Immortals Children Of The Gods

by M'tain Dubois

  Chapter 17

  Vasos tries to look like he knows where he’s going even though it was the first time he had laid eyes on the city. The massive city was built into the alcove side of a mountain which led right to the water that was dotted with more ships than he has ever seen. Around the city lay a twenty foot high wall protecting its interior from invaders, the city itself was building after building built so close together you could reach out one window and high five your neighbor if you wished, each building was strong and sturdily built from stone designed to last through the ages, but the most breath taking sight was the massive palace sitting at the top of the mountain. Shining radiantly in the afternoon sun Vasos could tell that it was at least thirty feet high and easily the width of fifty feet, colors vibrantly painted splashed in beautiful designs decorating the outside drawing such attention to detail that you couldn’t help but look at them.

  As the trio walks further into the city Vasos notices that a guard is following them at a distance.

  “It looks like we have some company.” He whispers to the others.

  “The guard?” Questions Sevrrir without turning around.

  “Yes, and three guards just appeared in the path up ahead.” Points out Sander.

  “What’s the plan?” Questions Sevrrir.

  “We stick to our plan and get some food, drink and rest. After all, we’ve done nothing wrong.” Says Vasos.

  “You’re absolutely right we’ve done nothing wrong.” Points Sander at himself than Sevrrir. “You on the other hand are wanted for murdering Icterus.”

  “What?” Questions Sevrrir stopping in his tracks. “You murdered someone?”

  “It wasn’t murder it was vengeance, the slimy coward jumped me with several others nearly killing me, when I was well enough I fought him in single combat and killed him. After he was defeated his little gang came after me who included the head of the royal guard, I fled before they could catch me. Then I was given this quest and here I am, never was it murder.”

  “Tell them that.” Replies Sander as the guards close in on them.

  “I will, but if they try to take me do not interfere. I will not have you both pursued as wanted men on my account. Depending on what they do if I fight meet me at dawn on the dock from there we will flee together, understood?” He questions.

  They both nod their heads in agreement as the guards surround them.

  “Vasos demigod son of Aphrodite you will come with us right now.” Demands the captain in charge stepping forward.

  “And if I refuse?” Inquires Vasos placing his hand on his weapon.

  All ten of the soldiers quickly level their spears at the three of them in response. “I insist on it.”

  “You’re pushing your luck captain.” Growls Sevrrir as his claws begin forming on his nails.

  “No one asked your opinion boy.” Snaps another soldier.

  “And if you don’t stop threatening my friends I’ll personally see to it that you all take a ride with the ferry man across the river sticks tonight.” Yells Vasos drawing his weapon and forcing them all to take a step backwards.

  “Enough!” Yells a voice over the crowd.

  Quickly the soldiers part to the side reveling the King walking towards them with his personal body guard. He is finely dressed in flowing golden robes and sitting on top of his salt and pepper hair is a circlet of gold. Standing at just over six feet and barrel chested Vasos can tell that at one point he must have been a force to be reckoned with but now his brown eyes revel a kind of sadness.

  “I am sorry for the misunderstanding young demigod, when word reached me that you were in my city I just had to meet you, my guards were to find you and extend to you an invitation to the palace. Forgive them if they got a little pushy but already word has spread of your deeds and fighting prowess, they were merely being cautious. Now if you would be so kind, please join me for dinner, I have a favor to ask of you.” Smiles the king.

  “And what of my friends?” Asks Vasos putting away his sword.

  “They are welcome to come as well but they must have dinner separately while we converse.” Reassures the king.

  “We accept.” Agrees Vasos nodding at the others to follow him.

  Together they walk towards the palace turning heads as they go, people stop their shopping and whisper into one another’s ears commenting on who the strangers are and why they are being escorted to the palace.

  Leaning over to Vasos and whispering in his ear Sander questions the wisdom of his decision. “Are you sure this was the wisest course of action?”

  “I can’t believe I agree with the wino but I am wondering the same thing.” Adds Sevrrir.

  “It will be ok, but take in everything you see on the way to the palace and once we are there make sure to come up with escape roots based on your observations. If things go south you already know where to meet.” He whispers back. “They don’t seem to know that you too are demigods so we have that advantage if attacked we will have the benefit of surprise.”

  “Is everything alright?” Questions the captain of the guard looking back at them.

  “Everything is fine.” Replies Vasos evenly.

  The rest of the time is spent taking in everything around them and asking questions in the guise of interested tourists. After a few short minutes the group arrives at the palace, the inside of it is even more gorgeous than the outside, the splendor of the place take all of their breath away. The halls are painted gold fading into yellow and then back again, also every ten feet or so are beautiful tapestries decorating the walls. The furniture is oak with diamonds and other precious jewels inlaid with gold weaving in intricate patterns. Every piece of fabric is vivacious with color and made from the finest materials of the known world.

  Noticing their stares the King beams. “Do you like it?”

