Seriphos was a small island kingdom of little renown, but it was situated at an axis of powers in the Aegean. The bloodline of Polydectes was one of few unbroken across the Greek world and such things still mattered. That is why aristocracy would often flock to the old blood like a moth to the flame. Seriphos saw many visitors of foreign courts and nobility, received their gifts and compliments, feasted and engaged in excessive festivities.

That is why when three warships arrived at its shores, the king did not fear to be raided. For he knew the power of those who he fraternized with on the regular far outstripped any bold invader.

Of course, if Typhos expedition had deigned to attack, they would have triumphed. It would have been an inevitable one-sided massacre. The king’s arrogance could well be his downfall one day. It was fortuitous for the blind king then that the scholar’s pursuit was single-minded on the cursed beast far away.

Seriphos had no palace. Despite its generous supporters, the royal lineage only had a large mansion. This place was opulent beyond words compared to the rest of the surrounding town, but it would not stand the test of time if the king’s legacy ended. Still, it was common courtesy among the citizens to still refer to it as a palace in public. A courtesy ingrained through the many thorns of whips.

Now the gates to the large mansion opened wide for the guests who had caused a great uproar with their uninvited arrival. To say that the guards were weary and hostile would have been an understatement, yet when Typhos and his escort stepped inside the entire atmosphere changed swiftly.

“Welcome!” The joyous voice of man echoed through the main hall. He was standing there, atop the staircase, arms raised invitingly to each side. He was accompanied by two servants who carried trays of food and drink alongside him at all times and two bulky guards were not leaving his back unprotected.

This well guarded and cared for man wore a beard so long that it passed his chest. His equally unrestrained mane was tinged in streaks of silver between the wooden browns. His skin was rather pale for an islander, displaying his long life in the shade of his mansion, shielded from Helios gaze.

As he descended the steps he was giving them all a cheerful smile… until his eyes met with the acorn-brown pair of Perseus. A flicker of malice passed the happy expression, before returning to the newcomers.

“It is good to see you again my brother.” The man grabbed Dyctis’ arm amicably.

“Likewise. I have brought you guests, my king.” Dyctis replied modestly and extended his hand to motion towards Typhos.

“Didn’t he say he was just a fisherman?” Markos muttered in surprise.

“Those who do not seek the throne may well follow any occupation they see fit.” Typhos whispered from the edge of his mouth without dropping his set smile.

“Hail you, my guests. For you to arrive at my court at such a merry time is indeed felicitous. We are in preparation for grand festivities in the coming days and it would honor us to have you participate with your men.” He invited them graciously.

“It would be our honor.” Typhos bowed his head appreciatively. Markos and the rest looked at him dubiously. “There are a few matters I would like to discuss regarding our ships…”

“Ah yes, I will leave all these troublesome things to my advisors. Dyctis, if you would please lead this nobleman to our chamberlain.” The king brushed them off rather quickly. His long beard swayed a little as he turned away.

“Brother, do you not wish to know the details of our guest’s situation? We may not be able to help them with-“

“We are going to make good on our oath of hospitality. Everything else is unimportant.” Polydectes did not heed his brother any mind and clapped for his servants to move. “I must excuse myself, there are important issues for me to consider today as well.” He was already up and ready to go for the throne room. Then he stopped himself just one more time to ask “What is your name, dear guest?”

“Typhos of Bisanthe.” Typhos responded with a glint in his eyes.

“Bisanthe? Indeed. Well, it is a name I have not heard in a long time. It is good to know aristocrats are still strong in the east.” And with that Polydectes left.

After the king was out of the room the atmosphere got heavier again.

“My brother is not all too concerned with the state of the world beyond our kingdom. I ask you to forgive his disinterest.” Dyctis said patiently and then waved over a servant. “Please get us the chamberlain.”

“There is nothing to forgive good fisherman. We are in your debt.” Typhos replied gracefully.

“If you require supplies we have plenty to spare because of the coming festivities, but this is not something I can discuss on my own.” Dyctis was humble indeed.

“You said you were from Athens before.” Their business talk was interrupted by the dubious Perseus. “Why did you lie?” His inquisitive gaze was uninhibited.

“Perseus, you have to hold your tongue sometimes.” Dyctis sighed.

“But what he said contradicted-“

“Perseus.” Dyctis gave him a scolding look.

“I did not speak any lies.” Typhos raised his hand to stop Dyctis from giving a lecture to his pupil. “I was born in Bisanthe. My blood is from Bisanthe. My lineage is from Bisanthe. Indeed, my whole life is devoted to Bisanthe.” He smiled with a hint of melancholy. “But I was raised in Athens, I have lived through Athens and my life is indebted to Athens.”

Perseus crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. He did not seem to understand.

“You look like a bright lad. It is good to question people’s intentions.” Typhos said with a fresh smile. “I am sure your master can teach you this lesson if you asked. We are different people depending on whether we are standing before a fisherman or a king.”

“I am always myself and no other.” Perseus said seriously.

“Haha, it appears so. How admirable.” Typhos seemed amused more than offended.

“I apologize, he is very nosy.” Dyctis finally had enough and pushed Perseus head down with one hand to stop any more rude remarks. “The chamberlain is here, please ask him anything you desire. If there is something he doesn’t know you may send a messenger to find me in town. I wish you a good day with Poseidon’s winds in your sail.” He sent them off with the servants.

“I have to go back to the tower too. Zeretos and grandpa p-probably went back already and they’ll probably beat me if I don’t come back soon.” Ajax spoke up with a resigned voice.

“You should not let them treat you like that. Should I come with you?”

“N-no it’s fine! Grandpa is just trying to raise me right.” The younger friend was loyal in his own way.

