The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Tarn of Eternity, by Frank Tymon

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(C) 1995 Frank Tymon

THE TARN OF ETERNITY

(Previous title,gift hand puppets for 9 months "When the Water Lilies Bloom")

by Frank Tymon

The Garden of Persephone

Dry and sere it lies. Where once beauty bloomed, weeds andbriars grow, as grow untrimmed bushes once flowering plants.

They flower not.

Paths meander through the drear landscape. In earlier timelovingly attended, now lie they under gray dust and blowingbrown leaves. All paths, in good time, led to the garden gate,its posterns now long whitened by blowing wind and sand.

Dry ditches, ground cracked, dust and sand stretch from thebroken gate. The gate, the fence - fallen, twisted, even as thegarden.

By day the sun burns harshly the once green grass. By night thechill of winter coats each plant with killing frost. Gustingwinds tear and rip where once soft zephyrs blew.

In bygone days bloomed here red roses, and pink carnations. Thelilacs' fragrance, the soft beauty of the violets, thebrilliant yellow of the sunflower graced long ago this garden.

The bees hummed contentedly, and butterflies floated fromflower to flower. Gentle rains caressed the brilliant blossoms,the verdant leaves. Dewdrops glistened on green leaf atmorningtide.

Of evening, sang the nightingales. By day, birdsong and happybird chatter filled the air. In vibrant colors warblers andfinches courted here, and yellow canaries darted from tree totree. Flying jewels, the hummingbirds, decorated the flowergardens.

Always blue skies above, and soft caress of the warm sun. Attimes, white clouds drifted softly, released the gentle rain.The flowers opened wide, washed their bright faces in thecrystal drops. The falling moisture fed the myriad streams, andcooled the noontime air.

Rivulets flowed with delicate tinkling sound amidst theflowers. In the clear waters darted fish of brilliant hue, redand gold. Here grew the waterflowers along the bank, andwatercress.

A pond there was, cool water where swam the ducks and wildgeese. From time to time awkward goslings there swam, andofttimes the graceful swan.

Growing there, also, the pure white beauty of the waterlilies.
Their beauty hid a message of foreboding. A message, by the
Gods' grace, that Persephone could not read.

Here dwelt peace and tranquillity, rest from toil, relief fromcare.

Here walked, with gentle grace of fawn, Persephone in happierdays. The beauty of the flowers faded in comparison to herbeauty. Bright eyed, smooth skinned, lips the color and softnessof the rose petals she added beauty to the already beautiful.The happy chatter of the birds was lost in the happy laughter ofthis child. Here she tended her flowers with loving care,dreamed the dreams of youth - and blissfully knew nought of thetrials to come.

Bird music filled the air, each performer more talented thanthe other. Nature painted the garden with hues beyond man's ken.Persephone danced in joy beneath the warm sun, sang with thebirds.

Ceres watched with happy smile, her daughter.

Yet felt the chill of premonition.

Such was the Garden of Persephone.

And that, long since.

The Garden of Pluto

Darkness!

Not the gentle poetic darkness of a summer evening, softlyhiding the courting rites of youth, bringing peace and rest toa tired world. Nor the friendly shadow one finds in the depth ofquiet forest, sheltered from the noonday sun.

The darkness of Hades has nought in common with these.

Clasp your hands before your eyes, pressing close against yourlids. Open wide your eyes and try to see. Feel the absolutedarkness pressing in upon you!

This the darkness of Hades. A darkness that presses on yourvery eyes. And more! A darkness that envelopes mind and soul! Anunending and solid darkness, not of this world.

This is the darkness of Hades! This is the darkness of thedamned!

In Pluto's garden, earth's flowers do not grow. Yet grow thereplants.

Strange, distorted semblances of earthly growth, they twist andwrithe. They search for a non-existent sun, thirst for neverfalling water. The roses thorns have, yet have they not theblossoms.

Yet is there beauty.

The mystic asphodel here grows. With blossoms seen, now unseen,hues rainbow inspired. Waxlike and translucent they grow inabundance in this, the abode of the dead. They bloom in the deepnight of Hades, their aroma rousing hopeless hope, and forlornmemories. The fragrance clashes with the evil ambiance ofeternal misery. Trampled 'neath the hooves of Pluto's chargers,yet they ever rise again. Their strange beauty carpets thepastures of Hades. Their gentle perfume permeates the fields andstreams of hell.

In Persephone's garden do gentle streams trickle.

Not so in Hades.

Here flows the Styx, the River of Hate, nine times round theinfernal region, dark waters flooded with ancient mysteries. TheAcheron, the Mother of Sorrows, carrying in its stream the woesof all mankind, merges with the darker waters of the Cocytus,land of the doomed wanderer. Here even the waves and ripples cryout, and none but Charon dare the fearsome tide.

Phlegethon flows here. Cooling water, water to assuage one'sthirst, to cool one's brow?

No!

Fire! Liquid fire! With consistency of molten lava the glowingred stream burns all within its path.

And here also Lethe. The one good gift in all of Hades. Adraught from the stream cleanses the mind of all remembrances.The evil acts, regretted, are no more. The rare acts ofkindness, bright gems in memory, fade. What was, what might havebeen, washed away by this one blessed draught. Even, 'tis said,gentle Lethean dews bring blessed forgetfulness, release fromlove lost, sin committed.

The mighty rivers flow, and in the depth of Hades merge into athunderous stream. Dense dark fog rises from that surface, moreblack than gray, then fades to rise again. Here, midst meadowsof asphodels, the monstrous stream surges and pounds in a hugemoat, guardian to the great castle.

A moat deep and broad, home of fabled creatures, forbidding anddark. From its surface exudes pestilential odors, and a drop ofmalignant liquid from its depths, extracted from time to time,spreads all repugnant ills upon the world. The misery ofcholera, the evil plague, unnamed and unknown diseases are itsbehest to mankind.

That castle, the centerpiece of the Garden of Pluto, rises highand majestic upon the far shore beyond the turbulent moat. Itsdesign, a strange and fascinating beauty, both attracts andrepels. Turrets rise - and yet they waver in one's vision, fade,and rise again. From windows shine light of fire within,replaced at times by grotesque shadows on the panes.

The walls of purest white as though purity dwelt therein. Adrawbridge, extending well above the angry waters below. Hugechains, cold and foreboding, wait patiently to lift its massiveweight. A door, broad and tall, dark, blocks rather thanwelcomes the visitor. Above that door gargoyles of weird designlook down. Living, or hewn from stone, they cast a spell of evilon all who pass this portal.

Within the guests of Pluto enjoy the viands from the farreaches of earth. Wines to challenge even the nectar ofOlympus. Their bouquet ethereal and light, they entice andcapture. Food both delicate and strong. Strong meaty tastes, andgentle taste of dainty herbs. Spices, strange and delicatefruits. Music and song and dance, with cymbals, and stringedinstruments, and drums. With singers whose beauty rivals thebeauty of their song. And dancers nimble as wild goat, smoothand gracious as swan. All these and more - for Pluto has on callthe most brilliant of entertainers.

Poets read their masterpieces, novelists theirs. Artistsdisplay their paintings, statues. Musicians play with infiniteskill. Nothing is lacking, for all are on call in this kingdom.Every art is represented here. Brilliance is not rare. Nor isbeauty.

Conversation is gay and never ending. Humor of all sorts isheard. Skits are performed to thunderous applause. Joy and goodcheer abound. Laughter fills the halls again and again.

The dances are spirited, with happy couples moving in perfecttiming with the music of world famous bands.

Pluto looks on the festivities, notes when interest fades,introduces new diversions, keeps the activity ever moving, everexciting.

Yet with his best efforts, at times, the sound of revelryfades. From out the walls, from beyond the moat, the moans andlamentations, screams of never-ending pain, weeping. Misery lieswithout. And all the charades within the castle walls cannotdisguise that this is, indeed, the abode of the damned. Always,like a blanket of gloom, reality envelopes that great castle.

And finally, in the early morning hours, the guests arespirited back to their earthly abodes. The musicians put awaytheir instruments, the entertainers retreat to their dressingrooms, the great hall is cleaned, and all who have catered thefestivities return once more to their fated punishment.

Only Pluto remains, seated, dour and melancholy, on the greatthrone.

No bright and lilting music, no gay conversation, no happylaughter masks the lamentations from without.

The party is over!

This is the Garden of Pluto.

The Garden of Persephone, unattended, lies in waste.

The Garden of Pluto endures, tended by slaves who dream ofemancipation - and labor eternally.

The Garden of Pluto endures - today, tomorrow, forever!

1. Beginning

"Demo, Listen!" Petulant anger was in her voice.

"He's chasing the chickens again! You really must do somethingabout that dog. Hurry, now, before he catches one." His mother'susually calm mien had disappeared. She had raised a fine flockof chickens and was proud of every one. To her chagrin, Roughhad acquired a taste for chickens.

"Rough, leave them be! Come here!"

The dog at first wagged its tail, then let it droop between itslegs as it noted the tone of voice. Slowly it approached, itshead hung low, expectant of punishment.

"Rough, I am the greatest hunter in the village. No, I am thegreatest hunter in the whole of Greece. None but I can draw thisbow. None but I can hit the mark, time after time. None canshoot an arrow for such a distance!"

His mother smiled. Only 17, yet with the assurance of youth, heboasted of his skill. Well might he do so. For years his bow andarrows had fed them well. Today he would foray in search ofdeer.

"And you! All you can hunt is chickens! Well, you are growing.
Soon I'll take you with me on the hunt. And we'll hunt deer, and
bear, and . . . Well, anyway, not chickens. You hear me, pup?"
Demo rubbed its head with both hands, patted the animal.