  “It’s amazing.” Answers Sevrrir first. “Never before have I seen such a collection of beautiful things.”

  “Thank you young man, I have worked long and hard to acquire everything I have. It warms my heart when anyone appreciates it but where are my manners? I’m sure that you are all weary from your journey, my attendants will take you all somewhere so you can bathe before dinner.” Answers the king.

  “You are very gracious king…?” Asks Vasos.

  “Relious.” He answers heading down the hall.

  The three men walk down the large hall following the attendant in silence until they come to a large room with a bath the size of a swimming pool.

  “You may all bathe separately or together, the choice is yours. “ She says beginning to strip.

  “What are you doing?” Questions Sander clearly surprised.

  “Preparing to bathe you my lord, it is part of my duties at the palace to bathe people, and should you wish to take me as yours for that time you have that option as well, do you not find me attractive?” She questions allowing the rest of her robes to fall from her perfect body.

  “You are perfect and if it’s part of your duties here well then who am I to say no?” He says eagerly beginning to strip.

  Smiling, the young lady walks over to help him undress when Vasos walks over stopping her.

  “As much as I would love you to bathe me and my friends, believe me, we do not require any help for the time being. After I am done you can meet me in my room to help me dress.” He says picking up her clothes and handing them to her.

  Watching her walk out Sander mopes as he lowers himself into the water.

  “Did she really have to go or was it that you didn’t want to share her with us?” Questions Sander dunking his head under the water for a second.

  “Don’t be so daft Sander, the woman had to leave so we could speak freely.” He says stripping down and entering the water himself. “Is that correct Vasos?”

  Vasos steps into the water himself before answering. “Yes and I need you to insure that it is safe to speak, reach out with your senses and find out if anyone else is watching or listening.”

/>   Nodding his head in agreement Sevrrir focuses his senses looking around the room slowly.

  “The room is secure for now.” He confirms.

  “Good, now I don’t know what it is the king wishes of me but I don’t like this situation. Whatever he wishes to speak to me about does not bode well for me I’m sure, be ready to flee this place at a moment’s notice. After I go to see the king I will come back to discuss our plans, nothing should hinder me from meeting you so if you have not heard from me by morning flee this place and meet me at the dock.”

  “And how long should we wait there?” Questions Sander.

  “Till he shows up of course, we don’t leave any of our people behind, even you Sander.” Snaps Sevrrir.

  “No if at the end of the day I am not there find a ship and sail to Melos without me, one way or another I will meet you there.”

  Later that night Vasos stares at his bed happily watching the servant girl sleep for a moment before he throws on his clothes which were freshly cleaned for him by the staff. Heading out of his room Vasos can’t help but whistle with a little hop in his step after his fun time with the girl and the freshly washed clothes.

  Entering the dining hall he is just in time to see his two friends being led by another servant into a large room adjacent to the dining room he will be in.

  “Please sit.” Smiles Relious. “I realize that this must all seem very strange.”

  “What would you ask of me?” Questions Vasos getting to the point.

  “You are very direct, I respect that. I need you to help steal a young woman for me and then make her fall in love with me using your powers.”

  Vasos stares at him with his mouth gapping unable to believe what the man is asking.

  “Before you say anything you should know that I know that the children of Aphrodite can siren speak forcing people to do their will, I know this because I have caught many if not all of your siblings; regrettably they were unwilling to cooperate. Also you should know that at this very moment my men are apprehending your friends and they will have a very nice stay in my dungeon until you complete this task that I set you.”

  “That was a mistake.” Vasos says taking another bite of his food.

  As if on cue noise echoes through the hall from the next room, standing abruptly the king stomps over to the door flinging it open to find fifteen of his best guards running around on all fours and barking like dogs.

  “Did you really believe we wouldn’t be prepared for some sort of treachery?” Vasos questions still sitting at the table. “I will not have any leverage held over me. Now you will let me go.”

  “Your siren speak will not work on me or any of my soldiers while you were in the bath we took a special potion that makes us immune to your powers and as you have left your weapon in the room there is nothing you can do but be our prisoner.” He laughs evilly as ten soldiers flood the room surrounding Vasos.

  Pushing his seat away from the table Vasos stands up evenly looking at each one of the soldiers in turn.

  “I give to the option to leave now, if you don’t leave I will be forced to hurt you, decide.”

  “Do not fear him; there is nothing he can do!” Shouts the king.

  Waiting for another minute Vasos just stares at them. “So be it.”

  Swiftly he jumps into the air all the way up to the ceiling thirty feet above, then coming down he puts all of his force into a single punch hitting the floor so hard it shakes the palace so hard every single one of the soldiers lose their footing and fall down. Immediately he stretches out his hand patiently waiting until with a mighty boom his axe flies through the wall into his hand.

  “Now little tin king we will discuss a new proposal.” Says Vasos standing over Relious.