“I understand… See you tomorrow.” Perseus smiled weakly.

“I want you to go back to your room and think about what you did wrong.” Dyctis roughly pulled Perseus over by the shoulder and laid an arm around him to keep him locked.

“But master-“

“No buts. You could have died fighting someone that is not your enemy. I fail as your teacher if I cannot even convey to you that a sheathed sword can be more effective than a drawn spear. I will not raise a fool.”

His words were harsh, but Perseus knew that he was speaking out of love.

“I am sorry.”

“That is the most difficult part, you are always genuine.” Dyctis smiled wryly and slapped the young man on the back to make him move. “You may join the festivities the day after tomorrow, but until then, stay put.”

“I promise.”

----------------------------------------

The sun was drawing to the edge of the horizon and the palace was quieting down. The guests had returned to their ships to organize the supplies, but a handful of them would stay at the mansion as honored guests. Due to the many ships that would arrive in the next few days they were requested to move the triremes to the opposite end of the island. The sailors were in a bad mood because they could not settle down on solid ground, but Pelagios bribed their moods with wine.

“Milord, why’d you lie to ‘em about the supplies?” Pelagios asked Typhos with appropriate distance.

“We have a shortage on a few pieces here and there.” Typhos said in a playful mood.

“You’re right. But I could’ve sworn I prepared e’rything we needed in Athens. Instead there was lotsa stuff I didn’t buy.” The old sailor scratched his head uncertainly. “If we went straight for the cursed isle with this, we surely coulda made the trip back with what we ‘ave all the same.”

“My dear Pelagios, there are things you can only obtain in distant lands.” Typhos leaned on one of the fresh water barrels and made a square with his fingers to focus on the distant mansion of king Polydectes.

“You know best.” The captain folded as he always did. He was not as thick as he made himself out to be. Everyone knew that they hadn’t come here to stock up on supplies.

“Hm, do you look forward to the festivities?”

“My ‘pologies milord, but if my crew stays on the ships, then my place is with them.”

“A shame. I am certain that your old war stories would have impressed the king.” Typhos said distantly as if in thought.

The sailor bit his lower lip and then exhaled.

“…is the boy who you were lookin’ for?” It seemed that even Pelagios could not contain his curiosity at times.

“Did Markos speak in his sleep again?” Typhos leaned his head back as he made such an uncharacteristic joke.

“Nay, it is just that I overheard you.” He admitted honestly. “And there’s rumors going ‘round the port. About a boy who’s blessed by the gods in battle.”

“I cannot say for certain, but there is something to him that I find intriguing.” Typhos nodded. “I have never met a demigod, but perhaps this is…” He trailed off quietly, so the captain couldn’t hear him.

“He gave the mercs some trouble and cost me a man, so the stuff about his skill is true to my old eyes.”

“Most certainly. I was having second thoughts on how much coin I invested into our armed friends.” The scholar chuckled. “Do not tell Markos I said that.” He added boyishly.

“Do you wanna recruit him?” The captain was doubtful, uneasy eyes and hands revealed it. To enlist such a young man into battle was always a cruelty.

“I have learned a long time ago that some people cannot be bought. It has only been a day, but I have the same impression of this one. How troublesome, would you not agree?”

“What’s he want if not coin?”

“That.” Typhos straightened his back and stretched his frail arms. “I intend to find out.”

----------------------------------------

The days passed peacefully on Seriphos. The expedition settled in quickly and their leaders found themselves comfortable in the king’s guest quarters. With each day a new ship of some aristocrat would arrive and the rooms would get filled one by one. Each brought with them many slaves and food for the coming festivities. It became clear soon that Polydectes was merely the host, not the provider.

On the third day Perseus was finally dismissed from his house arrest and allowed to return to his daily life on the island. Dyctis had little time to train him as he was unusually occupied with the guests, but that did not stop Perseus from exercising on his own.

After disassembling the straw puppet with his wooden training sword he cleaned his face with a wet linen towel and sighed. Two days’ worth of pent up energy could not be released all at once, so he felt dissatisfied. These bales of straw with helmets attached to them were not suited as training partners.

“I knew I would find you here again.” A soft voice rang through the doorway and made him stiffen up. The woman entered without hesitation into the room that smelled of sweat, dry hay and old bronze.

“Mother!” Perseus eyes lit up and he threw aside his towel to stretch forward his arms. Then he realized that he was still drenched and retracted them shamefully.

“You will not give me my long awaited hug?” She questioned with a raised brow.

“I am still dirty from training-“ He tried to explain himself, but was cut off by her warm embrace. For a moment he thought of prying himself away, but then he returned it softly.

“You really need a bath.” She said with a chuckle and grimaced.

“I told you so.” He retorted.

“My son, you have been punished for acting rashly again I heard.” She finally let go and put a hand on his cheek.

“The guests from Athens came unannounced and brought warships…” He started, but her look shut him up right away.

“You will give Dyctis much grief if you continue to act this way.”

“He said the same thing about you.” Perseus sighed.

“He is a wise man.” She said while pulling on his cheek.

Danae was the mother of Perseus and a woman that received special treatment at the court of Polydectes. She had beautiful flowing hair that reached to her lower back and seemed to have never been dirty. Her acorn-brown eyes were like mirrors of her son’s. And her beauty was truly envied by all women on the island.

But to Perseus none of that really mattered. His mother was a woman of unending kindness and integrity. She had never once raised her voice at anyone who wronged her and she did respect the king more than anyone for what he did for them. She did not need to lift a single finger, yet she still worked as much as any servant girl. Anyone could tell by the calluses on her slender hands. He could feel them each time she brushed aside his hair…

“I just wish these guests would leave.” He spoke up and shook her hand off.

