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Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three
Part Three
Rushing Water, 23, Year of the Green Horse
Note 7
When I awoke the this morning, Trite was gone and I was in terrible pain. I felt as if I had been beaten. When I tried to climb out of the tree, I ended up toppling down through the branches to the ground. I lay there a long time before I was able to rise.
Poseidon
Rushing Water, 30, Year of the Green Horse
Note 8
Sing praises of joy. I finally got out of that horrible forest with it's evil beasts. But now I'm in a fly beset swamp, wandering to, who knows where. This morning I came upon a village. The houses were made of mud Apparently, the mud at the bottom of the swamp hardens to an impenetrable clay. Unlike anywhere else, the mud goblins, who dwelt there, sold clay jars, barrels and statues for a living. They didn't seem to live off of the sea like all the other inhabitants of Sea World. They called the swamp the Great Mire and lived off the creatures that dwelt in the mud. Worm Stew or Maggot Paste seemed to be quite common dishes there. I nearly gagged, when a kindly old goblin matron, offered me some stew full of wiggling worms.
I finally found a clue to my quest. A great blue mud fire was built every night and the goblins gathered around it and shared stories. I was invited. I inquired about Medusa.
“Ah, that's bad.” their elder said. The others nodded and echoed him.
“Ain't a goblin alive who don't shudder at the name Medusa.” the elder said, “The Gorgons who feast on bare rock.”
“What's a gorgon?” I asked.
“A creature with the face of woman, the fangs of a serpent and hair like a nest of snakes. One look into her eyes and you are blinded forever. One look into the eyes of any of her serpents and you are changed to stone forever.”
“How does one go about slaying these creatures?” I asked.
“Ain't a being alive who could look into the face of the Gorgons and live.” the elder said.
“I aim to do just that.” I said grimly.
“Then thou art a fool, stranger.” the elder said.
“I have heard of the Gray Sisters.” another goblin cried, as he sprang to his feet, “There is a legend that tells of the three Gray Sisters who live in a land where the sun never shines and everything is as gray as dusk.”
“Hence gray sisters?” I asked with a smile. But no one else smiled.
“This is no laughing matter.” the elder said dryly, “You ever hear of the Spinx?” I nodded. I had even seen it before, but I didn't say so.
“You will be allowed three questions before you must flee for your life.” the elder said grimly.
“They say that the Sisters feast on human flesh.” one of the other goblins cried cheerfully.
“Sh.” another hissed. I felt my skin begin to crawl.
“What do they have to do with Medusa?” I whispered.
“The Gray sisters are the only ones alive who know the location of the Nymphs of the North. Legend says they know the secret way to destroy Gorgons.” the elder whispered. The other goblins nodded and murmured in agreement.
“Where do you find these Gray Sisters from the sunless land?” I asked, as I stood up. Several flabby hands pulled me down again.
“You gotta go to the Gray Mountain.” one of the goblins hissed.
“Not tonight.” another cried.
“It's a terrible long ways away.”
“Best forget it all.”
“Medusa will soon make all the world sunless to you.”
“Start in the morning.”
“Best start next week.”
“Or next summer.”
“Maybe next year.”
“Where is the Gray Mountain?” I demanded, as I pushed the goblins away from me, “My mind is made up, I must battle Medusa or die in the attempt.”
“Best die quickly then.” the elder said dryly.
“Ever hear of Gelga?” another goblin asked.
“Sometimes called the Orphan?” I asked, “Because it's so far away from the other mountains.”
“That's her.” the elder said, “They say that if you crack open Gelga, you'll find the Gray Sisters in their dusky world.”
“I will then.” I said cheerfully.
“But tomorrow.” the goblins protested. I agreed.
Poseidon
Floodway, 1, Year of the Green Horse
Note 9
Goblins are slow to start. It took me a long time to get directions out of the slow creatures. But once I got the directions, I wasn't a lot happier. I have to go back West, over the Illyrian Forest and the Pipe. The Gray Mountain appeared to be between the Pipe and the Reflections Sea. Now I had to backtrack. It really was time to try out the Sandals and hat again.
