Hera watches from her humble position. Zeus lowers the greatest of all his gift suggesting Hera take his heart and protect it. His furious roving eyes steadily search the circle of sitting gods. All the goddesses carefully rise from their throne's. They stare at the king as they remorsefully back away from the center of the chamber.
Hera sneaks his offered heart from off his off lowered hand. She softly clutches it to her chest.
Zeus quietly tells her, “Leave my dear. You know what to do.”
Her fingers feel the steady pulsing beating next to her heart. Both her hands safely secure his tenderness and his life. She rises while replying, “My lord.” Hera scurries away under the watchful protecting eyes of Zeus and Hercules.
The King's mind reasons which god might have a motive to attempt his life. He remembers how he has given good reason to every enraged face he looks at. In this moment, he pledges to himself to be a worthy just king hence. But, this insight still does not give just cause to the perpetrator's actions.
It's as if the gods may know. Their fear of Zeus's wrath helps uncover the concealed offender. The supposing innocent gods part way as if they are aware to his identity. Only one god now sits.
Zeus asks with great compassion, “Why Ares? Why would you do this thing? You are my son.” Zeus sadly waits for his answer as his righteous anger drains him weak.
Hercules hovers just behind Ares throne waiting for him to respond to father.
The god of war crushes his throne's golden arm rest with his mighty squeezing hands. Each one crackles as it pulverizes into gold powder. Yet, he defiantly refuses to defend his actions. His face cannot bare to stare at his father. He strains his gaze straight ahead.
Zeus asks, “Do you not know what you have done is deserving of death son?” He patiently waits for a response. None comes forth. “Please do not force me to do what I must.”
Ares sternly states, “Do what you must good king.” His response seems more of a threat than submission to Zeus's just findings.
Zeus's caught in a dilemma. He must be just or face a revolt. The other gods and goddesses will question the king's authority if just punishment goes unequal to to the extent of the crime in question. He has no choice in the matter but render the strictest of verdicts. Only one thing may change the situation. If Ares can explain a possible reason that averts treason, or a defense he was not part of this treacherous act. Either way, Ares must speak.
Ares continues staring ahead. “You want to know why father.” The chamber freezes in silence. Every ear awaits his reason. “I'll tell you why.” He begins to nervously shake in anger.
Zeus's compassion has a moment of weakness waiting to hear what he may have done to force his son to act so. He lowers his threatening bolt to compel Ares to speak what is in his heart.
Ares turns his head around and fixes his gaze on the hovering Hercules.
“I did it because of him!” Ares swats his brother as if he were a flying pest knocking him and the minute Pegasus outside the open temple doors. “
Zeus quickly raises his bolt and launches a warning at Ares feet. Ares jolts his feet away as he shoves his throne backward. The floor explodes sending dust upward. Another bolt materializes in Zeus's hand, Ares dives forward toward his father. Zeus drops his bolt as the pair wrestle for control. The chamber violently shakes shut the temple doors trapping Hercules outside. The other gods and goddesses rush to the aid of Ares as the surprised Zeus lay restrained under his son's grasp.
Hercules leaps from Pegasus. He rushes to the monumental temple doors and begins to push with all his might. The doors move open slightly, but he cannot budge them open more. He sees what is keeping him from helping his father. A dozen set of royal legs are pushing back from their side of the doors. Hercules yells, “Mount Olympus!” He feels his holy strength greatly increase as he shoves the door. But, even with all his extraordinary might he cannot budge these determined gods. He yells to his father, “I'll find a way to help you!” He is left helpless as the doors slam shut. He listens as the gods locks them. The only thing he hears is the massive metal doors reverberate as the large beam slides inside securing the doors. He decides he must leave and find another way to save father.
He glides on Pegasus down to Athens’s acropolis. The citizens gather round him as they both touch down. The people are once again thankful. They praise their hero freeing them from their curse. He listens to them speak as they explain when it happened. It would seem his father lifted the spell about the same time the giants were defeated.
He alerts them, “A great misfortune has occurred.” The crowd grows silent. “My father Zeus no longer rules the heavens. A great evil now rules instead.” Every eye watches their hero for encouragement on what is coming next, but he too is left with his head hung down in disbelief. A horror takes hold as the great golden faces spin again. The people stare in torment waiting for their last blessing.
The ground rumbles as it spin faster and faster. A foggy blur covers where the head spins. Everyone stares as Ares face appears over the blur.
