For a moment his head had been split open and spilled its content across the floor and the next his body shook from painful spasms. To die in a place like this was inconceivable. Pathetic. Inexcusable. He had a mission to accomplish - he had to save his mother! A single moment of unawareness could spell the end for everything he fought for?

The pulsating waves of pain and anger concentrated behind his eyes and created a lump of tacit resistance. Even if his body was falling over and his consciousness faded, he would not give up. He grabbed what he could and raised his arm to fight back to his last breath!

“Stop!”

The shout was so close to his ear that he flinched and failed to execute his desperate strike. He fell forward and rolled off the klinē he had been put on. In an instant another pain was added to that of his throbbing head and he forced his eyes to open as far as possible, which was only the smallest bit.

The floor he was crawling on was grey and rough, not the material one would expect from a palace. He had not seen much of the room before he collapsed, but this seemed to be the same place after all. Meaning he was still in the Archon’s personal quarters?

“Look at him, he almost struck you down! Obviously he is an enemy.” A woman spoke with great aversion.

“You knocked him clean out, I’d be more surprised if he didn’t want to kill us on the spot.” That voice belonged to someone he knew. Themistokles.

“Urgh…” Perseus held his spinning head and felt a large bump on his temple. There was also some dried blood on his cheek.

“Stay right there.” Suddenly a sandal was pushed on top of his hand and painfully crushed it with the weight of resentment. He instantly let go of the urn he had grabbed for a makeshift weapon. “Don’t move a muscle or I will call the guards.”

“Eopia my wildflower, this is really not necessa-” Themistokles tried to diffuse the situation, but was simply smacked across the head by the woman.

“He threatened you. He nearly choked you to death. Do you really think I will take any chances with some foreigner with the strength of an ox and the mind of vicious boy?” She spoke so ill of him while grinding her foot into the back of his hand.

“I am a foreigner too.” The Archon suddenly spoke somberly.

“That is not… you know that’s not what I meant!” She showed a regretful expression all of a sudden. “I just don’t know what I would do if I lost you as well.”

“My sweet Eopia, you will never be rid of me. I am your Zosimos, I will always survive to see another day.” He swore and put a hand on her hip as gently as he could. “And your father is not lost yet. Lord Kleitos will surely return to Athens when this is all over.”

“You oaf.” She smiled sheepishly and kissed him on the cheek. “He is not just my father. You need to get used to calling him so at some point as well.”

“R-Right. One day, maybe.” He looked unconvinced, but his boyish smile was reducing the tension in the room.

“May I get up now?” Perseus asked in a low voice from below. He received one’s glare and another’s apologetic extended hand. When he was pulled up he nearly lost balance, but managed to steady himself with all the focus he could muster. He really was in the Archon’s quarter and surrounded by quite a bit of disorder. It seemed Themistokles was not the type to tidy up his workplace often.

“Forgive my wife, she can be as protective as a bear mother at times. Not that she is beastly at all!” He hastily added when a glare bored itself through the back of his skull. “You have a way of making an entrance at least. Can you tell me what happened to my guards?”

“They are chasing a comrade of mine through this building.” He replied while rubbing the throbbing bulge on his head.

“That is odd. They should have returned by now if that was the case. They wouldn’t leave their post for that long. Would they?” He cupped his chin and looked mighty nervous. Understandably this matter of lacking security didn’t bode well for an unpopular political figure.

“How long have I been laid out?” Perseus wondered with some worries of his own bubbling up.

“It’s late noon already, so for quite some time.”

It appeared that he spent more of his time in this forsaken city knocked out than awake by now. His aching back and head also didn’t show any signs of recovering magically, so he started to wonder how many more of these incidents he could take. The goal should have been to at least stay conscious next time.

“While you were, ahem, resting, we were looking for the guards, but we found none even in the guest quarters. The servants saw a handful escort someone to the palace.” Themistokles caught him up while pouring some water into a mug for him. “Eventually I found a patrol and ordered them to stay guard in the meantime. So for now we are all safe.”

Perseus did not feel much protection from the guardsmen in this city, especially those he had met inside the Akropolis. It seemed men of the profession were alike everywhere. On the other hand there were strange people like Captain Erasmos in the lower city, so there might have been a lot more variety than initially expected.

He hesitantly grabbed the water, but then swallowed as much as he could without choking. The others watched him with surprise.

“You’re a pretty trusting lad.” Zosimos smirked.

“If you wished to poison me you may as well have slit my throat in my sleep.” He rebuked and then put the mug down loudly. “We need to talk.”

“Right, let’s start with the reason why you came to me. Did you get any information regarding Typhos?” The moment they turned to business Themistokles face became sharper.

“I can’t say I did, but my comrade needs your protection. He was part of the expedition’s crew.”

“Your comrade? The one that got my guards into a wild hunt?”

“Yes.” Perseus swallowed again. “I was going to ask you to call them back.” Hours ago.

Zosimos gave him a dry smile.