The second try was nothing like the first one. I soared into the hair and over the heads of the astonished looking goblins. If I was careful about my balance, I remained upright. But every time I tried to turn, I would flip over. I had to throw my weight and shimmy around to the regain my balance. This was tricky. My head wanted to go one way, while my feet went the other. I think I could classify myself as a failure.
Gelga was gray. Her slopes were dull and dreary looking. She was completely barren of life force. Rather a dismal picture. The goblins had told me that the Gray Sisters were exceedingly bad tempered. I would be bad tempered too, if I had to live in such a wretched place. I landed elegantly with a bone jarring thump and promptly collapsed. Tears of pain squeezed out of my eyes, while I clutched at my ankles.
I staggered to my feet and stumbled up the rocky slopes, limping and groaning. I was a walking disaster. I had only taken a few feet, when the ground opened up underneath my own feet and swallowed me whole. Yelling and swearing, I bounced down a rocky uneven slide. I tried to stop myself, but I only succeeded in loosening more stones. I went faster and faster, and it got darker and colder. I dropped over a twelve foot drop, hit something that gave away underneath my weight, than snapped me back up. I bounced a few times, before coming to a quivering stop. It was pitch black.
“Sisters.” a dull voice hissed in the darkness. Shivers ran up and down my back. I held my breath, listening. My heart was pounding so light, I was sure the voice could hear it.
“I am here, Deino.” an even duller voice sighed.
“And I.” a third one muttered. The third voice was quite close, in fact it was only a few inches away from my ear. Several wild thoughts raced through my mind. Should I try to run? Should I attack or call out? Every idea sounded worse than the previous one.
Slowly, I started sliding my hand about, hunting for the trident. There was a rustling sound, than a faint glow of light shone down on me. I bit back a scream. The light was coming from and a pale eye, which was hovering over my face. I blinked. Once my eyes grew somewhat accustomed to the light, I realized that the eye was not hovering. It was being held by two ashy colored slender fingers. Perhaps it was just the light.
“Ah!” the third voice hissed from somewhere above the hovering eye. I shuddered and looked away. I didn't want to see the horrifying thing.
“What do you want?” I whispered.
“You fear Pemphredo?” the voice whispered, “All people fear me. I'm so lonely. You look like a sweet little boy. I want you to stay and be my little puppet.”
“Give me that!” the first voice snarled. Another hand snatched the eye and the light vanished. I darted forward, brushing against something soft, before crashing into something hard.
“Quick sisters.” the second voice cried, “The little man is escaping.” the eye began to glow again. I whirled and snatched it. Everything was immediately plunged into darkness again.
“The eye!” the first voice shrieked, “Which one of your fools has my eye?”
“It's not your eye!” the second voice cried, “It's mine too!”
“Mine! Give it back to me!” the third voice shouted.
“I have the eye!” I roared, “It's mine to destroy!”
“No!” three voices wailed, “Please give it back to us.”
“We need it so much. Please sweet little man, give it back.” the third voice wheedled. She creeped me out.
“Turn on the lights, that I may see you.” I ordered, “Or I will destroy your eye.”
A dull gray light crept over me. I blinked than stared about incredulously. The walls were made of bleak gray rocks. I was in a huge basket of what appeared to be gray leather and steal. Three female shapes were crouching nearby. At first I thought they were made of stone, than they all turned to face me. There eyes were blank. They were all dressed in dull gray, with gray faces and hair, but they didn't look alike.
The one who was clearly the oldest, and in charge, was shorter than the others. Her long stringy hair was covered by a tattered gray hood. Gray iron circlets hung from her wrists. A small gray and brown bird perched on her shoulder. The brown was an odd contrast to the rest of the gray. A little bulging bag hung from a long strap over her shoulder. A heavy book hung from a chain to a thick belt around her waist. She was stooped over with a large hunch on her back. Her long bony fingers had sharp blackened nails on them.
