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Oh boy this one. Finally its done! I am sorry for the long wait, I think I went too much into this story and its one of the longest I have written so far. I hope its not too unwieldy and you all enjoy it though!
A special thanks to for the cover art for proofreading it. I really appreciate it.
Kiya felt her feet leave the ground and something touched her face. It was warm and soft, like freshly washed wool. At first Kiya thought maybe she was dead and that this was the afterlife, any moment the god Anubis would be there to guide her. Slowly, she started to open her eyes.
The gloom of the labyrinth greeted her. She stares blankly for a solid minute before it dawned on her what the warm thing was.
Kiya gives a small squeak of terror and starts thrashing around in the creature’s grip but freezes when she catches sight of the beast in the murky light. It is huge and would have towered over a fully grown man, with a powerful muscly body and thick arms covered in dense white fur. Two massive horns curve from its brow and it had a soft pink muzzle which was creased into a gentle smile. A thick mop of long wavy hair grows on the beast’s head and hangs over the upper half of its head, so that its eyes seemed to be peaking trough a curtain And the creature’s eyes were the bluest blue Kiya had ever seen. Although still scared, something about the creature was calming to her and in her mind she no longer saw it as a creature or an it for that matter, but as a person.
“You’re-” Kiya started, but her throat was dry and her mind slow. “You’re not going to hurt me?” she finally says. To her surprise, the minotaur shakes its head.
“You can understand me?”
The minotaur nods.
“Oh no, I’m sorry! I said some horrible things and if you’re angry I under-” Kiya splutters, but she’s swiftly silenced when the minotaur pulls her into another hug.
“I’ll take that as a ‘don’t worry about it! You don’t say much do you?” Kiya asks, as the minotaur puts her down. In response he puts a finger to his lips and shakes. Kiya’s eyes widen. “Oh, you can’t speak! I wish I knew your name, I don’t want to call you ‘the minotaur’ or ‘the beast’ or- what is it?”
He had crouched down nearby and was etching letters in the dust. When he’s finished, he steps up and points to the word and then to himself.
“My Greek is a bit rusty, but I’ll try,” Kiya mutters as she reads them. “As-ter-ion. Asterion?” The minotaur nods and smiles. “Oh its a lovely name. But one thing I don’t understand, how do you know what I’m saying?”
Asterion points to his ear and then mimics talking with his hands.
“I see, you heard someone talking and you learned from that. Do you know where you come from?” Kiya asks nervously “I’ve never seen anyone like you before.”
Asterion glances around him, as though wanting to see other minotaurs and then he gives a sad shrug and hangs his head. Seeing the saddened minotaur tugs at Kiya’s heart and without thinking she reaches up and gently touches his face. “I’m sorry.” she says in a hushed voice. “I wish I could say I know what its like, but I don’t think I can even say that. But I do want to help you.”
Asterion slowly raises his head and takes one of Kiya’s hands into his.
“Lets get you out of here.” Kiya says warmly. She picks up the thread tied around her waist and shows it to Asterion. “To guide us back to the door.” Asterion’s eyes lighten up and his beaming smile returns.
Trekking the labyrinth was much easier now with Asterion. The twisting passages appeared larger and brighter than before, though they were both eager to leave this prison as soon as they could. All the while, Kiya kept glancing back at Asterion. Something about him kept drawing her eyes and she couldn’t help but feel her spirits lift whenever she reminded herself of his presence.
After a while they stop at an intersection to rest for a bit and sit side by side on the floor.
“What’s the first thing you’re excited about?” Kiya asks Asterion. He points directly upwards to the ceiling.
“The sky? There’s a bit of this corridor that leads out onto a veranda overlooking the sea, the guards led me past it. You’ll see the sky out there also,” she says gently. Asterion perks up at the mention of the sky. “Most people say its blue, but its not always. It can be the colour of gold or silver. Or pink, orange, red and even as dark as ink at night with glittering stars like speckles of silver. We can go there if you like.”
Asterion’s face perks up with interest and he nods eagerly.
“And we’ll meet our friends there, or at least I’m sure they’ll be your friends too,” Kiya continues as they make their way once more through the maze. “There’s Altallo who can be weird, but is such an adventurer. And also Shern’aath, a strange feathered lizard thing. He and Alty are SO cute together! Took Alty a while though despite all of Shern’s hints and suggestions.”
Asterion looked confused at all of this, but nodded here and there all the same. They find the door unlocked and the adjacent corridors of the palace empty.
“Looks like Ariadne sorted out the guards.” Kiya whispers. “Come on its just down here.
Asterion nods eagerly and Kiya takes the lead. They flit through silent halls and down staircases, almost exactly like the maze they had just left and the frescoes seem to follow them with their painted eyes. Kiya’s nerves prick with every twist and turn until they at last came to an open veranda overlooking the sea.
Asterion blinks his eyes rapidly, and shields his face as light spills in. As he became adjusted, his face is in an expression of pure awe and he shuffles almost in a daze to the railing. On the horizon, the sun was just beginning to rise, staining the sky with warm shades of pink, yellow and orange. Directly above them, in stark contrast, the last of the inky night was fading slowly, with stars shining like diamonds. Asterion's expression of amazement becomes one of joy and a few tears run down his cheeks and Kiya smiles and looks onward with Asterion at the scene before them.
In the prison cell, the Athenians were huddled together in a corner. Some were trying to sleep, but others were wide awake. Altallo paces up and down.
“Will you stop that!” Theseus suddenly bursts out. “You’re making me all jittery with all that walking.”
“I should have done more!” Altallo says to himself, ignoring Theseus. “Its my fault Kiya’s in danger to begin with.”
“What are you complaining about? There will be more girls anyway. More attractive ones at that, she really was quite ugly now that I think about it-” Theseus began but was cut off when Altallo seized him by the scruff of his chiton. Despite being considerably bigger than Altallo, the Eternal’s grip was much stronger than any person or animal Theseus had encountered. Whether it was a trick of the light or something more otherworldly, the prince could have sworn he saw small pinpricks of electric like particles dancing in Altallo’s enraged eyes.
“If you dare insult her again, I swear you will regret it for the rest of your life.” Altallo snarls in a low, yet threatening voice.
Footsteps approach the cell and the locks grate open. Altallo lets go of Theseus, who cowers behind Altallo, his whole body shivering.
“Quick! You must go first so that I can think of some way of escape and I will avenge your sacrifice...wait no YOU must survive since you’re the brains. Let the beast take another to sate its-”
“Shut up!” Altallo hisses. “I’m going in and-Kiya!”
Kiya steps into the cell and, beaming with triumph, she takes Altallo’s hands into hers.
“I was so worried! What happened? Did you...oh my.” Altallo gasps as he sees the towering figure behind Kiya. In the cell, the Athenians huddle closer together at the sight of the minotaur, but Theseus’ fear disappears and he glares at the giant with hatred in his eyes.
“Altallo,” Kiya says happily. “This is Asterion. Asterion this is the friend called Altallo I told you about.”
Altallo holds out a hand.
“Nice to meet you Aster-OOF!”
Asterion had lifted Altallo into a massive hug and stuck out his tongue goofily.