Rough licked his palm, followed him into the house, tailwagging.

"Lucky for you, dog, that you didn't catch that rooster. He'dof flogged you good with his beak and spurs. Now, Demo, youwatch him. I wont have my chickens killed by the likes of thatmutt." Demo's mother growled in fake anger while surreptitiouslyfeeding Rough some scraps.

A beautiful dog, with long light brown fur covering his body,except for a breast of pure white, his looks belied his name. Ahandsome head, intelligent eyes, and an attitude of carefulinterest placated his master and mistress.

Rough lay down quietly, gazing from one to the other.

"Yes, you are a skilled hunter. I will make ready to cookvenison, for you never return empty-handed. You wont returnempty handed, right?" She smiled.

She stood, stepped to his side, and hugged him for a moment.
Her face mirrored pride as she felt his strong arms around her.

He had been a sickly child. But the Gods had been kind. Withthe help of a skilled nursemaid, with good food and work andplay, he had recovered. Now a young man, tall and stalwart,tanned by the sun he displayed none of the weaknesses of yore.She was pleased.

His brown eyes, dark hair, and handsome visage were no lesspleasant to her. Soon he would be looking for a mate from thevillage maidens. In her mind she had already made a selection.She glanced at him, smiled.

Her thoughts pursued for a moment that theme. I must invite
Theresa to dine with us. Yes, they would make a handsome pair.

His face reddened at her compliment, and he laughed inpleasure.

"You shall not be disappointed, Mother."

"No, nor would I ever be. Ah, were your Father Celeus stillliving. How proud he would be!"

She filled his pouch with provender for the hunt. Cheese, andfruit, and warm bread she had baked that day. The smell of thewarm bread and the sweet spread that coated it, the oranges,made all look eagerly to the meal ahead.

As she tended his meal, frying venison, he took more warmbread from the table, shared it with Rough, and grinned as hismother turned to catch them.

"Demophoon! Shame! Without even asking! Do you like it? Is itgood?"

"Mother, your bread is better than another's cake. Isn't it
Rough?"

Rough barked with mention of his name.

Watching him with both amusement and pride as he stalked intothe bordering forest, his mother Metaneira noted the approachingstorm cloud. She frowned.

With all his strength and courage he was still but a boy.Hopefully he will find a dry cave to shelter in. The rains willbe heavy, the winds strong.

Even in the best of weather she felt concern when he went onhis sojourns. Too many hunters had gone out, not to return. TheGods of the Forest did not take kindly to wanderers. And theyprotected their own.

A chill ran along her back, and she shivered.

"Rough, I shall be glad when you can go with him. He may wellneed your aid one day."

She did not realize how prophetic were her words.

Leaving their home he strode rapidly through the open forest ofoak trees. Soon the land began to rise. He climbed the highmountains, their peaks glistening in the sun. The oak treesgradually thinned, and pines began to take their place. And atthe higher reaches even the pines gave way to scrubbrush andweeds. Sunlight was beginning to disappear as he climbed, and henoted the dark thunderclouds, forming in the north. There shallbe weather by nightfall, he thought.

"The deer will sense it. They will be searching for shelter.And I know the grove where they will congregate, waiting for thestorm to pass." He voiced the words even as they came to mind.

It was a habit formed of living a lonely life. Since he hadnone to talk to on his frequent excursions, he talked softly tohimself.

At times he argued with himself - now supporting a position;now, opposing it. Such mental contests amused him, sharpened hiswits, or so he led himself to believe.

"They will drift down to the little valley on yonder hillside.I can be there by set of sun, or perhaps travel under moonlight,and our larder will be well-stocked tomorrow."

Today he didn't argue with himself. It was a good plan. Hebegan the climb to the mountain valley.

Few paths led into the mountains. Torturous and narrow theyquickly petered out into animal trails or ended abruptly withoutcause. Man left the mountains to Gods of the forest. Only thebravest hunters dared their heights.

It did not concern him. This was his world, and he climbedsteadily, finding passage where others might turn back.

The lower reaches of the foothills were rolling and the climbwas gradual. Here grew giant trees, broadleafed under the summersun, bare in the cold of winter. Nevertheless, here game wasrare, as man dwelled nigh.

As he passed the foothills the terrain became increasinglyrougher. From time to time a vertical wall of stone blocked hisway, and he detoured on twisting paths among boulders as tall ashimself. Sometimes, when no path existed for his progress, hecarefully and slowly climbed the rugged precipice.

"Ah, " he smiled, "would I could fly." He gazed upward, noteddangerous routes, continued his climb. Panting from his effortshe progressed ever upward, soon reaching levels where only theevergreens grew. And as he went upward still, even these grewmore rarely, and more diminutive in form. A few, twisted andgnarled, hung tenaciously to the near barren earth, their formsbowed in submission to the power of the wind.

As he leaped from boulder to boulder one twisted beneath hisfoot. The motion of the stone threw him to the side of thetrail, to the outer edge of the pathway. Loose dirt and gravelsrattled downward, bounced from jutting ledges, disappearing intothe fog that hid the rock-strewn surface at the cliff's base.

With the agility of youth he caught his balance, danced to amore solid footing. For a moment he sat down, grinned at theincident as he gazed over the edge of the precipice that mighthave welcomed him. He picked up a pebble, tossed it over therim, watched and listened as it careened downward from ledge toledge. He shook his head.

"Could have been me."

He grinned, tossed another pebble. It rattled down thesurfaced, bounced outward.

"No, no way, not me."

He leaned back for a moment, relaxed in the warming rays of thesun, filtered at times by the gathering clouds.

He rubbed his ankle, winced at the pain. "Well, not broken. Ithink I'll cut a staff. Too bad. May slow me."

Even as he fashioned the staff his thoughts wandered. Hethought the deep, deep thoughts of youth. The concerns fortomorrow. His search for a goal beyond the hunting and fishingof his daily life. His companions had gone diverse ways. Somewere now merchants, others farmers, a few followed the sea. Somevery few had disappeared into the wilds, destined to join outlawbands. Perhaps he should become, as his Father, a farmer.

To plow the fields, plant, and watch the harvest grow. Marryand raise a family.

"Mother would like that. She would favor Theresa. And I do likeher. "

He put his weight on the staff, walked back and forth. Theankle was swollen, ached, but he would manage.

His thoughts once more returned to the future. Married, a homeof his own? It was not unappealing. Ah, but he could not forsakethe mountains, give up the hunt! Anyway, there was time enough.

"There is tomorrow, and many tomorrows to come. Time enough."

High above a flock of wild geese flew, their path southwardtoward the sea. Clouds, winddriven, chased them across thedarkening sky. In the distance lightning flashed between darkcumulus clouds. Quickly the rumble of thunder followed. He feltthe cool breeze ruffling his hair, heard its whisper in his ear.Another burst of thunder. "Close, very close." he murmured."Best I be moving on. Still, the wind is shifting. Perhaps itwill pass by."

Above the whisper of windrustled leaves he heard a differentnoise, the soft pad of footsteps approaching. He frowned. By thesound he knew them to be human, and likely two people. But whowould be traveling here at this time, with the impending storm?

Rising, Demo slipped silently into the bordering underbrush,moved to the meager shelter of a gnarled pine. He lay flat atits base, obscured by its trunk from any curious eyes that mightgaze from the pathway.

Tales passed by word of mouth of robber bands, brigands whomade their home in the forests. Furtive, deadly, they survivedby waylaying unwary travelers. Perhaps exaggerated tales, butfew honest men dared the high mountains!

He waited, eyes wide, controlling breathe and movement.

"I tell you, I saw the boy. He was young, scampered up theslopes like a mountain goat. And he carried a pouch. There couldbe gold. At least he should have food, and our larder is nearlyempty."

The speaker and his comrade came into sight at the mouth of adark ravine.

"Maybe a kid out on a hunt. Or maybe a trick. He could be herelooking for us, with a band ready to follow. They were peacefulenough in the village when we took only a few coins and neededfood. It's when you killed that tradesman all changed. Now theyare afraid, and they are hunting desperately for us."

"True. Anyway, it was dispatch him or be taken prisoner. And Isay we do the same with this one. I say we find this lad, openhis gullet, take his pouch and toss him off yonder crag. This isour territory, and we want no trespassers!" He grinned, pleasedat the thought.

The speaker was medium height, burly, and his face wore anangry scowl. His companion was taller. The shorter man wasplainly the leader, and the tall one listened more than talked.

"He had a bow."

"We come up behind him, end it quickly. His bow is of noconsequence."

"Say, look here. Something's happened here. Look at the stones,and the footprints."

They knelt where Demo had nearly taken a fall, examined thedisturbed stones, and the surrounding ground.

"You're right, someone has been here. And it looks like they'vedecided to stay - down there." The tall man pointed over thebrink of the escarpment toward the valley floor.

"The path ends here, and that's a fact. Well, if he went overat this point he's a goner. Too bad. Wonder what he had in thatpouch?"

They glanced cautiously out over the edge of the precipice. Theshort man suddenly gave the tall one a half shove.

"You idiot! What if I'd slipped. I'll rap you on that thickskull if you do a fool thing like that again!"

The shorter one grinned. "Ah, it was just in fun. I'd not sendyou over."

"No, not unless you were for taking all the coins for yourself.Just keep your distance. Maybe you saw nothing at all, justwanted to get me out here where it'd be easy. No, Rooster, Itrust you not at all."

The burly man pulled a dagger from his belt, still grinning."You think too much, friend Peter. Nevertheless, I like it! Itis an excellent idea!"

The blade darted out! Missed!

The Peter stepped back quickly, slipped, fell sideward, slidtoward the cliff!