“Why do you act so rudely?”

“They came with over a hundred armed men and the king just lets them trample on our home. We already gave them the supplies they needed, but they are still not satisfied.” He clenched his fist.

“What angers you so? They are welcome here, just like anyone else. Like us.” Danae said patiently.

“Mother, do you truly think we belong here?” Perseus could not contain his words.

“We have no other home to return to.” She responded slowly. “Do you dislike Seriphos that much?”

“No, I think this place if as good as any. I have Ajax and master.” He replied truthfully. Although no one else was very fond of him, he did have those irreplaceable people close to his heart. But…

“But you do not feel like you belong.” She caught his quick glance.

“I don’t know.” He resigned to this unfulfilled feeling and turned away. “What worries me is not myself-“ He interrupted himself quickly and picked up the wooden sword to stow it away.

“Have I worried you somehow?” Danae was, like most mothers, always able to read her child’s thoughts.

Perseus swallowed and stopped his hands. Then he hastily shook his head and threw the sword into the chest. He put on a strong face and gave his mother a guileless smile.

“I will never let anything happen to you.” He swore proudly.

“That does not answer my question.” She sighed and rubbed his cheek one more time. His smile did not crumble, so she gave up. “I will entertain the guests tonight alongside our king. If you swear not to drink any wine I would love to have you join us.”

“Wine is nasty.” Perseus stretched out his tongue in disgust.

“So you tried it. Who gave it to you?” She asked with a terrifying aura.

“N-nobody! I just found a leftover amphora…” He hastily made up an excuse. For all his serious behavior, he still was a boy at heart.

“Is that so? Then I hope you have learned your lesson not to drink whatever you pick up from the ground, like some cattle.” Her scolding was light this time, but he knew she would not let him off the hook if he repeated his mistake. Her expression changed moments later. “Invite Ajax to join us as well. I haven’t seen him in so long.”

“His grandfather is working him like a mule.”

“I will try to talk to Zeretos about him. I wish he would show his face around court more often. Don’t laugh, but he is like another son to me.” She was already much happier again.

“And a brother to me.” He nodded. Mockery was not part of his personality. Although he sometimes wondered if Ajax had any idea how he appeared to his surroundings, he knew that he was a good person who would support them as best as he could. Such loyalty would be returned.

“Clean yourself up and greet Dyctis for me.” She was ready to say her goodbyes already.

“Did you not see him?” He asked in surprise.

“He is a busy man. The king puts great trust into him and he lives up to it each time. Only his fishing may suffer from all these obligations.” She seemed rather proud of Perseus’ master.

He knew that they had always gotten along since the day that she had arrived on this island… carrying the baby in her arms… escaping the deadly sea.

“You have gone pale.” She pointed out with worry.

“My sweat is turning cold!” He replied with exaggerated motions and picked up his towel again.

“What will I ever do with you?” She sighed exaggeratedly as well and left the room with fluttering hair.

He watched her disappear and then clutched the towel. The last thing he ever wished to do was worry his mother. These dark flashes of the past should not have had any grip on him anymore, but they came up at inopportune times.

He had decided that he would not let her come to fret over him anymore, but it was in a mother’s nature to worry. And perhaps it was in the son’s to cause it.

----------------------------------------

“I welcome you all once again to my kingdom, all you men of honor and noble blood!” Polydectes raised his drink to a toast in the center of the large throne hall. Tables had been prepared in the center to create a gigantic banquet that would have made even the gods envious. The ever flowing wine was sure to attract Dionysus and the constant melodies of the poets in the background must have been inspired by Apollo and his Muses.

The crowd cheered and shared in the toast. Ally or enemy, they all toasted as equals under the gaze of Polydectes! Today was a day for not only merriment, but also a change in power dynamics as new alliances were forged and others broken off. This neutral land was the only place where some would dare speak up.

Of course the long-bearded king held no interest in politics. He only chugged his wine and laughed as the men praised him.

“I wish to introduce you to a new friend of mine!” Polydectes spoke up once more before everyone could start their own chats. His cheeks were already slightly flushed from the alcohol, but he was a solid drinker, so he stood firm. He waved his hand to his right and gave the limelight to a young scholar with an impressive smile. “This is Typhos of Bisanthe! I have rarely met a boy with such promise. He is the son of the hero king himself, so blood and wholeness of the mind do truly go hand in hand!”

The crowd politely cheered and raised the mugs high, but their eyes were far from kind when directed at Typhos. Their doubts and hostility were all too apparent.

“I thank you for your kind words o’ king.” Typhos stayed unperturbed. “But my throne is still a long ways from here. For now I am a simple traveling scholar.”

“Humble above all, a true man to my liking.” Polydectes laughed and the crowd did the same.

“I am deeply impressed by the gathering of such renowned and powerful men. It seems that those born under the right star will always find each other. I am thankful for this meeting and your hospitality o’ king.” He put down his untouched wine and then clapped his hands. With a suspicious atmosphere the crowd looked towards the entrance and saw the group of sailors carry a large chest into the hall.

“What is this?” Polydectes acted surprised, albeit he was not a good actor.

“For your kindness I wish to give you a present. It may be too bold of an unannounced guest to bring the first offering, but I insist on my honor. I always repay my favors.” His smirk was self-satisfied indeed as he saw Polydectes greedy eyes follow the large chest’s movements.

“You are a man of honor and it is only good and right that I accept your tribute.”

“I am so glad to hear that.” He flicked his fingers and the chest was pushed open. Inside it were piles of coin and precious high quality pigments. This was an offering that not even the richest merchants could scoff at. Truly fit for a king.

The other aristocrats were all glaring at the chest. They surely compared their own presents to this in their heads and fell short. Typhos did very well know how to make an impression.

