Chapter 19
Vasos had expected problems from the guards once they had recovered, but to his surprise they all just stood around. He couldn’t help but wonder what was going on as he yanked Relious to his feet with his sword edge slightly cutting into the man’s throat as he eyed the surrounding soldiers increasing in number.
“Your move captain.” Vasos states eyeing the man.
“All hail Vasos son of Aphrodite protector of the people and liberator of Argos.” Replies the captain bending to his knee followed by the others.
“What?” Vasos questions baffled.
“I am Thadin captain of the honor guard here in Argos, ten years ago we were a happy and prosperous kingdom but then Relious came and everything changed. You see he is the child of Eris goddess of discord, when he arrived here our people began to fight amongst themselves and kingdoms that had been our allies for years began to attack. Relious befriended our leader, King Talos, and helped bring peace again to our kingdom. After a year slowly our beloved king became more and more ill with a sickness of the mind. As he did Relious solidified his position, using the king’s authority he began to take over his responsibilities. To make a long story short our king died one night unexpectedly and Relious took power, my predecessor reasoned that the crown was not his believing foul play. As such he promptly led a rebellion against him but before they could even reach the castle they fell victim to his powers fighting among themselves until only one remained alive but wounded. Several attempts after that were made on his life but each failed and we learned quickly that we could not defeat him, until that day we have lived in fear as little more than slaves.”
“And who says this demigod is going to be any better than the last?” Questions a soldier pushing to the front of the crowd with sword drawn. “I say we attack him now while we are immune to his siren call!”
“Don’t be stupid.” Snaps another soldier.
“Mind your manners both of you or I’ll do it for you!” Yells Thadin suddenly.
“Enough!” Shouts Vasos with such force in his voice that his siren call cuts through the effects of the potion they drank. “Don’t you see that Relious is affecting you already?”
“Our apologies Vasos, but now you can see why he has remained in power for so long, I wonder why his powers do not work on you?” Questions the captain.
Answering the question another voice echoes through the massive hall. “Because love is the opposite of discord it brings harmony and therefore it is much more difficult for his powers to affect Vasos.”
Reverently the soldiers’ part bowing as they see who it is. “All hail Lady Hypatia daughter of Hera patron of Argos.”
“Rise brave and loyal soldiers of Argos, I bring tidings of joy. It was Hera and Zeus who sent Bion to bring Vasos and his companions here, in there infinite wisdom they knew that he would free you from the tyranny of Relious and already they have decided who will take the throne.” She smiles walking towards Vasos.
“They have decreed that…” Suddenly she stops looking at Relious. “You dare try to influence a goddess?”
“No, I do.” Comes the voice of Eris filling the chamber as she appears between Hypatia and Vasos.
Eris stands smiling at Hypatia as the soldiers collectively back away in fear, whirling around to face Vasos (who is still holding his sword to Relious’ throat). Her jet black hair whips into her face covering her dark purple eyes for just a second, as her hair settles Vasos can’t help but notice that she is nothing like he pictured, hanging loosely on her forehead is a gold chain with a diamond centered on her forehead, she is wearing a midnight black dress that fits her perfect form. Her voice isn’t beautiful per se but there is a charge of music in it a terrible and fierce sound that draws you in.
“Hello sister.” She smiles. “Now what would you be doing with my child?”
“I am doing nothing sister as you can clearly see I am not the one holding the sword to his throat, I am here to deliver a decree from our parents that is all.” She responds coolly.
“Then you won’t stop me if I were to intervene on my child’s behalf?” She laughs turning towards Vasos.
“I would.” Comes yet another voice surprising everyone.
The voice is beautiful but strong, musical but firm and passionate but loving all at the same time. All eyes lift to the ceiling where the voice came from to find Eros god of love and sexual desire descending slowly into the room. His short golden hair is perfect and his golden eyes scan the room making everyone blush despite themselves, his shirtless body is built perfectly and slung across his back between his immense pure white wings is his quiver of golden arrows, red arrows and black arrows (the arrows of love, lust and those of indifference) and in his right hand is the golden bow he always carries.
“This is none of your concern Eros.” Growls Eris.
“To the contrary cousin this is very much my concern, you have decided to interfere because your son is involved and have been allowed to do so because it is not part of the quest. I have every right to intervene as well because my brother is involved and for the future reference doing someone else’s dirty work really doesn’t suit you, I suggest that you tell my father Ares if he is so keen on pursuing my brother he does so in a manner befitting a god and not like a coward.”
“How dare you!” She screams.
“How dare I?” He laughs unfazed by her outburst. “How dare you! The decree has gone out from the king and queen of the gods, your son is to be replaced as king here in Argos. Hera has chosen Temenos, Son of Aristomachos to become king and so shall it be. If you wish to dispute this then you can deal with them, in regards to your son however he still has to answer for his crimes against the people of Argos and the murder of the other demigod children of Aphrodite. If you wish to try and take him to avoid this you will have to fight me.”
“And me.” Chimes in Vasos.
“As well as myself.” Says Hypatia.
Looking around at all of them Eris hisses. “Mark my words Vasos I will get you for this offense against my family.”
“I’ll be waiting.” He hisses back at her.
“The next time we meet demigod, you will not have them to protect you.” She says pointing at Hypatia and Eros as she starts to turn into smoke. “Enjoy your happiness today because discord and war will follow you the rest of your days.”