“My all the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus bless all the citizens of Greece.” He laughs sinisterly. “So, you wish to offer your worship to this half god. Do so with our blessing.”
Ares face dissolves as the dragon's face spreads fire. The people scream as they fall away. Hercules can only stand and hear what horror befalls them next. The dragon speaks.
“No mercy was shown to me in life. Neither will you receive mercy. We bring you four torments. I bring you the last.”
“Since you are devoted to Hercules, I give you the power of repentance to your mortal god without ceasing.”
The dragon roars as it looks down mocking the human god.
All of a sudden the surrounding people are filled with urgency to turn to their neighbor and tell them every sin they committed against them. They are powerless to control their tongue. Even their deepest thoughts are not safe. The things they would never say are revealed.
A mother tells her children, “I wish I never had you.” She attempts to stop her next words by squeezing her rude mouth with her hand. But, her yelling mouth blurts out, “It's because of you I gave up a better life!” She chases after her youngsters as they dash off screaming, “We hate you, we've always hated you.”
Hercules learns this twisted curse is more about uncontrollable accusations than sorrowful repentance. These evil gods and goddesses have even corrupted evil and twisted it for wicked. He watches the good citizens violently begin to fight. He listens to them as they become more vile. Hercules thinks They seem be getting some sort of distorted enjoyment by yelling louder and insulting deeper than their neighbor. He whistles for his friend feeling the urgency to solve this last curse, before everyone destroys what is left of themselves.
“Pegasus, away!”
Hercules is beside himself. He has no where to go, or no one to turn to. His father is captive of the gods. He knows not where Hermes or Hera is. He thinks they are smart to run and hide somewhere far away from the other gods. His sad head thinks he cannot even converse with his dear departed mother Alcmene since the Pool of True Reflection is destroyed. He cannot go to Methuselah or ask any mortal for assistance. He knows the gods look down and soon will take vengeance on him and any person willing to help him. The only thing he is sure of is he must hurry. The only place he can think of is the house he raised his children in with his adoring wife. Maybe, he will be able to obtain some peace and collect his thoughts on what he needs to do.
Hercules sees the stone heap where his house use to lay. It is a place filled with mixed emotions. He remembers the joy and love still emanating here. But, it is also a place of great remorse and anger. One new thought fills his heart. While he still hates what the gods and goddesses did, he can forgive Hera. She must have had no part in this great deception cursed upon him. A small amount of his burden is lifted.
Hercules sits on the stone wall near his old cottage staring at the rolling green co
untryside. His right hand is dedicated to holding his heavy tilted head up, as his right arm rest on his right knee. He asks himself What I am to do? Pegasus nudges a space between Hercules left arm and body before poking his comforting face through. “My faithful friend. How you have stood with me through the toughest of times.” He pats his white soft cheek as he continue to ponder the current situation. But, all seems hopeless. He tells his friend to fill himself with the sweet grass in the distant pasture. “You'll need nourishment for our task ahead.” He stares at Pegasus as he trots away.
A distant gentle woman's voice asks, “Are you thirsty stranger?” Her intrusion is a welcomed relief from the mental torture. “Might I bring you a ladle of cool spring water to quench your thirst on this hot summer day?”
Hercules turns his head to see the source of the voice while never removing his head's supporting hand from his face. He responds to her kind request, “Yes please.” He watches as she leans over and retrieve the water from the well. Her long blonde hair flows in the mild breeze. He seems to be locked is some spell as she approaches. His eyes are captivated by her beauty as he continues to stare through his humble fingers.
She walks with the water being careful not to spill any. “What a beautiful day the gods have made.” Her eyes remain fixed on the ladle or water as she stands before him. “Here's your cool water sir.”
He removes his hand from off his face as he says, “Thank you kind maiden.” He tilts the ladle up and begins to sips the sweet spring water. His raised arm blocks his vision which gives her eyes a chance to truly view this stranger finding him full of muscles. Her mouth cannot hide what her heart sees as it surprisingly speaks, “Oh my.” She does not wish to be rude, so she decides to sit alongside this stranger. She smiles as he finishes drinking his water from his tilted ladle. “You must have been in dire thirst.”
As he lowers his drinking utensil she introduces herself. His handsome face forces her nervous smiling lips to crackle out, “Hi, I am Viola.”