“Aww, he likes you!” Kiya laughs.
“I like him too!” came Altallo’s muffled reply and he gave Asterion a pat on the back.
“Look at them! That foreign girl has done a deal with the beast! It’ll devour us all when we turn our backs!” Theseus cries out, pointing to them. “Hear me youths of Athens, they are no friends of ours!”
“What is he talking about?” Kiya asks as Asterion lets go of Altallo.
“Oh never mind him, lets just focus on getting out of here. Especially with our new friend here, if he wants to come that is.”
“What do you think Asterion? Do you want to come with us?” Kiya asks Asterion, who immediately nods eagerly and grins. “Well that’s settled then!”
She goes out with Asterion. Altallo pauses in the doorway and turns back.
“Well don’t just stand there, you’re free now! Come on!”
The Athenians edge out of the cell slowly but quickly pick up their pace, with Theseus stomping behind them.
“What now?” Kiya asks Altallo as they dash down a grand hallway and into a walled plaza. Asterion was looking around the huge space with great interest, a far cry from the narrow passages and dead ends he was used to.
“Back to the port, get a boat and leave as fast as we can. Ariadne said she’d take care of that.”
“But-” Kiya says, lowering her voice “Why didn’t we use the ship? Fly it over here.”
“Too conspicuous, besides they,” Altallo gestures to the Athenians. “Wouldn’t understand and probably panic. You saw how they reacted to Asterion.”
In the plaza they meet Ariadne, who’s worried expression melts away when she sees Altallo and Kiya.
“Oh thank the gods you’re safe! I was starting to fear the worst and...oh!.." she pauses for a second as she sees Asterion come in and both look at each other in silence for a moment. "Hello there Asty, it's been a while.. my how big you've gotten" she smile and says. Asterion’s eyes get teary as he rushes to her and they hug, the minotaur warmly smiles down at her as they embrace. Kiya grumbles and folds her arms so tightly and hunches her head, making her look like a crab glaring from its shell. “Pff, typical princess, always latching onto the first hunk she sees.” she hisses to Altallo, who frowns at her.
“Erm, Kiya you better take a second look. You used to call me clueless but now it seems the tables have turned.”
“What do you mean?” Kiya snaps, but realises Altallo has disappeared.
“Dear brother, how I've missed you and I'm overjoyed your free!,” Ariadne says. “Its wonderful to see you after so long, I never stopped thinking of you even when I was forced to keep away under my father's orders.”
“Wait, brother?!” Kiya exclaims, untangling her arms, and feeling foolish.
“Well, yes he's my brother, we aren't related by blood but to me he is family, ever since he came to Crete. Some soldiers brought him from some far away land, after they imprisoned him I'd visit him every day for as long as I could. I'd tell him stories and even gave him my doll when I was young so he'd have some company. We grew quite close until one day a guard saw me and my father banned me from visiting Asterion. Putting more guards around the entrance and forcing him deeper into the labyrinth." She gives a sorrowful look as she remembers that horrid day. But she looks at Asterion and her smile returns. "But that’s over now and he's free and I’m happy." She smiles and Asterion hugs her tighter. "Oh I almost forgot The ship is ready by the way,” Ariadne adds. “I’m afraid its nothing fancy.”
“As long as its seaworthy, it’ll do. Hey you got your old clothes back!” Kiya says, as Altallo returns from behind a building.
“Yes,” Altallo replies in a terse voice. He brushes dust and other blemishes from his poncho and then starts straightening the feather on his headdress. “Can you imagine, I found them thrown out on a rubbish heap beside the palace! Left to the rats and the muck and they’re antiques too!”
“Scandalous!” Kiya gasps while trying to hold back a giggle.
“Ugh, well never mind my poor fashion sense, we must get going before anyone sees us.”
“Wait,” Kiya turns to Ariadne. “Do you want to come with us?”
Asterion smiles at Ariadne.
“I’d love to, I truly would, but... I can’t.” Ariadne says with a sad smile. “I still have a family and I still love my family. My father acted out of grief and I wish he could have controlled his rage, but I could never hate him..." tears begin to roll down her cheeks, Asterion wipes them and looks at her. "I'm sorry Asty. I wish things could be different. I do love you, my brother and I’m sorry I never stopped them from locking you away and now we reunite and we have to depart once again." Ariadne says while she begins to cry. Asterion looks at her with a gentle and calm understanding smile that reassures her as they hug again. When her tears subside she wipes her eyes. "B-besides its safer if I don’t go, they’d send searches out for me and I don’t want to put you in danger again. And... I Love you brother even though we'll be apart you don't forget me okay and you all take care of him"
“We understand, and we very much will. And thank you so much for all your help,” Altallo replies, taking her hand and shaking it.
Kiya touches her shoulder and says "I'll make sure Asterion is well taken care of, I promise you that Ariadne." Kiya says. Asterion and Ariadne stay in a massive hug for a few minutes before letting go looking at each other both with smiles and Ariadne waves as Asterion leaves with his new found friends.
“Wait, where’s Theseus?” Altallo asks, noticing the prince’s absence.
“Oh here he comes, mores the pity.” Kiya sighs. Theseus runs up to them, panting yet looking very smug about something.
The same ship that had brought them to Crete was moored up in the docks, its black sail rolled up. As the Athenians file onboard, a deep rumbling sound emanates from the water and small waves rock the boat.
“What was that?” Kiya asks, looking over the railing.
“Maybe its Poseidon?” suggests one of the Athenians. “He’s blessing our ship to sail away from this dark place.”
“No.” Altallo cuts across the Athenian. A look of creeping dread was spreading across his face. “I’ve seen this before. Never a good sign. We need to cast off.”
“But Alt-”
“Now Kiya!” Altallo begins tugging at ropes, trying to release the sail, as another tremor rumbles, this time creating small chips on the quayside.
“But what is it?!” Kiya screams.
“Earthquake!”
A third, even louder tremor rattles the shore and now massive cracks rip through the harbour and buildings start shaking. Screams echo from the town and the palace begins to rock. Ariadne stares at it in shock and is about to run towards it, but Theseus grabs her.
“LET ME GO!” She shrieks, punching his shoulder.
“There’s nothing you can do.” He turns her around to face him. “Please, don’t waste your life!”
Ariadne’s eyes fill with tears and she allows herself to be carried on board. They set sail again and out of the harbour. Waves caused by the earthquakes rock the boat gently. Behind them, the battered yet magnificent city burns and is slowly reduced to rubble. Ariadne watches from the stern, eyes wide and vacant. Asterion puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and she pats it without looking away. Altallo and Kiya meanwhile are manning the ship’s rudder, turning it into the breeze for the sails to catch.
“It should just take about a day to get back,” Altallo comments. “I think we should give her some room.” He adds as Asterion comes back and sits beside them. From the deck below there were cheers and jeers from Theseus, who had raided the ship’s cabin for wine. Kiya grimaces.
“That twerp won’t help much. I can’t wait to be rid of him.” she says, but is interrupted as Theseus staggers up to them.