“For the inconvenience I have wrought unto your other guests I would like to offer them a few things as well.” To everyone’s shock more sailors came in with smaller chests and set them down before each noble guest. Then they all left without a word and left behind disbelieving men.

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“Hahahaha! This is the most amusing banquet I have ever had!” Polydectes laughed loudly and took another swig of his wine.

The mood changed instantly and the cheers became a lot more genuine. Typhos turned into a much beloved guest in a single night.

Further away from the commotion of the higher society sat the common folk of the town and the servants. Although they were not deemed worthy of the celebrations, the king rarely paid attention to their presence. It had become a habit for the lower people to make their own little banquet with leftovers at tables close to the walls and on the yards beyond the open gates.

Among these people sat Perseus and his friend Ajax.

“They are noisy today.” He muttered as he drank his goat’s milk.

“I-I s-saw the sailors carry very fancy things i-i-in chests. I’ve never seen such b-b-beautiful gems.” Ajax seemed so excited he stuttered worse than usual.

“Gems? What’s the use.” He didn’t share his friend’s excitement.

“Perseus, y-you know they are worth more than my grandpa makes in a year. You could buy plenty of oxen and goats with t-that.”

“Have you changed your occupation to farmer, Ajax?” He put a hand on his shoulder and grinned.

“No… but I think that w-would be nice.” The boy admitted.

“Do you dislike the watchtower so?” He raised a brow.

“I d-don’t like heights, you know that! If I could start working on a farm t-then I could take care of the animals. They are so wonderful.” He seemed a little dazed at the prospect of a farmer’s life.

“Tending the fields is slave labor. You will hurt your back.” He said dismissively and gulped down the rest of his milk.

“Do you not wish to s-settle down one day too Perseus?” Ajax seemed a bit offended.

“Maybe.” He replied vaguely and played with a slice of meat on his knife.

“You’re not going to join the g-guard right?!” He insisted on this topic.

“Pah.” He seemed unhappy by the suggestion.

“We’d rather tame Cerberus as our guard dog than enlist this savage.” And that was when the annoying voice of a familiar guardsman cut between them. His breath stunk of cheap wine and his spear was the only straight thing about his posture.

“…” Perseus refilled his mug with milk and ignored the sloshed guard.

“A wild badger maddened by wrathful spirits is more reliable than this brat.” He pushed his hand against Perseus face and put the other on Ajax shoulder.

“Do not touch me.”

“Oh ye? What’s da brat gonna do about it? Ya broke my hand so I can’t take my duty seriously, so lemme lean on ya!” The other guard had already come along as well. They pushed themselves on the bench and made some noise. The man with a sling around his arm was even more drunken than his friend and out of his armor.

“You made quite the mess for us. Opening the gate without permission, causing a ruckus for our guests, interfering with duty-“

“If you wish to complain then do it to the king.” Perseus pushed their hands off and rose from the table.

“Hah! The king’ll keep ignorin’ your plowing behavior, cuz of your beautiful harlot of a mothe-“ He could not finish his words as a mug was already pressed against his lips. Ajax, with shaking hands and fear in his eyes had pushed it into the guard’s face.

“Y-y-you need to drink m-more, sir! Tis a banquet!” His voice was so squeaky that it would make anyone feel sympathetic.

“That’s a good point.” The other guard agreed and poured himself more wine. “Let the fool go, we don’t waste our breath on savage beasts.”

“Hear hear.” The injured guard was still giving Ajax a confused look, but ultimately followed suit and chugged with his healthy arm.

Ajax looked after his friend who was already walking to the other end of the hall. He wanted to follow him, but…

“Hey! Zeretos boy, right? Pour me more wine. Your father knows a thing or two about dice games right?” The guards kept him busy.

Meanwhile Perseus suppressed the dark hot feeling in his chest. He knew that these simpletons just spoke in the language of the drunk. The next morning they would writhe in their bedstead and hold their splitting heads, regretting every moment of this night. But that did not make the horrible frustration go away.

The king was treating him differently? Ignoring his misconducts? That was an insult to him. If there was anyone who ignored misbehavior it was him!

He needed some fresh air. It had to calm his heated mind. This throne room seemed laughable tight today. The noise from the banquet just hurt his head. The sparkling stars on the satin firmament would give him peace.

“Hahaha! So that is what they consider in fashion around Attica?” Some Lydian noble was laughing at earsplitting volume next to him.

“It is popular anywhere but your country.” Another jabbed.

“Well, Typhos lives in Athens, so why doesn’t he tell us?” Polydectes was slapping the scholar on the back like a good friend already.

Perseus stopped his retreat and looked up. He watched the end of the long table to see the newcomer, the scholar who he had nearly beheaded on the first day.

“Athens is like the fields of Korinthia.” Typhos replied thoughtfully. “The great mix of wild flowers is what gives it its beauty. If we all wore the same colors and leaves, nobody could stand out.”

“Oho! That is a real scholarly thing to say!”

“You’re so cultured.”

“Huh? So it’s not in style?”

“It seems to me that the Archon’s wife wears much light blue this season.” Typhos finally gave a straight answer and everyone laughed.

“I knew it!”

Their conversation was as vain as usual. Perseus had thought the scholar above such empty pleasantries. He wasn’t sure why he thought that way himself. What was it about those deep eyes that seemed to give him such a fascinating charisma?

“You really must travel a lot. You even knew about Rhodian stonework.” One of the aristocrats seemed enamored as well and kept pressing Typhos. Young men with pretty faces were often popular with the older nobles especially.

“I must confess I did not visit many places yet. This is only my second time on sea.” Typhos replied with feigned embarrassment.