He grabbed the ankle of his companion. The Rooster kicked hisface! Blood spurted from a broken nose, covered the sandledfoot! Rooster pulled and jerked, trying to free his leg, butPeter held on doggedly.

"Damn you." Peter spat at his attacker. He grabbed a rock, roseto his knees, still grasping Rooster's ankle. His opponentpulled away, his eyes on the rock. Red blood flowed from Peter'storn skin and swollen nose. Peter lashed out desperately withthe rock, crashing it against his companion's knee.

"Damn you, you've broken my leg!" Rooster cursed, slashed at
Peter's rock hand as both slid toward the waiting cliff.

Dropping the rock Peter, too, drew a knife, slashed at
Rooster's leg.

A boulder interrupted their slide. They both struggled to theirfeet.

"I'll see you in hell," Rooster thrust once more with hisweapon.

The blade sliced through flesh, hit bone. Peter, wounded in theleft side, gasped, staggered backward.

With a grimace his burly assailant suddenly rushed forward,slashing wildly.

Peter, leaping sideward, felt the stones rolling beneath hisfeet.

Ground gave way, and he screamed. At the same moment he grabbedthe Rooster's arm, yanked him forward.

For a moment they staggered on the edge of the precipice.

It ended quickly!

Even as they fought the ground quivered beneath their feet!Then, with a low rumbling, the ledge on which they fought beganto slide. White-faced they dropped their weapons, scrambled toreach a firm foothold.

It was to no avail!

Their frightened screams mingled with the growing roar of thefalling boulders, lasted only seconds. Demo lay still, unable torise. The screams had ceased. Now nothing else was heard savethe rattle of falling stones. Dust rose from the cliffs edge,quickly blew away by a vagrant breeze.

Demo lay still. It had happened so quickly!

They had stood on the trail, talking, friends it seemed. And inmoments they had turned on one another, fought! And now - theywere gone.

Dead!

He shuddered.

"Ah, how my heart is beating!" He stood up. "Dead, and in but afew heartbeats of time!" He leaned on his staff, took a deepbreath. "And that's what they would have done to me!"

He moved gingerly from his retreat.

He listened carefully.

"There are no more of them . . . ?" He glanced fearfully towardthe ravine from which they had emerged.

There was only silence.

Slowly Demo edged up to the brink of the precipice, slowlypeered downward.

Nothing could be seen save a few scattered boulders and a fewdark patches lying ominously quiet.

He turned now downward, turned his back on the lonelydesolation of the higher peaks. His thoughts remained with thescene that had just occurred.

Long he had heard of brigands and outlaws in the highmountains. In appearance these had looked no different than hisneighbors in the valley. Yet they had destroyed each other inacts of senseless violence.

"May the Gods keep me! What strange mad creatures we humansare!" he whispered to himself. He paused, leaned against thebole of a tree. He felt nauseated, weak. They were not old,certainly younger than his Mother. And now, snuffed out, gone.He sat down, his back against the tree.

It could have just as easily been me. He took a deep breath. Itwas me they wanted. And they would have killed me just asquickly. A shiver ran through his body.

"Is life so very cheap?" He looked at his hands, held them infront of his face. "It can end so quickly. "

He had never thought about it. Never given death even a secondthought. But now it would not leave his mind. A quick slash witha knife, a blow to the head, a fell from a crag. And it is over.

The only death he had ever know was that of his Father. And hehad been quite young. It had been lonesome without him, sad.But he had not understood how very final it was. He had alwaysthought, in a childish way, that his Father would return.Perhaps, strangely, even 'til now.

He hadn't thought of his Father for a long while. He knew notwhy, but tears welled from his eyes. For a few moments he satbeneath the tree, sobbing. Now I begin to understand. Howstrange, after all these years. And yet he had always missed hisFather. But he had never cried before. He shook his head.

His Mother had cried. He remembered, at night, listening to her
sobs. He had walked to her bed, hugged her, and she kissed him.
But he had not really understood. Now he did. How very strange.
How insensitive we are, unknowingly.

Biting his lip he rose, glanced back toward the escarpment.
With an effort he brought his thoughts once more to the hunt.
Did the deer ever think of death? Was the buck fearful,
constantly watchful for the hunter? How very strange the world!

He began his descent, wide-eyed and watchful. There could beothers around any tree, any boulder!

His concern was not warranted, for he met neither brigands norwild beast. The mountain slopes were silent. As though the menhad never existed, had never disturbed the peace and calm of theplacid heights.

The valley he sought lay far below, tree encompassed. Thedownward path would be easier. Even now he walked mid patches ofgreen grass and verdant bushes. Wild flowers bloomed, occasionalberry bushes provided sustenance, and he ate, then stopped.

Here he was eating, enjoying the mountains bounty! And they!Lying dead, who had but moments before lived and breathed as didhe. How short the distance between survival and abundance. Hethought again of the scene he had watched.

The thought continued to shock him. His thoughts were moreoften on material things, on stalking the deer, catching thefish from the streams. He shook his head, driving away dismalthoughts as he lengthened his stride toward the distant valley.

"Well, I must be careful. Mother was right. There are brigandsabout. My, that ankle does ache. But I promised Mother venison."He leaned on the staff to lessen the pain.

The high mountains beckoned with promise of game. Above thedomain of man the deer browsed. At times threatened by wolf orthe mountain lions, they flourished still. To the hunter whodared these slopes a day without success was rare.

The storm clouds were nearing rapidly. The air preceding theirarrival was beginning to cool. The odor of rain wafted ahead ofthe storm. And the odor of ozone, accompanying the frequentlightning flashes. Drifting downward from the peaks, darkthunderclouds forewarned of imminent danger. Long rumbles ofthunder followed the frequent flash of lightning. And the windblew continuously, a mournful sound at times steady, but morefrequently gusting in sudden fury. The trees swayed wildly underthe ministrations of Aeolus.

The deer, driven by the storm, drifted more rapidly toward thevalley for shelter. They were small, at times indistinguishablebecause of the distance. Still could he make out, or soimagined, antlered bucks among them. The best of these wouldfall to his arrow. In spite of the weather he would indeed bethere by sundown. It would be a good hunt. In his mind he couldsmell the cooking venison.

Ceres watched her world with happy smiles. Soft rains nurturedthe crops, and harvests would be bountiful. Bees from flower toflower flew, humming as they went their industrious way. Graingrew tall, and every tree limb bent low, weighted with itsfruit. Grapes were bounteous, green grapes and blue, otherspurple and red.

Ceres watched with jealous heart. Every seed to her was sacred.If but one failed to put forth its plant she fretted. If severalslept lazily under the fertile soil her lips tightened inconcern. A limb that bore no fruit, a plant that failed toflower - all drew from her the like concern.

Yet she was happy, for though man must toil to reap, hisrewards were plentiful. The grapes, swollen purple, ready toburst with sweetness, soon would go to press. Bacchus wouldreceive his devotees, frolicking, carousing, and celebratingjoyful times. For the people were thankful for the wealth offood their land produced, and gave thanks through theircelebrations.

Ceres watched her daughter playing amidst the flowers of theirgarden. Winsome and gay and ever active she darted among theplants, now chasing a colored butterfly; now dancing with aflirting breeze.

Soon her education must begin. The ways of the wind, of thestorm gods, and of Earth herself must she learn. The manyplants, their names and their fruit, were to be learned. Whenand where to sow, how deep the seed to plant. Harvesting, andstoring the harvest, were skills she must have. Preparing thefoods to satisfy the taste and body - so many wonderful andexciting secrets of the world!

But, for now, let her play. Her curiosity would teach her much.Observant, Persephone noted each subtle change in plant and inthe land. Inquisitive, she asked of Ceres question afterquestion, probing to find how and why and what of each event,each object.

Ceres watched with pride her lovely child.

And wondered at the dark sense of foreboding that would notleave her mind.

Brooding, his eyes half closed, Pluto sat on his sumptuousthrone. Ornate with jewels - diamonds and rubies, sapphires andamethyst, green jade and blue turquoise - it held the treasuresof the world. Decorated with filigree of silver and gold, itdominated the room. Or would have, were it not for its occupant.

Zeus and Poseidon, his brothers, were heroic figures before manand Gods. Strong, handsome, powerful - they were admired,worshipped.

Not so, Pluto.

Face and form hideous to behold he ruled the nether world. Notadmiration, nor worship were his. Rather, fear!

His appearance aroused it. He stood huge over the poorsupplicants who pleaded for release from this, the eternalprison. A skin of leathery hue, plated in metallic scales thatgleamed in light of candle. Misshapen form, twisted, broken. Aface of ghastly white, lined with deep marks that twisted withhis thoughts, pitted with pock marks. He projected fear andevil. His kingdom reinforced it. The tales and rumors thatspread among men, and even on high Olympus, did little todissipate that fear.

Only his eyes, often hidden by lowered lids, belied hisappearance. For they reflected the pity and compassion in hissoul.

At his invitation the great castle filled with revelers. Yet,in their presence or alone, Pluto had no feeling of belonging.His was a lonely world, a world apart.

Companionship, friendship, understanding - these were deniedhim.

And, also, love.

Pluto brooded.

2. The White Owl

Demo suddenly heard thrashing, mixed with the distress call ofa bird. Rounding a bend in the mountain trail he quicklystopped. Before him was a scene of impending tragedy.

An owl, beautiful, with white feathers, struggled. Enmeshed ina clever trap it was unable to break free. A cunning net hadextended above the narrow ravine, and the bird had triggered aningenious mechanism that released the net. Its wings thresheduselessly as it tumbled on the rocky ground.

