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Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three
Diary of a Sea Prince
Floodway, 20, Year of the Green Horse
Note 16
It had been raining steadily. I dare not use Hermes' sandals. We are not supposed to share our special gifts. I could get in a lot of trouble for losing the Trident. Hermes would get in trouble for lending me his hat and sandals. Not to mention the fact that I had lost his hat. I doubted Hades would lend me his hat. We took turns riding Pegasus, the rest of us walked. It was gloomy. There was more water in the air than in the whole Unknown Waters. Of course I am exaggerating a little bit.
The Army Post was one of the biggest cities in all of Sea World. It was older even than Star City, which had been destroyed. In the six years since than a new one was being rebuilt between the arms of Lakes Greda and Starlight. But that was far away and we were only a few days boat ride from the gates of the Underworld. Army Post was made up of a massive wall, which was a small city all to itself. There were no buildings inside the wall. Instead the lodgings were made up of canopies and tents of various sizes. The very center of the Army Post was the practicing ground. There was a workout center and various ways to practice balance, weapons of all shapes and sizes, not to mention formation, wrestling and obedience. I had only been there once. Ares had tried to get me into the army. For someone as young as he was, it was rather surprising how he had whipped into shape the criminals and bandits who lived there during the reign of the Star Fathers. I hated the place. It was populated by mostly men. Most of the women who lived there, had poor reputations. The respectable army wives lived elsewhere.
The guard met us at the gate and we were escorted inside. I knew the password. Everyone stared at Pegasus.
“We could use half a dozen of those.” a dirty soldier said with a laugh and spat between my feet. He was one of the soldiers I had faced off when I had come last time. I had knocked him down. I decided it was wisest to ignore him.
“What have we here?” someone shouted, and Ares came running out of one of the tents. He was wearing a training uniform and carrying a large ax. He was soaked in sweat.
“Guests, asking for you, sir.” one of the guards said with a bow.
“Poseidon, Apollo, Amertis.” Ares roared, and wrung our hands with his sweaty ones.
“This is Neptune.” I said introducing my friend.
“I see, I see.” Ares cried, “You have come to join the army, at last.”
“That ones a girl.” the dirty soldier said, “She ain't gonna be a soldier. The other two look like wimps.” No one could say Neptune looked like a wimp.
“A girl can be a soldier.” Amertis snapped, “Any man that likes can challenge me to an archery contest. After I beat you at that, I'll wrestle you all. Not one of you can hold me down.” she tossed her hair.
“Someone give me a bow, I will show this hussy a thing or two.” the soldier growled.
“Not here.” Ares barked, “In the ring, after our guests have eaten.”
“No now!” Amertis cried, “This buffoon has insulted me.”
“I'm hungry so you wait!” Ares snarled. My two siblings glowered at each other, both refusing to back down.
“That's enough.” I barked, as I pushed between my siblings, “I'm the oldest and I am starving.”
“Me too.” Apollo said, “First we eat, than we fight.”
“If it was his honor, we would fight first.” Amertis protested.
“But it's not my honor and I'm hungry.” Ares growled.
“Our honor was insulted too.” I pointed out, “I will fight and knock down anyone at any time, but not until I eat.”
“Fine.” Amertis muttered.
The meal that Ares provided for us, was the best food I ever ate. That just goes to show how hungry we were. Army food, as a rule, is supposed to be quite inedible. Red meat, hard olives stuffed with pimento peppers, and greasy broiled fish is the fare for the officers. Soldiers aren't so lucky. They get watery cabbage soup, chunk of stale bread, and if they were very lucky a piece of dry fish or meat. Last time I had been offered that food I suggested we catch some fresh fish and everyone had laughed at me. The Army Post was right on the shores of the Unknown Waters. But no one dared put one foot in the water. Back when I still lived in the old Star palace we caught fish and other creatures from the unknown waters, but we caught them far out. The creatures that lurked near the shore were usually tough little snapper fish with razor sharp teeth. They tasted bad.
“What swill.” Amertis said ungratefully, as she stood up, and wiped the crumbs from her tunic.
“That was officer's fare, that was.” Ares smirked, “Here in the army, we learn to eat bare rock if necessary, we are tough.”
“Well, it was delicious, thank you for your hospitality.” Apollo said politely. Ares laughed with his mouth full.
“Liar.” he jeered, “It's disgusting.”
“Enjoy the rest of your disgusting swill, I'm off to uphold my honor.” Amertis said and strode out of the tent. The rest of us crammed the rest of our food into our mouths and hurried after her. The soldiers were lined up waiting for us. Three of them stood in front of the others. I guessed they were the ones eager to pound us to mincemeat. Eurystheus was first. He was the dirty soldier who had first challenged Amertis. He seemed to have an overblown ego.
“He claims that the Oracle predict that he would one day be king and have the strongest man in the world for his servant.” Ares told me, as he chewed on a chunk of dry meat.
“Well, I predict he is going to lose this match.” Amertis said. She strode forward until she stood eye to eye with him.
The soldiers set up a target. A string dangling from a spear, with a raisin tied to the end.
“Eat my dust, sister.” Eurystheus jeered and sent an arrow spinning towards the spear. It brushed against the raisin and left a groove in the spear, which lilted as it past. Ares rushed over to examine the spear.
“Well done soldier.” he praised, “That was close.”
“But not close enough.” Amertis cried and fired nearly straight into the air. The arrow spirled upwards and disappeared. There was a dead silence, than the soldiers burst into loud laughter.
“Amertis.” Ares howled, “That was the worst shot I have ever seen.”
“I win, I win, now you must kiss my sandals.” Eurystheus sneered.
Kiss that!” Amertis said, as her arrow dropped out of the sky, skewered the raisin and came to a stop right between Ares' feet. Once more there was a dead silence.
“Good shot, sister.” I said, breaking the silence. Ares and Apollo clapped.
“Oh brilliant.” Ares yelled, “That will show old Eurystheus not to brag about himself.” Eurystheus looked like he was going to explode.
“So,” he snarled, “That was a fluke. Orian here could take her in wrestling any day.”
“Bring it on Orian.” Amertis yelled, dropping her bow and cocking her fists. One of Eurystheus' companions stepped forward. The soldier was young and slightly built, probably not any older than Amertis herself. But there was a look of steel about him. There was strength in him. I knew Amertis could take down most people in a wrestling match. But I suspected that Orian might possibly be a match even for her. If she lost, things could get ugly. I hastily stepped between them.
“Surely you are not going to wrestle a lady.” I argued.
“Amertis is not a lady.” Ares cried, “Stop messing things up, Poseidon.”
“Step aside, brother.” Amertis ordered.
“Not a chance.” I snapped, “We had enough fighting. You won your match, Amertis. There is no need to further prove yourself.”
“Yes there is.” the third soldier cried.
“Quiet, Deucalion.” Orion ordered, “I got this under control.”
“Step aside, Poseidon.” Ares said grimly, “I am the commander here, and I order you to move, or face the consequences.” He fingered his rapier, which was yet another magic device.
“What are you going to do?” I asked softly. His eyes narrowed to thin slits, than he took a threatening step towards me. Without waiting to see what he would do, I cracked him across the jaw with a front punch. He fell sprawling, completely unconscious. There was a dead silence.
“Woah.” Neptune cried suddenly, “Time to move out.” He grasped me with one arm and Amertis with the other. At the same moment all of the soldiers rushed at us, yelling. It did not matter who we were related too. I had just downed their leader. They certainly were not going to stand for the insult.