The second sister had her eyes wide open, but they were empty. Her dark gray lips were pinched together in a hard line. Her hair was several different shades of gray. It was flowing wild all about her head. Her coat and leggings were made from a tight fitting gray leather substance. Her belt hung across one shoulder. Several small knives were hanging from it. A quiver of enormous arrows hung behind her back. Her dark gray boots came up to her knees. The hilt of knives protruded from them. Scars and cracks ran in ribbons down her face. She looked quite fierce. But I didn't see how she could fight and hold her eye.
The third sister and long wavy hair that fell past her waist. It was so light that it was almost white. She was wearing thick fur shoulder pads with spikes in them, over her leather vest. The fringe of the vest came past her thighs. Her long boots came past her knees. A short cape was tucked into the shoulder pads. A massive double-headed ax hung at her wide belt.
“Our eye, now.” the old woman hissed. She was the first voice, “We don't argue with little boys.”
“Give me what I want and you get your eye back.” I said sternly. The Gray Sisters hissed and wailed, but I held my ground. The tallest one, made a rush at me, whipping out two of her knives. I held the eye over the top of the basket.
“I will rip it from your cold dead fingers.” she shrieked.
“Then I'll send your little eye tumbling into the abyss.” I threatened.
“Enyo, stay yourself.” the oldest hissed. My attacker froze, than backed up.
“That is better.” I said softly, “We are now in agreement.” A cold shiver ran down my back. I sounded exactly like Hades. Was I really as ruthless and coldhearted as he was?
For a few minutes there was perfect silence. Inwardly I was cringing. What kind of beast steals an old woman's eye. Well, an eye that belonged to three defenseless women. I eyed the third sister's ax. Maybe not so defenseless after all. But I was still being a bully. I realized that I was wavering.
“What do you want?” the oldest sister demanded. I realized that I had been holding my breath. I released it slowly. Maybe this would work after all.
“You will never get your eye back, unless you tell me where to find the Nymphs of the North.” I said.
“NO!” the Gray sisters wailed.
“Then your eye will be gone forever.” I said, and bounced it up and down in my hand. The screamed and wailed. But I held my ground. I knew that they would weaken first. There eye was to precious to lose.
“Well sisters, the Star child is determined.” the first sister said, “What shall we do?”
“Kill him!” Enyo screamed.
“No.” the third sister sighed, “I'm to young to go blind.”
“He will soon die, when he goes after Medusa. She does not suffer fools gladly.” Enyo grunted, “Tell him, and she will devour him.” I shuddered. The oldest sister took a halting step towards me. Her owl flapped it's wings and screeched. I held my ground.
“First,” Deino hissed, “You must journey to the underworld and retrieve the cap of invisibility from the Lord Hades.” My eyes bulged. Hades special hat? I had to borrow my brother's hat? Would he even say yes? Maybe I could steal it.
“Second,” Enyo snarled, “You must journey through the sunless realm to the North, there you will find the Nymphs.”
“Third,” Pemphredo whispered, “You must obtain the magic bag from the Nymphs and directions.”
“Thank you for your advice ladies.” I said with a bow, “As in our agreement, here is your eye. I apologize for inconveniencing you.” I held out the little silver disk. Three hands reached for it greedily. I tossed it high into the air. They screamed and leaped for it. I snatched up the trident and sprang over the side of the basket and plunged downwards into space. The wings began to flutter. My fall was broken and started to fly. The hissing screams of the three Gray sisters died away the further down I flew.
It took me twenty minutes to reach the the foot of the gorge, than I walked right into a Sea Fork. I jerked the trident around and it clashed with the fork. Sparks lit up the gray darkness.
“Who are you?” someone demanded. The voice belonged to a man. Grave, but not very deep.
“Who are you?” I demanded, pushing against the trident and willing my opponent to fall over.
“I am Neptune.” was the grave response, “Now speak swiftly little boy.”
“I am not a little boy!” I snapped, sounding very much like a child.
“Son of man do not waist my time.” was the cold reply.
“Well, I am seeking the Nymphs of the North.” I said.