And creeping ever closer, a fox. Its eyes gleamed inanticipation. Saliva dripped from its open mouth. The sun's raysreflected from the glistening fangs. Brown and white matted furclung tightly to its body. Gaunt and hungry, its every muscletensed, it waited eagerly for the right moment to strike.

It crouched to spring, inched closer to its prey.

"No you don't." Demo whispered the words. Laying aside thestaff, smoothly, with hardly a thought, Demo drew an arrow fromits pouch. Notching it to the string he drew the bow.

Even as he did so the fox sprang, jaws open wide.

With a whistle the arrow flew through the air!

The fox, startled, twisted to avoid the danger.

Too late!

The arrow struck him at the peak of his leap. It struck high onhis haunch, cut deep into the upper leg. The arrow's forceknocked the animal sideward, and he fell short of his victim.

Even as the fox fell the world burst asunder in a thunderclapof sound. The force of a sudden wind drove Demo to his knee,almost stunned.

He froze in that position, starred in consternation at thescene in front of him.

Where the fox had fallen an imp stands, looking at him inanger. It's hand pulls dagger from sheath. The long twistedblade is raised threateningly. Demo takes another arrow from thequiver.

A louder blast of thunder feels the air and the imp looks up infear. With another glance of hate he dashes away into the bushes.

But Demo's eyes are focused on another, and the imp is not nowthe center of Demo's attention. The cynosure of his gaze is thebeautiful white owl. For the beautiful white owl is now morebeautiful still.

Standing free from the trap is the princess of the forestnymphs. She has shed the white feathers of the owl and standsbefore him in innocent beauty. She smiles as his face reddens,then steps behind some obscuring bushes.

"What, what is it . . . !" he stammered.

Dazed, Demo backed away. "This is unreal. It can not behappening. Imps, and Goddesses - these are but stories. Where amI? This is not the world I know. Who am I that I meet with impsand Goddesses. Enough that this day I have seen death. " Hemouthed the words, but no sound came.

He closed his eyes, opened them.

She did not go away.

"You have saved me from the minions of Pluto, the God ofHades. And for that you shall be rewarded. I shall take you asmy husband, and you shall live with me forever. We will dwellamong the Gods, and you shall ever be my protector."

The lilting beauty of her voice entranced him. It caressed himas the gentle notes of a favorite song. Bewitched, he ignoredthe content of her words, merely listened to tone of her voice..

"Come with me. I am Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. We must tellZeus. There will be great rejoicing on Olympus. Zeus feared Ishould never find a suitable husband! Yet, here you are!"

She reached out for his hand. They never touched, for then,twice in this one day, a mysterious force intervened. Lookingupward he saw great dark clouds boiling. From their depth astreak of lightning sundered the ground between him and Athena.Dust and rubble filled the air, and the ground shook beneath hisfeet.

A mighty voice, deep and vibrant, rumbled from the heavens.

"Mortal, dare you even think to consort with the Gods!"

For a moment he heard no other sound. He looked up in awe atthe darkened sky. The silence enwrapped him as a shroud. Eventhe wind whispered not.

"On your way! Back to your valley!"

Lightless, the sky seemed only a black blanket drawn over hishead. The winds once more gusted, tearing angrily at trees andbushes. The thunder rumbled ominously in preparation for anotherlightning strike.

"Marry for yourself a simple galleymaid. Do not anger themighty Zeus! Husband to Athena? Bah!"

He shrank back in dismay, wide-eyed.

Though he was silent, Athena bravely replied. "He has saved mefrom your evil brother, Pluto. He has risked his life for mine.He shall be rewarded. Oh mighty Zeus, if you love me, grant thisto me."

Rumblings reverberated from the walls of the mountain canyon.Finally they give way to silence. Then, with brief lightningflashes from cloud to cloud, there is a response.

"Very well, my dear. Perhaps it shall be as you desire. He's abrave young man. Striking down a minion of Pluto alone does not,of itself, make him deserving. Nevertheless, he may indeed joinus on Olympus."

The voice stopped, the clouds darkened even more. The mountain,in the midst of day, is black as midnight.

By the sound alone he knows that Athena again reaches her handto him. And again a bolt from the sky separates the two.

"No! First he must prove himself worthy." The voice once morethunders. "To win the hand of a Goddess is not an easy chore.But, if you prove yourself, it shall be as you desire. First,though, . . .," - and now the voice grew soft and warm with anassumed kindness.

"Yes, first you must perform some minor chores. A few littletasks, perhaps. Yes, that's it! A dozen or so little tasks.Piddling things, actually. Hmmm, let me give some thought tothis."

The skies were beginning to lighten. The voice of Zeus hadsoftened indeed, as had his mood. The clouds were rapidlydissipating. Blue patches of sky emerged. The dark cloudsdissipated, and small white clouds drifted gently above.

"Go home! Prepare yourself! And when I call be quick to beginyour sojourn. - Eh, yes, I think minor little chores."

It almost sounds like Zeus is humming happily to himself.

The wind whipped the leaves along the pathway, the clouds toreasunder. And, even as he glanced back to earth, Athena, too, haddeparted.

Nothing remained to reflect the tragedy that might have been.Nothing remained to reflect the beauty and wonder of Athena. Yet. . . .

On the ground, fluttering in the now gentle breeze, a singlememento - a pure white feather. He picked it up gently,reverently.

What to do?

What to do? "This is madness. I am dreaming. Death and imps!
Goddesses and Gods. What has happened today? Can it be real!" He
looked around at the forest, at the sky. All was calm, normal.
Except for one thing.

In his hand he held a white feather.

Reluctantly he continued his hunt. There must be food for hismother and himself. In spite of himself, because of the day'sevents, his thoughts strayed.

He blushed again as he thought of the beautiful Goddess. "Can Ireturn to my hut, live as a simple hunter, having seen her?"

"No! As Zeus has spoken, I shall return and await his command.
After all, how difficult can be a few little chores?"

He thought he saw the imp dancing through the bushes, chortlingin glee.

Suddenly he tossed away the white feather. Even as it floateddown the side of the mountain he took up his weapons, returnedto the hunt.

"How foolish can I be," he muttered to himself. "Even if itwere real. I to wed a Goddess! It cannot be!"

Shadows were lengthening, soon night would fall. Nights on thehigh mountain are cold and forlorn. Already the sun, hidden bythe storm clouds, neared the horizon. The sky, an angry red,peaked through rents in the dark clouds. Large drops of rainpelted him, cold with the hint of hail.

Yet, swiftly, the body of the storm had swept by. The remainingclouds drifted high above, each in its solitary domain. The windstill gusted from time to time, momentarily, then faded.

Tree leaves fluttered as the evening breeze began its softcaress. In the eastern sky a single star began to shine. One ofthe heaven's wanderers, not unlike himself on the earth below.

He halted. In the copse ahead a creature moved. Sensing hispresence it froze in position. A tawny hide, revealedmomentarily between the leaves, brought a gleam to Demo's eye.

A buck!

Demo notched his arrow, waited silently.

The antlered head extended above the bushes. The moist nostrilssniffed the air. Then the buck bounded across the trail.

The arrow flew, and without glancing at the prey he unstrunghis bow.

As he moved toward the copse a falling leaf drifted down,dressed in the yellow-brown of the coming season. His eyesfollowed it, then he glanced toward the copse. In astonishment,he noted that the buck was no where to be seen. Quickly herushed forward. Nothing! No buck, and no sign of life!

"Not possible, not possible that I have missed! Now, where isthe deer," Demo wondered aloud.

The light glinted on an object. He saw, lying on the forestfloor, that object. An object that caused him to freeze inplace. A beautiful white feather. And beneath it on the ground,his arrow. Athena will not be rejected!

Uncertainly he stared from side to side, hesitated. Finally hepicked up the feather, pressed it to his heart.

"It is the will of the Gods!"

He returned the arrow to its pouch, rushed through thedarkening forest to the mountain hut far below.

"I must prepare myself. I must be ready to perform the tasks of
Zeus!"

Olympus is a world far removed from this, our earthly abode.
Its laws are not as our laws, its inhabitants not as those of
earth. Here dwelt, from time to time, the twelve major Gods.
Here ruled Zeus, the ThunderGod.

It is said the Gods, all powerful, do what they will, act asthey wish, and answer to none.

Not true!

Moira, to whose edicts even mighty Zeus must acquiesce, hadlong before Olympus' birth assigned duties. Assigned thoseduties that ever were to weigh upon the celestial house. Dutiesthat seemed, to those who bore them, merely whims of their owndevising.

Zeus, forever to nudge the earth, to keep that sphere spinningin its little space. Poseidon, ever to keep the busy watersflowing, mixing, changing. Pluto, to warden the whole of Hades,dealing out evenhandedly to each of the ferryman's charges thatportion of eternal punishment that each had earned.

And each lesser God, also duties had.

Of the Gods only Zeus sensed that strange and ever-presentbeing, realized that responsibilities had been assigned. He knewnot Fate by name, but knew full well the chores ever to be done.At times he chafed under their weight, yet always returned tohis given work. Where others might have rebelled Zeus pondered,understood, and acquiesced. And as these duties were laid onhim, he laid also duties on man. Pride, a strange duty indeed.Yet each must be proud of himself, of his selfworth. And work heimposed, for pride comes from work well done. The duty to love,and to seek love were there. The duty to be gentle, and to beharsh - and the wisdom to choose the time for each.

Yes, Zeus tempered duties imposed, with wisdom for theirperformance.

When Zeus had looked on Demo he had been troubled. Thisearthling would, of course, fail in one or all the tasks to beimposed.

And still, within, he felt the might of Moira and knewmisgivings.