We were chased out of the city. Apollo leaped on Pegasus and rescued Amertis just in time. Eurystheus was about to slice her clean in two. They flew off into the sky leaving Neptune and I to fend for ourselves. So much for brotherly and sisterly love.
Poseidon
Floodway, 21, Year of the Green Horse
Note 17
Now what? The Army Post will not forget my crime. I will be surprised if wanted posters do not appear in all the villages and cities. Nereus would be delighted. I feel totally crushed. I can think of a dozen ways I could have convinced Ares to call a halt to the fight.
“I see why the young maiden called you Loser.” was Neptune's only comment.
“Maybe you would like the same treatment I gave my brother.” I retorted. He just smiled and let his eyes blaze away. Very unnerving.
Poseidon
Floodway, 22, Year of the Green Horse
Note 18
A squad of soldiers on horseback just past us. We got off the road and hid in the ditch until they passed. I think we may be in a lot of trouble.
Poseidon
Floodway, 25, Year of the Green Horse
Note 19
We reached a fishing village today. Thankfully they have no posters hanging up. But we must still be wary. We were sadly out of place. Most of the fisher people were dressed in drab gray and browns. Neptune's brilliant green garments, shining hair and glowing eyes made him look like a splash of color on an otherwise colorless landscape. I was not so noticeable, my cloak being brown. But my scarlet sash and fringed tunic looked just as out of place as Neptune.
There was one Inn in the village. We entered and sat down in chairs. I could not remember the last time I sat down in a chair. Probably several years ago. Chairs were not a necessity in Nereus' Realm. A young girl in a short dress brought us mugs of ale. She had a wide eyed look on her face and kept staring at us. I squirmed in my chair and looked away. She started giggling. Neptune poked me under the table.
“Stop flirting with the staff.” he hissed, “Remember our quest.”
“I am not flirting with the staff.” I hissed back, “She is bothering me.”
“Right.” Neptune said in a disbelieving voice. I scowled at him.
A big burly man in a greasy apron, brought us broiled fish. I was ravenous and started eating right away. It was terribly greasy. My stomach protested, but I was to hungry to care.
“So goodman.” Neptune said, pushing his food away, “Ever heard of the Nymphs of the North?”
“They are hidden from the face of man.” the barkeeper said vaguely.
“I take it, that you have no maps or directions available, then?” Neptune said. I stopped eating. The barkeeper's eyes narrowed, and he lowered his big head towards us. His breath smelled of sour beer.
“Listen strangers.” he hissed, “No one sees the Nymphs. Mind your own business, or you are liable to receive a knife to the throat.”
“I am minding my own business.” Neptune retorted, “I merely asked you for directions. But why don't you take your own advice?” The barkeeper took a knife from his rope belt and pounded it into the wooden table.
“Knife to the throat.” he growled and strode off.
“Think we better not stay the night?” I asked the elf. He shrugged. Then the girl started giggling again. I pushed my plate away. “Lets go.”
“Good idea.” Neptune said. He stood up. Before we could leave the table, the door banged open and several soldiers entered.
“Sit down.” I hissed. Neptune sat back down. We scrunched down over our fish.
“Those aren't your brother's soldiers.” the elf hissed. I could tell. They had coiled serpents on their copper breastplates. Their cloaks were emerald green. They wore short white tunics fringed with gold. Their sandals were strapped up to their knees. Their swords and shields were strapped to their backs.
“Medusa's soldiers?” I whispered haltingly. Neptune shrugged.
“Looks about right.” he whispered back, “You told me she was about snakes.”
“I thought she ate human flesh.” I muttered, “Why does she have soldiers?”
“Maybe they aren't humans.” Neptune said thoughtfully, “Remember, just because someone looks human, doesn't mean that they are. Some soldiers are not.” I licked my licks. Of course, Zeus had soldiers employed from just about every race and species.
“Lets go.” I said standing up. Neptune dropped some money on the table and we slunk towards the door. We were about halfway to the door, when the bartender gestured at us. All the soldiers turned and stared at us.
“I would keep an eye on those two.” he growled, “They be looking for the Northern ladies.” The captain started, and took a step towards us. We slipped out the door and made for the hills. Who were the Nymphs of the North?
Poseidon
Floodway, 26, Year of the Green Horse
Note 20
“We could cut off several miles of travel.” Neptune informed me, “If we had a boat.” He gestured at the water, which was swollen with the Floodway Season's usual floods.
“Which we don't have.” I said. The fisher village was on the very tip of Uranus' Bay. If we could sail up to the jutting island were the Black Forest was located, we would cut off a few days worth of traveling. I could cross on foot, if I dared to enter the Unknown Waters, but Neptune could not. Maybe it was time that we parted.
“It figures that it would be you again.” someone grumbled. Startled, I whirled and groaned. It was Trite. She had a bulging bag draped over her arm.
“If it is not our fair maiden.” Neptune said with a low bow.
“Maybe you can help me.” Trite said.
“Anything within reason.” Neptune said.
“I have a boat.” Trite said, “I need a strong man to row me across. My sister is ill in the Black Forest.” I blinked.
“Give me an oar and I shall take you where you want to go.” Neptune said gallantly.
“We don't have time.” I told him sullenly.
“I thought you wanted to get to the Black Forest?” Neptune pointed out.
“Not with her.” I growled, refusing to meet Trite's gaze, “She will slow us down.”
“I think you would slow us down!” Trite retorted.
“Fine!” I muttered.
I had to do all the rowing myself. Neptune and Trite sat in the bow and talked. My pride wouldn't let me ask for a break. Neither of my companions offered to help. So I rowed until I dropped. My hands were blistered, my back was sore, my face sunburnt, and my throat parched.
Poseidon
Floodway, 27, Year of the Green Horse
Note 21,
We landed on the shore early this morning. I had always thought that it was called the Black Forest because the entrance of the underworld was located somewhere around it. But I soon learned differently. The trees were made of smooth black wood. There was no bark. The leaves were as big as my head, and a dusty midnight color. Some were silky and others were rough.
“Where is your sister, fair damsel?” Neptune asked. Trite shook her head.
“I'm not sure.” she said in a low voice, “All of these trees look alike, it could take days to find her.”
“Poseidon?” Neptune said softly.
“We help.” I said sharply. It could take us days to find the entrance to the Underworld.
“I thought we were in a hurry.” Neptune protested.
“There was a reason we had to cut through here.” I muttered, “It wasn't to find any doddering females either.” Neptune shrugged.
We decided to take a break before we began our search and have a proper wash and breakfast. Neptune caught a mess of tiny black minnows, which he cooked in the ashes of our fire. Trite took off to find some woodberries and pleg to season them with. I decided to do my own scouting. I climbed up onto a ridge and peered through the trees. It was impossible to see very far. It was like peering into an inky well. I slid down the ridge and wandered aimlessly down to the shore. There was no sign of a cave or a sick woman. Maybe if we made enough noise Hades would find us.
I thought about taking a brief swim. I hadn't actually been underwater in a long time. The trees thinned out and I was about to slide down a small hillock to the shore when I noticed something. Trite had come out of the trees, further down the beach. She glanced around. I cowered behind the bowl of a tree. A satisfied look appeared on the girl's face. She set her bag down and began to unlace her coat. Horrified, I skidded back up the hill. But it was to late. I felt my face heat up, realizing that Trite was actually wearing a tunic under the coat. I had to take a few deep breaths. Meanwhile, Trite took off her sandals and started unwinding her turban. Curiosity overcame prudence. What color hair did Trite have?