“Ah friends, do not be so glum! Join us! Our enemy lies crushed under rubble and we’re finally free! Now back to Athens with the prize, the beast to slaughter!” He points dramatically at Asterion who looks confused. Altallo and Kiya stand in front of him protectively. Theseus pulls a sword out from his clothes and holds it up high for all to see.
“Its head would make a fine decoration for the palace walls! And all will remember, I, Theseus, bull slayer and hero of Athens!”
“Listen Theseus,” Altallo starts in a calm and measured voice. “I know you want to make your father proud, but think of others. Think of poor Asterion here-”
Altallo never got to finish his sentence. Theseus had just swung out at him with a punch and poor Altallo topples to the floor, clutching his nose and wincing.
“Get out of my way you weirdo!”
“Alty!” Kiya cries out and then she clenches her fists and glowers at Theseus. “Why you stuck up, snot nosed, pampered-”
Theseus slaps her across the face. Kiya staggers back, hand over her cheek. She rushes back to Asterion and starts crying into his chest. Asterion looks at her and then to Altallo still on the floor, open mouthed and shocked. Theseus meanwhile brushes his hair out of his face, trying to regain his poseur. He then starts grinning horribly.
“And as an extra bonus, I shall rule with my new wife!” he proclaims, seizing Ariadne’s arm and dragging her towards him. She struggles to wrench herself from his grasp, but he just laughs and holds her even closer. “And what a prize she is.”
Asterion’s hands slowly curl into fists and his eyes narrowed. He gently pushes Kiya to one side and stomps across the deck towards Theseus, his teeth clenched into a snarl. Theseus, still gloating over his victory, is taken by surprise when Asterion wrenches the sword from his grasp. The minotaur bends it effortlessly out of shape until, with an awful sound, the blade splinters and tiny shards rain down onto the floor. Theseus utters a high pitched yelp and clasps his hands together and screams.
“Oh please! Spare me, take them instead!” he jabs a finger at the Athenians.
Asterion gives Theseus a hard shove and takes Ariadne away back to the others. Although he wasn’t hurt, Theseus continues to wail and whimper at Athenians.
“That horrible monster has just hurt me! My friends, help me!”
But the Athenians back away from him. Theseus’ face flushed an ugly shade of red and he stamps his feet.
“Filthy cowards!” he shrieks but before he can say any more, he spots something that chills him. Kiya and Asterion were helping Altallo back up to his feet. The Eternal was clutching at his nose and when he lifts his hands, a strange yellow liquid oozes out.
“Thank you.” he mumbles thickly. Kiya hands him a cloth to hold back the bleeding.
“I knew it! I knew they weren’t normal!” Theseus hisses under his voice, as they stumble to the other side of the ship. He notices a shard of the sword nearby him. While small, it is larger than the other useless specks of bronze. Sneakily and with smug smile, he picks up the shard and pockets it.
Later, the Athenians, Kiya and Asterion are sleeping in the ship’s cabin. Theseus, who had slunk away, paces the length and breadth of the hold. After a while he climbs up to the trapdoor and peeks out. The deck is deserted, save for Altallo who was standing at the stern, standing as still as a statue and staring up at the stars. Keeping a wary eye on him, Theseus crawls out as quietly as he can and sneaks through the shadows towards the cabin. He could see the beast at the back of the room and reaches to his belt for the shard, but his hand gropes thin air. He looks behind him confused and almost screams out loud when he sees Altallo standing there. The Eternal holds up the lost shard and throws it away into the sea. Theseus collapses onto the floor and starts blubbering and pleading, but Altallo merely points gravely to the hold where Theseus had come, his face a blank mask. The prince scurries away like a frightened spider, glancing back only once. Altallo had returned to the very spot, staring up at the sky again.
“Land ho!”
The voice jerked Theseus awake from behind a hay bale. He looked awful; his hair was dishevelled and there were large shadows under his eyes from the restless night. He yawns widely before clambering up top.
The ship had docked in an island bay and everyone disembarks from the ship. The Athenians happily chatting amongst each other as they gather food, but Ariadne walks away from the others and sits on a rock, looking out to where Crete lay before her.
“Alty, do you think she should come with us?” Kiya asks. She, Asterion and Altallo were pushing their way through undergrowth
“Only if she wants to. I never take anyone without permission.” Altallo replies. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to leave her alone with Theseus, but its her choice and I won’t force her. Uh oh, here comes trouble!”
Shern’aath, who had been dozing against a tree, woke up at the sound of voices. He’s thrilled when he sees Altallo and Kiya come into view and runs down to meet them.
“I’ve missed you so much!” he cries out, lifting Altallo off his feet and hugging him.
“I’ve missed you too you big feathery bucket of love!” Altallo replies, kissing Shern’aath who giggles.
“Hey don’t mind me, just standing here admiring the scenery. Take your time.” Kiya says, smiling at them. Shern’aath chuckles and puts down Altallo.
“Oh come here you!” He and Altallo pull her into a one armed hug. “Say what happened? Wait,” Shern’aath notices the bruises on Altallo and Kiya’s faces and his smile fades. “Who did this to you?!”
“It was Theseus.”
“I knew that lumbering oaf didn’t look right,” Shern’aath growls. “Just wait till I get my claws on him, I’ll...”
Shern’aath’s eyes widen when he sees Asterion.
“Erm, Shern, meet Asterion.”
Asterion grabs Shern’aath and hugs him.
“Hey! Oh!” Shern’aath cries out in surprise and then he starts laughing. “What an adorable giant...erm...thing! And he’s so soft and warm! Was that smelly Theseus mean to him as well?”
“Unfortunately yes. But never mind him now, we’ve got our ship and we should leave. I have a feeling Theseus will be out for blood. Where is the ship Shern’aath?”
“Erm.” Shern’aath’s feathers droop and he shuffles from foot to foot. “Well about that.”
He nods towards a ditch, where the crescent moon shaped craft lay inclined on one side. Altallo stares at it, his face blank and expressionless.
“What did you do?” he asks colourlessly.
“I didn’t know!” the raptor yells. “All that sloshing goo stuff and I kept tumbling around in the sky at one point and you weren’t there and...and...I’m sorry!”
“Sorry? Why are you sorry? This is amazing!” Altallo beams and ruffles Shern’aath’s hair. He leaves the stunned raptor behind and slides down the ditch to get a better look. He walks around the ship, stroking his chin and leans from side to side. “How did you do it?”
“I just, you know, pressed random buttons and what not.” Shern’aath says, nonplussed.
“Oh well, I’ll just flip it over in a tick. Erm, Shern, mind giving me a boost?”
Soon they are flying above the island. Asterion has his nose pressed against the window, looking giddy with excitement.
“It feels so good to be up here and safe again.” Kiya sighs before collapsing onto the floor.
Asterion frowns as he sees something and points it out to Altallo.
“Look, the boat is leaving.” he says.
"I hope those Athenians make it back alright.. " Shern’aath then adds. "I’m sure things will be fine, and we have a lot to celebrate, with your return and a new friend!"
"Many Adventures and a lot of great things to see for sure. Now where to next do you think?” Altallo asks. “Perhaps we can go to the frozen poles again? Or a dense jungle or oooh even the deepest trench in the ocean we can find?!”