What must lie ahead, not given even for Zeus to foresee? Theplans of man and Gods go astray when Fate's dictates are ignored.

"Theresa, I'm so glad you came by. Perhaps you can stay forevening meal. Demo should return by nightfall. He's out chasingdeer. I'm sure we'll have venison. Ah, your hair! What have youdone to it! It's so different, and yet so nice. Come in. Rough!"

She shouted at the dog, who growled low at the visitor, thenapproached stiff-legged to sniff at her legs. Satisfied hewagged his tail, deigned to graciously accept the pats thevisitor bestowed.

"My, look how you have grown! Let me see, you're 15 now. Do youknow, I was married at 15. Such a silly girl. I knew nothing.But he was so attentive, so kind. I fell madly in love. Are youin love, Theresa? Every young girl should fall in love! It is awonderful, sad, happy experience! Do sit down."

"I haven't seen Demo in ages. Is he well? What does he do?"
Theresa paused for a moment, adding "Has he a girl friend?"

Metaneira smiled.

"I'm glad you came. Here, let me get some sweetmeats anddrinks. I don't have company often. Girl friend? No, I thinknot. He's too wild! What girl would want him! He fishes andhunts and disappears into the forest for days at a time. Ah, thepoor girl who gets him for a husband!"

Theresa sat demurely on the proffered chair. Rough lay downbeside her, comfortable that she was no threat to him, or to thefamily he protected.

"Oh, I think he is a fine boy. How old is he now? He seems sobig and strong. And he's handsome. He looks much like hismother."

Metaneira accepted with pleasure the compliments for her son.
After all, she herself was sure they were true.

"No, he is his Father's image. His Father was very handsome.
Very handsome." She was silent for a moment, remembering.

"So long ago! Theresa, do you like Demo? I think it would bewell for him to find a good woman, to settle down." She lookedsearchingly into the girl's eyes.

Theresa blushed, looked down, then looked at her.

"I've always liked him. Still, at times he is so young andchildish. He seldom glances at me, or even at any of the girls.The other boys chase us madly. I could have my choice, youknow!" Her voice suggested that she expected doubt.

"You stay for supper, dear. My, I like the way you are dressed.
Come here, there are a few changes needed. Trust me."

She examined the girl carefully. "Turn around, my dear, slowly.Hmmm, can we tighten it ever so slightly here?" She adjusted thegirl's waistband.

"And it is so warm. Why not leave this just a bit more open tothe air - that much. No, a little more yet." She loosedTheresa's bodice slightly, then a bit more, suggesting ratherthan exposing the smooth rise of her breasts.

Theresa, red-faced, looked searchingly at her, then giggled.

"We're terrible, aren't we. It isn't our fault, since a youngman is so insensitive. Sometimes you must be very forward towake them up. Besides, I know he likes you. He's just very shy,and he truly knows nothing about real life. My, my, I shouldn'tbe talking like this. After all, I am his mother. Don't you feellike a conspirator?"

They laughed together.

Demo entered the yard, face flushed. Rough barked joyously,jumped up and down in excitement. He rushed to his master,leaped up, to receive a happy hug.

"Mother, I must tell you what happened. I . . . ?" He paused asboth his Mother and Theresa came through the door.

"Oh, hello, Theresa. Eh, Mother, I'll hang the venison."

He cut and hung up the meat while the women worked and talkedin the kitchen. Once done he washed up, sat at the oaken table.

"Theresa is staying for supper. She helped me cook. Isn't thata lovely dress. Turn around for him Theresa. Isn't she prettyand slender. My, Theresa, some boy will be carrying you offbefore we know it!"

Theresa twirled, blushing but smiling. Demo blinked, swallowed.She was a very pretty girl. Yet he could not help but think ofthe vision he had seen this day, and compare the two.

The aroma of cooking meat reminded him of how long since he hadeaten. The meal of venison and vegetables, with sweetbread hismother cooked, all washed down with wine he finished swiftly."How hungry I was, and how good it is! Mother, you are such agood cook!"

"I don't know where you can put so much food. Poor woman whocatches you. She'll spend all her time in the kitchen. Well, ifshe looks like Theresa, she may spend some time in the bedroom."

Theresa blushed, glanced under lowered eyes at Demo.

"Demo, walk her home, will you. The moon is bright tonight, butI've heard there are brigands about. Besides, I'm sure you couldfind no lovelier company."

They walked slowly beneath the moonlight. Theresa stumbled andhe caught her arm. She leaned close against him, took his hand."Thank you. I might have fallen."

"It's all right," he responded gruffly, moving away.
Nevertheless, he left his hand in hers.

"Demo, the moon is so beautiful tonight. Almost bright as day.I love the moonlight. My, you are so tall. And such strongarms!" she placed her hand around his upper arm, squeezed.

"It's a good moon for hunting. Fortunately, our larder is full,at least for now."

"Then you should have more free time. Will you come and see me.At times it is lonely. I need a true friend, one I can turn toin time of trouble. A friend like you."

For a moment Demo was silent. He wanted to put his arm aroundher, hold her close, and tell her that she had a friend. Hedidn't understand his feelings. He felt the need to hold her inhis arms. She seemed so fragile, so small and weak and helpless.He thought of a young doe, first learning to stand. He wasconfused. His thoughts wandered, today's events were on hismind, and he hesitated.

"Theresa, we have always been friends since we were small. Whenyou needed help, I have been there. It will always be so. Iguess I have always cared for you, little sister."

They reached the door of her home, and her father stood outsidewatching their approach. "Good evening, Demo. I see you havebrought her home. The pathways are safe tonight, it seems. Girl,you mother would like to talk to you."

"Goodnight, Demo. Please come tomorrow night."

As she went inside Demo heard her mother's voice. "Girl, youare out very late. My, your face is so bright and radiant. Youdon't have a fever I hope. Oh, my, what have you done to yourdress. Turn around here. Well, you really shouldn't. Well, Iguess I did the same when I was your age. You grow up so fast,so fast!"

"Demo, how goes the hunting?"

"Hunting has gone well. Our larder is full. Now I must preparethe house for the winter season. The winds are picking up, andwe'll be getting more rain shortly. Our roof needs some repair."

"Well, I still need more meat, but there is time enough. Walkwith me a moment, boy."

"You and Theresa have known each other a long time. I'vewatched you grow from childhood to manhood. And she'll be takinga husband before many more seasons pass. What of you, boy? Haveyou plans to marry?"

"Sir, my plans now are mostly to care for my Mother. I . . . ,well, I suppose I shall marry in time."

"The flowers bloom, and then they fade. Don't delay too long inliving your own life. I believe you mother would be pleased tosee you wed. Like Theresa said, why don't you stop by the housetomorrow night. The wife is an excellent cook, and you look likeyou could use a pound or two. I have some wine we shall enjoytogether. I'd like your opinion of it."

On the way home Demo thought of the day's events. Somehow, hethought, I have this strange feeling. As though the beaters weredriving me into a trap.

"Strange. Yesterday I was child, without concerns." He spokealoud, thoughtfully, to himself. "Today I feel so verydifferent. I have seen death. I have seen Athena. And even Zeushas revealed himself to me. It is as though, overnight, I havegrown up."

And yet he felt too much the child. Everything was happeningtoo quickly.

"I need time, I need a lot of time."

Demo shook his head. Rough came running toward him, and helaughed, skipped along the path, then ran home with the dogbarking, chasing excitedly at his heels.

The rumble of wheels, the pounding of hoofs, filled the nightair. Through the darkness dashed without concern four greatstallions, pulling the dark chariot.

At the reins was Pluto!

Thunder rumbled through the sky, blended with the thunder ofchariot and team. The only light was that from occasionallightning. It revealed the grim visage of the driver.

On whatever mission Pluto rode this night, plainly it boreheavy on his mind.

Persephone sat in the garden swing, watched the night sky, thegentle stars. A storm brewed, but like all storms, skirted hergarden. In the distance she saw the dark clouds, illumined bythe lightning's flash.

And on the far mountain road, momentarily revealed by thatlightning flash, a chariot pulled with madcap speed by four hugestallions.

She frowned, then laughed away her concern. A nighthawk flewby, identified by its nasal peent. A soft warm breeze rustledthe leaves of the lilac bush. The sweet fragrance of the lilacsfilled the air.

Persephone swung gently, hummed quietly to herself. Looking upshe saw a shooting star, a brilliant traveler among the stars,quickly fading.

She laughed happily at its beauty. Then thought more somberlyof what it might portend.

3. Waiting

He waited impatiently. The days were growing shorter, the rainswere more prevalent. Even now, outside the hut, he heard thedrops beating with ever increasing fury. The pelting on theroof, the whistling of the wind, and the increasing cold allpresaged an early and severe winter.

His mother was preparing the evening meal. Luckily, on his wayhome he had chanced on two bucks, and the first fell to hisready arrow. And that two weeks afore!

The aroma of the roasting venison permeated the little hut. Hismother hummed quietly to herself as she stirred vegetables,skillfully added the exact measure of spices, sprinkled on tangyherbs. Yet his thoughts wandered. Dwelling on recent activities,his thoughts were not on food.

Had Zeus forgotten?

He gazed into the burning logs, listened to the crackling as hestirred the ashes. The brilliant sparks rose and disappeared.

Demo strode from the fire to the doorway, stared at the mistand rain. The weather kept him from the hunt. The encounter withthe Goddess Athena occupied his mind. He had confused anduncertain thoughts over all that had happened. Was it but adream?

Now the winds began to moan through the trees. Autumn hasalready touched the high mountains. He glanced out at the moistleaves, all bright in gold and crimson hues, soon to darken.Then they will fall. The mountains shall be barren.