What spilled out from under the turban was so different than anything that I expected that my hair stood up on end. I wasn't very close to her, but I could have sworn that her hair was made up of writhing snakes. I scrambled to my feet and went taring back through the trees as fast as I could. I didn't stop running until I collapsed in front of our campfire.
“You look as if a sea serpent tried to snatch you away.” Neptune said dryly.
“Listen, Neptune.” I hissed, “Do you know why I'm seeking the Nymphs of the North?”
“Er- probably because you want the secret of immortality.” Neptune guessed. I didn't know they even had that secret.
“No.” I snapped, “I need to know the secret of defeating the Gorgons.” Neptune frowned.
“The what?” he said sharply. I told him everything, beginning with Ion's tale and ending with our meeting. When I finished, he scratched his head thoughtfully.
“And you tell me, why?” he asked. I told about Trite's hair. Neptune sprang to his feet and started pacing, and glancing warily about. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Surely Trite was done with her bat by now. She would be coming back at any minute.
“For now we must pretend we have no idea.” Neptune said quickly, “Treat her the same as we have done all along. Tomorrow, we shall lose her among the trees and make for the Underworld.” he glared at me, “You could have told me you wanted to make a detour. I thought your directions were a bit scattered.” A twig cracked.
“Sh!” I hissed, and fell sprawling in front of the fire. Neptune lounged back against the bowl of a tree. I started poking at the ashes.
Trite stepped into the clearing and paused. I willed myself not to glance at her face.
“Did you find any seasoning?” I asked, a little louder than I had intended. She tossed a small bundle of weeds at me. To late, I tried to catch it and got hit in the face.
“Where did you get these?” I asked, rubbing my face. They stung.
“I was hunting, remember?” Trite snapped. But she wasn't looking at my face. Her face was turned towards my feet. I glanced at them too and bit back a gasp. Hermes' sandals were covered with already hardening black mud. The mud was splashed all the way up to the backs of my knees, where I had been sliding down the hill. I glanced at Trite's face. It was expressionless.
I dug the minnows out of the ashes, with trembling hands. I had to say something quick.
“Girls and dirt!” I snorted, “You look like you have never seen someone who hasn't bathed in months.” She wrinkled her nose up at me.
“I tend to stay away from such people.” she said coldly, and turned away. I shivered. Remembering what Ion had told me about Medusa, I avoided her eyes. Neptune was doing likewise. Unfortunately, any fool could tell that he was concerned about something. Strangely, Trite did not ask what the problem was. Did she know that I had seen her snakey secret?
Poseidon
Floodway, 28, Year of the the Green Horse
Note 22,
I was roughly awakened this morning, by Neptune shaking me and calling my name.
“What is it?” I mumbled.
“Trite, she is gone.” Neptune barked, “Get up.” I scrambled to my feet and glanced around. There was no sign of the girl.
“We have to find her.” I cried.
“Are you kidding me?” Neptune gasped, “Lets get the heck out of here before she comes back. I don't fancy being turned to stone.” We didn't really have anything to pack, so we simply took off through the trees. We hadn't gone far before we ran right into a patrol dressed in black. They bore no emblems. Most of them looked human but their leader looked like a tall winged woman. Her massive wings were folded at her back. Her skin was the color of ordinary mud. Her wild black hair flew in every directions. Perhaps she would have been considered beautiful, but I was more concerned about her broadsword, which was touching my throat.
“Kill them!” someone hissed and stepped out from behind the leader. At first I thought it was small woman, only about five food tall, than I realized that it was a harpy. She had the body of a bird. Her red eyes glowered at me. I grimaced.
“We meant no harm.” Neptune whispered breathlessly.
“Listen pointy head, I don't know what kind of creature you call yourself, but it means death to enter the Black Forest.” the winged woman growled. Suddenly it dawned on me. The girl in the tavern had been laughing at Neptune's antlers. I had grown accustomed to them, forgetting they still looked odd to other people.
“We entered on purpose.” I said out loud.
“Asila slices his impertinent head from his shoulders.” the harpy hissed. I decided that I strongly disliked her. But I would have to deal with her later.
“We came to see the Lord of the Underworld.” I barked, “I demand you take us to him immediately.”
“Demand, do you?” the harpy hissed, and poked her face into mine. Her breath smelled like decay.
“Tired of living, are you?” the winged woman snapped, “Well, we can remedy that without taking you to his lordship.”
“Nah, I'd rather see Hades.” I drawled. I received a slap on the face for my disrespect.
We were blindfolded and let through the trees, hopefully to Hades. After awhile the air got cold and the ground rockier. My captors had to stop me from falling several times. As it was my toes felt horribly bruised. I was fairly positive that there was no blood mixed with the mud on Hermes' sandals. It couldn't be helped, he had traded them for a song.
The blindfold was removed from my eyes and I find myself in the dark. There was the sound of gentle lapping water from down at my feet. Several massive animals were breathing down my neck.
“Get on the ferry.” a dry voice said in a monotone.
“What boat?” I asked, straining to see something in the inky blackness.
“The one in front of you.” the dry voice said again, “I would advise you follow directions. It is a lot more unpleasant when Cerberus does it for you.
I felt around with my feet. My left toe slid into cold slimy water. I jerked it back with a loud exclamation.
“Times up!” the dry voice grunted. Suddenly, fangs gripped the back of my tunic and I was hurled forward. Slobber dripped down my collar. I landed hard on the ferry. It tilted under the impact of my fall. I sat up quickly, but not before a wave of slimy water slid over me.
“Where are we going?” I whispered, trying not to cringe. There was no answer. I felt like a lost soul going to the neverworld.
The ferry crunched against the further bank and came to a halt. I was told to disembark. The monster didn't appear to have across the water with us, but I wasn't taking any chances. I wondered where Neptune was, as I stumbled ashore. I misjudged the land and fell sprawling on a steep bank.
“So it really is you.” I familiar voice muttered. I sat up and looked around, but I couldn't see a thing. Someone gripped my right forearm and dragged me to my feet.
“Hades?” I asked in a questioning voice. I was jerked down the path.
“Nitwit!” Hades barked, “You know you aren't supposed to be here. What possessed you?” I tripped, when the rough ground suddenly changed to tiles. My toe hit the rough hard. I winced. I guessed, that I had cracked the nail. We clattered over the tiles for about five minutes before a door slammed and a light appeared. It was Hades. He finished lighting the lamp and thrust it into my face. I blinked in the sudden light. It was a very weak flame, but it still brought tears to my eyes after the deep darkness.
“What are you doing here?” Hades demanded sharply. I wiped my eyes on my dirty sleeve.
“A mission.” I said dryly.
“In the underworld?” my brother demanded, his voice rising.
“I need your hat.” I said sullenly.
“You came to steal my hat?” he demanded, his dark eyebrows raising.
“No, no.” I protested, “Look, I need to borrow it. I'll bring it back.” I hesitated. I had lost my trident and Hermes' hat. I would probably lose Hades' hat too. I grimaced. Everything was a disaster. I had to be the worst hero ever.
“You need to borrow my hat?” Hades murmured softly. He cracked his knuckles and scowled, “Why?”
“Nereus has some monsters violating his lands.” I said quickly, an image of Trite swept into my mind, I pushed it away, “They can change people into stone.”
“Ah- so that old water bag finally turned to you for help.” Hades sneered, “Fine, you can have my hat. But if you get it dirty I will personally hunt you down and spear you through the guts.”
“It will be cleaner than- than-” I stopped.
“Cleaner than you, for sure.” Hades said and wrinkled up his nose, “What the heck were you doing?”