“Well. Then we have similar goals in mind. First we should find our missing friends and then we can discuss why you are really here.” He shrugged and grabbed the nearby himation to sling it over his shoulders. His knowing sideway glance was unnerving. After making himself look more regal he walked towards the door and spoke to the repurposed guards.

Just as Perseus was about to follow him he was briskly pulled back by the collar. He suppressed his instinct to swing his fist defensively and instead let it happen. Immediately he was face to face with the fiery woman who had quietly watched their discussion. He had no eye for such things, but she would most likely have been described as pretty. Her long ponytail was unusual in these parts, but she pulled it off gracefully. All of that got drowned out by her incredibly piercing gaze, however.

“I don’t trust you.” She hissed. “If something happens to my husband you will have to deal with my wrath. I will use every asset, every favor and every coin my house is worth to chase you down and have you hanged in the agora. Do you understand?”

“I will not lay a hand on Zosimos.” He replied stoically.

“Not a single hair of his pretty head will be harmed.”

He inhaled deeply and ignored the pounding lump on his head she had given him. He understood all too well why she was so angry with him. Just last night he had said he would hunt her down and hurt her to rile up Zosimos. Whether she knew about that or not didn’t matter. His honor was in question already.

“I swear that I will do all in my power to keep him safe.” He returned her intense gaze evenly. She seemed to be confused by his sudden declaration and let him off her tight grip.

“Are you playing the hero?” She asked under her breath.

He lowered his eyes slowly. Her suspicions were justified, but this mocking question cut deeply somehow. Making another vow so quickly would get him into trouble. He had to prioritize his mission over helping some strangers. That seemed to be what his mind kept telling him, but his heart wasn’t in it.

There were benevolent men out there who would take in a stray mother and her bastard child. And from what he could tell by the hidden curve below Eopia’s thick chiton there was another child that needed a father figure here.

“You mean everything to him.” He said what was on his mind. “Yet when I had him against the wall he still would not give up on shielding someone else. I don’t know who this ‘savior’ is yet, but to Zosimos protecting both of you seems important enough to give his life. I admire that.” It may have been immature to admit such things in front of a stranger, but he had to show his sincerity right now.

“What do you mean?”

She seemed disturbed by his words, but he shook his head and turned around. Conveying what was in his heart was not something he was apt at. For now he had given his word and that was the extent of his abilities.

“Bad news! Or maybe they are good? Good-bad news.” Zosimos had just finished his talk with the guards and only now did Perseus notice a messenger among them as well.

“Yes?” He crossed his arms and tried to appear unaffected by the frantic mood around them.

“The other Archons are having a meeting – which they forgot to mention to little old me – inside the palace.” His lip twitched from stress. “I will have to go there right now.”

“Wait, what about Phokas?” He raised a hand in surprise.

“Who? Oh, that sailor you mentioned? I will ask my subordinates where they went. If we are lucky they already brought him to the others.”

“Others?”

“We have a few more of Typhos’ old associates under our protection. Did you think your friend is the first?” Zosimos shook his head and prepared to leave. “Are you coming?”

“You want me to come along?” That did take him by surprise.

“Identification will be easier with your help. And I would prefer not to leave you without strong supervision.” He added with a smirk. After all he had escaped confinement once before is what his eyes said.

“I will see you at dinner.” Eopia had joined them and squeezed her husband’s hand.

“I promise I will make it this time!” He raised his fist in unconvincing cheer. “I love you.” He added and then turned away with a visible flush on his tanned cheeks. To forget his embarrassment he gestured Perseus to follow him. Eopia would be escorted to her family residence for now.

The two men only had one guard at their side, but the walk to the palace wasn’t a long one, so it seemed unproblematic. The moment they reached the gate it was already pulled open for them. Just as they stepped inside the hallway Zosimos waved Perseus to a side-room and then closed the door in front of the escorts.

“It would be hard to explain some stray boy’s presence, so put these on.” He hastily picked up something from a pile and threw even more things through the air without restraint.

“This is?” He eyed the pile in the dim light of the room and stretched it.

“Servant garbs. Not the most elegant disguise, but it will have to do. As long as you stay silent and keep yourself in the background you should blend in well enough.”

“You seem… prepared.” He did not hesitate to undress and change into the itchy and old linen clothes.

“I just know where the servants gather their laundry. Nothing to it.” He replied with a shrug and sized up the ‘disguise’. “You would make a good water boy.”

Perseus had no idea what that profession entailed, but he still sensed that it was not a compliment.

As they exited the storage and returned on their way Perseus made some distance to appear like an obedient servant. His acting talents were lacking, but being quiet and stoic suited his nature well enough. The guards seemed not to question this situation at all. Professionalism was paid for in spades around here.

“Ah, Archon Themistokles, the meeting has already begun.” Some gaudy man had waited in front of the big arched doors and was incapable of hiding his smirk. Something about his attitude was very wrong.

“I assumed as much. Let me in then and give me the name of the messenger that slept on his duty while you are at it.” The tanned Archon gave a pensive smile to the man and waved the guard to open the door.

“I will find the miscreant by the end of the day, I swear.” Again the man smirked dismissively.