He examined the pack his mother had prepared. It containedseveral days' food, for he had no idea how long he would be onhis quest. He picked up his pouch, examined each arrow in turn.Sharpened and re-sharpened! They wait to fly straight and trueto his prey. The smell of the cooking venison again caught hisattention.

"Eat well, my son. When you are called you will have littletime for food." His mother smiled. Yet her smile is a littlewan, for she fears for his welfare.

"You know, Theresa is a lovely girl. She was by when you wereon your last hunt. I think she likes you."

He ignored her comments. He has no thought for Theresa.

"She's a very pretty girl. A little younger than you, but notso much. Her parents look with favor on you, too."

She glanced at him, judging the impact of her words.
Disappointed, she returned to preparing the meal.

After eating he tested the strength of his great bow. Made ofthe finest wood, it drove arrow after arrow deep into the oak atthe edge of the forest.

Braving the rain he went to the tree to regain his arrows. Allbut one were retrieved. Demo frowned, for the tree gripped thelast arrow stubbornly.

Rough sat on his haunches, a quizzical look on his face as hewatched his master tugging at the arrow. Suddenly Rough growled.He rushed toward the tree, barking.

Demo pulled even harder, glancing up into the tree as he didso. There, seated on the lowest limb, sneered the fox-imp. Itsmiled in delight at his efforts to free the arrow.

"Listen, mortal. My master Pluto sends you greetings. You are agreat hunter." The imp stopped with a frown.

"I show the proof of it on my hide," he grumbled morosely.

"Never mind. My master says you shall also be a rich hunter.Give up your thoughts of the Goddess Athena. You shall haveriches beyond measure."

The arrow suddenly came free in Demo's hands, and he tumbledbackwards, rolled over and over on the muddy ground.

Rough quickly bounded to his side, whining. When his masterrose the whine changed to a contented growl, and he turned oncemore to contemplating the creature in the tree. Plainly itlooked more appetizing than a chicken.

The fox-imp's smile now changed to derisive guffaws. "And youwould perform the twelve tasks of Zeus! If you but attempt tobegin that sojourn I shall be with you. I, and my companions,shall haunt your trail until you fall in misery and failure."The voice is angry and threatening.

"But," and now his voice is affable, "if you accept the offerof Pluto - if you renounce this vain adventure - you shallreceive all the pleasures of this earth. Gold and jewels will beyours. Wine of the finest vintage! Women of the most delicateand beautiful nature! All you desire - and an eternity in whichto enjoy it. That my master offers you. As a token that youaccept, only break the arrow in your hand."

He shook his head. Should he break the arrow. All the riches ofthe world! Slowly he grasped the arrows shaft, bent it in hisstrong grasp.

And if he follows the path laid out by Zeus? By the tricky anddevious Zeus! Zeus who has never made easy the lot of theadventurer!

And Athena. He recalls her beauty, the sweetness of her voice.
She wanted him as her husband - and as her protector!

Suddenly Demo drew back his arm, threw the arrow at the fox-imp.

The latter dodged quickly in surprise, and the arrow barelyscratched his skin.

"Oh, you are a beauty, you are. Ah, how that stings. MasterPluto has great things in store for you, young hunter. Greatthings! And how I shall enjoy serving them to you!"

He leaped from the tree, turning to his fox form beforetouching the ground. For a moment he sat, scratching at thewound with his hind leg. Rough rushed forward, growling, teethbared. The fox imp glanced quickly over his shoulder at the dog,then dashed into the forest.

Demo stood silently in the mist and rain.

Can this really be happening? I have heard of such things, butonly in stories. I was sure they were only to frighten children.And yet . . . and yet it is happening to me. Why to me? I don'tunderstand. I wish . . . .

"Demo, my goodness! You'll catch a terrible cold. Come inside.
Oh, you look so pale. Here, dry your head. And wrap up warm."
She hugged him to her, tousled his hair. "My, children never
grow up. Quick now."

Zeus was slowly entering comments in his diary, muttering underhis breath.

"The thoughts he had in his mind when he beheld the Goddess!Dear, dear - unconscionable!" He stopped, noting Hera standingby his side.

"Yes, Dear Husband. I'm sure you would not countenance anyunchaste thoughts on the part of this bumpkin."

He ignored the sarcasm in her voice.

"And was he, this youth, perchance handsome?"

"Handsome," he growled. "No, no! You would find him singularlyunattractive, I assure you."

'Ummm! Singularly unattractive. Well!"

"Now, be about your business. I must call Athena, the Goddessof memory. I vaguely recall some chores of historical note. Somevery interesting little minor chores. Oh, yes!"

For a moment Hera stood still, frowned. Fortunately for Zeusshe was quickly distracted by her maids, who gathered around towhisper of the exciting events of the day. They left the room,chattering and laughing.

Zeus smiled as he contemplated those interesting little minorchores. "Athena, in spite of her foolish infatuation, willprovide me with the information I need. Eh, reluctantly, Isuppose. My, the difficulties one meets in governing theuniverse!"

He hummed softly. "What is that called! Catchy little tune.
Hera, dear, I'm hungry. My ambrosia, please."

Hera, at the door, glanced backed at him in surprise."Ambrosia, please? Did I hear 'please'?" She walked across theroom to his side, placed her palm on his forehead, shaking herhead as she did so. "Strange, no fever. Please? My, howun-Zeus-like!"

In happier times did Persephone with the water nymphs play. Bythe seashore they gathered. They brought from the ocean's depthstrange flowers, colorful stones, and jewels seized from sailingships by angry sea.

Persephone carried with her flowers from her garden, a garlandon her head. With her she brought fruits, and all manner of goodand beautiful plants that grew within the garden.

In their play they fashioned garlands, gave them beauty bywearing them. The dolphins swam near and laughed and sported tosee the beauty of land and sea at play.

One other watched them too. From a distance and with broodingeyes. Often, as they frolicked on that white and sandy shore, hesat in the gloom of the forest in his golden chariot, his fourblack steeds pawing at the leaf-covered ground.

Their beauty he coveted.

And above all he desired Persephone!

4. The First Quest

He lay in bed, awake. It was morning, but morning dark andgloomy. He could hardly see the doorway. The rain fell steadily,the wind gusting, falling, then gusting once again. The air wasdamp, cold, and clothes and bedclothes were soaked with moisturefrom the humidity. He shivered, curled up tightly against thecold.

Still, Rough tugged at the blankets as day broke, eager for hismaster's company. Reluctantly Demo shooed the dog away, tuckedthe covers more closely around himself.

"Well, mother, I shall sleep in this morning. Even Zeus ishardly up and about on a day like this."

It was the wrong thing to say.

The rain suddenly increased, the wind grew stronger, and thedoor flew open. Rough began barking excitedly, moved cautiouslytoward the open door. As the rain blew in he retreated nearerhis master. Demo rose quickly to shut the door, but not beforea dark object blew in, fell upon the floor. Quickly Rough seizedit between his teeth, shook it from side to side.

"Hey, easy there." Demo approached the dog cautiously. In hismouth Rough held A thin leather sheet. And burned on its surfacewere some words. Slowly Demo deciphered them.

"The race is to the swift. Sometimes. Be at the Temple of Marsat sundown. The white feather must . . . ."

He could not make out the rest. The heavy rain had soaked thematerial, and the remaining words were smudged beyondrecognition.

Zeus! It could have come from no other!

"Mother, I must go quickly. Why the temple of Mars? There is noway to reach it by sundown. Still, I must try."

She looked at the falling rain, thought to detain him. Finallyshe sighed, quickly put more and fresher food in his pouch."Perhaps you should take the white feather. And do be careful. Ihad a bad dream last night. I shall not repeat to you, butbeware of that which you cannot see."

She hugged him.

In spite of the rain he smiled. The first task was begun.

The race is to the swift. Sometimes.

What strange words these.

And to reach the temple of Mars by sundown! Beyond the abilityof any mortal.

Still, perhaps, if he could float on the swift waters of thechurning river it might be possible. The falling rain had turnedthe gentle stream into thunderous torrents. And even as helooked a huge tree floated down the stream, twisting androlling.

There seemed no other option. Quickly he located two fallenlogs, pried them slowly to the waters edge. There he knottedvines around them, forming a single platform. Finally, with adeep breath, he forced them off the bank into the stream.

Almost too late he waded out. The cold mud sucked at his feet,the angry water stormed at his thighs. He leaped atop thenearest log, slipped, fell across the logs awkwardly. He was onhis way to the temple of Mars!

What chance of success he had was quickly spoiled.

When he clambered onto the raft his pouch had opened. A suddengust of wind picked up the white feather, wafted it quicklybeyond his reach. In seconds it landed on the raging waters,quickly disappeared from sight.

Rough bounded along the shore, barking furiously. He badlywanted to board the raft, yet feared to dare the sullen waters.Finally, as the raft moved to the stream's center the dogstopped, whined, its tail between its legs. The dog shivered asthough in fear, then slowly turned to wend its way home.

Demo watched with regret as the Rough quickly disappeared inthe midst of the heavy rain shower. "Perhaps I should have takenyou with me. No, you must stay home, protect Mother."

Demo smiled. With a sigh he braced himself on the logs as thetumultuous stream tossed the frail craft from side to side. Whata wonderful start he was making to perform the required tasksof Zeus!

The white feather, lost to the wind and the rain! And hischances of reaching the temple before nightfall almostnon-existent!

The watery trip, miraculously, was almost uneventful. Almost.

As the raft rounded a bend in the river the water narrowed,flowed ever faster. And on the shore, obscured by the drivingrain and gathering fog, stood a creature of unearthly mien. Itneither moved nor spoke.