"Oh please, let’s just have a rest first.” Kiya groans as she sinks into a chair. “Somewhere nice and quiet with nearby conveniences and no killer machines, crazy armour clad warriors or anything like that.”
“Alright then,” Altallo laughs. “You should have just asked if you wanted that.”
Kiya shoots him a venomous glare. Asterion meanwhile has spotted something else and draws Kiya’s attention to it.
“Mm? There’s someone still there!”
Ariadne was alone on the beach. Out on the sea, the ship was sailing further and further away, with Theseus on the bow. He was looking back at the island, an unreadable expression on his face as Ariadne’s shouts and screams echo across the water. Exhausted, Ariadne drops to her knees as the ship becomes a speck on the horizon. She starts pummelling the sand with her hands.
“If only that was Theseus’ face, that would have been a knockout punch I’m sure.”
Ariadne looks up in shock to see what looks like a dark window in the sky. Altallo, Kiya, Asterion and a strange feathered reptile she had never seen before were all standing there.
“By the gods!” she gasps.
“Would you like a lift to the mainland? It won’t take long.” Altallo asks. “Oh don’t worry!” He adds, when Ariadne looks unsure. “Its perfectly safe and very speedy.” Asterion behinds him gives her the thumbs up and Ariadne starts to smile. Altallo lands the ship on the sand and Ariadne steps aboard.
Back at Athens, King Aegeus stands on a cliff looking out to the sea. The nights waiting for any sign of his beloved son and the innocent youths had taken their toll on the poor man. He was thinner, pallid and seemed older. He leans heavily on a staff. Something appears in the horizons and his eyes light up briefly. But his joy is short lived when he sees a ship with a rippling black sail on its mast. Tears well up in his eyes and he falls to his knees.
The citizens of Athens tense up as the black sailed ship inches its way into the harbour. Men waited to greet those on the ship, while parents ushered their children indoors, bracing themselves for more bad news. They are shocked to see Theseus strutting down the gangplank accompanied by the Athenian youths. After a solid minute of silence, cheers of joy erupt. Some broke down into tears of joy at seeing sons, daughters, brothers and sisters returned. Theseus beamed gleefully and laps up the attention with relish, while the would be sacrifices run back to their families. In a darkened courtyard, a small statue appears seemingly out of nowhere. Altallo leads the way out, followed by the others. They climb a wall and watch the celebrations.
Theseus raises his hands for silence.
“My kinsmen, our enemy lies buried under his own city and your children are safe from his foul minions. Zeus and Athena must truly smile down upon us on this day!”
“What about the monster?” a man asks. “Was it terrifying?”
“Erm, well. About that.” Theseus stammers.
One of the youths who accompanied them sees Asterion and the others out of the corner of her eye and nudges her companions. She then steps forwards and addresses the crowd.
“Oh yes, it was awful! It would have devoured us all if it weren’t for our brave hero here.”
“And Theseus cut off its head!” Another puts in.
“I did?” Theseus looks confused but quickly regains his composure. “Ah yes I did! Sadly I..er...lost it. It fell overboard and back to Poseidon’s kingdom. But you need not fear it ever again!”
“Well that’s gratitude!” Kiya huffs and folds her arms up. “Asterion would never hurt any of them.”
“I think I see what they’re doing. They’re cornering Theseus to let Asterion escape. He can’t exactly go on the hunt when everyone thinks he’s ‘slain the monster’.” says Shern’aath.
“Where is my father?!” Theseus booms out joyfully. “We must celebrate at once! A grand banquet for everyone. Father? Father! What is it?”
A worried looking sailor rushes up to Theseus and whispers in his ear and out of the corner of his eye, Theseus catches the black sail on. Theseus’ face blanches and he crumples to the floor and stares blank eyed ahead of him. Two more sailors arrive, carrying between them a bundle of wrapped linen.
Altallo and the others watch in stony silence, until Kiya tugs at Altallo’s sleeve.
“Please.” she says in a cracked voice. “Let’s get away from here.”
Altallo nods and leads them all away as sobs and screams of grief fill the harbour. Without anyone noticing, the statue in the courtyard vanishes, never to be seen again.
On a lonely road, the ship lands once more and Ariadne steps out.
“What will you do now?” Kiya asks her.
“Find my own way and keep moving forwards I suppose.” Ariadne sighs. She looks sadly back to Athens.
"You can Always come with us if that’s what you want" Kiya says. Asterion smiles at the idea of that. “I'd love to travel with all of you, make up for lost time with you Asty, but my place is here. I must go back to Crete and see if my father and people are alive. If so, I want to be there for him, for them and rebuild. He’s not a bad man after all. If he’s de—... if he's not there, I can go to my mother who lived in another palace or to another kingdom in Greece. I am still scared though." Ariadne says.
"It's okay to be afraid of the unknown, bravery is facing it despite the fear and your certainly braver than any hero.” Altallo replies and Asterion gives her a smile. She wipes her eyes and manages a watery smile.
“Thank you, all of you.” she says, exchanging hugs with all of them. “I hope we see each other again someday.”
After a final goodbye. Ariadne makes her way along the road but stops when she hears a whoosh of wind and the tops of the trees rustling along side the road and through a wheat field. She smiles and waves as her friends fly away.
Inside the palace of Athens, Theseus sits alone upon a fine wooden thrown and wearing a golden laurel wreath. The throne room was empty and dark, lit only by flickering candles. Though physically light, the crown felt heavy on his brow and he stared blankly ahead. Thoughts swam and spun in his mind like a whirlpool. He thought back to the island and seeing Ariadne screaming and wailing on the beach. Then Kiya’s face swam into view, her eyes bright and her hand warm when it touched his face only for him to push her away. Kiya's face shifts and changes to that of the fierce gaze of Altallo Theseus shuddered as he remembered those sparks dancing in the stranger’s pupils. And then, last of all, he finds himself face to face with Asterion. The giant looks down at the young man, not with anger or hatred, but sadness. Theseus gulped.
“I’m sorry.” he mumbles to himself, he realizes he's holding the sword that Ariadne gave incase of danger, Both him and Asterion realized the sword was plunged into Astreion's chest. Theseus looking at Asterion’s sad eyes then looks at the blade again and looks back to Asterion with teary eyes. Theseus was about to mutter something when the sight before him left him speechless. In the place of Asterion was Aegeus. At first Theseus smiles but is then horrified as his father opens his mouth and seawater spills out and he starts making odd gagging noises.
"F-Father?" Theseus shuddered out still in shock. Aegeus's form had changed, his skin was a horrible, pale hue, seaweed was caught in his hair and he was dripping wet. He gazed at his son coldly and when something catches Theseus looks down, his stomach turns to ice. A hideous red blotch had stained his father’s soaked clothes and buried into his chest was the sword Ariadne had given him in Crete. Theseus screamed and suddenly he was back in the throne room again, lying on the floor. The immense palace room, once a place of comfort and warmth was now cold and dominating. He found himself in shadows again, tiny and vulnerable. Theseus was there alone, Theseus the hero the bull slayer.... the king of Athens.