“Sure you will.” Themistokles sighed and stepped into the large room.

Perseus followed behind with the right distance and grabbed one of the water pitchers that servants were supposed to carry around. He had no idea what to do other than walk in the background and not stand out. The room was quite spacious and many other servants were taking spots already, so he fit in quite well.

From his position he could see the large war table in the center which many distinguished people had gathered around. Among them was even a priestess if her garbs were anything to go by.

“…and that’s why we cannot delay it any further!” A man with a trimmed beard and eyes with the darkest circles riled himself up spectacularly at the moment.

“I know your worry is well intended, but those who hunt two hares at once catch neither.” Another man next to him replied with an even voice. He was clad in the same garbs as Themistokles, though his himation could barely contain his sizable corpulent belly. His hairline had receded far enough to make him appear bald from certain angles and he was clean shaven like a youth. His plump face rippled from his shaking head motions.

“My Lord, we do not have the time to-” The scruffy loudmouth suddenly turned around and noticed the approach of Themistokles. “Who invited him?” He growled.

“It’s good to see you too, General.” Themistokles raised his hand in a relaxed greeting and settled at the table. His eyes wandered over the large map of Athens and the many scrolls nailed to it. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing of import I fear.” The priestess spoke up with a sigh. “Kallinikos deigned to call us together for another of his pressing matters. It appears that my guidance at the temple is secondary to his tirades.”

“Do not mock me, grand priestess. War is at the horizon and your prayers have done very little good to show us a way around it.” The tired general growled.

“The mistress only speaks when she believes a matter is worthy of her eyes.” The woman replied calmly.

“What Lady Akacia is trying to say.” Themistokles raised a hand before the general could explode. "Is that we mortals should take care of our own matters as best as we can. The traitor has been judged already, the rest is up to us, no?” He gave a diffusing smile, but the general simply spat out.

“Yes, quite the grand judgement has been made during my absence.” The corpulent man spoke up with a finger raised to his nose. “Pray tell Akacia, you still could not find that chosen priestess of yours?”

“I do not see how that is relevant to our situation.” Grand priestess Akacia stonewalled the Archon effortlessly.

“Pamphilos was out of the city during the war for the Akropolis, so he did not witness the judgment. It is hard to believe such a miraculous display just from a description.” Themistokles said supportively, which earned him a glare from the priestess. He didn’t seem to have any friends in this circle.

“Yes indeed.” Pamphilos nodded. “I would have well liked to see the patron goddess speak to us simple mortals myself. Alas, I was busy in my family’s lands near Eleusis at the time. To be called back and take the position of Archon that nobody else was willing to fill was quite the shock. Indeed indeed.” He rubbed his double chin thoughtfully. “I had never judged Achaeus to be such a shortsighted man. It still seems fantastical to me. And now that we bear the consequences of this fateful day I still wonder why our savior has disappeared.”

Akacia and Pamphilos’ gazes clashed harshly for a few heartbeats until the woman finally averted her gaze.

“Eugenia is not important. She was merely a mouthpiece to Athena.”

“Well well, a mouthpiece she may be, but that means she can actually hear her goddess’ voice when we need it most.” Unlike the temple. Those were the words unspoken that everyone could hear.

“I agree with the grand priestess that this chosen girl is not going to fix our current situation.” Themistokles swallowed some water from a mug to play over his nervousness.

“How can you two be so certain? It is her mess that we are now cleaning up, no? Achaeus may have been wrong in his actions, but he did promise great things. Athena had not stopped any of his machinations until the final hour. And then she left us alone at the brink of war with Thebes and who knows who else. Was that truly Athena’s will or did the girl ask for judgement that was not needed? Thebes asks for nothing more than the head of one man, yet we are incapable of giving even that to them. Convening with Athena who has made this incomprehensible choice of letting him live in shame instead of ending him once and for all should have been our priority, but we are left in the dark by the temple, as always.”

“Pamphilos.” A dry and coarse voice cut through the room and for the first time the decrepit man at the corner of the table raised his head. His old eyes had little light left in them, but he could still put pressure on his fellow Archon. “Do not question the word of the gods. Do not mistake silence for indecision. Do not pursue the matter of the young priestess any further. You will bring shame to your house with your actions.”

And thus he had spoken. The others turned quiet and seemed to contemplate the old man’s words. They seemed to have more weight than anyone else’s.

“I acknowledge your words Topos. It was not my intention to oppose the gods of course. I only wish to see all the pieces in front of me clearly. As the Archon that had to take the seat of the traitor and became guide to our armies I have heavy burdens to carry.” Pamphilos bowed out of the argument.

“I’m with my Archon on this, but we will share that burden.” General Kallinikos put his fist on the map and nodded.

Perseus adjusted his grip on the water bowl and tried to piece together the situation. The Archons were in a desperate situation due to the ultimatum by Thebes, but it seemed that the fractures ran far deeper than that. The three factions could not have been more different, that was for certain. Themistokles seemed to be weakly pending between sides as usual.