“Sliding down mud banks.” I muttered.
“How childish.” was the superior reply. I gritted my teeth.
Hades summoned a servant and gave him some whispered instructions, than he made me sit down and give a detailed account of everything that had happened in the Underwater Realm since I had arrived. It made for a long tale. I was glazing over the bits where the courtiers tormented me, but I still had not reached Ion's tale, when the servant returned with a silk wrapped bundle. Hades's cap of Invisibility was small and round with a flat top. The gold and silver colors seemed strangely bright in the shadowy chamber. It was beautiful.
“Once it's on your head, no one but Delphi and the Unseen can see you.” Hades whispered. I jerked my head up and stared at him. Unseen?
“What did you say?” I asked thickly. A memory stirred at the back of my mind, but I could not quite reach it.
“Why look so surprised, little brother?” Hades demanded, “Zeus lifted the ban on the Oracle, we are aloud to use the name of Delphi now.”
“No, what was the other word?” I whispered.
“Unseen?” Hades said loudly, “Just a little joke.” He was staring at me, his face expressionless. His eyes seemed to be boring straight through me. What were the Unseen, why did that word sound so familiar.
“I need to get to the Nymphs of the North.” I said. Hades looked away and the spell seemed to break.
I was escorted back out the Underworld. Neptune was seated on the rocks at the entrance, guarded by a massive three headed dog. Cerberus.
“About time you came back!” he yelled, “Do you realize what I have been through?”
“I can't imagine.” I said with a shudder, “But it couldn't have been worse than being grilled by Hades himself.”
Cerberus escorted us down to the channel. A man made stream that cut the Black Forest off from the rest of Sea World. As soon as we reached the water, the dog turned and vanished into the trees.
“Well, no offense, but that was a complete waist of time.” Neptune growled.
“Not entirely.” I said and patted the little bundle that was tucked into my sash.
“You stole the hat?” Neptune gasped. I shrugged. Let him think that if he would.
“I can't believe you stole the hat of the Lord of the Underworld.” Neptune said with a loud laugh. He picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water. Immediately the filmy shape of a small woman exploded out of the water, followed by a second, third and fourth one. We let out undignified yelps and backed up. The four shapes stepped out onto the shore and became solid. Not one of them was over four feet tall. They all had brilliantly blue eyes and long flowing white hair. They looked neither old nor young.
“It has come to our attention.” the first one said in a strange echoey voice, “That you would have speech with us.”
“Nyads?” Neptune asked hesitantly. But I shook my head. They were not like any other water species that I had ever seen.
“We are the Nymphs of the North.” the second one said, her voice was identical to the first one.
“Oh that's who you are.” I said idiotically, “The Gray Sisters told me to find you.”
“You seek the death of the Gorgons, do you not?” the third nymph sighed, again the voice was identical.
“I seek death for no one.” I said nervously, “But I seek peace and safety for those I am charged to protect.”
The four nymphs turned and conversed in low voices together. I could not make out the words, indeed they sounded like no tongue I had ever heard before. Finally, they turned back towards us.
“You already have the sandals of Hermes and the cap of Hades.” the first Nymph said.
“You must have this wallet.” the third Nymph said. She held out to me an unimposing brown bag, with a long strap. I hung it over my head shoulder.
“And this shield will serve you well.” the fourth nymph said, speaking for the first time. Her voice was different than the other too. It was not echoey, more thick and rich, but still soft. She held out a small silver shield, clean of any device. I took it. Immediately the sun flashed off of it, nearly blinding me. I turned it away from my face. The other side, was polished like a mirror and I could see my reflection clearly.
“Thank you.” I said, looking up. But the four Nymphs had vanished.
“They left a boat.” Neptune said, pointing to a small silver shaped urn that bobbed up and down in the shallow water.
“We'll ride down the channel.” I said sharply, strapping the shield to my back, “When it's to shallow, we'll carry it.”
“Where are we going?” Neptune demanded.
“All the way to Lake Midard.” I said dryly, “It's time to face Medusa.” Neptune shuddered, “You can always leave.”
“Listen Poseidon, we have taken every step of this journey together from the Gray Sister's dwelling, do you think I shall turn back now? No, I intend to see you to the end.” A lump formed in my throat. I couldn't even choke out a thank you.
Poseidon
Hatchling, 10, Year of the Green Horse
Note 23,
It took us twelve days to get down the Channel to the Sea Kingdom. We had to bypass Nereus' guards. Luckily I knew the way. I had been gone for a long time. Someone was bound to notice that I was missing. The twins, Ares and Hades had said nothing, so maybe the Sea People were keeping quiet. But it was rather disconcerting to think that no one cared to wonder what had happened to me. Surely someone would mention to Zeus that I was wandering over Sea World with an Antlered Elf instead of safely at my post in the Underwater Realm.
We did not sail down Midard as neither of us were very keen on turning to stone. We climbed ashore and hid the little boat among the reeds. I was having doubts. Perhaps Ion had made a fool of me with his story. Maybe he was trying to get rid of me. If this was true, it would be the most embarrassing thing to return to Nereus. He would be able to claim that I had run from my duties and was unfit for my position.
I was walking along, my head hanging down, my hands in the Nymphs' bag. I was fingering Hades' hat. Suddenly, I bumped into Neptune, who had come to a sudden halt.
“What is it?” I whispered. He shook his head and placed a finger on his lips. Then he dropped to the ground and ducked behind a bush. I saw what he had seen. A life sized stone statue, carved in the perfect image of a man stood blocking our way. There was a look of anger on the stone features. His sword was raised above his head. But his free hand was stretched in front of his face, as if he was trying to block something. I gasped and dropped to the ground. It had to be Medusa's work.
“She is real.” I whispered weakly. Neptune parted the bushes and we peered through. Behind the stone warrior were ten more. They must have been a regiment. The devices weren't very clear on their breastplates. I wiggled closer for a better look. I could make out crossed hands. The left held a sword and the right held a bag. The device of the Free People. They were the soldiers of King Midas. Thankfully none of them looked younger than twenty. Zeus would have thrown a fit if anything happened to Midas' son. I guessed Prince Menelaus would be about twelve years old now. At one time Zeus had been his guardian. Hopefully he wasn't as hot blooded as some of the other princes.
“Are you looking for someone?” Neptune whispered, as he raised himself up on his elbows.
“Just checking to see if I recognize anyone.” I said softly.
“Do you?” the elf asked. I shook my head.
“They come from the court of King Midas of the Free People, but I don't know them. Why Cepheus would allow Midas' men in his territory is beyond me.” I told him.
“Look out.” Neptune squeaked. I froze, someone was moving through the maze of statues. It looked like a woman, but her flowing hair was made up of writhing serpents. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Trite. My heart sank. There was no doubt that Trite was a Gorgon. One of the snakes turned in my direction, a tiny tongue flickering out of a mouth. I buried my face in my arms. I would not be turned to stone. The Gorgon disappeared through the trees towards a jutting cliff wall. No doubt there was a cave nearby. Once she was gone, I wriggled backwards to Neptune. He was shivering.
I stood up and rubbed the dirt off of my tunic. I grasped Neptune's arm and pulled him to his feet.
“Lets go.” I said, “In case any of the others are around here.”
“How many of those monsters are there?” Neptune whispered, as we tiptoed through the brush.
“Ion said there were three.” I said slowly.
“So Medusa and Trite, but who is the third?” he demanded. I shrugged.
“Maybe the sick one, that Trite was taking medicine too.” I suggested.