His first real gaze confirms his heart's suggestion. Her stunning beauty takes his breath away. He too has a problem speaking. Her smile widens as he clumsily introduces himself. “And I am Hercules.”
Both of them gaze into each others eyes and are at a temporary loss for words. It's as if time stands still.
Viola immediately realizes she might be sitting next to a god. She uneasily utters, “You're not the son of Zeus, are you?”
He notices how tense she's become. “I am just a man.” His reply seems to settle her.
“Why have you come here sir?”
“I was passing by and felt the peace emitting from this place.”
She senses there is more to his story than he is telling. He looks like he carries a very heavy burden. Her heart begs her to somehow comfort him. She touches his shoulder with her warm soft hand. She does not wish to pry so she generalizes her statement. “Life sometimes gives us impossible loads to carry.” She sees she has hit a cord. Hercules places his hand on his worried face while propping his elbow on his knee. “Sometimes we just need to talk about our problem.” She knows her words still have not challenged his heart to speak. “Sometimes we just need someone to be alongside us and just be quiet.” She watches him as his mouth begins to smile. “I will just sit awhile and share this wonderful view of the country in silence-if that is alright?”
“I am sorry Viola. I am not attempting to be rude, but I have an impossible task that no man or woman could possibly help me with.” His words weigh heavy on him. He accidentally speaks what is in his heart verses what his mind means to say. “I cannot believe how beautiful, I mean, wise and caring you are.” He stares out of the side of his eye to see what her reaction might be.
“May I return the compliment. You too are very handsome, I mean, strong to carry such a heavy burden.”
Both of them giggle at their revelation's. He turns his face towards hers as a ton of worry mysteriously lifts off his shoulders.
She smiles at him with her very pretty face. “May I tell you a story?” She soothingly slides her hand down across his arm. He tingles inside to the power she hold over him. Her hypnotic eyes come in front of his. “Relax a moment more and I will speak an amazing tale.”
Hercules nods his approval with his serious smile.
“My grandfather once told me this astonishing child's bedtime story.” Viola stands amidst her stage as she acts a character in her play. “There once was a son of a Titan named Prometheus.” She proudly stands in authority, with her bent arms propped on her sides and her bosom pushed outward. “This son of a god looked down on mankind and was moved by their humble actions. The people gave their worship to the gods, along with their bountiful offerings.” She bends and bows as if she is the presences of majesty. “These poor but honest farmers gave all they might give. But the gods and goddesses rewarded their hard work with cold and endless winters.” Viola rubs her arms and shivers.
His eyes dance in joy as he laughs at her most amusing antics.
“Prometheus accepted their offerings of worship with gladness in his heart. But, he grew frustrated with the other gods for their cruel and selfish actions.” She looks at Hercules as her activity relays her incoming thought. “I know, I'll give man a gift to keep them warm and a light for them at night.”
Hercules has heard this story before many times, but he acts if it were his first time. “So, what happened next?” He knew Prometheus tricked Zeus in a bet, so father took fire from man as punishment. Prometheus later stole fire from Helios, the god of the Sun, and brought his torch to man.
“Prometheus waited for a time when all the gods and goddesses where occupied doing godly things.” Viola sees his burden lifting. “He sneaked his torch down Mount Olympus one night during a fierce snow storm. He found a farmhouse where the farmer was fast asleep. Prometheus stacked a pile of wood, and then lit it with his torch. He hid amongst the trees and waited for the fire to grow. The bright light woke the farmer from his sleep. The mysterious glow from outside beckon him to come see. Nervously he walked through his cold home and out into the night. He looked around in amazement to find he could see around at night. Mankind has been without fire so long they forgot what it was. The warmth felt so good he decided to bring a pale of red hot amber's inside his home. He slept warmly the rest of the night. Prometheus found joy in secretly giving man this present. He returned to Mount Olympus. In the following days, the farmer shared his fortune with all the villagers. Soon, the night was lit with warm cottages. The gods summoned Prometheus as they pointed down to Greece. Prometheus proudly proclaimed that he was the one to give man this present. He insulted them further by telling the gods he left man with the skill of metal work. This infuriated Zeus so much that they decided to punish him forever with a torture so hideous man cannot speak of it.” Viola joins Hercules alongside the wall.
“I have heard that story many times, but never the way you told it. Thank you for lifting my spirit.”