“No way! You sound so well-traveled.” This seemed to cause some fuss among the crowd.

“I stick to the land routes, mostly. My ship captain on the other hand is a man who has been all across the world. I wish he had not been too shy to come with me.” He smiled endearingly and the men laughed.

“I am so very curious now.” Suddenly the king joined in again after taking a backseat with his wine for a while.

“Yes my king?”

“What is it you seek to achieve with those triremes?”

The atmosphere perceptibly became more strained in a heartbeat. Some of the aristocrats who had been hostile before had been so due to the news of three warships on the other end of the island. This issue had nearly been put out of their minds, but now it rekindled some animosity. Many of them had never even owned one triremes and none of them had the manpower to fight back so many warriors.

Perseus leaned behind a pillar and perked up his ears. This topic was finally gripping his attention as well.

“I was not intending to hide it from you my king.” Typhos put down his green apple – he had only taken a single bite all eve – and rose up from his chair. The pose he took was theatrical to say the least. “I would like to make an announcement to ease your minds and indulge my ego ever so little.”

“Very weeeell!” Polydectes seemed amused and clapped his hands so everyone in the hall would turn quiet for the address.

“My name is Typhos and I am the son of king Heroides, also known as the hero king. It may not mean much anymore, but I will inherit the kingdom of Bisanthe. To that end I have decided to achieve a feat that no other man could!”

Such words were not taken lightly. The son of a hero would try to surpass the legends and become an even greater hero. Man feared monsters and the gods alike, but heroes were ahead of such inhibitions. Only the foolhardy or the divine could be this confident. Was there a third kind?

“Out here on this wonderful island many must have heard of its infamous legend already. The monster I seek to slay is none other than the Gorgon!”

Silence followed that declaration. The men could hardly believe their ears.

“Does it even exist?” One asked with a fearful expression.

“Indeed. I have met it myself.” Typhos replied immediately.

“And you lived?!”

“It was a short, but terrible affair. It was a heartless beast without a shred of humanity. Every legend that you heard was not doing it justice.” He declared.

“But then how do you intend to slay it?”

“I have brought the finest mercenaries with me and some other trump cards.” He said with a confident smirk.

“That monster had been around since before my grandmother was born.” One of the older aristocrats recalled. He came from another island further south. “They say its face looks like a hundred writhing snakes and its body is a diseased lioness.”

“I heard if it looks at you, all of your limbs fall off!”

“Cursed, all cursed, no human can slay it. Leave it to the gods” One man spat out.

“The gods decide all, but I intend to become worthy of their attention.” Typhos showed his devout side and sat down again.

“You’re ambitious to be sure.” Polydectes seemed incredibly amused and spilled some wine into his long beard. Tales of monsters and heroes were always a delight.

“If it would please you my king, I wish to return to Seriphos once I have decapitated the beast.”

“Ohhhh?” His excitement rose beyond the measurable, but he kept up his royal dignity.

“The trophy is for the council in Bisanthe, but it would honor me if you were the first to see it. The Gorgon’s head is something that no Archon or king will ever get to see, but you are a great man that deserves such a trophy, in my humble opinion.” He said smoothly.

“Well well, now you have gotten me intrigued beyond words. It would be a delight like none other in my life to receive such a gift.” The king was prideful, but even he understood just how impressive that gesture was.

“To a hero!” The others made a toast and cheered.

Until a single sentence echoed inside the hall.

“What if you fail?”

The first time this evening a woman had spoken up. It was…

“Sweet Danae?! I have missed you so!” Polydectes immediately rose up when he saw the woman appear with a plate of amphorae and cheese. She had helped the servants pass around the goods. “Please join us! My wine has run dry, but your smile alone can pour honey into my mind.” He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his throne.

“My king.” She lowered her head and let him hold her, but she made sure to put the plate down first.

“We did not have the pleasure yet, I fear…” Typhos had watched this unfold with interest.

“This is Danae, the woman of my dreams.” The king spoke for her. “You have been gone for so long I feared your illness had reclaimed you.”

“Not at all, I feel very healthy. All thanks to the physicians you have sent to me.” She replied quietly. The hand around her hip was digging uncomfortably into her flesh, but she did not make any faces.

“My sweet Danae has been an honored guest for over 12 years. She is the pearl of Seriphos. You have to look after yourself or else we will experience an irreplaceable loss.” His face closed in as he tried to cozy up to her ear, but she skillfully slipped out of his grip.

“I must work to repay your kindness my king. This wine is sent to you with the regards of the Spartan king.” She poured him a drink without missing a beat. Polydectes seemed disappointed, but the good drop cured that mood swing in an instant.

“Look upon her gentleman! A woman beyond the integrity of mortals. Your wives cannot ever compare! It warms the cockles of my heart.” His claims were tactless beyond words, but the crowd just made acknowledging noises. Nobody had the gall to protest the king’s words.

“You surely are an impressive woman.” Typhos agreed and followed her trained movements. “If I may come back to the topic at hand however, you were doubting my endeavor?”

She froze and seemed to realize she had overstepped her bounds. She looked up to Typhos who gave her an even stare.

“I meant no offense, great scholar. I simply fear for the lives of your expedition. Sea monsters are not to be trifled with.”

“Haha, Danae can be so motherly and emotional, she even cares for strangers.” Polydectes seemed endeared and completely obtuse to the heated eye-contact between the two.

“Wonderful qualities.” Typhos was the first to break away and leaned on one hand. His consideration was not superficial. “But as all women care for their children, a man cares for his legacy. My path cannot be altered, my course is set. The Gorgon will die.”

“I will be ordering some offerings to the shrine in your name.” Polydectes said amicably. Thinking this was all tribute for him, he had a vested interest.