His eyes focused on the priestess. She was different from the rest, yet she commanded just as much power as them somehow. It was clear that she defended this lost priestess. They called her the savior. The same term that Zosimos had used before. Whoever she was, she had left a mark on this city that could not be ignored.

Eugenia. She must have been the woman Zosimos had tried to protect as well. But what was the connection to the Gorgon then? It didn’t make any sense to him.

He straightened his back when he noticed Themistokles’ raised hand. He was holding up his empty mug. That was his signal to do the job he dressed for. With a lowered head he walked forward and filled the mug with clear water. He sensed the eyes of the other servants on his back. It seemed quite possible that they were suspicious of his presence after all. Servants who made it into this room must have been altogether a cut above most. Thus they had good reason to not trust any newcomer encroaching on their territory. He tried not to give any hint of his rising tension.

“If we cannot get a handle on the girl, we must go back to the matter of the letter. The dead scholar Typhos is still our only lead. Have the interrogations yielded anything?” Pamphilos looked at the man next to him.

“My men have picked up as many of the sailors and associates as we could, but they seem to be disappearing like rats in the night.” Kallinikos glared at Themistokles unabashedly.

“My own investigations have not produced much either. Only little of the expedition’s crew has survived the journey and whoever is left does not seem to know anything.” Zosimos responded seriously. “It doesn’t help that the guards are so very uncooperative.” He added sharply.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“You… I know exactly what you have done! You have snatched them up behind my back and hidden them away. Once I find your little nest I will be sure to-!”

“Calm down, General. We are all allies at this table. Our desire to reach the best conclusion is driving our actions, right?” Pamphilos met eyes with Themistokles and they both nodded.

“Very true. I have my own issues to bring to this honored table as well. It appears that the killings of Achaeus former allies continue.”

“Yes, the traitors are getting uprooted, so what?”

“We are losing vital information with this purge! The Night Watch has the streets running with blood and painfully little to show for it.” Zosimos twisted his lips in anger. “Just this night I was attacked by traitors of unknown origin that posed as guards! I cannot say whether they are from Thebes or former allies of Achaeus and they did not stay alive long enough for an interrogation. It is quite disturbing how far they would go to keep their secrets.”

“This is news to me.” Kallinikos responded with genuine surprise.

While they kept talking Perseus slowly backed away. The servant behind him seemed to give him a nasty look and showed his teeth. Perhaps he had accidentally taken his spot? If he was not careful that boy could cause a commotion. Poisonings were common among aristocratic circles and some people were after the Archon’s life already.

As he stepped away he passed by the priestess. His lowered head was turned away to not gain her attention as well, but she suddenly yelped loudly.

“Akacia?” The others looked worried.

“What is the meaning of this?” The woman gabbed her chest as if something was stabbing into it. Then she pulled out a necklace of some kind and let it dangle away from her skin. On closer look it was a ring attached to a chain. A silver eagle with its wings spread wide… “You.” She suddenly took him under scrutiny.

“Pardon?” He tensed up, but did not turn around.

“The ring of Zeus is reacting. It is reacting to you.” She muttered.

“Did the whelp touch you inappropriately, my lady?” One of the guards approached and held his spear at the ready.

“Nothing of the sort.” She waved him off and kept looking at Perseus. “You there, servant. What is your name?”

“Perseus.” He replied honestly. To lie to a priestess was something horrible that he was not willing to do. His mother had taught him better.

“I see. That is an important name.” She responded sternly and then turned to look at Themistokles who had almost anxiously dropped his mug. “He is one of yours?”

“Y-Yes, a very promising new helping hand.” He swallowed loudly.

“Can we get back to the matter at hand? I thought it was improper for a priestess to make eyes at young men, no matter how handsome.” The general sneered.

“Pah. I am done with this farce.” Akacia put the ring back into her robes and moved towards the doors. “If you bother to ask the temple to pray for the relief of your heavy shoulders I would suggest a massage instead. Your men will surely surprise you with their handiwork. At least they would finally make themselves useful then.” She left with such cutting words and received her desired rage filled shouts as a goodbye.

While Topos and Themistokles calmed the red faced general down, Perseus hastily retreated to the back. He could tell that he was being watched though. The third Archon had taken notice of him and not let his eyes leave him since.

“That woman knows how to make a blasphemer out of me yet!” Kallinikos growled between his teeth, but then smacked the map with his fist again to make all the miscellaneous objects tumble off. “We are in deep shit. There is no recourse, I will have to prepare our forces for a preemptive strike. Since Achaeus called for their return we have gathered most of our troops in the city by now. A defense will only go in our favor for a short time, so it is best to cut our foes down swiftly.”

“You want to leave Athens defenseless to subdue Thebes?!” Themistokles was aghast.

“It’s the only way out of this trial.”

“But what of Lord Kleitos? What of our ambassadors and veterans within Thebes?” Zosimos raised his voice desperately.

“We’ll save whoever we can, but there is no guarantee for their lives. They will be a bloody tribute to Ares’ sword.” He spoke sternly. It did not appear like he had made this decision lightly either.