She grabs his arm with both her hands. “Wait. There is more. Everyday Prometheus lives this eternal torment. But, what is strange is he does it with a smile. Do you know why?”
This part of the story he has never heard. “Yes Viola. Why does he smile?”
“It's because he stole another gift from the gods just in case this happened. It was another kind of fire he discovered but hid from the gods”
Hercules listens as he has not before. He wonders if this could possibly be true.
“My grandfather told the story like this to me. No one knows exactly where it is hidden, but if someone could find it they could control the very gods. It burns with a cold blue flame. What is so mysterious is it has the power to bring the dead to life, and even control time. The holder can go where ever they wish on earth and to any time in the past. Now you know the reason why Prometheus smiles. He even hopes the human finder will release him from his eternal punishment.
Hercules questions Viola as to the validity of the stor
y.
“I always thought it just a child's story, but my grandfather believed in it with all his heart.
He grows excited with hope to think there maybe even the slightest chance this flame exist. “Might I be able to speak with your grandfather?”
Viola becomes confused to see him grow so anxious by this myth. He looks so desperate she fears to tell him that he's dead.
Hercules senses her dilemma by asking, “He walks the Elysian fields, doesn't he?”
Her sweet sad face just slowly nods up and down.
Hercules feels this glimmer of hope burn out as his hasty burden returns.
“I do know one person who knows more about this story than I. My old Granny still lives.”
He apprehensively looks at her as his heart ask where he might find her.
Her power over him helps her detect what he wants to ask. “Would you like to visit with her Hercules?”
He forms a smile as his answer.
“I need to go and grab my cape for the long journey.”
He whistles for Pegasus as Viola returns with her cape. “Heee” proceed the approaching winged steed as he trots over.
In this moment she totally realizes this is the son of Zeus. She feels so embarrassed how she has acted in front of this demigod. She moves away and then humbly bows before him. “My lord.” The winged horse nudges her aside as he competes for the space in front of his master.
Hercules will have none of that. He grabs and kisses her. “You Viola will never bow before me again. I should humble my self before you.”
She does not know what to say. She shyly blushes and giggles in his presences.
“It seems Pegasus likes you. Well introduce yourself to my new friend Viola.”
Pegasus nudges her once again, and then nibbles her cheek with his flapping lips.”
“Oh Viola, I think you have a new boyfriend.”
She laughs as she kisses Pegasus cheek.”I've only heard of you in fables my winged friend.”
Hercules amusingly asks, “have you ever flown?”
“Only gods and birds fly.”
He hoist her on to Pegasus and says, “Well you're about to.”
Hercules leaps on his stallion's back and tells Pegasus, “Away.”
Viola holds tight around Hercules waist. Pegasus flaps as he gallops upward. Hercules feels her excited body tremble knowing she is experiencing what only gods and goddess have.
One hour passes before Viola sees her Granny's cottage. She points down to tell Hercules where to land. He steers right while saying “Down my friend.”
Hercules stands at the quaint cottage door as Viola knocks.
A faint crackly voices states, “I'm coming dear. Please wait a moment for these old legs to catch up to my young mind.”
Viola smiles and whispers, “My Granny is sweet as honey.”
He waits behind her as Granny opens the door.
“Oh, what a surprise my little lady bug.” She hugs Viola as the pair joyfully embrace.
Their warmth and love overflow as Hercules's eyes cover in mist.
“Who is this very handsome friend of yours? If he's not your boyfriend, I may have to steal him from you.” She politely nudes Viola aside before wrapping her arms around one of his. She giggles while slowly ushering the blushing man inside.”
Embarrassed Viola follows them in.
“Viola, I think you caught a keeper. Not only is he big and beautiful, he is full of muscles.”
Viola asks him. “Might you like to rest a spell?” She points to a worn cozy chair by a big window. He is joyfully overwhelmed by all the affection.
He bends his head down near Granny's. “Not before I give my new girlfriend a kiss.” He pecks Granny's cheek.
She begins fanning her face. “I feel young again!” As she blushes she asks, “Might the pair of you like some nice honey nectar and a bite to eat?” She walks step by step towards her kitchen to fill their order.
Hercules feels the urgency to hurry, but Viola's big beautiful eyes and questioning expression ask him might we stay just a little while? He feels powerless to her majestic might as he confirms her request with his nodding head.
Viola replies,”Yes please. Thank you grandmother.” She stretches upward and rewards him with a warm peck on his cheek. He blushes.