“But let me consider this. As a scholar I am always interested in hypotheticals. I cannot deny them whatsoever.” Typhos suddenly said with a shocking candidness.

“No, great scholar, I did not-“ Danae wished to apologize, but he raised his hand to stop her.

“It would be an inconvenience for the king if I were to fail and he had to wait unduly.” Typhos eyes glinted for a moment. “Six lunar cycles. If I do not return with the Gorgon’s head in that time I will be dead.”

“Oh my.” Polydectes set down his wine and looked a bit overwhelmed.

“My journey cannot take more than two lunar cycles. So I shall return in four. Wait six and I shall be dead. I am confident in our victory, but only the gods are infallible. Should I fail, you can finally declare that there is no mortal man that can end the Gorgon and it will make for a good story to tell your guests.” Typhos said solemnly.

“You are special, Typhos of Bisanthe.” The king raised his mug and nodded impressed.

“You honor me. Yet I believe it is far more impressive of your woman to speak up when everyone else had declared my victory. More than support, a realistic mind can keep one alive. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.” He bowed his head to Danae, who hastily raised it with both hands.

“Do not bow to me. I am nobody.”

“Hehe, she is not perfectly wrong.” The king said with a hint of sourness. “Danae is not my woman… yet.”

Perseus who had been listening in the entire time and done his best to resist the urge to jump out cracked the pillar he leaned against with his fingers.

“Oh your majesty.” She acted shyly and picked up the plates again.

“She is too honorable and self-conscious of her low standing.” Polydectes put a hand on her behind and grabbed it tightly so she would not leave. “Danae, my sweet sweet flower. When will you finally accept your king’s will?”

“But…” Her voice got stuck in her throat as she began shaking under his groping hand.

“You owe me your life, but that shan’t stand between us. Indeed, I would give you my kingdom if only you’d become my wife-“

“Let her go-!” Perseus jumped out of hiding, but before his yell could reach the king, something odd happened.

“Goodness, I am somewhat tipsy it seems.” Typhos had dropped his wine on Danae’s chiton. “Forgive me, I was so drunken on my heroic future that I sullied you.” As he made his apologies he was staring Perseus straight into the eyes.

“These things happen!” The king seemed to find this rather amusing and laughed loudly.

“May I… clean myself up?” She asked with her face hidden behind her disheveled hair.

“Of course, my dear. Although I must say your aroma mixed with the wine is plenty intoxicating.” His lecherous smile was appalling, but the other aristocrats cackled in response.

Danae rushed off without another word.

Perseus glared at Polydectes for a few moments before running after her. As he passed the gate he caught a glimpse of Dyctis who had only just arrived from the servant area of the festivities. He had seen Danae run past him and seemed horribly shocked. Perseus ran past him and they only exchanged one meaningful look.

He was faster than any grown men he had ever raced, but when he was about to catch up with his mother he felt a horrible pain in his chest and stopped short. He had seen a wet drop on the ground. The glistening remains of a tear… they led into a trail.

What could he possibly do to comfort her? It seemed like nothing he could say would be able to lessen the humiliation she had experienced. Danae hated nothing more than to be seen as a burden. If he stormed into her room now he would hurt her pride all the more.

“Curses!” He punched the wall next to him and left visible cracks.

----------------------------------------

He struggled to contain his feelings and staggered to his quarters. The hallway seemed endless tonight, as no torches were lit yet. Nobody was in their rooms tonight for obvious reasons. He would be the only fool who choked his blanket until it was a twisted mess.

On the way he heard someone walking across the leftmost hallway. Those steps were unsteady, he could tell.

“You drank waaaay too much, you ass.”

“Ye? Well mayhapsibly you’re jus’ too strong.” The drunk babbling of the other man was familiar.

It was the two guards from the banquet. Perseus felt like he had been cursed by all the stars at once tonight.

“Didja see the pruddy woman?”

“Danae? Of course I saw her. She sticks out if ya know what I mean.”

“Huehue… What’s a woman like ‘er doin’ all alone at night anywayysss?”

“Hey, don’t say this stuff out loud.” He hushed him.

Perseus felt a vein pop on his temple.

“Why naaawt? Isstupid! She is like Aphroditeeee, ‘cept less shiny. How’s she not layin’ with e’rry man on Seriphos?!”

“You really are a drunk moron. She’s the king’s woman.”

“Hah! Keeps runnin’ from him like a bee frum smohke.”

“It’s obvious she doesn’t love him.” The other guard agreed.

“Well king’s ugly as nails affer all hehehe--heahahaha!”

“You will get executed. I’m not going to vouch for you.”

“s’truth. He’s old an’ prolly barely gets it up anymore! What she neeeeds is a maaan~ With a long and hard-”

“Don’t sing that dirty stuff in public.” The other guard scoffed.

“C’mon… just think of her butt in your hands… those breasts, like apples in your mouth.”

“Why are you getting more sober the more you lust?” He sighed. “What I wouldn’t give for one night with her.”

“I knew ya got me.”

They were about to turn the corner now.

“Why don’t we just go for it? She’s alone in her room and she’s never gonna tell the king! He’d throw her out into the pigsty and let the pigs-“

His words got stuck in his throat alongside his teeth. Perseus furious fist had made his jaw dislocate and his teeth stab into his gums. The sober guard looked on in shock as his partner fell over like a sack of grain.

“Do not even think of touching her. I will end you.” His fiery eyes were enough to make the other guard lose control of his bowels. Terrified and walking funnily he dragged the toothless other guard off.