A special thanks to for the cover art for proofreading it. I really appreciate it.
Kiya felt her feet leave the ground and something touched her face. It was warm and soft, like freshly washed wool. At first Kiya thought maybe she was dead and that this was the afterlife, any moment the god Anubis would be there to guide her. Slowly, she started to open her eyes.
The gloom of the labyrinth greeted her. She stares blankly for a solid minute before it dawned on her what the warm thing was.
Kiya gives a small squeak of terror and starts thrashing around in the creature’s grip but freezes when she catches sight of the beast in the murky light. It is huge and would have towered over a fully grown man, with a powerful muscly body and thick arms covered in dense white fur. Two massive horns curve from its brow and it had a soft pink muzzle which was creased into a gentle smile. A thick mop of long wavy hair grows on the beast’s head and hangs over the upper half of its head, so that its eyes seemed to be peaking trough a curtain And the creature’s eyes were the bluest blue Kiya had ever seen. Although still scared, something about the creature was calming to her and in her mind she no longer saw it as a creature or an it for that matter, but as a person.
“You’re-” Kiya started, but her throat was dry and her mind slow. “You’re not going to hurt me?” she finally says. To her surprise, the minotaur shakes its head.
“You can understand me?”
The minotaur nods.
“Oh no, I’m sorry! I said some horrible things and if you’re angry I under-” Kiya splutters, but she’s swiftly silenced when the minotaur pulls her into another hug.
“I’ll take that as a ‘don’t worry about it! You don’t say much do you?” Kiya asks, as the minotaur puts her down. In response he puts a finger to his lips and shakes. Kiya’s eyes widen. “Oh, you can’t speak! I wish I knew your name, I don’t want to call you ‘the minotaur’ or ‘the beast’ or- what is it?”
He had crouched down nearby and was etching letters in the dust. When he’s finished, he steps up and points to the word and then to himself.
“My Greek is a bit rusty, but I’ll try,” Kiya mutters as she reads them. “As-ter-ion. Asterion?” The minotaur nods and smiles. “Oh its a lovely name. But one thing I don’t understand, how do you know what I’m saying?”
Asterion points to his ear and then mimics talking with his hands.
“I see, you heard someone talking and you learned from that. Do you know where you come from?” Kiya asks nervously “I’ve never seen anyone like you before.”
Asterion glances around him, as though wanting to see other minotaurs and then he gives a sad shrug and hangs his head. Seeing the saddened minotaur tugs at Kiya’s heart and without thinking she reaches up and gently touches his face. “I’m sorry.” she says in a hushed voice. “I wish I could say I know what its like, but I don’t think I can even say that. But I do want to help you.”
Asterion slowly raises his head and takes one of Kiya’s hands into his.
“Lets get you out of here.” Kiya says warmly. She picks up the thread tied around her waist and shows it to Asterion. “To guide us back to the door.” Asterion’s eyes lighten up and his beaming smile returns.
Trekking the labyrinth was much easier now with Asterion. The twisting passages appeared larger and brighter than before, though they were both eager to leave this prison as soon as they could. All the while, Kiya kept glancing back at Asterion. Something about him kept drawing her eyes and she couldn’t help but feel her spirits lift whenever she reminded herself of his presence.
After a while they stop at an intersection to rest for a bit and sit side by side on the floor.
“What’s the first thing you’re excited about?” Kiya asks Asterion. He points directly upwards to the ceiling.
“The sky? There’s a bit of this corridor that leads out onto a veranda overlooking the sea, the guards led me past it. You’ll see the sky out there also,” she says gently. Asterion perks up at the mention of the sky. “Most people say its blue, but its not always. It can be the colour of gold or silver. Or pink, orange, red and even as dark as ink at night with glittering stars like speckles of silver. We can go there if you like.”
Asterion’s face perks up with interest and he nods eagerly.
“And we’ll meet our friends there, or at least I’m sure they’ll be your friends too,” Kiya continues as they make their way once more through the maze. “There’s Altallo who can be weird, but is such an adventurer. And also Shern’aath, a strange feathered lizard thing. He and Alty are SO cute together! Took Alty a while though despite all of Shern’s hints and suggestions.”
Asterion looked confused at all of this, but nodded here and there all the same. They find the door unlocked and the adjacent corridors of the palace empty.
“Looks like Ariadne sorted out the guards.” Kiya whispers. “Come on its just down here.
Asterion nods eagerly and Kiya takes the lead. They flit through silent halls and down staircases, almost exactly like the maze they had just left and the frescoes seem to follow them with their painted eyes. Kiya’s nerves prick with every twist and turn until they at last came to an open veranda overlooking the sea.
Asterion blinks his eyes rapidly, and shields his face as light spills in. As he became adjusted, his face is in an expression of pure awe and he shuffles almost in a daze to the railing. On the horizon, the sun was just beginning to rise, staining the sky with warm shades of pink, yellow and orange. Directly above them, in stark contrast, the last of the inky night was fading slowly, with stars shining like diamonds. Asterion's expression of amazement becomes one of joy and a few tears run down his cheeks and Kiya smiles and looks onward with Asterion at the scene before them.
In the prison cell, the Athenians were huddled together in a corner. Some were trying to sleep, but others were wide awake. Altallo paces up and down.
“Will you stop that!” Theseus suddenly bursts out. “You’re making me all jittery with all that walking.”
“I should have done more!” Altallo says to himself, ignoring Theseus. “Its my fault Kiya’s in danger to begin with.”
“What are you complaining about? There will be more girls anyway. More attractive ones at that, she really was quite ugly now that I think about it-” Theseus began but was cut off when Altallo seized him by the scruff of his chiton. Despite being considerably bigger than Altallo, the Eternal’s grip was much stronger than any person or animal Theseus had encountered. Whether it was a trick of the light or something more otherworldly, the prince could have sworn he saw small pinpricks of electric like particles dancing in Altallo’s enraged eyes.
“If you dare insult her again, I swear you will regret it for the rest of your life.” Altallo snarls in a low, yet threatening voice.
Footsteps approach the cell and the locks grate open. Altallo lets go of Theseus, who cowers behind Altallo, his whole body shivering.
“Quick! You must go first so that I can think of some way of escape and I will avenge your sacrifice...wait no YOU must survive since you’re the brains. Let the beast take another to sate its-”
“Shut up!” Altallo hisses. “I’m going in and-Kiya!”
Kiya steps into the cell and, beaming with triumph, she takes Altallo’s hands into hers.
“I was so worried! What happened? Did you...oh my.” Altallo gasps as he sees the towering figure behind Kiya. In the cell, the Athenians huddle closer together at the sight of the minotaur, but Theseus’ fear disappears and he glares at the giant with hatred in his eyes.
“Altallo,” Kiya says happily. “This is Asterion. Asterion this is the friend called Altallo I told you about.”
Altallo holds out a hand.
“Nice to meet you Aster-OOF!”
Asterion had lifted Altallo into a massive hug and stuck out his tongue goofily.
“Aww, he likes you!” Kiya laughs.
“I like him too!” came Altallo’s muffled reply and he gave Asterion a pat on the back.