Demo had faced the bear that claimed the mountain ridges astheir own. The snarling night cats that dominated the forestshad stood before him. Of them all, none had aroused in him suchfear as now he felt.

 For from this creature radiated a menace more fearsome than he
had ever known, an overwhelming evil emanation.

Demo gasped, eyes wide. "What is it! What manner of beast areyou . . . ?"

Almost immediately the creature disappeared in the swirlingmist.

It was gone! Though it disappeared from view he felt apremonition. A premonition that he would see it again. He knewnot why, but knew it would be with him. A constant, unseencompanion. The chill that enveloped him now was not caused bythe cold, soaking rain.

Whether sundown was near, or had long past, he could not tell.
The dark, drear day had no sun, only the continuous rain.
Finally, there, on the cliff above, stood the temple, barely
visible.

He paddled with his hands, attempting to bring his raft to thefar shore. The water swirled, waves built up before the wind,and currents formed and disappeared throughout the stream. Hispaddling was almost to no avail. The makeshift raft swirled,rocked, meandered randomly at the mercy of the river. By thetime the craft reached the shore he had drifted well beyond thetemple.

Clawing his way up the muddy bank he found a narrow trail andbegan the climb. His ankle, which he had thought healed, began aslow steady ache. Rock-strewn, and now covered with silt andmuck and murky water, the trail formed a slippery maze up themountainside. Rivulets gouged ever-deepening gullies across thepath. At times the entire path was but a stream, with swiftwater washing away small plants and stones.

Midway in his climb he entered a wide clearing. A doe, inattempting to flee from his approach, had slipped and its leghung useless as it stood, shivering in fear.

A ray of light appeared briefly from a sun very low on thehorizon. Time was running out. With a frown he avoided the doe,continued his climb.

He could not help himself. He looked back, and its brown limpideyes, full of pain and fear, held him. Finally, with a growl, hereturned. He approached the beast carefully. Though it tried toevade him, it was to no avail. Finally it stood motionless,shivering.

"I have no time, little one. I must be quick. This splint willhold, hopefully, until you heal." He bound the doe's leg withwooden splints in place. With a growl he started once more upthe mountain. He noticed the doe following behind, timidlymaintaining its distance.

"Go away. The sun has certainly set. Ah, if you had only been afull grown buck. My arrow would have quickly found its mark. AndI would already be at the temple!"

When he reached the temple it was indeed dark. The buildingrose massively before him. Built over the years, at times ofwood, at times of stone, it had grown from a small shrine to itscurrent size. Cautiously he entered through the huge doorway.The wooden doors were open, as though he were expected. Therewas no sound. The temple was empty!

Plainly, Zeus had already departed!.

Demo sat down in the middle of the floor, his head bowed.Finally he noted a white feather lying in an open space near thetemple's center. He picked it up, stroked it softly with hishand. How like the one lost in the storm!

Dropping it, aloud he whispered, "Good-bye, Athena. It was notto be."

The clatter of hooves on the floor caught his attention. Thedoe stood by the door, pawing the stones. "Well, you have costme dearly, little one. Go on your way, there are hunters whowould not reject you."

A rumbling voice filled the temple. "The race is to the swift.
Sometimes."

The voice emanated from the doe!

Quickly he stood up. Zeus! It must be Zeus!

"Merely a little test, my boy. One must be sensitive tosuffering. Your bleeding heart has caused you to fail thissimple task, bringing the white feather to the temple.Nevertheless, I'll certainly remember you kindly for the aid youprovided me. Well, boy, go on home now. It was nice knowing you."

His head bowed he walked across the temple, passed the doe onhis way to the downward path.

"Wait!" The voice was an angry growl. "What is this! How did itget here?"

Zeus stood in the middle of the temple, in his godly form now.In his hand he held the feather Demo had previously taken fromthe floor, only to toss aside.

"I know not sire. For the feather I carried was stolen away bythe wind. This was here when I entered the temple."

"Ah, good, good. Then it couldn't be the feather. Good day, myboy. Give my regards to your mother - and to any other kinfolkyou should meet. Lovely day, lovely." Zeus smiled happily as therain dripped upon him from a rent in the temple roof.

With drooping head Demo once more turned to go. A suddendisturbance caught his attention. Once more he halted.

A beautiful owl floated on wide spread white wings through thetemple entrance.

"Zeus, Aeolus carried here the white feather. Even as yourequired, it was delivered. Nought was said that the boy musthimself carry it."

"Athena, you shall have many children." He paused for a moment."And all of them shall be lawyers," Zeus growled. "Very well,technically the task was done. Come back, my boy. Let uscelebrate your success. Here, have a sip of my most valuednectar."

Zeus tipped the flask, burped, wiped his lips with the back ofhis hand. "Here you are. Take a deep draught."

Demo smiled happily, looked at the rosy fluid for a moment, andraising the flask to his lips, closed his eyes.

He drank eagerly. Oddly, the liquid had little taste. Notnoticeably different from the taste of water. Almost likerainwater, really.

"Demo, you must fix that leak. The rain is all over your face.
How can you lie there!"

He opened his eyes wide. Indeed he was lying on his own bed.And the only nectar was the drops of rain leaking through theroof. With a start he sat up. It was only a dream!

Rough lay at the foot of his bed, eyes closed.

Lying beside the dog, half hidden by his form, something caught
Demo's eye. Something familiar!

Two white feathers!

5. The Gorgon's Head

"An object of extreme rarity. Actually, only one exists - allothers, destroyed. A shame, really. Could have sent out a few asgifts. Love to give one to my dear brother Pluto. Well, well, itcan't be helped. Only one left." Zeus spoke sadly, noting theeffect on Demo.

"And you want me to fetch this precious object for you?" Demoqueried.

"Eh, that's the general idea. Now, there are some difficulties.
I mean, after all, if it were too simple I would have dispatched
Hera."

Suddenly his eyes widened. "Oh, oh, I didn't see you, my dear.
Just joshing with the boy! Kidding around, you know!"

Hera glared. Fortunately for Zeus she was distracted, seeingCupid practicing archery in the flowery garden. "Hmmph! Men!"she murmured as she went into the garden.

"The object - well, I must confess, it is not an object. It is. . ., " He lowered his voice, glancing toward the garden. "Itis a young lady whose beauty would adorn Olympus. I would haveyou invite her to the Olympian Spring Ball. Not a bad task, eh."

Zeus nudged him with his elbow while keeping an eagle eye onthe garden. "Just let her know that the Gods look kindly uponher, and that she will be the guest of honor. She can't possiblyrefuse. Oh, by the way, her name is Medusa. Lovely girl, Medusa."

Now, what is the hitch? Zeus talks so kindly. Yet he is a wilyone. An invitation to a beautiful girl to attend a springfestival? Why me? Would not an Olympian messenger, Mercuryperhaps, have served better. After all, I have no credentials.

So his thoughts rambled as he proceeded northward.

And I know not where she dwells, nor do I know her appearance.

A bleak stretch of land lay ahead. Empty, barren, dotted withboulders it stretched well into the distance. At his pace itwould require a fourth of a day to traverse. He moved across theopen space cautiously, checking behind, to either side. He likednot being in the open, exposed to eyes he could not see.

Surrounded by forest, the open area exposed him to the view offoes who might wait among the trees. And in a strange land anymight be a foe. Wild animals certainly wandered here. And outlawbands who prey on lonesome travelers. He looked around morecarefully. Bushes and shrubs formed a narrow border, beyondwhich giant evergreens loomed. In unknown territory, he felt theweight of unfriendly gaze following his progress.

On reaching the other side of the open meadow he glanced back,and his own eyes widened.

He shuddered.

It had entered the open stretch, crouched near the wooded edge.Now it dropped to the ground. Huge, misshapen, a travesty of aman, it lay quietly, motionless on the ground. Though distant,he knew it well.

The unseen companion!

Demo notched an arrow to his bow, felt the cool breeze on hisfevered face. He drew the bow to its limit, shook his head.

Too far! The arrow would not carry.

He waited, but the creature lay quiet.

"What want you?" he shouted. "Why do you follow me?"

Silence.

Finally, with a shrug, he turned, started once more on his way.
After a few steps he halted, looked back again.

It has disappeared! The broad expanse held now only boulders,small shrubs. Lifeless, bare, no hint of motion, other than fromvagrant breeze.

Was it but a dream, an aberration in vision?

No! It was real. The bushes at the edge of the clearing weremoving, disturbed by the passage of . . . He knew not what. Heknew, though it had slipped into the brushes, it would return tohis trail. Whatever it be, their destinies were intertwined.

But days ago I knew only my Mother, Theresa and her familywell. And a few others but only to a small extent. Suddenly Iwalk and talk with Gods, and Goddesses - yes, and with imps. AndI am followed by something, by a being unlike any other. Whatdoes it all portend? The thoughts repeated themselves as he viewthe clearing.

A foreboding crossed his mind.

One of us shall not survive the tasks of Zeus!

Ever northward he trekked. He did not know why, only that hisfeet were guided by Zeus. His quest was to the far north.

Game were plentiful, and he ate well. At times he partook ofvenison, at times of fish from the streams. Rarely, he ate not.

After one repast he knelt by a quiet brook, washing his faceand hands.

In the water he saw a visage not his own!

He turned quickly, rose to his feet.

The unseen companion had faded into the undergrowth.

"Come out and face me, coward! Do not skulk and hide, recreant!"

Perhaps a tree branch moved, perhaps a footfall was heard.

Then, nothing.

His eyes widened, as he thought to himself, I must be on myguard. Whatever it is, it becomes bolder with each passing day.