“She seemed like a nice girl.” Neptune said sadly.
“She was an evil monster who turns innocent men into stone.” I said sharply, “We need a plan.”
Poseidon
Hatchling, 11, Year of the Green Horse
Note 24,
Maybe it was not the best plan, but I was going to slip into the cave at midnight, when the Gorgons were undoubtedly sleeping. I would use the shield as a reflection and wear the cap of Invisibility. Neptune pointed out that I wouldn't be able to see any reflection in the dark. I told him that the moon was sufficient. We argued about this for awhile. But when I took the shield out, I discovered that it reflected in the dark as easily as it did in the sunlight. No wonder the Nymphs said I would need it.
I strapped on Hermes' sandals and made sure the wings were clean and ready to flap if needed. I put on Hades' cap. Judging by the look on Neptune's face, what little he could see of me in the dark had completely disappeared. I strapped the shield to my left arm and made sure I had the bag.
“Better get far away from here, Neptune.” I said softly, “Things could get ugly.” Then I started for the cave.
The closer I got to the cliff face, the more statues I saw. Most of them were Midas' people, but some of them were Star Warriors, Cepheus' men, and even Olympians. I did not know any of them. But than I had been isolated in the Underwater Realm for about six years. Speaking of Underwater Realm, there wasn't so much as a single fish from Nereus' Kingdom. Ion said that the Gorgon's were terrorizing their people, but it didn't appear that any of them had been turned to stone.
Suddenly the mouth of a massive cavern loomed up in front of me. It had been blocked by a stone Titan and a centaur. Trite didn't really need anyone to rescue her from the foaltaurs. I shook my head in disgust. Slowly, I flew over the statues and into the cavern. The shield glowed with a pale silver light. Two more centaur statues were further in. One was rearing up as if he was about to trample someone. I flew over him and came upon three sleeping shapes. Three girls with a tangled mass of serpent locks. I was horrified. It looked like the girls were sleeping in a nest of snakes. The middle one was clearly Trite. Her arms were rapped around the smallest girl, who looked very pale. I drew out my knife and bent over. I kept having to tell myself that they were murderers. They deserved to die. They had been killing people. But they looked so much like innocent girls.
Suddenly, the biggest girl sat up, her Snakes flared out hissing in every direction. Neither her nor the snakes appeared to see. She looked right through me. The snakes hissed, flicking out tongues.
“We ssmell blood.” they hissed. I shuddered. They couldn't even see the glowing shield. The Gorgon reached over and shook Trite hard.
“Wake up sister.” she whispered, “Something is wrong.” Trite sat up.
“Amphitrite, Medusa.” the little girl cried, “What's happening?”
“Get up!” Medusa barked, “Someone's here.”
“Not again.” the child wailed, “I wanna go home.” She buried her face in Trite's coat. I winced. I couldn't do it.
So there I was with drawn knife, glowing shield, and hovering only inches from fulfilling quest, and unable to do it. I was the loser that everyone thought I was. I lowered my knife. If I fulfilled my quest I would never be able to consider myself anything except the murderer I was. Taking the life of a murderer, in cold blood is never justified.
“Amphitrite, there is someone in the cave.” the little girl whispered, “I can feel it.”
“Me too.” Medusa hissed, “Serpentine girls, prepare for battle.” Her snakes reared up, their eyes glowing red.
“Wait!” Trite ordered, she took a step forward. One more step and she would bump into me. I leaned backwards, but I didn't dare move for fear she would detect me. As it was I couldn't even breathe. Her eyes were looking right through me. I looked away.
“Poseidon?” Trite said, her voice sounding loud in the cave, “Are you in here?”
“Who is Poseidon?” Medusa asked, “Why wouldn't we be able to see him?” she looked around, “If you are in here Mr. Ghost, I will have your bones turned to stone inside your still living body.” I forced myself not to grimace.
“Why would he be here?” the little girl, “Isn't he the boy Olympian?”
“You're right, Circe.” Medusa snapped, as she pounded her fists together, “Just let me get my hands on him.”
“Poseidon, we know you are there, come out!” Trite ordered in a louder voice, “Tell Neptune to stop skulking in the shadows too.”
“Put your turbans on.” I said. Trite screamed and leaped backwards, knocking Medusa over. Circe cowered into the shadows.
“Where are you?” Medusa cried, leaping to her feet. Her snakes were going crazy. I flitted behind her.
“Put your turbans on!” I ordered.
Trite unwrapped a colorful piece of cloth from around her waist and started tying her snakes up.
“What are you doing?” Medusa cried.
“Put your serpents away, sister.” Trite ordered, “I know this person.” She didn't really. Circe started tying her snakes away.
“You're all making a terrible choice!” Medusa snapped, “He's here to kill us, just like all those other vermin.” She tied her snakes away.
“Show yourself.” Trite ordered. She put one arm around Circe and stared straight ahead. I took off Hades' cap. The three Gorgon sisters screamed.
“Oh please, you never thought me scarey before.”
“Not even when you were attacking the warebeasts with your fork.” Trite gasped.
“I never carried a fork.” I snapped, “Trident and Fork are very different.”
“No they are not!” Medusa snapped, and reached for her turban.
“Don't you dare!” I snapped, “And yes, they are different.”
“Is it because one has more prongs?” Circe asked timidly, as she peeked out from behind Trite.
“Forks have four and tridents have three.” I said with a smile.
“Oh please.” Medusa cried, “As if anyone cared at all.”
“Anyone with a bit of common sense, would know the difference.” I snapped. We glared at each other.
“Poseidon, why didn't you kill us?” Trite demanded, still without looking at me.
“What made you think I was here to kill you?” I asked sharply.
“The Gray Sisters warned me.” she said coldly, as she turned and faced me, “I figured we were safe once you were all the way at the other end of the world. How you got here so fast is beyond me.”
“We found the Nymphs of the North.” I said dryly.
“And the Lord of the Underworld.” she said gesturing at the cap of Invisibility.
“He's my brother.” I retorted.
“I know.” I snapped. I guess there wasn't a lot she didn't know.
I guested helplessly around. The situation was incredibly awkward. I wished myself somewhere else.
“I thought you were monsters, but apparently I was wrong.” I was lamely.
“I noticed you spying on me in the Black Forest.” Trite said angrily, “Yet you still came after us.”
“How was I supposed to know-?” I stopped, everything I was saying, sounded really pathetic.
“Lets kill him.” Medusa grumbled, “Served him right for spying on you and sneaking in on us.” I opened my mouth, than closed it.
Suddenly Circe stood up. She glanced around, there was a concerned look on her face.
“Someone is coming.” she whispered, “I can feel it. Do you have a friend with you?”
“Where is Neptune?” Trite cried, as she sprang to her feet.
“He was on the edge of the clearing.” I protested, “He wouldn't come in here.”
“He would if he thought you were being murdered.” Trite said grimly. She peered past me. I stood up and turned around. There was a rumbled and the cave shook.
Water came pouring in, with a deafening roar. The girls screamed.
“I told you it was a trap!” Medusa cried, and backed further into the cave.
“Get out, before it's to deep!” I yelled. Water rushed over my feet. A second wave brought it past my knees. I grasped Circe and pulled her onto my back. Now the water was up to my chest. I forced myself ahead of the current. Trite grabbed hold of my right arm and Medusa my left. Together we kicked and splashed towards the exit. Then the water was over our heads. I yelled, my mouth was filled with water and the force of the current tore me away from the Gorgons. I was sent careening to the back of the cave. My body struck the rock wall and everything went black.