Perseus picked up the swords they had dropped and bend them over his knee until they were curved in unspeakable ways. All this violent release was almost not enough to calm him down. How dare these lowlifes said those things about his mother? Even if they were cowards who would never have laid a hand on her… No, enough wine could make even the greatest coward bold. He had to make sure they would learn their lesson the next time he saw them.

What was he doing? Why was he here?

He wiped his bloody fist on his clothes. The teeth on the ground were forming an eye-like pattern. The darkness in his heart was dissipating as he felt a profound sense of loss. Like he had just taken another step into shadows that he could not escape.

He moved away from his room and instead made his way into the courtyard on the other side of the mansion. This side was away from the town and surrounded by a forest. Only trees and the stars. Maybe the occasional lizard crawling below a rock.

As he breathed in the night air and followed the star signs to cool off he sensed someone doing the same thing behind him.

“Nothing like some fresh air to shake off Dionysus warm arms.” Typhos said as he rubbed his cold hands.

“…you seem sober enough.” Perseus had not expected to meet him out here.

“Then it’s working.” He smiled.

“…” He wasn’t sure if he should get up and leave. He wished to be alone, but it would also have been rude. The scholar had helped his mother escape Polydectes, so he was conflicted.

“Something on your mind?” Typhos wondered.

“Thank you… for playing the drunken fool.”

“I fear that I cannot follow.” Typhos deflected swiftly.

“You are abnormal.” He said very directly.

“Perhaps I will be in need of more wine after such defamation.” The scholar said sardonically and then sat down next to the young man. “And you are the epitome of this nebulous ‘normality’ I take it?”

“No. I am abnormal as well.” Perseus knew that much.

“How so?”

“I do not fit in. I cannot live the way they do.”

“They? You are nearly as cryptic as my mentor.” He chuckled.

“Forget about it.” He clicked his tongue in frustration.

“How tantalizing. You are skilled at this game. Can I not tickle the rest out of you with a brush?”

“Stop mocking me.” Perseus squinted.

“I always knew my sense of humor is lacking. I apologize for the political conversation games.” He coughed and then loosened his shoulders and arms. “Then I will be as open as it is possible to me. That fine woman, Danae, is she your mother?”

“Yes.” He was not surprised that he brought her up. Everyone was after her. Just another bastard in a long line.

“You are indebted to the king. Would you like to tell me the story?”

“What?” He raised his head in surprise.

“I am as curious as can be. It is part of my profession.” Typhos said with a shrug.

“I see. This isn’t really a story. It happened when I was just an infant, so I do not know anything.” He looked away.

“Well, at least in lying you are a weakling. It seems even the famous warrior of Ares has weaknesses.” Typhos leaned his face on one hand and posed knowingly.

“This is not your concern.”

“You are guarded and I respect that. If you wish me to leave I will do so immediately. There a secrets in a man’s life that he cannot simply tell a stranger.” He was about to get up, but Perseus dragged him back down with superior strength.

“I owe you, so I will tell you a little.” He said with a twisted lip.

“It is good to be owed things, even if I do not know why I am owed.” He replied ironically and sat back down.

“I overheard mother and Dyctis conversations when I was young. Dyctis is the king’s brother, but he is also the best fisherman on the island. He was the one who found us.” He grabbed a stone and threw it all the way to the faraway pond. It skipped five times before sinking. “We were drifting on the ocean. Mother with me in her arms, desperately clinging to me. The waves threatened to sink the chest we were floating on. How many days had we been swept on the ocean? There was a storm… and I was afraid…”

Typhos listened with an unreadable face, but when he saw Perseus clutch his elbow, he put a hand on his shoulder to calm him. They were not that far apart in age, but clearly the scholar was the adult here.

“I am sorry, this is not me. During that horrible storm master Dyctis was on the raging sea to retrieve a loosened boat and he spotted the chest. He picked mother up and brought us to Seriphos. He is the greatest man I ever met, but he does not try to stand out. When he brought mother before the king he was laying his hand in the fire for us. The king accepted us into the court and made mother a special guest that had to be honored by everyone.”

“That was gracious of him.”

“Yes. We are indebted to him for the rest of our lives. No other king would have taken us in as one of his own.” Perseus said it with conviction. He reassured himself over and over.

“Why was your mother drifting on the ocean? Who put her into that chest?”

“I do not know.”

“Your mother has never told you?”

“She wants to let the past stay dead. But she told Dyctis once… that we come from a noble family line.” Perseus shook his head. “Do you understand? My mother is of aristocrat blood. She was thrown into the ocean and held on to me for days. She kept me alive through all of that… and then she never complained once to anyone. She keeps acting like a servant to repay her debt. There is nothing she can do to escape this situation, because she wishes to protect me!” He felt hotness well up on his eyes.

“She is a strong woman.” Typhos said seriously.

“There is nobody who can understand what she is going through. Not even me. I am just trying to become someone… someone that can be accepted so that she doesn’t have to shield me anymore.”

“But you do not fit in. The guards do not seem to want you among them despite your talent for battle.” Typhos had a good grasp on the situation already.

“Why am I telling all this to a stranger? You will not understand either.” He wiped a single hot tear from his eye and walled up.

“Your mother is remarkable, but she is not the only one.”

“What?” He glared at him in an instant.

“My mother was also an impressive woman. She was the only one who has ever fought for me. After I had lost my father the enemies of my family came to end my life as well.” He played with the rings on his hands as if he was trying to hold on to them for strength.

“…” Perseus suddenly felt a heavy melancholy from the scholar.

“You see, my mother was stronger than they could ever know. So while they were plotting to kill me, she instead sent me to Athens with all our family’s remaining riches. Instead of going with me she stayed… so that the enemies would not suspect my disappearance. She was left behind in Bisanthe as the riots set the palace aflame. She stuck around to the end when the council came to slit my throat. She held her head high as they accused her of causing the downfall of our city. They strung her up in front of the palace and flailed her skin to lay bare the ‘true form’ of our corrupted flesh.” Typhos eyes turned nearly as dark as the blackest night.