“So have many, but few have found them.” Neptune said.
“I have directions.” I growled.
“In that case, I shall follow you.” was the surprising reply. The fork was lowered and I fell sprawling.
For several days we journeyed in a Northerly direction. I could not very well ask Neptune to fly off, he had more food than I did. But it was rather disconcerting to have a companion following my every move, when I had no idea what kind of creature he was. The grayness was more impenetrable than the deepest night I had ever experienced. But then the passage veered to west. I realized that the only way to truly get to the North, was to leave the tunnels behind and travel in the light.
Poseidon
Floodway, 5, Year of the Green Horse
Note 10
It was wonderful to be out of the grayness and see the beautiful sparkling daylight again. But not everything was wonderful.
“You are an Elf!” I yelled, upon seeing Neptune in the light.
“You are a Star Child.” he replied mimicking my tone of voice. The Elves and the Star People never got along. They had been a thorn in the Star Father's side for a long time. Rumors suggested that they would have defeated him too, if they had just worked with the humans. But they would not. But now that was in the past. No one had seen any proper Wood or Mountain Elves in a long time. Of course, I had seen Sea Elves. But Neptune was an antlered elf. They were the most ferocious warriors in all of Sea World. But the hardest to find. He was dressed in gold and green leaf armor, made by the most marvelous of all smiths. A helm pulled his brilliantly shining gold locks away from his face. His eyes were to bright to look at. But his weapon did not fit with his style. He carried a Sea Fork, which was similar to a trident, but with four prongs. Usually Wood Elves carried longbows.
“Where have you been for the last six years?” I demanded, “Don't you know that the Star People were defeated and the Lords of Olympus rule now.” I decided not to tell him that I was one of those lords. Neptune cocked his head.
“Never heard of them.” he admitted, “I failed to realize any one lived on Olympus except sheep and ghosts.”
“You must have been living under a rock.” I said at last.
“You could say that.” Neptune said briefly.
We stood silently staring at each other, in the mouth of the tunnel. I wondered if I should bid him farewell and go my own way. But all my thoughts were suddenly interrupted again by loud cries.
“A maiden in distress.” Neptune said, sounding relieved, “Shall we save the damsel.” The cries were coming from the wrong way, but they were a welcome excuse.
“After you.” I said, and the two us ran towards the cries.
A dozen or so foaltaurs, otherwise known as young centaurs, had surrounded a girl and were proceeding to torment her. Other than Chiron the teacher, most centaurs were evil. They carried the worst attributes of both man and wild horse. The good and honorable ones were few and far between. They especially liked to torment girls and small children, because they rarely fought back. Centaurs were a cowardly herd.
“Well, if it isn't Trite, needing to be rescued again.” I said dryly, wondering why she was all the way on the other side of Gelga.
“I had everything under control, Loser.” she snapped.
“That is clear.” I retorted, “Wild animals certainly love you.”
“The feeling is far from mutual.” Trite hissed. The centaurs turned and eyed us. They must have been thought that they could easily defeat us, for they charged in our direction, shouting and yelling, their hooves pounding sparks on the ground. Neptune planted his feet far apart and spit the nearest one on his fork, before I could move. The rest of the Foaltaurs turned and galloped off howling. The injured one hobbled after them, moaning.
Neptune bowed and kissed Trite's hand. What a sickening showoff.
“Thank you for rescuing me.” the girl said with a smile, her cheeks turning slightly pink. I scowled even harder. She should be scared of the elf, not flirting with him. Neptune turned towards me.
“So your name is Loser, eh?” he said with a smirk.
“No, it's not.” I scowled.
“You told me it was.” Trite contradicted. I scowled even harder, and went off and sulked. I should have gone on my quest, and left the two of them behind, but I did not. Maybe I was a fool.
Poseidon
Floodway, 6, Year of the Green Horse
Note 11
Neptune insisted that we escort Trite to the nearest village. She only halfheartedly tried to convince him otherwise. Clearly, she was very taken with him. The whole way to the village of Pam, the two of them talked and laughed together, ignoring me. Every step I took, I told myself that I should turn to the North, but I kept following them. I rather hoped that something bigger and more dangerous than a herd of Foaltaurs would attack us. Then I would show Trite and Neptune I was the more valiant fighter. But as my luck would have it, nothing happened.