Granny invites them to come join her at the diner table. Hercules pull Granny's chair out for her. “What a well manned man.” She sits and smiles as he pushes her toward the table.
Viola is captivated by this god. He seems so caring. Her heart melts forcing her adoring face to proclaim, “Yes Granny, he most certainly is.” She grabs a warm diner roll from the basket as her eyes fix on him. Granny slaps Viola's hand, stinging her back to reality. “We must pray first and thank the gods for this blessing.”
Everyone reverently bows their head as Granny speaks. “Thank you for what we are about to eat. Thank you Zeus for providing for us meager mortals. And, thank you for...? Viola, I just realized I do not even know your handsome friend's name.”
“It's Hercules Granny.”
Granny's mouth sticks open to learn this man's name. She hurries to speak. “Dear Zeus. Hercules?”
Viola clarifies her wandering mind, “You know Granny, Hercules, the son of Zeus.”
Granny becomes numb and nervous as she tries to bow before him.
Hercules rushes to her side and leans her worried face toward his.
Viola grows concerned about Granny's aging heart. She listens to her gasp.
Hercules kisses her face several times. It soothes Granny enough to giggle, “I never thought a god would ever visit my humble home, yet kiss these old cheeks.”
He smiles and reminds her, “You're my girlfriend too.”
Viola's face turns as red as Autumn's apple to hear him say what her throbbing heart so desires. He suddenly recognizes what his heart accidentally said.
Granny bashfully notices what their hearts are saying. She asks, “Does this mean I may have grandchildren one day?”
Hercules coughs out a piece of dinner roll as humiliated Viola says, “Granny!” Hercules looks at Viola. She shyly smiles at him as his red blushing face smiles back. There is a momentary silence.
Hercules asks Granny, “I do not wish to be rude but there is another reason we've come here.”
Viola explains the bedtime tale grandfather believed was true. She finishes the story at the part where the blue fire is introduced. “You told me once you also believed Prometheus stole this substance and hid it from the gods. Is this true Granny?”
“Yes my dear. This son of a Titan believed in the prophecy.”
“What prophecy Granny? I never heard grandfather say that.”
“It is a little known secret that before Prometheus betrayed Zeus, Metis, the goddesses of all wisdom, told him what he would do. Part of the prophecy was giving mankind the yellow fire of the sun. The last part warned him if he was brave enough to steal Chronos' blue fire of fate it would one day free him from his torture. This cold fire burns with the embers of time itself. If Prometheus was successful in obtaining it, one day a brave hero would free him.”
Hercules gently grasp Granny's hands. “Do you know where it might be hid? This is very important.”
“I don't know why, but the gods hide clues in riddles. Let me see if I can remember. I think it goes like this.
There is a place beneath the waves where fire cannot burn. Within this space are children graves, dead monsters toss and turn. Amidst their chains, on ocean's bed, they think, no I mean, they dream to be awaken. The blue sea flames, might lift their heads, when their fire's taken. You must take care, when you draw near, to see the string of time. Either cut this hair, or wake this layer, the reeling fire will rewind.
Hercules asks, “Do either of you know what this riddle means?”
Granny says, “Grandfather tried to solve the puzzle for years. The only thing he could figure out is dead grandchildren of Titans rest
there. Somehow the blue fire can bring them back to life. He could never imagine where their graves are except somewhere deep under the sea. Father imagined the hair the poem speaks of is likely from the god Typhon. It seems touching the strand will alert this god to bring on great calamity. After all, he is the god of monsters, storms, and volcanoes. If you do not cut the strand you risk bringing all the Titan back to life. It seems impossible to retrieve the blue fire.”
Hercules kisses Granny's cheek. “Thank you. I must be going. I have much to do.” He looks at Viola with urgency in his face. “It's time to leave.”
Viola hurries to kiss her Granny and tell her, “I love you and I'll beck soon.” She rushes toward the front door that Hercules holds open.
“I will bring you home Viola. And then I must be on my way.”
She waves and smiles to Granny as the pair mount Pegasus.
Granny cannot believe her eyes to see her granddaughter flying off on the mythical horse with this princely demigod. She places her hand on her excited heart and says, “I see the gods go with you.” She stares in this magical moment until they vanish out of sight over the distant horizon.
Viola holds tight as Hercules gives the order to descend. Pegasus gallops to a stop in the green pasture where he grazed earlier.