“There is nothing I can say to make it up to you.” Perseus had realized his horrible self-centered blindness, but he could only feel numb due to shock. “But I apologize for being ignorant.”

“We are all ignorant to someone’s suffering. Every man has a story of his own and mine is not any more important than yours. Our mothers both did more than any mother should. I hope that you feel the joy of having her still around… so that you may free her from that suffering.” He said with a heartfelt smile.

“How can I do that?!” He looked up pleadingly.

“You cannot oppose the king, because you are honor bound.” Typhos cupped his chin and thought about it.

“Yes.”

“What do you think of Polydectes?” He said the king’s name without the title. It was in that moment that Perseus realized just how far the scholar’s act had gone.

“He took us in-“

“No, I wish to know what you think of him as a man.”

“He… he is- He is a coward.” He finally admitted to his true feelings. “He is a coward and ignorant. I do not know if he can be considered honorable. All he does is sow conflict between different kingdoms so that they do not focus on Seriphos. He is so certain of his position that he would ignore three triremes.”

“I was surprised that we were received by a single defender as well.” Typhos smirked.

“I know that I was hasty, but the king’s actions are no better. He has not even tried to protect the town. But his incompetence is not the worst of it. I heard from sailors that many kings are not good at leading battles. But I cannot imagine that any honorable man would act like he does towards mother.”

“Ah, I can see your point. Most kings would not be so public about it.” Typhos glanced at the pond that had finally settled down after all the rippling from the stone.

“What man of honor treats a valued guest like a servant to be harassed and molested?” Perseus clenched his fist. “Nobody can defy him, because he is the king. If I was ready to take a position of power then mother could keep away.”

“Polydectes is a dishonorable coward, yet you will continue to keep your oath?”

“Scholar, if you don’t keep your promises, what is your word worth?”

His genuine look made Typhos feel a short sting he had not felt in a long while. He closed his eyes and saw the image of someone he had betrayed recently. Her innocent smile was still haunting him at night.

“If it can be at all avoided I do not break my promises.” He agreed.

“Then how can I save my mother?”

“You just have to come with-“ Typhos spoke the lines that came the easiest, but his tongue got stuck.

The boy was looking up to him. His eyes were focused on the future of his mother. If he failed she would become the king’s plaything and forced to bear his children, treating Perseus as a bastard and eventually banishing him. Typhos could already see all the pieces in play and how they would affect each other.

It was hopeless. Then why should he not exploit him? There was a future that benefited both of them, even if it was not what the boy wanted.

“You-“ He tried again, but he could not continue.

Finally, with a pained smile he put his hand on Perseus head.

“I cannot help you. You will have to forge your own path. I have already made my own.”

“To slay the Gorgon?”

“It must die.” He nodded.

“Will you truly come back with the trophy?”

“Why not? It may well prove beneficial in the long run.” Typhos spoke with a refreshing lack cunning plans in his head. The lipservice he had given the king was far from his true goals.

“Then I will make another promise. When you return I will be off age. Then I can also make my own goals, just like you. And I will fulfill them no matter what gets in my way without breaking any of my other promises either.” Perseus for the first time in years felt an inexplicable confidence. To slay a monster so reviled was impossible for humans, yet the scholar who had suffered so much did not waver in the slightest. That was oddly comforting.

“Do not make promises too lightly. I may never return here.”

“Are you afraid of failure?”

“No.” Typhos said with a relaxed expression.

“Why not?”

“If I fail then it was meant to be. There is nothing in this world I could have done better. This is the best version of my plan I could have achieved.” It was the tiniest lie.

“I knew it.”

“Hm?”

“Since the moment our eyes met on the ship I knew it. I was going to cut your head off.”

“Oh, I vividly remember that moment.”

“But you did not fear death. You did not believe that I would kill you. Everyone else I ever fought was afraid or tried to kill me. You did neither.” Perseus smiled.

“And that is why I am abnormal.” He concluded.

“Yes.”

“You would make an interesting scholar.” Typhos laughed his truest laugh in years, only watched by the gleaming stars.

----------------------------------------

“Are you sure you want to leave without him?” Pelagios tied a knot while looking over his shoulder.

“Do you doubt my plan?”

“Not my place ta judge.” He grunted. “Did ya ever figure out if he was the demigod from the rumors?”

“There are some mysteries even beyond me.” Typhos shrugged and gave him his usual set smile.

“It’s your coin that kept us here, so I’ll just thank ya for the break an’ the feast.” Pelagios joked and then shouted at his men to get the triremes ready. The rhythmic drumming from below deck as the slaves got ready to row the rudders was breaching the morning air.

The mercenaries walked on board and settled down at the rails to wave the women goodbye. There was always a place for mercenaries in an island town.

“The way ya played those highborn vultures was amazing, boss!” Markos had grown incredibly reverent of Typhos during this little detour, to the point where it was becoming tiring.

“It is my métier. I hope your men will perform similarly against the Gorgon.”

“’course, boss! There is no better mercenary group in the Aegean!” He saluted and walked off to whip his men into shape after a long rest.

The sun had just begun to rise, so the island was covered in golden dew. Somewhere on top of the watchtower near the pier sat Perseus and his friend, watching their departure.

Almost jovially Typhos waved with one hand and then stepped onto the ship. It was time to fulfill his destiny, one way or another.

“Save her.” He whispered despite himself.

The scholar set off for his inevitable conclusion, while the hero had finally found his will to act. Neither could have known that their wills would lead to the same place.