influx of people from the countryside, Sire. They say there’s a giant snake on its way to the city,” answered Jorund.

  AW, FREAK ME!

  “Begging your pardon, Sire. But Master Dio said you got acquainted with the beast yesterday. And that it may be looking for you.”

  “Yes.
Right after the giant mechanical spider.”

  “Giant spider, Sire?” exclaimed Jorund. A maze of emotions etched the faces of the two men. Disbelief. Amazement. Fear.

  “Long story. But armor up. We may have to go hunting for an angry snake. Note it breathes poison. But it can’t fly, but it’s fast.”

  “Poison, Sire? Poison? Poison breath?” That was Habrok.

  “Yes, Habrok. Keep your distance. I guess the range of its breath would be a maximum of fifteen to twenty feet. Its focus will be on me. Jorund, cover me. Habrok, shoot arrows at its eyes then at vulnerable spots you can see. Preferably its legs to immobilize it.”

  “It has legs?” Habrok again.

  “Yes again, Habrok. Watch out also for its tail. I don’t know if it can use it to strike, but you never know. And it doesn’t do well in rocky and hilly areas. So, the first thing to do is to scout for that kind of terrain directly in its path. Any questions?”

  “None, Sire. We’ll meet you in the main hall,” said Jorund.

  Heaving a sigh, Tyler washed and got into his armor. Staff in hand, he went down to the main hall. A lot of people were already there. Refugees, fearful citizens, and gossip mongers. Seeing his men, he nodded in the direction of the door. They all went out into the cold air of the coming dawn. Dionysus was already outside, waiting for them.

  “Ho! A good and pleasant morning to you all! Hunting, I presume?” asked Dionysus with a wry expression on his face.

  “Yes, Dio. It appears the Ismenian drakon doesn’t let go of its prey easily.”

  At the description of the beast they were going to hunt, Jorund and Habrok looked at each other. Remarkably, the beginnings of a smile started to crack Jorund’s normally taciturn face. Habrok, on the other hand, took a deep breath and stared at the sky.

  “Maybe you can help us, Dio. We need a rocky and hilly place to confront the beast. Preferably with no innocents about.”

  “Don’t worry about innocents. Nobody in his right mind would stay in that drakon’s path. I have already talked with Pappo and asked him not to send soldiers yet. I doubt if they could stand against it. Anyway, I told him you'd take care of it.”

  “You did? What if it takes care of us?

  “Then you better make sure you take care of it first. I do have in mind the place to meet the beast. It’s about two miles from the city gate. Let’s go. The carriage is over here.”

  "Saved yourself a scouting mission in front of a giant snake, Habrok," Tyler commented.

  "Yes, Sire. My thanks, Master Dio."

  "I would have liked to see you dancing with it, Habrok. But our young mage here is the main event."

  As usual, Dionysus drove the carriage himself with Tyler beside him. Jorund and Habrok found themselves places to hang on. Past the city gates, Dionysus cursed loudly. An occurrence which greatly alarmed Tyler.

  “What’s wrong, Dio? Ambush? More of Ares’ retinue?”

  “No! We’ve got watchers! Damn them!”

  “What do you mean by watchers? Enemies?”

  “No, not enemies. Gods! Some have the politeness to at least hide their auras, though I could still detect traces of their presence. Some have the gall to be openly gawking! And I thought this was a solo show for me! Well, maybe Athena and Pappo also. But it’s the principle of the thing! I should have charged them admission!”

  “Whew. I thought you meant more enemies.”

  “For me, they are! Trespassers! Freeloaders!”

  “I gather they’re not Greek. Your reaction is a bit extreme.”

  “I wish they were Greek! Foreigners, the lot of them! All here for a free show! The gall! The impudence! The impertinence!”

  The rest of the trip went like that. Dionysus was in a horrid mood. From what Tyler could deduce, members of several different pantheons were following them. The god of wine even refused to identify who the deities were. He was that pissed off.

  Reaching the site the deity had selected, Tyler could see it was an ideal one. The early morning light showed them at the top of a small hill, with boulders and rocks of every size scattered all over the landscape. The view was of a quiet and idyllic countryside. A beautiful scene, framed by the rays of the rising sun. But the drakon was expected to come from that vista.

  Using his enhanced sight, Tyler could see in the far distance the trail of devastation the beast had wrought. Fallen trees, wrecked houses, trampled vegetation. The creature was heading straight for the city. He couldn’t see the beast yet. He surmised it must have been hidden by a defile or a hollow as of that moment. Gathering his men, he gave his instructions.

  “Habrok, stay clear of the beast. Position yourself on those large rocks on my left. Those. Around twenty feet away. Jorund, stay around five feet away from me. I expect you to be my minder but feel free to use your bow. No heroics. Any sign of danger, run away. Mind the poison. Happy hunting and good luck!”