“I thank you for all your help Viola.”
She graciously curtsies before him. “Will you be back sometime?” Her mind hopes she is not being too forward asking such a question. But, her heart desperately prays he might consider the notion.
He leaps on Pegasus. Hercules swoops down and gives Viola a surprise kiss. “That you can count on.” He smiles while raring Pegasus upward. “Up, up, and beyond!”
She watches them gallop skyward as her body tingles all over. Her hand covers her lips as she falls secretly in love with the stranger she just met. He disappears in the clouds before her heart comes down to earth. She tells herself I'll be here waiting new boyfriend.
Hercules knows of only one human that may know where to find this graveyard of the Titan's. He is off to find Ulysses, the only man to have circumvented the known world by sea. If there is a way, he will know how to find it.
Ulysses looks up to see the flying white stallion. He covers his eyes with his saluting hand to block the blur of the bright sun. He is able to make out who rides the marvelous beast as he quietly whispers, “It's been a while my friend.”
Moments later, Hercules lands the galloping Pegasus on the sparkling beach near Ithaca. Ulysses lays his wood-plane tool on the ship he is building. He watches the pair trot toward him. The ocean waves crashing and the chattering gulls make talking impossible at this distance. There smile and gaze at each other instead.
Hercules pats Pegasus and pushes him towards the glistening rippling sea. Ulysses stares in delight as the magnificent beast romps and frolics in the cool blue sea. Hercules draws near the king and captain of so many adventures.
“My good friend Ulysses. How have you been since we last met? Looks as if you are close to finishing your new home away from home.”
“Good. You're here just in time.” Ulysses moves toward the Stern of the vessel as he bids Hercules with his hand to wait here at the bow. “I need help in turning this monster over.”
Hercules asks, “Is she seaworthy?”
“This ship is the finest I've ever built. Yes, she is. I was just placing some finishing touches on her.”
“Well then.” Hercules slides under the sixty foot boat and hoist it upward. Ulysses stands and watches. He carries it to the edge of the sea before setting the wooden hull down.
“Look ma, no hands.” Ulysses laughs as Hercules chocks the ship's hull upright. “Thanks my son. That would have taken forty strapping men half a day to do what you just did in two minutes.”
“What risky venture are you off to now? Haven't you experienced enough astounding adventures in your life?”
“That my son is what keeps me so young. At least at heart. Take my ship away and you may as well invite the Ferryman man to pay me a visit. I'm not ready for Hades yet.”
Hercules decides to change the subject.
Ulysses notices him seriously thinking. “I don't think you came here just to do a good deed. Now that you gave me a gift, what can I help you with?”
Hercules knows the gods are probably watching from Mount Olympus. “Is there a place we might go where the gods cannot see?”
“If there is, it is one place I've never found. Tell me what is on your mind. Do not worry. This won't be the first time I angered the gods. Just hurry before your father hurls a lightening bolt down from the heavens.”
Hercules sternly states, “That is one reason I am here. The gods and goddesses imprisoned Zeus.”
Ulysses understands the seriousness of the situation as he bids the hesitating Hercules to continue.
“The people of Athens are under a curse that I have no current way of breaking. They are soon to perish. My father was taken captive by the other gods wishing to steal his power and might. I pray my stepmother Hera and friend Hermes have not been captured. And, I need to find a mythical substance I'm not sure even exist. Maybe then I can start to unravel this noose chocking the life out of me.”
“Is that all. I thought you were going to ask something impossible of me. Where do we start?”
“I start at the graveyard of the Titans. This is something I must do alone. It is too dangerous for a mortal.”
“You mean if you survive the vengeance of the gods, and are lucky enough to out maneuver monsters and mayhem, and can figure out by your self the riddles the gods speak in, then you may avoid detriment to your life. Does this sound about right?”
Hercules bows his humble head in silence to all the unimaginable obstacles that lay ahead.
“And, you think you can handle this all alone?” He stares at this hero that is at a loss for words.
That's what I thought. This is why I am coming too. Blast you Poseidon!”
Hercules lifts his face slightly up to acknowledge another person would be helpful.
“Lets shake the pillars of Mount Olympus together. And together share the eternal glory. If we perish, at least we'll keep each other company in the dungeon of Tartarus forever. When do we start?”
“I pray you may know where we need to go.”
“It's two days journey from here. But first, help me load the ship with the supplies we will need as I assemble my best sailors.”
