Bait at the Village Gates
There was a scene break: * * *
I'd crushed every last Amazon in Naxos Village. The village leaders, who'd been locked away, were now freed. When I asked for their cooperation, they all bowed their heads without hesitation.
"Just give us your orders, Your Excellency."
"Good. Arm all the able-bodied men and prepare defenses."
"Understood."
"While you get ready to protect yourselves, I'll negotiate with Lord Triton."
The village leaders sprang into action. They had no idea when the Amazon queen might return.
In the meantime, I began preparations to summon Lord Triton. This time, no offerings were needed, so I didn't have to build an elaborate altar like before. Still, proprieties had to be observed—I had to follow the established ritual to the letter.
Just as I was thinking I could use some extra hands, a sly voice slithered in.
"Your Excellency Peleus! This unworthy Aitos has been unable to serve you for a time. I hope you've been well in my absence. Heh heh."
Aitos approached, groveling at the head of the surviving pirates, bending at the waist like a reed in the wind. The guy's life thread was tougher than hemp.
"You managed not to die, huh."
Even my bone-chilling words didn't faze him; he just grinned.
"How could this humble one leave his master and perish? I'd serve you even as a ghost if I had to."
"Flattery done right, I see. Were you a court sycophant before piracy? Exiled after getting stripped of your post?"
"A post? A wretch like me wouldn't dare."
"You look suspicious as hell. That palm-rubbing trick screams 'I buttered up a village head back in the day.'"
"It's merely the result of my efforts to understand my master's heart, even a little. This Aitos is but a lowly dog or horse, offering what meager strength I have in your service."
"Smooth as a flowing stream, your tongue is. Real slick."
I shook my head in disbelief and put Aitos and his pirates to work building an instant altar. Nothing grand like using a whole ship this time—just a stack of stones. Since I'd already performed the formal rite and forged a bond with Triton, this would suffice.
Great Lord Triton.
With preparations complete, I called to him in my mind. A moment later, his response came.
[What is it? I figured you wouldn't need me for a while.]
-What do you mean by that?
[I'm attacking Su-sin right now—that's what I mean.]
-What? You've already found him? You've been gunning for that Su-sin Dagon all along.
It hadn't even been days since I'd parted from Triton at the Three-Headed Pirates' base, and here he was, already storming in.
[Plucking a boil requires swift, decisive action. Dagon's that kind of festering sore on this sea.]
Now I understood why he'd assumed I wouldn't call. I'd offered him pearls in exchange for aid, but he must've worried it'd draw Dagon's grudge. With Dagon under attack now, he wouldn't have time for me.
-That's joyous news indeed, but new obstacles have blocked my path.
I explained how I'd come to Naxos Island and clashed with the Amazons. Triton bellowed with laughter.
[You're one busy stirrer, aren't you? Kicking up dust everywhere—naturally, you're drawing the gods' curiosity.]
-Me?
[Can't you feel it? The gaze of many gods upon you. I myself saw you as an intriguing mortal at first. But the attitudes of the others made me realize I couldn't treat you as mere curiosity.]
-Explain, please.
[Kuhahaha. You're hooked, eh? Truth is, once word spread that you'd made offerings to me, gods started approaching.]
-Who?
[First, the messenger god Hermes came calling.]
Olympus's snitch, as expected. Fast talker and fast mover.
-What did Hermes say about me?
[He'd heard major events were unfolding through you lately. From Mycenae to Sparta in such a short time—you've been busy. He advised me to judge carefully how to handle you, as you'd be at the center of great events ahead.]
-I see.
[In my view, he called you someone worth expecting great things from. Especially pleased about your bad blood with Artemis—he even hinted at plans to invest in you.]
What? Olympus's snitch investing in me? An unexpected windfall.
[It swayed me considerably. Hermes has sharp eyes. Those he's backed before have all achieved great results. His cult's firm standing today owes much to his savvy investments. How could I not be tempted?]
-You're too kind.
[But that wasn't all. The rainbow god Iris came and asked me to look out for you.]
Iris, huh. More loyal than expected. Though it led to some unfortunate misunderstandings.
[Don't tell me—you satisfied Lord Iris's manly needs?]
-What the—? Satisfied his manhood? That phrasing feels wrong.
-Total misunderstanding. It'll never happen, eternally.
[Strong denial is as good as admission. Man-on-man matters are for the parties involved. Kuhuhu.]
-People say 'between a man and a woman' for a reason!
[Fine, fine. Enjoy your pretty lovebird times.]
-Arrrgh! Damn you, Iris. Even help from you causes headaches.
[Of course, some gods held unfavorable views.]
-Who?
[The one trash-talking you most was Goddess Artemis.]
-Ah, figures.
I could only react calmly to that. Artemis never disappoints. Makes me wonder if we weren't married in a past life—couples become mortal enemies in the next, right?