Trite said goodbye to us on the outskirts of Pam. She thanked Neptune again for saving her. I rolled my eyes. Then she turned towards me.
“Loser, you are the most unfriendly person I have ever met. Farewell.” she turned and strode off, leaving me fuming. Clearly, she had never met Hades.
Poseidon
Floodway, 10, Year of the Green Horse
Note 12
There has not been much to report lately. The Reflections Sea has been blocking our journey, forcing us to travel Westward along the shore. My underwater abilities might come in handy, and I would rather not let Neptune know about them. If anything bad happens I can take off Northward and escape him.
I take it back, there is a lot to report. I had barely finished writing in my journal, when a band of wild women leaped out from behind some boulders and attacked. It was really bad timing. I had my hands in my pack as I returned my writing kit. Neptune was tightening the laces on his boots. We did not even have time to defend ourselves. Of course, it was all the more humiliating because our attackers were women. Not just any women, but Amazon Warrioresses. I had not seen any of them since Hades' trial. Of course there leader was the limping Amazon that Hades had attacked. What did he call her, Hippolyta? I am not sure whether she recognized me or not. Hopefully not. She would probably kill me, just to spite Zeus and Hades.
Neptune and I were blindfolded and led off in the same Westerly direction. My senses grew confused as my captors started to twist and turn me. I wondered if they were leading us in circles. But I knew something useful. The secret Amazon hideout was somewhere by the Reflection Sea. This information would be useful to Zeus. If I ever escaped I would take him the news. Since Hades' trial, the Amazons had been raiding and disappearing all over Sea World. No one could trace them back to their hideout. Hades may have been the only person alive who had seen their Jungle. But things might be about to change. Hades could not give directions, but I would be able too.
Poseidon
Floodway, 11, Year of the Green Horse
Note 13
We spend the night in underground cells. Mine was tiny and dark. But if I peered through the grated door, I could make out the door of Neptune's cell. The passage curved just enough for me to see it. He leaned against his door and we talked.
“We are deep beneath the floor of the world.” Neptune said, “I can feel it in my bones.” That was all very well, but being trapped underground was not part of my plan. I had to get to Mount Olympus. I wondered which was more important. Delivering Nereus' kingdom from the terror of the Gorgons, or providing Zeus with the information to defeat the Amazons.
The passage was so narrow that if I stretched my arm through the grating, my fingertips brushed against the stone wall, It was rough and uneven. Who knew that there were so many tunnels under Sea World. I wonder what the barbarians did with my trident. Hermes' hat was missing too. It must have fallen off in the struggle. But I still had the sandals on my feet. The wings were pressed tightly against my ankles. They looked decorative, not actually magic. But still they weren't much use in an underground cell.
Poseidon
Floodway, 12, Year of the Green Horse
Note 14
We were summoned. Four Amazon Warrioresses came to our cells, carrying smoky torches. One unlocked both of our cells. I sat down. Not because I particularly thought being trouble would help anything, but I was annoyed.
“Come out, man scum.” one of the Amazons snarled in the common tongue. I stood up. With such a pleasant invitation, how could I refuse. I could tell that they did not think much of me. They bound my hands and blindfolded me. Once I was trussed up, they pushed me roughly along the passageway.
We went up and down several staircases and turned and twisted in all directions before coming to a halt. Someone ripped off my blindfold, pulling my hair in the process. Than my hands were released. I grimaced, but held my tongue. I guess you could say that we were in the grand high throne room. Directly in front of me was a flight of tiny polished wooden steps that would up in a gleaming spiral to a small narrow platform. A throne carved out of a living tree and polished to perfect smoothness, was in the center. The stem of the tree came up through a hole in the platform. The branches curled about the seat making armrests and a canopy. Seated on the throne was the tallest woman I ever saw. She dwarfed all the other Amazon Warrioresses and the Titans, both man and women. I suspected that she was at least nine or ten feet tall. Her long blond hair flowed lose about her shoulders. She was wearing an iron vest over a skirt of leather thongs. Her leather pants came down to her ankles. Her feet were bare. Her legs were crossed, and she held a five foot long sword in her hand like a scepter. A lion's pelt was draped over her left shoulder. A brilliant golden belt was buckled around her waist. Her gray eyes seemed to flash with fire.