“Look at them! That foreign girl has done a deal with the beast! It’ll devour us all when we turn our backs!” Theseus cries out, pointing to them. “Hear me youths of Athens, they are no friends of ours!”
“What is he talking about?” Kiya asks as Asterion lets go of Altallo.
“Oh never mind him, lets just focus on getting out of here. Especially with our new friend here, if he wants to come that is.”
“What do you think Asterion? Do you want to come with us?” Kiya asks Asterion, who immediately nods eagerly and grins. “Well that’s settled then!”
She goes out with Asterion. Altallo pauses in the doorway and turns back.
“Well don’t just stand there, you’re free now! Come on!”
The Athenians edge out of the cell slowly but quickly pick up their pace, with Theseus stomping behind them.
“What now?” Kiya asks Altallo as they dash down a grand hallway and into a walled plaza. Asterion was looking around the huge space with great interest, a far cry from the narrow passages and dead ends he was used to.
“Back to the port, get a boat and leave as fast as we can. Ariadne said she’d take care of that.”
“But-” Kiya says, lowering her voice “Why didn’t we use the ship? Fly it over here.”
“Too conspicuous, besides they,” Altallo gestures to the Athenians. “Wouldn’t understand and probably panic. You saw how they reacted to Asterion.”
In the plaza they meet Ariadne, who’s worried expression melts away when she sees Altallo and Kiya.
“Oh thank the gods you’re safe! I was starting to fear the worst and...oh!.." she pauses for a second as she sees Asterion come in and both look at each other in silence for a moment. "Hello there Asty, it's been a while.. my how big you've gotten" she smile and says. Asterion’s eyes get teary as he rushes to her and they hug, the minotaur warmly smiles down at her as they embrace. Kiya grumbles and folds her arms so tightly and hunches her head, making her look like a crab glaring from its shell. “Pff, typical princess, always latching onto the first hunk she sees.” she hisses to Altallo, who frowns at her.
“Erm, Kiya you better take a second look. You used to call me clueless but now it seems the tables have turned.”
“What do you mean?” Kiya snaps, but realises Altallo has disappeared.
“Dear brother, how I've missed you and I'm overjoyed your free!,” Ariadne says. “Its wonderful to see you after so long, I never stopped thinking of you even when I was forced to keep away under my father's orders.”
“Wait, brother?!” Kiya exclaims, untangling her arms, and feeling foolish.
“Well, yes he's my brother, we aren't related by blood but to me he is family, ever since he came to Crete. Some soldiers brought him from some far away land, after they imprisoned him I'd visit him every day for as long as I could. I'd tell him stories and even gave him my doll when I was young so he'd have some company. We grew quite close until one day a guard saw me and my father banned me from visiting Asterion. Putting more guards around the entrance and forcing him deeper into the labyrinth." She gives a sorrowful look as she remembers that horrid day. But she looks at Asterion and her smile returns. "But that’s over now and he's free and I’m happy." She smiles and Asterion hugs her tighter. "Oh I almost forgot The ship is ready by the way,” Ariadne adds. “I’m afraid its nothing fancy.”
“As long as its seaworthy, it’ll do. Hey you got your old clothes back!” Kiya says, as Altallo returns from behind a building.
“Yes,” Altallo replies in a terse voice. He brushes dust and other blemishes from his poncho and then starts straightening the feather on his headdress. “Can you imagine, I found them thrown out on a rubbish heap beside the palace! Left to the rats and the muck and they’re antiques too!”
“Scandalous!” Kiya gasps while trying to hold back a giggle.
“Ugh, well never mind my poor fashion sense, we must get going before anyone sees us.”
“Wait,” Kiya turns to Ariadne. “Do you want to come with us?”
Asterion smiles at Ariadne.
“I’d love to, I truly would, but... I can’t.” Ariadne says with a sad smile. “I still have a family and I still love my family. My father acted out of grief and I wish he could have controlled his rage, but I could never hate him..." tears begin to roll down her cheeks, Asterion wipes them and looks at her. "I'm sorry Asty. I wish things could be different. I do love you, my brother and I’m sorry I never stopped them from locking you away and now we reunite and we have to depart once again." Ariadne says while she begins to cry. Asterion looks at her with a gentle and calm understanding smile that reassures her as they hug again. When her tears subside she wipes her eyes. "B-besides its safer if I don’t go, they’d send searches out for me and I don’t want to put you in danger again. And... I Love you brother even though we'll be apart you don't forget me okay and you all take care of him"
“We understand, and we very much will. And thank you so much for all your help,” Altallo replies, taking her hand and shaking it.
Kiya touches her shoulder and says "I'll make sure Asterion is well taken care of, I promise you that Ariadne." Kiya says. Asterion and Ariadne stay in a massive hug for a few minutes before letting go looking at each other both with smiles and Ariadne waves as Asterion leaves with his new found friends.
“Wait, where’s Theseus?” Altallo asks, noticing the prince’s absence.
“Oh here he comes, mores the pity.” Kiya sighs. Theseus runs up to them, panting yet looking very smug about something.
The same ship that had brought them to Crete was moored up in the docks, its black sail rolled up. As the Athenians file onboard, a deep rumbling sound emanates from the water and small waves rock the boat.
“What was that?” Kiya asks, looking over the railing.
“Maybe its Poseidon?” suggests one of the Athenians. “He’s blessing our ship to sail away from this dark place.”
“No.” Altallo cuts across the Athenian. A look of creeping dread was spreading across his face. “I’ve seen this before. Never a good sign. We need to cast off.”
“But Alt-”
“Now Kiya!” Altallo begins tugging at ropes, trying to release the sail, as another tremor rumbles, this time creating small chips on the quayside.
“But what is it?!” Kiya screams.
“Earthquake!”
A third, even louder tremor rattles the shore and now massive cracks rip through the harbour and buildings start shaking. Screams echo from the town and the palace begins to rock. Ariadne stares at it in shock and is about to run towards it, but Theseus grabs her.
“LET ME GO!” She shrieks, punching his shoulder.
“There’s nothing you can do.” He turns her around to face him. “Please, don’t waste your life!”
Ariadne’s eyes fill with tears and she allows herself to be carried on board. They set sail again and out of the harbour. Waves caused by the earthquakes rock the boat gently. Behind them, the battered yet magnificent city burns and is slowly reduced to rubble. Ariadne watches from the stern, eyes wide and vacant. Asterion puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and she pats it without looking away. Altallo and Kiya meanwhile are manning the ship’s rudder, turning it into the breeze for the sails to catch.
“It should just take about a day to get back,” Altallo comments. “I think we should give her some room.” He adds as Asterion comes back and sits beside them. From the deck below there were cheers and jeers from Theseus, who had raided the ship’s cabin for wine. Kiya grimaces.
“That twerp won’t help much. I can’t wait to be rid of him.” she says, but is interrupted as Theseus staggers up to them.
“Ah friends, do not be so glum! Join us! Our enemy lies crushed under rubble and we’re finally free! Now back to Athens with the prize, the beast to slaughter!” He points dramatically at Asterion who looks confused. Altallo and Kiya stand in front of him protectively. Theseus pulls a sword out from his clothes and holds it up high for all to see.