Poseidon
Hatchling, 12, Year of the Green Horse
Note 25,
I awoke to find myself lying on my stomach in the mud. I coughed and spit dirty water out of my mouth. The sun was high overhead. I sat up. My whole left side hurt, like one massive bruise. Neptune was leaning over me with a look of concern on his face. The trees which had started budding as they always did in the Hatchling season, were devoid of all by the thickest branches. The stone statues were broken and crumpled. Everything was wet and washed over.
“What happened?” I asked, as I stood up. I grasped my aching side and groaned softly.
“You went into that cave.” Neptune said, “Suddenly, I hear this roaring sound and the water came cascading out of Midard and washed right through here and into the cave. It carried you and three people out. I got you and the little one. Some monster she was. Just an itty bitty little thing.” He gestured at what I had thought was his cloak lying on the ground. I realized that it was covering Circe. I ran to her side. She coughed and sat up. There was a gash on her forehead and an ugly darkening bruise on her left cheek.
“Circe, are you alright?” I asked softly. She sprang to her feet and flung her arms around sobbing hysterically.
“I want Trite and Dusa.” she cried, “I want baba.” I caught Neptune rolling his eyes.
“You go to kill someone and they great you like their dearest friend.” he said dryly. I glared at him. But I pushed Circe away.
“Can you walk?” I asked. She nodded sniffling.
“come on, then.” I said, and stood up, “Lets go find your sisters.” I held out my hand to her. She took it. It was then that I noticed all of her snakes were flowing lose. I had not turned to stone.
Neptune, Circe and I followed the path that the flood had taken. It was very rare to get floods this far into Hatchling. They usually happened in the Floodway season.
“That wasn't an ordinary flood.” Neptune whispered in my ear, “Don't tell the little girl, but I suspect Nereus tried to kill us.” I froze. It had to be Nereus. He was the only one left that could command the floods. Unless it was the Amazons. They did have my Trident. Zeus would kill me if the Amazons attacked him with my trident. I groaned.
Circe had run on a little way, she suddenly fell to her knees and scooped up armfuls of bedraggled water lilies.
“Look at the flowers.” she cried excitedly, “Aren't they beautiful? The flood must have dropped them here.” I wasn't watching her, I was looking past her. A group of men and women carrying ropes and torches were walking up the muddy path towards us. I snatched Neptune's cloak and flung it over Circe's head.
The villagers were mostly Star People. I wondered why they were doing in Cepheus' kingdom. They stared at us suspiciously.
“What happened?” I asked them in the Star language. They relaxed a little.
“We sacrificed the Gorgon to the Krakan.” their leader said with a laugh, “Now the Underwater Realm and the Unknown Waters will go to war over blood.” he laughed, “The Star People shall reclaim their birthright.” I grasped Circe's hand and ran past the mob. Who had been sacrificed? Medusa or Trite?
Poseidon
Hatchling, 13, Year of the Green Horse
Note 26,
We walked all night. Neptune and I took turns carrying Circe. She was small for her, looking to be about thirteen or fourteen. She was also incredibly light, but that did not mean she was easy to carry. We reached the Southern shores of the Unknown Waters in the late afternoon. We were met by Medusa. She was kneeling on the shore, crying. We ran to her. Circe flung her arms around her sister.
“Medusa.” she sobbed.
“Where's Trite?” I demanded. Medusa pointed. I could make out the shadowy shape of a rock in the distance, but I could not see the third sister.
“They chained her to the rock, so the kraken will take her.” she cried, “I couldn't catch up fast enough.”
“Surely, you could have swam.” I protested, as I started to unstrap my shield and knife.
“We belong to the freshwater of the Sea World. We will die if we enter the Unknown Waters.” Medusa cried, “Are you really that incredibly stupid?” I probably was.
“In that case, I'll fly.” I said.
“Fly?” my three companions repeated.
I restrapped on the shield, and put the knife back into my sash. I started to toss the bag aside.
“Wait, did that come from the Nymphs of the North?” Medusa cried, “You can fill it with the Seven Worlds and it will not get any bigger or heavier.” She opened it wide and slid inside, disappearing int the opening. The cloth remained flat. I gaped. Medusa poked her head out.
“Ugh.” I yelled, jumping back.
“Wonder boy, if you fly, take me to my sister.” she ordered and vanished again. I picked up the bag gingerly. It was as light as usual. I hung it from my shoulder.
Circe grasped my arm. There was a pleading look on her face. I shook my head.
“No, Circe. Stay with Neptune.” I ordered, than I leaped into the air. The last thing I heard as I soared off over the water was Neptune and Circe yelling. I smiled. Not all of my secrets had been discovered.
I reached the rock and landed on the top. Trite was chained to ledge, her feet only inches above the water. Whether or not there really was a sea monster, Trite chief danger lay in being consumed by the salt water when the tide covered the rock. I took the bag off and dropped it onto the rock, than I slid down to the ledge. Trite screamed.
“Oh please.” I groaned, “Please tell me you have gotten used to me appearing out of nowhere.”
“Just stop it.” she snapped.
“I'm trying to save your life.” I retorted.
“Well you can stop it!” she cried.
“I don't expect a thank you, but you don't need to be rude about it.” I said in a grieved voice.
A terrible rumble filled the air. The waters began to churn in a deadly whirlpool. A terrible reek filled the air.
“Flee.” Trite gasped, “Or you too will be devoured by the sea monster!”
“Never!” I cried, and pulled at the chains. A monstrous creature burst out of the water, looking like next of serpents. Each head was twice as thick as the rock we stood on. It towered into the air, screaming and hissing. Medusa slid down to join us.
“Woah, that is some serious snake.” she gaped.
“She brought my sister too?” Trite screamed.
“Try to get the chains off!” I yelled and swooped into the air. The first serpentine head had spied us.
I only had my little knife, but I plunged foolishly down and slice at the head. A narrow stripe of oozing black blood appeared on the scaly skin. The kraken screamed again and all it's heads snapped at me. I flew up out of reach, than dived again, aiming at the eyes. I repeated this maneuver a few more times. But it really wasn't getting anywhere. I needed something longer than a knife. I hurled my small blade deep into one of the serpent mouths. The Kraken reared up screaming then dived into the water, sending geysers of water spurting in all directions. It would be back. But hopefully we would be gone. I flew back to the rock. The two girls were shivering. Salt water was dripping off of them. They looked miserable. I guessed they couldn't breathe in salt water. I wondered if I could.
“Did you kill it?” Medusa asked hopefully. Water was lapping at her ankles. The tide was moving in.
“Are you kidding me, I only had a knife.” I retorted.
“Use your trident, you idiot!” Trite screamed.
“I haven't got it.” I muttered, “The Amazons stole it.”
“What?” Trite looked like it was going to explode.
“You mean to tell me that the Amazons could control the water?” Medusa demanded and gnashed her teeth. I scowled.
The water was up to Trite's neck by the time we managed to free one of her hands. I pulled her up on the rock as high as I could. But one hand was still chained awkwardly. Still the water crawled higher. We pulled and tore, but the chain held. The moon was waning when we noticed the tide was going down. Only a few more inches and Trite would have drowned. We let the water retreat several feet before sliding back down to the ledge. We had survived the night.
Poseidon
Hatchling, 14, Year of the Green Horse
Note 27,
“You too are insane.” Trite cried, “You should save yourself.”
“I would never leave you.” Medusa said sharply, “You know that.”
“You need to live for Circe.” Trite said with a smile.