“Bow before the Queen, cur.” one of my captors hissed. I was flung to my knees. I grimaced as the stone floor scraped the skin off of my flesh.
“Hippolyta.” the Queen said with a wave of her long fingers, “Bring out the invaders weapons.” My eyes narrowed as the Warrioress limped in front of us carrying my Trident and Neptune's fork.
“Sea weapons.” she said dryly, “Think Nereus sent them?”
“Nobody sent us.” I said trying to stand up. I was pushed down again, and someone locked their fingers about the back of my neck, choking me.
“Zimonia, let the man speak.” the Queen said. The grip loosened. I took a deep breath.
“Now small man, you were saying something, I believe.” the Queen said to me.
“Yes.” I said as I rubbed my neck, “No one sent us. We were merely trying to get around the Reflection Sea.”
“We seek the Nymphs of the North.” Neptune said coolly, “Our business with them is purely our own and does not concern you are the Southern end of Sea World.”
“Dog!” Hippolyta cried and struck him.
“It matters not.” the Queen said, “But I rather like the look of them. I think they will make wonderful pets.” My jaw dropped. Pets? I would rather die.
Sometimes despair causes people to act insane. Maybe what I did was clearly stupid, but I acted on impulse. Zimonia had removed her hands from my neck. I sprang to my feet and hurled myself at Hippolyta, her yell was cut off she hit the floor. I snatched up my Trident and struck the ground. The whole cavern shook and the steps cracked. The Queen sprang to her feed. A huge geyser of water exploded into the air and rained down on all of us. The Warrioresses tried to draw their swords, but the force of the water hurled them down again. The water subsided and drained away, leaving us sprawled on the floor, looking very wet.
“We have no quarrel with the Sea People, get rid of them.” the Queen hissed, “Before the destroy our realm.”
“We should slay them.” Hippolyta squealed, “They have tricked us.” the other Warrioresses shouted in agreement.
“Enough!” the Queen roared, as she banged her sword against the throne, “I am the Queen and I have spoken. Take them to Arthenan. You know what to to do.” What and where was Arthenan? I had the sinking feeling that we were not about to be released. We were bound again. Once more we were led through a twisting passage.
Poseidon
Floodway, 15, Year of the Green Horse
Note 15
For the past three days we have been journeying in I do not know what direction. along the shoreline. It was an unfamiliar coast. I think it was the shoreline. I believe we were looking out over the coast of the Unknown Waters. I no longer have to wear the blindfold, but my hands remain bound. Besides Zimonia and Hippolyta there are two more warrioresses in our company. One with pale skin and black dreadlocks, called Habella. And a violent red haired one called Katilla. They were all taller than me and bullies. Hippolyta was the worst.
“Where are they taking us?” I whispered to Neptune. As we made camp.
“Silence dogs.” Zimonia barked.
“Arthenan.” Neptune whispered, without taking his eyes off our captors, “The breeding ground of these savages.” I shuddered. No Amazon Warrioress was going to make me her husband. But what could I do about it? I did not even know what they had done with my trident. Of course, I could always try flying away. But with my arms tied, my balance would be off. Besides I could not just leave Neptune to his fate. We would have to stick together.
“Hey stop!” Apollo's voice seemed to come out of thin air. Startled, I looked up. My younger brother and his twin sister were seated astride a great winged horse, which was rapidly flying down towards us. The Amazons looked up.
“Look out, sisters.” Hippolyta cried and ducked. The hooves skimmed her head.