“Its head would make a fine decoration for the palace walls! And all will remember, I, Theseus, bull slayer and hero of Athens!”
“Listen Theseus,” Altallo starts in a calm and measured voice. “I know you want to make your father proud, but think of others. Think of poor Asterion here-”
Altallo never got to finish his sentence. Theseus had just swung out at him with a punch and poor Altallo topples to the floor, clutching his nose and wincing.
“Get out of my way you weirdo!”
“Alty!” Kiya cries out and then she clenches her fists and glowers at Theseus. “Why you stuck up, snot nosed, pampered-”
Theseus slaps her across the face. Kiya staggers back, hand over her cheek. She rushes back to Asterion and starts crying into his chest. Asterion looks at her and then to Altallo still on the floor, open mouthed and shocked. Theseus meanwhile brushes his hair out of his face, trying to regain his poseur. He then starts grinning horribly.
“And as an extra bonus, I shall rule with my new wife!” he proclaims, seizing Ariadne’s arm and dragging her towards him. She struggles to wrench herself from his grasp, but he just laughs and holds her even closer. “And what a prize she is.”
Asterion’s hands slowly curl into fists and his eyes narrowed. He gently pushes Kiya to one side and stomps across the deck towards Theseus, his teeth clenched into a snarl. Theseus, still gloating over his victory, is taken by surprise when Asterion wrenches the sword from his grasp. The minotaur bends it effortlessly out of shape until, with an awful sound, the blade splinters and tiny shards rain down onto the floor. Theseus utters a high pitched yelp and clasps his hands together and screams.
“Oh please! Spare me, take them instead!” he jabs a finger at the Athenians.
Asterion gives Theseus a hard shove and takes Ariadne away back to the others. Although he wasn’t hurt, Theseus continues to wail and whimper at Athenians.
“That horrible monster has just hurt me! My friends, help me!”
But the Athenians back away from him. Theseus’ face flushed an ugly shade of red and he stamps his feet.
“Filthy cowards!” he shrieks but before he can say any more, he spots something that chills him. Kiya and Asterion were helping Altallo back up to his feet. The Eternal was clutching at his nose and when he lifts his hands, a strange yellow liquid oozes out.
“Thank you.” he mumbles thickly. Kiya hands him a cloth to hold back the bleeding.
“I knew it! I knew they weren’t normal!” Theseus hisses under his voice, as they stumble to the other side of the ship. He notices a shard of the sword nearby him. While small, it is larger than the other useless specks of bronze. Sneakily and with smug smile, he picks up the shard and pockets it.
Later, the Athenians, Kiya and Asterion are sleeping in the ship’s cabin. Theseus, who had slunk away, paces the length and breadth of the hold. After a while he climbs up to the trapdoor and peeks out. The deck is deserted, save for Altallo who was standing at the stern, standing as still as a statue and staring up at the stars. Keeping a wary eye on him, Theseus crawls out as quietly as he can and sneaks through the shadows towards the cabin. He could see the beast at the back of the room and reaches to his belt for the shard, but his hand gropes thin air. He looks behind him confused and almost screams out loud when he sees Altallo standing there. The Eternal holds up the lost shard and throws it away into the sea. Theseus collapses onto the floor and starts blubbering and pleading, but Altallo merely points gravely to the hold where Theseus had come, his face a blank mask. The prince scurries away like a frightened spider, glancing back only once. Altallo had returned to the very spot, staring up at the sky again.
“Land ho!”
The voice jerked Theseus awake from behind a hay bale. He looked awful; his hair was dishevelled and there were large shadows under his eyes from the restless night. He yawns widely before clambering up top.
The ship had docked in an island bay and everyone disembarks from the ship. The Athenians happily chatting amongst each other as they gather food, but Ariadne walks away from the others and sits on a rock, looking out to where Crete lay before her.
“Alty, do you think she should come with us?” Kiya asks. She, Asterion and Altallo were pushing their way through undergrowth
“Only if she wants to. I never take anyone without permission.” Altallo replies. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to leave her alone with Theseus, but its her choice and I won’t force her. Uh oh, here comes trouble!”
Shern’aath, who had been dozing against a tree, woke up at the sound of voices. He’s thrilled when he sees Altallo and Kiya come into view and runs down to meet them.
“I’ve missed you so much!” he cries out, lifting Altallo off his feet and hugging him.
“I’ve missed you too you big feathery bucket of love!” Altallo replies, kissing Shern’aath who giggles.
“Hey don’t mind me, just standing here admiring the scenery. Take your time.” Kiya says, smiling at them. Shern’aath chuckles and puts down Altallo.
“Oh come here you!” He and Altallo pull her into a one armed hug. “Say what happened? Wait,” Shern’aath notices the bruises on Altallo and Kiya’s faces and his smile fades. “Who did this to you?!”
“It was Theseus.”
“I knew that lumbering oaf didn’t look right,” Shern’aath growls. “Just wait till I get my claws on him, I’ll...”
Shern’aath’s eyes widen when he sees Asterion.
“Erm, Shern, meet Asterion.”
Asterion grabs Shern’aath and hugs him.
“Hey! Oh!” Shern’aath cries out in surprise and then he starts laughing. “What an adorable giant...erm...thing! And he’s so soft and warm! Was that smelly Theseus mean to him as well?”
“Unfortunately yes. But never mind him now, we’ve got our ship and we should leave. I have a feeling Theseus will be out for blood. Where is the ship Shern’aath?”
“Erm.” Shern’aath’s feathers droop and he shuffles from foot to foot. “Well about that.”
He nods towards a ditch, where the crescent moon shaped craft lay inclined on one side. Altallo stares at it, his face blank and expressionless.
“What did you do?” he asks colourlessly.
“I didn’t know!” the raptor yells. “All that sloshing goo stuff and I kept tumbling around in the sky at one point and you weren’t there and...and...I’m sorry!”
“Sorry? Why are you sorry? This is amazing!” Altallo beams and ruffles Shern’aath’s hair. He leaves the stunned raptor behind and slides down the ditch to get a better look. He walks around the ship, stroking his chin and leans from side to side. “How did you do it?”
“I just, you know, pressed random buttons and what not.” Shern’aath says, nonplussed.
“Oh well, I’ll just flip it over in a tick. Erm, Shern, mind giving me a boost?”
Soon they are flying above the island. Asterion has his nose pressed against the window, looking giddy with excitement.
“It feels so good to be up here and safe again.” Kiya sighs before collapsing onto the floor.
Asterion frowns as he sees something and points it out to Altallo.
“Look, the boat is leaving.” he says.
"I hope those Athenians make it back alright.. " Shern’aath then adds. "I’m sure things will be fine, and we have a lot to celebrate, with your return and a new friend!"
"Many Adventures and a lot of great things to see for sure. Now where to next do you think?” Altallo asks. “Perhaps we can go to the frozen poles again? Or a dense jungle or oooh even the deepest trench in the ocean we can find?!”