“Make sure the men understand the peril that awaits them Ulysses.”
“Don't worry. I'll tell them 'we all sail to a certain death'. But, this will not be their first adventure facing the impossible.”
Hercules finishes loading the last of the equipment as Ulysses leads a band of burly bronze men toward the ship. He turns to Pegasus and says, “My dear friend. I thank you for all your loyal service. I go on a journey you cannot come on. I will call you when I return. Bye my dear faithful friend.” He watches as Pegasus obeys. His steed gallops up and away.
“I bring you thirty of the finest sailors and warriors Greece has to offer.” Ulysses stops just short of the ship to let the men file past. “This is Demetrius. He has been my second in command for over twenty years.”
The gentleman approach Hercules with his outstretched hand.
“I have heard many heroic stories of your adventures. It is an honor to sail with you Hercules.”
He welcomes him with his hand. “The honor is mine Demetrius.”
The line of men receive a congratulatory back pat from this larger than life hero as they pass into the ship. Ulysses is the last over the side of the ship.
He leans down and commands, “Shove off and hoist sails men.”
The men marvel as the ship slides a hundred feet from the beach to the sea. As the ship's sail fill with the fresh sea breeze, Hercules leaps on board. You can see their heads shake side to side in disbelief as they take their position's on ship.
Ulysses orders, “Hard
to port twenty degrees Demetrius.” He comes alongside Hercules. “I guess we sail toward our greatest victory, or damnation.” He looks his friend in the eyes waiting for his response. Ulysses laughs with a menacing voice. “I guess we'll find out together what tricks the gods of Olympus will play upon us.”
Hercules predicts their fate as he yells out for all the crew to hear, “To our greatest victory!”
The crew cheers to hear his proclamation. But, they all know treachery awaits just ahead.
Amidst the applause Hercules asks Ulysses, “Who watches over your kingdom?”
“I leave charge to my son Telemachus. Ithaca remains in good hands.”
“Where do we sail?”
“To visit an old friend.”
“Whom might that be?”
“King Chrysaor.”
Hercules wonders if this is a good idea. This giant king is a child of Poseidon and Medusa. “Is there a reason you risk seeking him out?”
“I have and idea where the sea monsters are buried. King Chrysaor will know exactly where the graveyard lay, and how to deal with the hindrances awaiting our mission.” Ulysses pats his arm and says, “Trust me.”
Hercules passionately waits for what lay ahead. Ulysses informs him he is retiring for the night. He warns him to take this opportunity to rest up as well. The only noise is from the half of the crew making their bed for the night, as the rest quietly perform their duties. He stands looking at the thousands of stars that twinkle in the darkness of night while questioning many things. But, his body alerts him to take heed to the captains suggestion as his mouth is forced to yawns.
Ulysses wakes Hercules with his pounding. He raises his sore neck up from the roll of rope his head sleep upon.
“Sorry if I disturbed your beauty sleep Hercules. I heard gods don't need sleep anyways.” He laughs as he continues to pound the metal object.
Hercules stumbles over alongside. As he stretches he asks, “What are you making?” He notices the crew staring at his expanding muscles.
“I am making a gift fit for a king. Never come before royalty without a present.”
Hercules sees the red hot object that Ulysses pounds upon. Golden sparks fly up with each strike of his heavy hammer. This is something Hercules has never seen before.
“What makes this gift so special is the Adamantine it is made of.” Hercules ponders how Ulysses could have gotten this unbreakable metal from the gods. “I can see you're thinking. I made a deal with Hephaestus, the blacksmith of Mount Olympus.” Hercules thinks what he could possible give that the gods might want. “It seemed he was willing to trade for something even more valuable. It took some haggling for Hephaestus to part with his precious ore. I offered as payment the Golden Fleece.”
“I thought Jason stole that from the king of Colchis. Did you steal it from Jason?””
“No, no. I made him a deal after the fleece filled its purpose.”
Hypnotized Hercules stares as the sparks fly and the hammer smashes before it repeatedly dances along the stretching hot metal. He cannot imagine what shape Ulysses is attempting. It just looks to be long. “So, what actually is your gift?”
“That is exactly what it is, a surprise gift. You'll find out later.”
Hercules walks the wooden deck toward the bow. He peers off into the distant horizon seeing nothing but sea.
CHAPTER 6: ISLAND OF ERYTHEIA