“Allow me to succeed with something.” I said dryly. Trite smile turned on me. A warm feeling rushed through me.
Suddenly, the rock shook and the kraken heads exploded from the water, sniffing at us. We were surrounded. The idiotic beast looked disappointed to discover that we were still alive. Several of the massive heads opened wide and reared up, ready to plunge down and swallow us. I snatched up the bag. A desperate and extremely silly plan began to form in my mind.
“Medusa get in the bag!” I yelled, and grasped her arm. She pushed me away.
“I'm not leaving, my sister!” she screamed over the roaring beast. The bag was knocked out of my hand. There was only one more thing to try. I unstrapped the shield from my back and flew upwards. I angled the shield so a ray of sunlight was blinding the beast. It screamed and tried to get away from the light. Maybe I could drive it away?
The kraken reared up again, blocking the ray of light. The reflection was cut off. Two heads shot towards me.
“Medusa!” I yelled, angling the shield again. Her serpents hissed and rose up, exploding out of her turban. Her reflection was perfectly mirrored in the shield. The kraken screamed and veered away from what it must have guessed was the head of a grinning gorgon. Unfortunately for it, as soon as it turned it made eye contact with the real Gorgon. Two heads instantly turned to stone and sank dragging the other seven heads down. The krakan screamed louder and struggled. Medusa climbed onto the top of the stone and let her snakes hiss at the kraken. Another head turned to stone.
I flew down to the rock and smashed the rim of the shield against the chain. The shield shattered and burst into thousands of tiny sparkling pieces which fell into water and vanished forever. Trite fell into my arms sobbing. I carried her onto the top of the rock where Medusa was. She was having trouble getting the last four heads to look at her. Gently I untied Trite's hair. Maybe two of them together would be stronger. But if only I had my trident.
The kraken's bloated body emerged from the water and came crashing down on top of us. The three stone heads must have been a terrible pain, but it seemed determined to destroy us. The two Gorgon's screamed and clutched at me, we cowered back ready to die. Red hot anger surged through every fiber of my body. We could not die. I had not wasted so much time trying to save these girls for them to die now. The water began to curl and spin. I willed it to strangle the beast. To my surprise and horror huge waves of water rose out of the water and caught hold of the kraken. He was yanked back. For one terrible second it's four living pairs of eyes were staring at us in shock. Than Trite and Medusa's serpents hissed and the kraken turned to stone. It's massive bloated body was dragged down into the depths by it's seven stone heads.
“We did it!” Medusa screamed and jumped into the air, waving her hands and dancing.
“What happened there?” Trite whispered, as she gazed at me. I shook my head, suddenly wary.
“Wouldn't it be nice if a bridge appeared out of nowhere.” I joked uneasily. The water hadn't really done what I commanded it to do. That was a simple wave and a coincidence.
Medusa leaped off the rock. Trite screamed and leaped to her feet. I ran after her. I froze. The stone heads had been lined up to make a natural bridge. Rocks didn't float. Medusa was dancing down it towards shore.
“You can command salt water?” Trite accused, “You stopped the beast and made the bridge.”
“Did not!” I retorted feeling even more uneasy. She shook her head.
“Well, you won't convince me otherwise.” she said lightly.
“We'll see about that!” I laughed, and scooped her up into my arms. She screamed. I jumped off the rock and glided towards shore. We reached it a split second before Medusa.
Neptune and Circe came running to greet us. There was hugging and kissing all around. The stone bridge sank into the water and vanished. I shivered. It couldn't have been me. Maybe Circe or Neptune had a little secret that saved us.
“I can't believe you saved our lives.” Trite whispered to me, as we sat down around Neptune's fire.
“I cannot believe those monsters tried to sacrifice you.” Neptune snorted. Trite rolled her eyes.
“I should have been watching our backs. They have been trying to make things sour between all the countries.” she said, “This was purely political.” A sour feeling twisted in my country. Was killing Medusa a political plot? Was I being set up?
“You have been silent, Poseidon.” Neptune said, as he handed me a little flat fish, “What is on your mind?” I shook my head.
“Nothing, I think I have to get back- back-” I stopped.
“Home?” Circe suggested. I nodded slowly. Home was where the heart was. I had no home.
“We'll come with you.” Trite said with a smile, as she took my arm.
“I'm going to the Underwater Realm.” I protested.
“You're what?” Neptune gasped. Medusa and Circe stared wide eyed. Trite frowned at them.
“We're still going. You all keep your mouths shut.” she snapped. I nibbled at the fish. Why did I feel as if I was the only one who was missing out on some secret?
Poseidon
Hatchling, 20, Year of the Green Horse
Note 28,
So the three Gorgon sisters could breathe underwater. They had to be Nereus' subjects. It was even worse than I thought. Ion must have deliberately tried to get me to murder them, to get me in trouble. We had to say goodbye to Neptune, as we had no sea cloak for him.
“Good luck Poseidon.” he shouted after us, “Don't let them bully you.” I wondered what exactly he meant.
Four Sea Goblins found us pretty quickly. They didn't seem terribly surprised, but they did force us to accompany them. We were brought to the palace of Nereus. As we entered the city, all of the citizens gathered in the streets to stare. They whispered, pointed and drew after us. I felt even more depressed. Maybe they had noticed my strange absence.
We were brought into the antechamber of the palace and told to wait. The two Sea Goblins swam off. But servants and courtiers peered out from behind doors and pillars at us. Medusa made faces at them. Circe squeezed between Trite and me. She looked scared. Trite took my hand.
“Everything is going to be alright.” she whispered. I nodded. But inwardly I knew it was not going to be alright. Even if I survived Nereus, I would not survive Zeus. I had lost Hermes and Hades' hats, the Nymphs shield and bag, and my trident. Not to mention I had probably ruined Hermes' sandals and started several feuds.
One of the guards came back and jerked his thumb at the door of the conference hall.
“They want you to come immediately.” he drawled. I stood up and started towards the door. The girls followed. The doors were pulled open and the crowded court stared at us. My heart sank to the soles of Hermes' sandals. Zeus was seated next to Nereus. So he had been informed about my strange departure. So much for delaying all of my troubles.
Zeus sprang to my feet as if he had seen a ghost. I took a step and grimaced. I had forgotten about my bruises. I wasn't going to limp. I straightened up.
“You are alive?” Zeus gaped. I glanced around.
“I am.” I said stupidly, realizing he was speaking about me.
“Ares told me the Amazons had your trident.” Zeus explained, “At the same time Nereus told me you were missing.” the Sea King glowered at me. I shrugged.
“When did Ares tell you that?” I asked.
“I got the message on the twenty-fifth of the Floodway Season.” Zeus said sharply. Five days after we had left the army post.
“So the Amazons are attacking?” I asked.
“They left a massive slaughter behind.” Zeus said grimly, “Ares said they were lucky to get out of there.” I wasn't sorry for them at all.
“Well, right before that Apollo, Athena and I were lucky to escape the army.” I growled. Murmurs ran throughout the room. I had to tell them about our visit. Zeus groaned. I figured Ares had probably glossed over that part of the story.
Nereus stood up and cleared his throat. Circe let out a squeal and ran to him. My jaw dropped as she jumped into his arms.
“Baba.” she cried. I dropped my head into my hands. The Gorgons were Nereus' daughters. Things were worse than I thought. Nereus embraced his youngest daughter than waved his two older ones over. But he was looking over their heads at me.
“Tell me, O Poseidon, why did you disappear all of a sudden without warning?” he asked grimly. All eyes were on me. I wished desperately for Hades' cap. But it was lost somewhere in the Unknown Waters.