“And what next? If we manage to quell the Theban threat, someone else will come to take their place. The Ionian Alliance is angrily waiting at our doorstep. Sparta will be delighted by our weakened military power!”

“As a warrior it is my duty to face any enemy that threatens my home! Be it one or a thousand, Athens will not be destroyed as long as I draw breath!” He shouted back.

“I agree with Themistokles.” Pamphilos finally spoke up and turned to the commotion. “It is still far too early to rattle our spears. If worst comes to worst we may have to give them what they want.” His words were grave and Topos disapproving eyes were still putting pressure on him. “O’ were we not cursed with such an inconvenient decree. I would be able to enjoy the wine of my fields so much sooner.”

The meeting was adjourned with such rueful words.

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

As everyone left Themistokles wiped his sweaty forehead with a rag and spoke to some men that apparently worked for him. Perseus followed behind, but was suddenly stopped by the thick fingers of a stubby hand.

It belonged to Pamphilos, the third Archon.

“You are not a servant, are you?” He spoke quietly.

“I am not sure I understand the question.” He replied with a loudly pumping heart.

“Akacia recognized you somehow. She never loses her mask like this. You seemed rather interested in the talk about the savior as well.” He was suddenly showing a much more intelligent presence than his sloppy appearance would have let on. “Are you truly working for the Rhodian?” His dark brown eyes sucked Perseus in and would swallow him whole soon.

“I have an agreement with Themistokles.” He responded hesitantly.

“Take these words to heart, boy. That man is not what he appears. None of us are.” He loosened his grip and put an arm in his himation. “I cannot confirm this yet, but I have a feeling that you are entwined with this whole situation somehow. And Themistokles will never give you what you require.”

What did he mean by that? It seemed impossible that this Archon he never met had such a strong grasp on his circumstances. In the first place Perseus did not believe he was truly involved at all. So what was he getting at?

“If you are interested to know what is truly going on I would welcome you to my office later. I believe it would be quite beneficial for both of us, Perseus.” His overwhelming presence threatened to crush him for just a moment, but the he relented and left the room with his guards.

That man was not to be trifled with.

“Phew, I will grow bald soon with all these stressful meetings.” Zosimos arrived at his side and rubbed his stiff neck. “Shall we look for your companion now?” He asked amicably.

“Yes.” He tore his eyes away from Pamphilos swaying gait and faced the younger Archon. “Do you know where he is?”

“Not exactly, but I can bring you to the sanctuary.”

“Sanctuary?” He crossed his arms.

“You will see. Come along now.” He waved him to follow and led him deeper into the palace.

They descended some stairs to the lower level. Down here the air was damp and cold. No natural light would make it here without windows, so it was getting hard to see without a torch. His eyes adjusted quicker than most, but he felt unsafe nonetheless.

“Just another turn right… uhm, left I mean!” His guide seemed increasingly confused.

“Why are there no guards?” He asked suspiciously. Pamphilos warning rang in his ears.

“This is supposed to be nothing more than a storage basement. There is a reservoir somewhere around here, which is the reason for the humid air by the way.” He rambled on while apparently picking directions at random. “Of course only servants come here, so nobody pays too much attention to it. These winding passages were apparently here since the time of the first king of Athens, believe it or not.”

“You put your secret base within the walls of the palace that you do not live in or control?” Perseus gave him a wry look.

“It could not be helped, sometimes the best hiding place is right under your enemy’s eyes. Not that I think anyone here is my enemy, haha.” Very convincing. “That’s strange, I thought the door would be somewhere around here? Have we passed it at the last tu- bwagh!” He made a pained noise as a door was unceremoniously smacked in his face.

Perseus looked at the fallen Archon with pity and then grabbed for his dagger at his waist - except there was nothing but empty air. The servant outfit had no such hidden weapons.

“That’s strange, I thought I had heard some noisy rat scurry about.” Someone spoke from the door entrance and shook the door repeatedly, smacking it against the fallen Archon over and over.

“Ouch, ow, enough already! It’s me!” Zosimos shouted.

“Oho, good to see you master.” The person revealed herself to be a woman with quite the loose grin on her lips. “What are you doing on the floor? Did you drop something?”

“My dignity.” Themistokles responded exhaustedly and pulled himself up by her hand.

“That will not be easy to find I’m afraid.” She snickered and then sized up Perseus. “You again?”

He cautiously focused on her profile, but didn’t recognize her at all. It was unusual for a woman to act this forwardly with a man of higher standing, so she would surely have left an impression. Not least of all for her practical clothing that had no feminine aspects whatsoever. She was clad like a lower aristocrat that was also a huntress if he had to come up with a description.

“You have too many local acquaintances for a foreigner, my friend. And this is coming from the most hated foreigner in this great city.” Zosimos quipped and then walked inside the surprisingly well lit room. “Melissa, where is everyone?” He stopped in his tracks with worry.

“In the next room over, having a meal. You know these are the sleeping quarters, right?” She jabbed his side jovially.