"Oh please, let’s just have a rest first.” Kiya groans as she sinks into a chair. “Somewhere nice and quiet with nearby conveniences and no killer machines, crazy armour clad warriors or anything like that.”
“Alright then,” Altallo laughs. “You should have just asked if you wanted that.”
Kiya shoots him a venomous glare. Asterion meanwhile has spotted something else and draws Kiya’s attention to it.
“Mm? There’s someone still there!”
Ariadne was alone on the beach. Out on the sea, the ship was sailing further and further away, with Theseus on the bow. He was looking back at the island, an unreadable expression on his face as Ariadne’s shouts and screams echo across the water. Exhausted, Ariadne drops to her knees as the ship becomes a speck on the horizon. She starts pummelling the sand with her hands.
“If only that was Theseus’ face, that would have been a knockout punch I’m sure.”
Ariadne looks up in shock to see what looks like a dark window in the sky. Altallo, Kiya, Asterion and a strange feathered reptile she had never seen before were all standing there.
“By the gods!” she gasps.
“Would you like a lift to the mainland? It won’t take long.” Altallo asks. “Oh don’t worry!” He adds, when Ariadne looks unsure. “Its perfectly safe and very speedy.” Asterion behinds him gives her the thumbs up and Ariadne starts to smile. Altallo lands the ship on the sand and Ariadne steps aboard.
Back at Athens, King Aegeus stands on a cliff looking out to the sea. The nights waiting for any sign of his beloved son and the innocent youths had taken their toll on the poor man. He was thinner, pallid and seemed older. He leans heavily on a staff. Something appears in the horizons and his eyes light up briefly. But his joy is short lived when he sees a ship with a rippling black sail on its mast. Tears well up in his eyes and he falls to his knees.
The citizens of Athens tense up as the black sailed ship inches its way into the harbour. Men waited to greet those on the ship, while parents ushered their children indoors, bracing themselves for more bad news. They are shocked to see Theseus strutting down the gangplank accompanied by the Athenian youths. After a solid minute of silence, cheers of joy erupt. Some broke down into tears of joy at seeing sons, daughters, brothers and sisters returned. Theseus beamed gleefully and laps up the attention with relish, while the would be sacrifices run back to their families. In a darkened courtyard, a small statue appears seemingly out of nowhere. Altallo leads the way out, followed by the others. They climb a wall and watch the celebrations.
Theseus raises his hands for silence.
“My kinsmen, our enemy lies buried under his own city and your children are safe from his foul minions. Zeus and Athena must truly smile down upon us on this day!”
“What about the monster?” a man asks. “Was it terrifying?”
“Erm, well. About that.” Theseus stammers.
One of the youths who accompanied them sees Asterion and the others out of the corner of her eye and nudges her companions. She then steps forwards and addresses the crowd.
“Oh yes, it was awful! It would have devoured us all if it weren’t for our brave hero here.”
“And Theseus cut off its head!” Another puts in.
“I did?” Theseus looks confused but quickly regains his composure. “Ah yes I did! Sadly I..er...lost it. It fell overboard and back to Poseidon’s kingdom. But you need not fear it ever again!”
“Well that’s gratitude!” Kiya huffs and folds her arms up. “Asterion would never hurt any of them.”
“I think I see what they’re doing. They’re cornering Theseus to let Asterion escape. He can’t exactly go on the hunt when everyone thinks he’s ‘slain the monster’.” says Shern’aath.
“Where is my father?!” Theseus booms out joyfully. “We must celebrate at once! A grand banquet for everyone. Father? Father! What is it?”
A worried looking sailor rushes up to Theseus and whispers in his ear and out of the corner of his eye, Theseus catches the black sail on. Theseus’ face blanches and he crumples to the floor and stares blank eyed ahead of him. Two more sailors arrive, carrying between them a bundle of wrapped linen.
Altallo and the others watch in stony silence, until Kiya tugs at Altallo’s sleeve.
“Please.” she says in a cracked voice. “Let’s get away from here.”
Altallo nods and leads them all away as sobs and screams of grief fill the harbour. Without anyone noticing, the statue in the courtyard vanishes, never to be seen again.
On a lonely road, the ship lands once more and Ariadne steps out.
“What will you do now?” Kiya asks her.
“Find my own way and keep moving forwards I suppose.” Ariadne sighs. She looks sadly back to Athens.
"You can Always come with us if that’s what you want" Kiya says. Asterion smiles at the idea of that. “I'd love to travel with all of you, make up for lost time with you Asty, but my place is here. I must go back to Crete and see if my father and people are alive. If so, I want to be there for him, for them and rebuild. He’s not a bad man after all. If he’s de—... if he's not there, I can go to my mother who lived in another palace or to another kingdom in Greece. I am still scared though." Ariadne says.
"It's okay to be afraid of the unknown, bravery is facing it despite the fear and your certainly braver than any hero.” Altallo replies and Asterion gives her a smile. She wipes her eyes and manages a watery smile.
“Thank you, all of you.” she says, exchanging hugs with all of them. “I hope we see each other again someday.”
After a final goodbye. Ariadne makes her way along the road but stops when she hears a whoosh of wind and the tops of the trees rustling along side the road and through a wheat field. She smiles and waves as her friends fly away.
Inside the palace of Athens, Theseus sits alone upon a fine wooden thrown and wearing a golden laurel wreath. The throne room was empty and dark, lit only by flickering candles. Though physically light, the crown felt heavy on his brow and he stared blankly ahead. Thoughts swam and spun in his mind like a whirlpool. He thought back to the island and seeing Ariadne screaming and wailing on the beach. Then Kiya’s face swam into view, her eyes bright and her hand warm when it touched his face only for him to push her away. Kiya's face shifts and changes to that of the fierce gaze of Altallo Theseus shuddered as he remembered those sparks dancing in the stranger’s pupils. And then, last of all, he finds himself face to face with Asterion. The giant looks down at the young man, not with anger or hatred, but sadness. Theseus gulped.
“I’m sorry.” he mumbles to himself, he realizes he's holding the sword that Ariadne gave incase of danger, Both him and Asterion realized the sword was plunged into Astreion's chest. Theseus looking at Asterion’s sad eyes then looks at the blade again and looks back to Asterion with teary eyes. Theseus was about to mutter something when the sight before him left him speechless. In the place of Asterion was Aegeus. At first Theseus smiles but is then horrified as his father opens his mouth and seawater spills out and he starts making odd gagging noises.
"F-Father?" Theseus shuddered out still in shock. Aegeus's form had changed, his skin was a horrible, pale hue, seaweed was caught in his hair and he was dripping wet. He gazed at his son coldly and when something catches Theseus looks down, his stomach turns to ice. A hideous red blotch had stained his father’s soaked clothes and buried into his chest was the sword Ariadne had given him in Crete. Theseus screamed and suddenly he was back in the throne room again, lying on the floor. The immense palace room, once a place of comfort and warmth was now cold and dominating. He found himself in shadows again, tiny and vulnerable. Theseus was there alone, Theseus the hero the bull slayer.... the king of Athens.
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Any
Size 120 x 101px
Listed in Folders
I'm glad you enjoyed it :) And I hope to improve the quality of my writing in the future.
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