“Down Pegasus.” Apollo shouted and winged beast landed daintily in front of us. Amertis leaped off and slid an arrow to the string of her longbow.
“Halt.” she ordered, “You have something that belongs to us.” Zimonia leaped at her. I stuck out my foot and she went sprawling. Amertis leaped back.
“Careful, do not underestimate them.” I cautioned, “They are Amazons.” Katilla struck me in the mouth. I tasted blood.
Apollo leaped off of Pegasus' back and raised his gloved hand. It flickered into flame.
“Stand aside beautiful Amazons.” he shouted, “Otherwise you will die.” I remembered that he had a fire launcher. An iron gauntlet, that spat out bird shaped fire at will. He called them the Apollo birds.
“I will take care of the cur.” Habella said. She crouched down, drawing her sword, preparing to leap. Apollo fired one of his birds at her. She was engulfed in smoke and flame for a brief second, then the smoke cleared up. She was covered in soot. Her eyes were bulging. She coughed, dropped her sword and keeled over backwards, unconscious. Katilla leaped at Apollo. Amertis put an arrow through her leg. The Amazon screamed, staggered and fell sprawling. Zimonia sprang to her feet. Amertis put another arrow to her string. Hippolyta drew her sword.
“Am I ever glad to see you.” I said cheerfully, “Untie us, quickly.” Amertis started to move around the four Amazons.
“Stop!” Hippolyta ordered. My sister scowled, but she did stop.
“What?” she demanded, “Why should I listen to the likes of you?”
“Because you are a warrior maiden.” Hippolyta said, “You belong with the Amazon Warrioresses, not as the slave of men. Shake of the shackles of their slavery and join us.” Amertis hesitated.
“Amere surely you are not thinking of any such thing.” Apollo gasped.
“Shut up, let me think.” Amertis snapped.
“Amertis.” her twin moaned, looking quite crushed, “You go off with them, we can never speak to each other again. I would rather be their prisoner for life, than never see you again.” I was silent. Apollo had the strongest argument.
“Maybe, I would like to see other people besides you.” Amertis said with a scowl, “Being an Amazon would ensure that I never have to marry anyone. I would be free of all restrictions of society.”
“Amertis.” I said, “In doing so you would have to swear loyalty to a giantess who ordered the death of your own brother, who would imprison me for life. These same Amazons are so evil that they would double cross even father. Apollo is right, we would never see you again if you joined the Amazons. You would be our enemy. Zeus would not be able to show you favors if the safety of the rest of the world is endangered. By doing this you force him to destroy you. That would kill him.” Inwardly I wondered how she could be so selfish.
“Silence dog!” Hippolyta snarled, and struck me. I was knocked over.
“Stop beating up my brother!” Amertis screamed and put an arrow through the Amazon's good leg. Zimonia leaped forward. Neptune tripped her. She toppled over and struck her head.
“Really?” Apollo spluttered, “You let Poseidon convince you, but not me.” He stomped over to me and pulled me to my feet, than cut my bonds. I released Neptune.
“I spit on you!” Amertis snarled at the stricken Amazons, “You could have convinced me, but no attacks my family and lives.” She tossed her hair and strode over to Pegasus. As she passed her twin she took his arm. “Maybe you did convince me. I would miss your squeaky voice and ugly head.” she laughed. Apollo was the finest singer in all of Sea World, and his hair literally shone like gold. But he just shrugged and grinned. I rooted through the Amazons' supplies, but I could not my trident. Undoubtedly, their giant queen had kept it.
“I'm going to miss my fork.” Neptune said with a sigh, “But this will do as well.” He helped himself to Zimonia's spear and Hippolyta's sword. I took Katilla and Habella's swords. I really wished I had my trident.
“Would you two escort us to the Army Post?” I asked. I did not want them to know I was going to the Underworld.
“Ugh.” Amertis groaned, “Ares will make me regret my decision.”
“Sure.” Apollo said, “If you will judge my new ballad.” I groaned. Even though Apollo was a better poet than Hermes, I still did not want to judge his ballads.
Poseidon