“Of course I knew that!” He claimed and then sat down on the only available chair. “Tell me, have you heard anything about a sailor who has been abducted by the palace guards?”

“That Phoenician with the thick accent? Of course I know about him, we stole him right from under their slippery hands.” The woman replied smugly.

“Is that true?! You have Phokas down here?” Perseus rushed at the woman and was deftly redirected against a wall. She had acted so quickly that he could not even perceive her movement in his agitated state.

“Calm your horses. He is safe and sound with the others.” She dusted off her leather outfit and gave him an unamused glare.

“You are a gift of the gods Melissa. I don’t even want to know how you pulled it off.” Zosimos sighed in relief.

“Did you expect any less from your best spy? It helped that I saw him arrive with this overeager mutt.” She shrugged. “So why did you bring him to the sanctuary?” She cocked her head.

“Our new friend will be more cooperative with his comrade at his side. And Perseus was also involved with Typhos.” He said with an unreadable look. Melissa nodded.

“Alright, I get it. I will catch you up while we fetch the poor dog.” She took the lead and exchanged whispers with Themistokles as they went next door. He seemed to put a lot of confidence in this woman.

As they entered the next room (Melissa had given the door a few rhythmic knocks – a code?) they were welcomed by the light of day, not of torches. It almost blinded the men who had been in the dark for so long. Perseus felt the wind draft through the thin and long gaps in the wall and quickly closed the door behind him.

It soon became clear how this was all possible. Someone had carved out slits in the side of the Akropolis’ hill. Natural air and light reached the room, but it was still too far for them to see the city below. Only a twinge of the blue sky was visible.

“Welcome to the sanctuary. It is not much, but it has to do.” Melissa made a grand gesture across the room as large as a horse stable. Two dozen men were sitting in the corners eating and chatting, though they stopped once they noticed the newcomers.

“I thought you were going to sleep off your migraine, my dear.” From out of thin air a man with an unmanageable amount of scarves appeared at the woman’s side. Perseus recognized this distinct presence immediately. He was the man from the waiting room outside the palace, the one who had distracted the guards for them. Perseus immediately turned to Melissa.

“You are that woman! The one with… who was…” He suddenly exclaimed as realization dawned on him. His face got slightly flushed when he remembered what act he had caught these two in before.

“Somehow I don’t like this at all.” Melissa clicked her tongue. “Took you long enough.”

“So that’s what this’s about, eh?” The scarved man chuckled with his hoarse voice.

“This is Irvenos, my personal advisor.” Zosimos said with a raised brow. “He knows everything and everyone. Maybe too intimately at times.”

“At your service.” Irvenos bowed exaggeratedly while putting a hand to his chest.

“I have no clue why you even need him. He hasn’t done anything but laze around and drink wine for weeks.” Melissa claimed and leaned against a wall with crossed arms.

“You’ve enjoyed my wine plenty as I remember.”

“Hah!”

Perseus shook his head at their banter, but quickly regained his focus. The room was full of various people, but one stood out to him right away. “Phokas!” He called out to him.

“Master Perseus!” The man jumped up joyously and came running their way. He almost stumbled over the legs of the others, but managed to make it. The hangover seemed to have finally left his bruised head.

“Master?” Zosimos gave him a questioning look.

“I am not.” He replied quietly. “Are you well Phokas?”

“Very! Phokas has food and drink and company. This place much better than hut.” He replied honestly and gave his gap filled smile. “But must return to help Perseus.” He added seriously.

“Actually the reason I brought you here is to leave you under the protection of these people.” Perseus finally admitted.

The dirt covered sailor widened his eyes and a mix of emotions welled up quickly. Every thought and emotion was so easy to tell on his face, despite all the black and blue bruises.

“That’s fine with me. After all this is a sanctuary for those connected to Typhos or Achaeus.” Themistokles nodded. “We only ask for as much information as you can give. I fear if they get caught by the guards they will be tortured and then discarded instead.”

So this was the true reason for all this secrecy? He had not thought the Archon’s intentions that noble. But had he not willingly believed that Phokas would be safe here? There was some strange sway to the words of the tanned man.

“So what information can you provide?” Melissa poked Perseus with a wooden spoon from her meal.

“I’m not here for sanctuary.”

“But you wish for our master’s help.” She surmised.

“Yes, I am quite interested in your true reason for coming here as well.” Zosimos became a little more serious. “Irvenos said you wanted an audience with me, but even he could tell you weren’t here just for your friend’s sake.”

“Even?” The fancily dressed men muttered indignantly from the back.

“I need a sea map.” Perseus just spoke his mind. “Phokas can read it, but chances were higher to find a detailed one in the palace.”

“That’s what you came here for? Just buy one from the harbor.” Melissa seemed baffled by his request, but Irvenos immediately noticed Themistokles’ pensive expression.

“You are asking a lot of me.” The Archon said grimly. They both understood the end goal of this exchange.

“You let me go. I found the sailor and I got the means to make the journey.” He said unrelentingly. “Are you going to deny me this request?” He had no time for half-hearted decisions.