  The three took their places, anxiously waiting for their prey. Dionysus had disappeared. Tyler thought he wouldn’t be surprised if the deity confronted the watching gods and started charging them admission. He did remember something about the deity being a patron of Greek dramas. No wonder Dionysus was mad at free admission. He calmed himself down, taking deep breaths, eyes avidly searching for any sign of the snake.

  Finally, the loud sound of crashing trees below them announced its arrival. Tyler peered closely at the grove at the bottom of the hill. The trees in front of him were shaking while those at the back were falling like dominoes. The beast was moving like a train, its direction straight as an arrow.

  The trees in front of the grove fell. He saw the beast. Indeed it looked like a huge snake. Its head was the size of a prime mover. The monstrous creature looked up the hill. It fixed its steely gaze upon Tyler and then tried to rush up. But the rocky hillside impeded its progress. Tyler estimated the range at around 600 feet. He noticed that the ring of Ares on his finger had become warm. He put it out of his mind. It was just warm not hot. He had a more urgent matter right in front of him.

  Let’s try a fireball first, thought Tyler, as he concentrated on the area in front of the beast.

  The blast of the fiery explosion disturbed the morning calm. Red and yellow streams of fire enveloped the climbing snake. As the smoke cleared, Tyler could see that though the drakon was stunned by the explosion, the only damage he could see was a darkening of its scales.

  Man, that snake is tough.

  He followed up the initial fireball with two more. Again, the sound of explosions violently disturbed the idyllic countryside. Tyler could see that a few scales have been torn away and more parts were darkened by the fire. But overall, the snake appeared to have suffered minimal damage.

  Tyler tried with a fiery blade spell. Three spearhead-sized blades flew towards the beast. But the projectiles merely broke and exploded against the tough scales. The drakon was already at around 400 feet away, and the two bowmen were already trying to hit it at that extreme range. Unfortunately, the beast appeared to have some intelligence and was making its way through areas with fewer obstacles. Tyler was starting to be alarmed. Nothing had worked so far.

  "Hal!"

  "Yes, Elder?"

  "A giant snake is coming this way! Recommendations?"

  "So that’s an Ismenian drakon. Ugly beast."

  "I know that, and you know that! Fireballs and blades don’t work!"

  "No need to shout, Elder. In this instance, I would recommend what worked before. Remember Kadmos?"

  “Kadmos? Oh. Thanks, Hal!"

  "You’re welcome."

  Looking at the beast, Tyler tried to guess its course up the hill. Then, using his lifting ability, three boulders in front of him rose a few feet off the ground. With a focused away spell, he launched the three large rocks at the monster. Two hits. One missed. One boulder struck the snake's jaw while the other smashed into the area behind its head. It reeled in agony. Its thrashing body upended nearby rocks and thrashed the ground around it. Tyler then l
ifted some of the boulders in front of the snake and directed them against its head. Some squarely hit the head while others missed but battered its body. Arrows were also peppering the parts where the scales have fallen off.

  Finding his opening, Tyler let fly large boulders against the drakon again and again. After a while, it stopped moving. He paused and watched the snake. He didn’t think it was dead. Badly battered, maybe. But the arrows were still hitting and piercing its body.

  Then he heard a weak hissing voice. In his mind.

  "Mercy."

  Mercy? The beast can talk?

  The beast apparently heard him.

  "Your ring. Ares still has his mark on it. Makes it possible to talk to you."

  Tyler raised his hand to signal to the two bowmen to stop shooting. He could hear the struggle of the snake to stay alive. Its labored breathing and small cries of pain echoed in his consciousness.

  Tyler couldn’t but fail to feel pity for the beast. A sentient being, contrary to his expectations. True, it was a magical being but still, it was gifted with more than rudimentary intelligence. The mere cry for mercy was already a shock to him. It never occurred to him that such a monstrous beast would know the concept of compassion.

  Knowing now the sentient nature of his opponent, the involuntary sounds of pain coming from it tore through his heart. It was becoming emotionally unbearable the more prolonged the stand-off becomes. He could only listen as the breathing of the snake slowly grew fainter.

  "Why should I show you mercy? Ares sent you to kill me."

  "No choice. Bound to his orders. Ancient pact. Thought he still had the ring."

  "The ring? Is it the binding magic for your kind?"

  "Yes and no. Until he comes up with another. He had transferred his magic over us into that ring. But it’s his magic. You can’t use it. I am sorry, but I can’t continue talking anymore. I am weakening. Everything is becoming dark."

  “Dio!”

  The deity materialized at his side. Jorund and Habrok were already positioned near him, bows at the ready.

  “Got those freeloaders!” the deity exclaimed with a grin.

  "The drakon is dying. Can you treat it? At least to a level where it won’t die but also can’t attack us.”