[Apollo was negative too. Said you're overly arrogant. He advised that Nemesis would punish you soon, so no point paying attention.]
That punk Apollo! Still salty over the state religion mess in Sparta. Classic Olympus sleaze icon.
[But Nemesis herself was favorable. Athena seemed well-disposed too. What truly moved me, though, was the last god to appear.]
-Who was it?
My curiosity peaked. Who had swayed Triton most?
[Lady Hestia, goddess of the hearth.]
-Ah...
[Lady Hestia sees deep, beyond what fools miss. For her to rate you so highly—said you're destined for great things, worth watching.]
Lady Hestia thought that highly of me? Pride swelled in my chest. I had to work hard not to disappoint her. Truly Olympus's shining light.
-An overflowing honor.
[Did you have prior ties? She doesn't show favor lightly. She lives quietly, aloof from gods' or mortals' affairs.]
-I admire her deeply, but no special connection. Just occasional prayers at her temples.
[Odd. That's ordinary mortal stuff.]
-Yes.
Thrilling that Lady Hestia noticed me, but we had no real overlap. Why the attention?
[I trust her wisdom. Thus, you became more than curiosity—a prime recruitment target.]
-I...
Never expected the sea god Triton to turn this friendly. He even made a favorable offer.
[I'll dispatch my sea forces. I seek active alliance with you. More troops than the pearls warrant.]
-My deepest thanks for such grace.
Perfect timing—I needed help against the Amazons, and Triton was flipping positive. Victory felt certain now.
[Consider it my goodwill—and a small investment. I'll watch your moves.]
-You won't be disappointed.
Time to think of reciprocation. Free rides lead to baldness like Thematos. Toppling a rival god's hero would thrill him—heroes are gods' earthly hands, after all.
[Good. My forces are swift on sea, but reaching Naxos Island takes time. Can you hold?
-How long?
[Half a day suffices.]
-Manageable.
The negotiations with Triton concluded there.
[Good luck, Peleus.]
His voice faded, and I let out a long sigh.
"You okay?"
Atalante had crept up, concern on her face as she wiped sweat from my brow with her own hand.
"Yeah."
Communing with gods drained more than expected. Higher beings taxed the mind even in simple talk.
"Talk went well. Lord Triton's sending enough troops to rout the Amazons."
"Thank goodness, Peleus."
"Fetch Hippolyte."
Before entering Naxos Village, I'd hidden her in a safe spot—just in case. Vital hostage; feared she'd bolt amid battle chaos. With things settled, time to retrieve our tightly bound prize.
"Got it. Be right back."
Atalante returned with Hippolyte in under an hour. Her entrance drew roars of boos from the villagers.
"Demon bitch!"
"Witch! Witch!"
Bound and dragged by Atalante, Hippolyte drew screams. Deep grudges here.
I asked a nearby elder, "What'd she do?"
"You might not know, Excellency, but to us, we'd skin her alive and gnaw her bones."
A mild-looking old man spouting such venom surprised me. Quiet fury etched his kindly face.
"That bad?"
"She led the vanguard in the invasion. Took many fine young lives defending our home—lives too precious to weigh. Several were my pupils."
Ah, a teacher. Losing students to her blade would enrage anyone. What a vile woman—demanding bedroom service from me on sight, too.
"Kill her! Kill the witch! My son!"
"Waaah! My brother died by that bitch!"
Many villagers wept for lost kin. The Amazons' invasion sounded ruthlessly merciless.
"Sparta's Basileus! Please! Punish her harshly!"
"Excellency! Cut off the witch's head to console the fallen!"
They surged forward, voices rising in fury. I raised a hand to quiet them.
"I understand your pain. On my name, I swear: she'll pay for her crimes. But reclaim your wits now. I've secured Triton's aid, but reinforcements need time. The Amazon army could strike anytime."
Reality check silenced them in fearful hush.
"Don't forget: victory's distant, battle unborn. We need Victory Goddess Nike's smile. For that, hesitate at nothing. I ask you all to heed me."
"Excellency! What do you command?"
I pointed at Hippolyte. "Hang her from a sturdy pole at the village gate. I'll use the Amazon queen's sister as hostage to negotiate and stall."
With kin's life at stake, the queen wouldn't attack rashly. She'd talk first, even if resolute. No intent for real debate—just delay. Though curiosity about the famed Amazon queen piqued me personally.
"How dare you! To a royal like me!"
Hippolyte bellowed in outrage. Truly unlikeable.
Then a village militiaman galloped up on horseback—one of the island's scant three. Urgent news.
"Excellency!"
"What?"
"A band of Amazons appeared! About a dozen! They tried entering but retreated under our arrow volley."
The queen must've realized the Oceanus Temple meeting was a ruse and turned back. Sent scouts to probe.
"Good. Lead on!"
"Yes, Excellency!"
I followed the militiaman to the gate. Wonder what face the Amazon queen would make seeing her sister strung up.