“May I first question your friend?” He asked with one hand over his mouth.

“Of course.”

Themistokles nodded and then brought Phokas to a table to discuss his knowledge of Typhos situation with him. Perseus already knew that it would not yield anything meaningful. The poor man had already been tortured and interrogated by much more forceful people. This was also something he could use to bargain for the map.

“That slave has served on the same ship as I.” Irvenos spoke up from right behind him. “I’d heard that Captain Pelagios was involved with that scholar’s expedition, but there’re so few of his ol’ crew left.”

“The expedition cost them a high blood toll. They have nothing to show for it either.” Melissa said while tapping the spoon on the table.

“Nothing.” Perseus repeated. That was strange, wasn’t it? The story went that the monster was slain. The sailors were so sure of it. But then why did they not turn back to get their spoils? Was the terror they experienced too great? Had they feared to be cursed? None of that would stop him from going to Sarpedon.

“’s not much they could’ve done. Without their captain or their contractor they’re like headless chickens, tryin’ to run away while long dead.” Irvenos spoke solemnly. “I’m glad my men have left that life behind.”

“Thanks to our new master.”

“Yes, of course. Workin’ for the most hated Archon suits me just fine.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” She mocked.

“What?” Perseus could not follow their quibble.

“This one was a former ally of the man that caused this mess we are in. Achaeus’ little lackey.” The spy spoke with some venom.

“I thought we decided to let bygones be bygones, my dear.” He replied without missing a beat.

“You gave me this work, but don’t think I trust you.”

“You seem to enjoy workin’ with me quite a bit!” He chuckled.

“Don’t flatter yourself, pirate scum.” She pouted.

“Are you two not…” Perseus did not even know why he was so curious, but it was perhaps to blame on what he saw back in that room. “…engaged?” He muttered shyly.

They both looked at him as if he was a weirdly shaped nymph that had just declared she wanted to destroy the forest.

“With this bum?!” Melissa almost lost her breath from indignation.

“B-But you two did-!” He lost his composure and averted his face.

“Aye, I see it now. Our entanglements are obvious even to others!”

“Are you serious? That was an act!” She threw her spoon at Irvenos who dodged it surprisingly well for someone with just one working eye. That had been his blind spot too. “We pretended to be fooling around to keep an eye on you two.” She explained with a grimace.

“It was an act?” Perseus was shocked beyond recovery. He had not known such seamless deception was possible.

“She’s not lyin’ entirely. We make sure to pay attention to potential dangers to our Archon.” He admitted. “But we do have some fun on occasion.” He added dirtily.

“Stop it.” She punched his lower gut, which made him wince.

“A man and a woman should not- I was taught to only devote yourself to someone you love.” Perseus was way out of his element here and it showed. What a horrible mistake, but one he could not look away from.

“I have no interest in what men do with women.” Melissa replied with one hand on her hip. “I’m shocked you fell for Irvenos bad acting though.”

“Could’ve made a prolific actor, no doubt.” He puffed out his chest.

“Really? How could anyone be fooled by your shameful disguise? You make a terrible nobleman.”

“It seemed to fool you just as well when we first met.” He responded with a not so visible smirk. “You remember, that night you tried to kill me?”

“Huh?” Perseus was entirely lost now.

“It wasn’t personal. You were my target.”

“Your final words for me were ‘Die you horrendous self-important lecherous manthing!’, so I recall.”

“I was… acting. For the servants who listened in!”

“What kind of assassin would leave witnesses?” He shrugged.

“Do not use that word. It’s Persian. I hate it.”

“Another migraine comin’? Mayhaps you’d like the special herbal medicine I’ve procured. It’s from Persia, though.”

“Argh!”

Perseus dodged their imminent fist fight and took a step back. These were Themistokles most trusted allies? A washed up pirate captain that had served a traitor and an overly emotional spy that killed people she did not like? He would not take responsibility for inciting their battle at least.

From the corner of his eye he could see the many men that were taking shelter, eating mostly quietly in the corners. They acted like anxious animals in their burrows, trying to take a glimpse at the surface for any predators. Most of them were wearing torn and dirty clothes, but none looked ill or injured. There was no conventional torture used on these people. It was a slight relief to him that he did not misjudge the character of the present Archon.

“WHAT?” Suddenly said Archon jumped up from his chair and lost himself to emotion. Phokas in front of him backed away fearfully, but in an instant Irvenos and Melissa had sprung up from their quarrel and pushed both of them back into their seats. It was unthinkable that they had paid attention in their own loud bickering, but here they were.

“P-P-Please-“ Phokas was rightfully fearful in this situation and looked towards Perseus who already loosened his arms and got ready to interfere.

“Are you certain man?! They had those symbols carved into their body?” Zosimos was pushing forward, almost freeing himself of Irvenos’ grip.

“Yes! Yes yes yes! Phokas saw!” He nodded emphatically.

“Impossible.” The Archon sank back on his chair and bit his thumb. “How could they have made it here? For what purpose?”

“What’s gotten you in a fright, boss?” Irvenos subtly pressed his employer’s shoulder.