“Cheerful as always.” Says Eros happily turning back towards his brother.
“Thank you brother, but what do I do now?” Questions Vasos.
“You do not need to hold Relious in check any longer my power robs him of his, but what must happen is his punishment. It is the new king that must decide along with you for not only has the kingdom been wronged but also our family has, Relious has killed five of your half brothers and sisters in his time here.” Replies Eros darkly.
“I will transport Temenos to us now that we know for sure he will be safe, I thank you Eros for your timely intervention.” Says Hypatia raising her hands into the air.
“Think nothing of it cousin, I love helping if you’ll forgive the pun.” He laughs.
A moment later Temenos appears next to them. Vasos notices that the man is commonly dressed in a normal Greek chiton and sandals with a simple sword strapped to his back. He’s about six foot tall and has brown hair and yellowish brown eyes that are filled with wisdom and kindness but also a kind of sadness, he is well built with rippling and a strong proud face and distinguished features. His hands are weathered and visibly hardened from a ruff life of working.
“Never in my life had I thought myself so lucky to meet one of the gods let alone two, hail lord Eros!” He says instantly bowing.
“Rise good king.” Smiles Eros placing his hand on his shoulder. “I am sorry to say that already we must ask a difficult decision of you.”
“I agree but first let us address the people.” Exclaims Hypatia.
“Honor guard by decree of the gods this is your king!” Says Vasos happily.
The honor g
uard pounds their fists against their chests in honor.
“Long live the king!” They immediately say in unison.
“Thadin would you do the honors and bind Relious for the time being while we address the people?” Questions Hypatia looking at the captain.
“I would be honored my lady.” He says hurriedly grabbing Relious from Vasos.
“Introductions, Temenos, this is Vasos son of Aphrodite who defeated this villain and won you your kingdom.” Eros smiles as they walk towards the balcony.
Suddenly surprising everyone Relious breaks free from Thadin’s grip grabbing his sword and lunging towards Temenos. In a flash Vasos pushes the new king out of the way taking the sword in the stomach instead of him. Immediately the rest of the guards grab the man restraining him again at sword point while Temenos rushes to Vasos’ side.
“It should have been me.” He sobs as everyone watches.
“Quickly get help!” He yells noticing that everyone is just staring.
“Rule well and protect the people Temenos.” Whispers Vasos slowly losing consciousness.
“I will but please hold on.” He responds cradling Vasos in his arms.
“Do not fret good king Thanatos the god of death will not take Vasos this day, it was Ares that empowered Relious to overpower Thadin and take his sword. Having interfered in this then so can we.” Says Hypatia walking over to Vasos.
“Come back to me dear Vasos.” She whispers lightly kissing his cheek.
Slowly his eyes open again to see Hypatia kneeling over him with a reassuring smile.
“You have to be the most beautiful woman I have seen in my entire life.” He says softly looking into her eyes.
“I see that you are still delirious young hero.” She says standing again with a giggle.
Blushing Vasos gets to his feet with the help of King Temenos.
“Why did you take that blade?” Questions the king. “Not that I’m ungrateful, it’s just you don’t even know me.”
“Regardless of whether I know you or not saving you is the right thing to do, you are king by order of the gods. Moreover I looked into your eyes when first I saw you. I could tell that you are a good man and the people of this kingdom need and deserve your leadership, what am I compared to the needs of an entire people?” He answers.
“Truly you are as great a hero as I have been led to believe.” States Temenos shaking his hand. “Honor guard please send the word throughout the city that I will be addressing them in half an hour, in the meantime with Eros and Hypatia’s permission I would like to deal with the treacherous Relious right now.” He says looking at the two immortals.
They look at each other for a moment and then nod in approval.
“What is your judgment?” Questions Eros in amusement.
“Actually I defer to Vasos first, yes it is true that he has wronged the kingdom but more than that he has killed his family, I can think of no bigger crime committed here than that. So what do you say Vasos?” Answers the king looking to Vasos.
Stunned Vasos looks from him to Relious who just scowls.
“I wish to avenge my family and the people of Argos, but he is too dangerous to let live and his crimes are more than worthy of death. That being said let it be known that I will not kill a helpless man, so with your permission King Temenos I would like to fight Relious to the death in the city square so all the people may witness the punishment first hand.” He says firmly.
“A fitting punishment Vasos I emphatically agree, the people are now gathering and when I address them I request that you stand by my side so I may announce the punishment of Relious.”
“As you wish my lord.” Bows Vasos showing proper respect.
“And what of you my lord and lady? Will you stay for the punishment and afterward the celebration dinner? Questions Relious turning to Hypatia and Eros.
“We would love to but unfortunately we must report back to Lord Zeus.” Replies Eros. “Be good brother and good luck.”
“I look forward to seeing you again sometime Vasos.” Winks Hypatia disappearing along with Eros.
“I think you have an admirer.” Laughs Temenos putting his arm around Vasos shoulders.
Joining in the laugh Vasos walks with the king down the hall towards the bedrooms.
“I think maybe you’re right, whether it’s a good thing or bad thing I don’t know but I am sure willing to find out.”
“Either way I think life will be very interesting for you.”
“I’m not sure how much more interesting things I can take.” He sighs a little.
“I’ve no doubt that whatever may come your way you will handle just fine, you are a hero through and through Vasos.”
“I try to be, but enough about the future let’s deal with the now and meet your people majesty.”
Immortals Children Of The Gods Page 19