I stood up as tall as I could and did my finest bow. Than I scanned the room until my eyes rested on Ion. He was staring at me as if he didn't quite know what to think.
“My business is my own.” I said dryly, “I am not your slave, nor your councilor.” A gasp went through the room. Ion cringed. I turned away from him. He got the message. Our business was far from done. Zeus was glowering.
“I never made you either of those things, Poseidon!” he growled, “But I would appreciate it if you would try to cooperate. I made Hades lord of the Underworld, because I thought you would cooperate better than him.”
“I have cooperated just fine!” I growled right back, “I just took a journey down the Belt of Orion, through the Illyrian Forest, and the Great Mire. I spoke to the Gray Sisters inside Mount Gelga. I went through the underground tunnels, the jungles of the Amazons, crossed the Styble and barely avoided Arthenan. I crossed the Dike, been run out of the army, crossed the Bay of Uranus, entered the Black Forest and returned alive from the Underworld. I spoke with the Nymphs of the North, sailed down the Channel, and through this Realm without being noticed, made it to Midard, discovered the Gorgon sisters without being turned to stone, survived two floods, a Krakan, and high tide, don't tell me I should have told someone or got an escort.” I stopped talking and took a deep breath.
Nereus' face had suddenly turned as pale as snow. He trembled.
“Father.” Trite cried, and helped him sit down, “You're ill.”
“I've been a fool.” Nereus muttered. He pushed his daughter away and stood.
“You went down the Belt of Orion?” he demanded, is that where you met the first flood.” I nodded, “And the second one in Midard?” I nodded again. He sat down again and groaned.
“You started both of those floods didn't you?” I accused.
“I had no idea that you were anywhere near those lakes.” Nereus protested with a sideways look at Zeus.
“Than why did you do it?” I growled.
“We purify the lakes every year.” Nereus muttered.
“During Floodway.” I protested, “Neither time was during the Floodway.”
“Sometime there are floods during Rushing Water and early Hatchling Seasons.” Ion protested, “You insult his majesty.”
“How dare you even speak to me!” I shouted, “You were the one that put him up to those floods.” He recoiled as if I had struck him. Angry murmurs filled the room.
“Enough!” Zeus roared. He slammed a thunderbolt against the floor, cracking the smooth marble. The chamber became instantly silent. My brother stepped into the middle of the floor and strode over to my side.
“What?” I asked.
“Stop speaking like Hades, Poseidon.” he snarled, “Tell us what's going on!”
“Aye sir.” I said saluting.
I stepped into the middle of the floor and looked around. No one moved.
“It is no secret that Nereus dislikes me.” I growled. Zeus looked startled, “Knowing this his courtiers have attempted to gain favoritism by being spiteful, but I that wasn't my problem. I've survived this kind of behavior all of my life. But one day one of the courtiers approached me. He had always been much more pleasant to me than anyone else. Maybe I should have learned to not trust people by than, but I listened to him. Call me a fool if you will. He informed me that the Underwater Realm was being oppressed by monsters.” I hesitated, “Monsters that can turn people into stone.” Gasps ran throughout the room.
“Erm- Poseidon.” Zeus said with a cough, “Haven't you ever met Nereus' daughters?” I shook my head.
“I didn't even know he had a family.” I protested.
“Maybe if you tried a little harder.” Nereus growled. I shook my head.
“Maybe I could have tried harder. But I wasn't encouraged either.” I said softly, “The point is, I did it on good faith. I had no idea that this was a setup. Obviously, a plan to start a war.” I hesitated than continued, “If I killed the Gorgons, Nereus would have started a war with Zeus. If the Gorgon's killed me, than Zeus would have started a war with Nereus. Either way it was guaranteed war.”
I stopped talking and let a heavy silence sink over the room. Zeus and Nereus were exchanging looks. Than Amphitrite left her father and walked over to me. She put both hands around my neck and looked me right in the face. I met her gaze unwaveringly. I did not care if she turned me into stone or not.
“I believe you.” she whispered, “You proved yourself better than any of us. I am sorry that my people made your life a nightmare. I am as guilty as the rest of them.” I wrapped my arms around her waist.
“If you want to keep on doing it for the rest of your life, you may.” I said with a grin.
“Is that a formal marriage proposal?” she demanded. I smirked.
“It's probably an informal one, as your father wasn't consulted.” I said, “Last time I talked to him it wasn't friendly.”
“I'm quite old enough to make up my own mind!” she said firmly, and that was the last thing we said for awhile. But I could feel the whole court gaping at us.
Poseidon
Hatchling, 30, Year of the Green Horse
Note 29,
There is only a few more pages left in this little journal. I saved them for today. Now that I'm getting married to Amphitrite, Nereus' daughter, who incidentally is the oldest, in spite of looking younger than Medusa, Nereus had to make a more formal treaty with Zeus. It was rather a relief for me that he didn't actually apologize or grovel before me.
“You might actually turn out well.” he told me in a grudging voice. That, coming from him, was better than all the apologies and praise from everyone else.
I guess there isn't much to say about the wedding. It happened. Everyone showed up, even Hades and Ares. There was a slight scuffle over our special gifts. I thought Zeus was going to explode when he found out. It wasn't pleasant to know that the Titans could take us out at any moment, with my trident. Thankfully Hermes' hat had flown right back to him. But I had to promise that I would spend the rest of my life hunting down Hades' cap, or die in the attempt. I wondered if I could command the waters to bring it back. I would have to give it a try later.
Poseidon
Sproutling, 1, year of the Green Horse
Note 30,
I must record one last thing. I was awakened very early by someone pounding on my chamber.
“Lord Poseidon come quick.” whoever it was shouted. Trite said something very pleasant.
“Go away.” I said translating it into more appropriate language.
“Get out of bed, Poseidon.” Hades roared through the door, “I got my cap back.” Startled, I leaped out of bed and dressed quickly. Trite got up too, looking rather displeased.
I burst out the door and nearly tripped over Hades and a servant. Hades was holding his damp cap.
“How did you get that?” I demanded.
“The tide turned around.” Hades said with a tight voice, “It's flowing North now. It washed right into the palace.” Surely, I had not done that.
“So you got your hat back.” Trite snapped, as she peered over my shoulder, “So what?” Hades glowered at her.
“That wasn't the point.” my brother hissed, “I actually-”
“Lord Poseidon.” the merboy servant interrupted, “There is something weird going on in the water.” He turned and swam quickly back down the hall. Trite and I raced after him.
To my surprise we left the palace and surfaced. It looked like the entire court and all her guests had done likewise. Those not used to living underwater were wearing shining fish scale cloaks that glimmered in the early morning sunlight. Much closer to shore, but still in the water was an enormous pink and gold shell, drawn by two swans. In the center of the shell rested the most beautiful creature I had ever laid my eyes on. A tall woman dressed in white and gold with golden flowing hair that shone like the sun itself. We could see the sparkle of her blue eyes all the way from where we stood on the Nyad's Island.
“That is a woman to kill for.” Ares whistled.
“That is trouble.” Hephaestus muttered gloomily.
“That is trouble!” all the women echoed my twin brother. They glared at us men. Trite even smacked me. But I wasn't noticing this odd dazzling beauty. I couldn't help but notice the way the water foamed and churned about her. Something sinister was at work. Probably something to do with my Trident. If anything, I bet that woman was an Amazon spy. I would have to pay attention and keep my mouth shut.
Poseidon
To Be Continued
with
Diary of a Working Prince
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