“This situation has gone from bad to worse. If they are after Typhos’ contacts too then we can’t be careful enough.” Themistokles grabbed a quill and parchment from a nearby table and started to scribble away. He finished the messy drawing and slapped it into the center of the table. “This mark is the one you saw? Are you in full certainty of this?” He asked Phokas one last time.

The symbols he had drawn showed three intertwining snakes around a staff with wings on the handle. It reminded Perseus of another symbol he had seen before, but he could not recall it properly.

“Yes.” The sailor nodded. A drunk he may have been, bruised and beaten with swollen eyelids and all, but he seemed absolutely sure of himself. “Man took off coat many times when beating Phoka- me. Mark was deep white on chest.” This meant it was an old scar. Whoever had marked his chest with this symbol had done so a long time ago.

“These people that hunt our leads are probably the very same that escaped the prison yesterday. The ones you faced in battle Perseus.” Zosimos pointed at him. “There is no length they would not go to for their goals. It explains why they were willing to die by their own poison without hesitation.”

“Who are they?”

“A forbidden cult that spans from the westmost lands all the way to Persia. Their name is not known by anyone but their highest operatives.” The Archon put a hand through his hair and sighed. “I only saw one of them during my travels in Persia. I thought he was someone else at first. I misunderstood his brand…” He gripped his upper arm reflexively for some reason.

“Are they related to the children of Ahriman?” Melissa questioned with squinted eyes.

“No, not exactly. I cannot say whether they ever dealt with them. But one thing is sure.” He put a hand over the hastily drawn symbol. “We cannot be careful enough if they are involved. Nobody will leave the sanctuary. Nobody will enter the palace. I will make sure to convince the council to lock things up and heighten the alert. Redouble the guards and increase patrols. We have to warn the guardhouses in the city as well.” He frantically gave orders and put together a plan.

“Wait.” Perseus interrupted the heated atmosphere with his cold presence. “I do not understand the import of this revelation, but it seems you got the information you needed. Now make good on our deal. The map.” He ignored the glares of the others and faced Themistokles directly.

“You must have misunderstood.” Themistokles folded his hands and looked him dead in the eye. “You are in danger as well. They have attacked you before and they will do so again. Athens is not safe for you. It would be in your best interest to stay in the sanctuary, for your own protect-”

“The. Map.” Perseus slammed his hand on the table and glared back unabashedly.

Slowly he twisted his finger across the rough wood and stopped. “I never promised you such a thing.” The Archon responded with an unflinching gaze.

“What?”

“If you wanted me to betray my savior then you should have made sure to get my word first.” The tanned man said shrewdly and then rolled up the parchment. “I promise you that Phokas and you will be safe with us. This crisis is one you cannot even start to comprehend, so set aside your quest for now and focus on staying alive.”

“I have misjudged you.” Perseus spoke with cold fury in his voice.

“Take it as a lesson from the Owlcage, boy. Nothing here ever is as it appears.” His mouth was hidden behind his crossed hands, but he did still not break eye contact.

“I fear not this cult, nor anything this city pits against me.” Perseus clutched his fist before his chest. “But I weep for its future with a dishonorable king like you guiding it!”

“Hm.”

“I will not put you to harm as it goes against my vows.” The young man turned away with a heavy stomp. “But do not presume to stop me. I will manage without your support.”

As he stomped towards the door he was blocked by the dissimilar duo of Irvenos and Melissa. Both armed with blades. Both deadly serious. It was like night and day compared to their prior foolhardy act. Perseus faced the blades near his throat with contempt.

“Do not bother, you two. You cannot stop him anyway. Several royal guards could not manage that.” Zosimos waved them away. “I will not confine anyone here against their will. This is not supposed to be a prison.”

“Aye.” Irvenos casually flipped around his short sword and leaned back to open the path to the door.

Perseus was about to raise his arm for the door ring when he was called one more time.

“For the sake of these persecuted men and your friend, I implore you to keep the Sanctuary a secret. I want your word.” He was entirely serious about this, no doubt.

“My word?” He recalled what he had just been told. That only a man’s word could guarantee a pact for this silver tongued king. Perseus had no reason to acquiesce the Archon, not after his implicit betrayal. “By the name of Perseus, son of Danae, I will not put any of these men to harm with my actions. I wish to achieve my goal, but I will do it without the blood of the innocent on my hands.”

Those were his honest beliefs, spoken like a final farewell.

“I thank you.” Themistokles’ voice followed him beyond the door and no further.

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

The low hanging sun pushed its light into the spacious office with a red tinge. The large man in its center lazily flicked a grape into his wide mouth. He plucked another from the vine and then faced the open door. There stood a guest he had not expected for at least another day.

“Welcome, young Perseus. Have you come for the truth?” Pamphilos asked with a smirk.

The young man set his sandaled foot down on the lion pelt before him and faced the self-satisfied man slowly.

“Tell me about the city’s savior. Tell me about Eugenia.”

Spurned by those he thought potential allies, the hero stepped before the two-masked king.