He followed a stream, a path along its edge. The path widenedas he climbed upward, and at times footprints could bediscerned. A dwelling must lie not far ahead.

At evening he arrived in a small village at the foot of tall,snowpeaked mountains. He found an inn. Walls made from logs,with cracks filled with dried mud, and a rock fireplace as onewall, it formed one huge room. Animal furs, fur of deer, ofbear, hung across from one wall to the other, sectioned offlittle bays where the traveler could rest in limited privacy.Through signs and much nodding and handwaving Demo barteredtrinkets for such a room. The nights were growing cold, and thisbrief respite was welcome.

Suddenly a man standing by the door turned toward him, growledin mixed language at him. Strangely, Demo understood.

"Is he with you? What is he, and why does he loiter in theshadows?"

They crowded through the open doorway, gazing southward to theravine he had so recently traversed. They stared fearfullytoward the shadows at the mountain's base.

A creature, perhaps a man, stood huge in the shadows. Itneither approached nor yet retreated. Even so, from it athreatening aura seemed to radiate.

The watchers moved nervously, whispered low one to another.

"No, not with me," he responded

"Begone! We want not you, nor his kind. Return him histreasures. "

The inn keeper reluctantly parted with the baubles he hadreceived. Two were missing. Demo started to argue, realized itwould be to no avail. Reluctantly he left the shelter.

"I know that creature! He has visited our village before. Hebrings pestilence, death. Begone, the two of you, quickly!"

They gathered outside the structure. One reached down to pickup a stone, then several others. Demo loosed his bow and theyquickly shuffled inside, cursing and threatening.

Demo continued north. He didn't look back. He knew well that hewas not alone.

His queries about Medusa led him now to one domain, now toanother. Time after time, each lead ended without location ofthe fabled damsel. Until, at last, in a village on the slope ofthe mountains, he received guidance that seemed to hold worth.

The sun had set, and evening stars were beginning to makeappearance. To the north the little bear could be seen. The airhad the feel of coming frost. The great hunter moved across thecold winter sky, followed by his faithful hounds.

"Feel the air, young man! Is there not a storm brewing? Ablizzard? Medusa has been deserted by her lover. Her countenanceis hard. The chill winds will blow, the lakes freeze over, andliving things shall freeze and die. For her heart has growncold."

The old crone rubbed her hands together for warmth, continued.

"Until she takes again a suitor, the world will suffer from herrejection. Even now, there, beneath the little bear, she waitsin her icy cave."

The night wind began to blow and the chill crept through hisclothing. "Beneath the little bear, then, will I find her?"

"She is there. And she is dangerous. If you value your life,end this quest. She strikes out in her anger, uncaring for any.If you go on, beware the great white bear. He guards her by day,and by night." The old woman turned away, hobbled awkwardly toher frigid mountain hut.

She stood in the doorway, looked at him intently. "Yourcompanion, why does he lurk in the shadows? He has nothing tofear from me."

He did not reply. He knew not himself the reason for the evilpresence.

Game became increasingly scarce.

He was lucky when a rabbit crossed his path. And even thesewere few in number, lean in build. Scrub brush served to cookthose few he killed.

The winds wailed, the snow peppered down, then settled in hugewhite flakes. At times the storm stilled and he traveled on in aworld where day was night, night day. Across the skies strangecolored images danced, twisting and turning. Here seemed a worlddeserted by Zeus, left to the ministrations of lesser Gods.

The world was enveloped in a blanket of white. At times he sankinto its depths. At other times, frozen, it supported him aswell as solid ground. And still the snow fell, wind-driven.

With cessation of the wind he could hear, though from a fardistance, the crunch of footsteps on the frozen snow. Hidden inthe fog or by the falling flakes, the unseen companion was everwith him, ever following.

Even when the snow ceased the air held a strange opaquewhiteness, as though the world were immersed in milk. At suchtimes even his hand before his face was not visible. He darednot travel on, knowing he would circle helplessly in theblinding whiteness.

Slowly the white out lifted. The barren snow covered wastelandstretched endlessly.

He pressed on. There was little choice.

At times the storm died, the skies cleared. Crystalline brightthe stars shone down. Still the hunter, now directly overheadand to his south, marched across the wintry sky. The pole stargleamed softly, a constant beacon.

But the storm quickly returned.

And then they met!

Invisible in the snow bank it lurked, marked his presence,waited to attack!

The great white bear moved quietly, without a warning growl. Itcharged down upon him, its huge jaws wide. Its clawed pawsreached out to seize him.

Quickly he strung his bow, notched an arrow!

As he drew the cord, the snow settled beneath his foot. Hefelt himself slipping.

He fell, rolled downhill!

Demo slid halfway across a frozen pond. Thick, fat flakes ofwhite touched his face. They melted in cold trickles as he layhalf conscious.

Suddenly the ice gave way beneath him!

Even as he sank he saw, blurred upon the shore, two monsters inmortal combat.

The great white bear!

And another. One he knew too well.

The bitter cold of the icy waters enveloped him. Through heforced his arms and legs to move, to try once more to rise tothe surface, it was to no avail. The freezing cold quicklychanged to numbness, then oblivion.

Warmth! He felt warmth!

Not since he had left home had he felt such wonderful, gentle,soothing warmth.

He slowly opened his eyes, then closed them in disbelief. Thegirl ministering to him outshone even Athena in beauty. Slender,yet with the smooth curves of a mature woman, she held his gaze.Her face, though pale, mirrored beauty found only in one'sdreams. Her lips, soft and pouting, were warm and red. Her faceexpressed concern, and her eyes expressed compassion.

Her hands lightly massaged his body, and wherever they toucheda glow of warmth spread through him. He recalled the icy cold ofthe lake, and his eyes widened.

"How am I here? Who are you? How did I escape the icy depths?"

Placing a finger to her lips, she smiled, exposing the whitestof teeth. "Shhh. Rest. I will explain it all, in good time."

Even as she spoke he closed his eyes, fell into fitful sleep inwhich he dreamed he was in her arms; then, dreamed he wascarried in the arms of another, more hideous being.

He awoke with a start as the ravaged lips of the loathsomemonster touched his own. Sitting up he saw no one. Finally, inthe far corner of the room, he saw her. She rose slowly, fromthe fireplace dipped warm soup from an iron kettle.

Bringing the bowl with her she sat on the edge of his cot,slowly fed him the warm broth.

"He brought you here. Your friend. He brought you in from theblizzard, frozen and cold, and left you with me. In spite ofcold and storm, he would not stay. He retreated into theblinding storm as though escaping an enemy camp." She shook herhead in puzzlement.

"First, though, these words he said I should say to you." Shethought for a moment.

"The time is not now. You have your destiny to fulfill. By thetarn shall all be resolved. Strange words, these. Do youunderstand his meaning?"

"No, I understand only that a great white beast attacked me. Ifell, rolled into the frigid waters of the lake. I saw them,doing battle on the lake shore. After that I remember the cold,then nothing."

"He killed the great white bear. No mortal could achieve thatvictory. You have a mighty friend and protector."

"No friend of mine. He has followed me, always near, everfearsome. I know not his purpose, but in some strange way ourfates are intertwined. Would I understood it better."

"Why sojourn you in these far reaches. Did none warn you of thedangers?"

"I journey at the behest of Zeus. I seek Medusa, to invite herto the great Olympian Ball, where she will reign as queen. Doyou know of her, know where I might find her?"

"Zeus! The Great Olympian Ball! I am Medusa. It is strange thatyou have you not heard my story. Do you not know the danger youface, merely being here with me?"

"I know nought of danger. I see but a damsel of excellentbeauty, and need fear only for my heart."

She smiled at his words, then her face took on a look ofsadness.

"I am condemned. I pass from wild happiness and joy to deepestmisery and sorrow. And those who look on me in my happy timeslove me, and those who look on me in time of my distress growcold and fearful, and are no more. No one warned you! Ah, Zeus,how can you be so unkind!" She sobbed.

"Look upon my face, for I am in a gentler mood. Beware, if youhear me lament, or see an angry trickle from my eye, look notupon me, but go your way swiftly." She placed the empty bowl onthe table.

"Do you see these glistening white walls? They were formed at atime when I felt the miseries of the world upon me. Theglaciers, the icebergs, the frozen wastes - all these I formed.At times, when I bask in the warmth of love, they fade, theymelt. Again alone, once deserted, I form them anew." She smiledat him, touched his hand.

"I thought, perhaps, Zeus had sent you to me. Yet while you layabed in your sleep, in your dreams, I find you love another. Itis well, for my warmth shall not last. Come, let me show you mychamber of horrors. A chamber of horrors of my own doing."

She conducted him out into the cold. All around statues stoodin various guises. All men. Warriors. Hunters. So detailed, sowell sculpted, they seemed to lack only breath to move and walk.

"These I have loved, and in my anger destroyed. They standthere, a constant reminder of my uncontrollable nature. Evennow, as I look at them, my heart moans. Begone, Demo, quickly,for a bottomless sorrow engulfs my heart. Quickly! And do notlook upon my face, if you value your life!"

He started to turn toward her, but she grabbed his shoulder andturned him away. Even as she did the touch of her hands sent achill through his body.

The warmth was gone!

"Tell Zeus Medusa shall attend the ball. Fare the well, youngman. Now, flee for your life."

The calm air was stirring, and pellets of frozen snow that hadbeen peppering the icy landscape were now blown wildly about.The wind mounted in howling fury, and soon the blizzard was uponhim. He rushed southward, not daring to look back.

It was no longer the unseen companion alone he feared.

"You're back!", Zeus roared in evident surprise. "Well, yes,you're back. Been expecting you. Eh, nothing unusual aboutMedusa, I take it. I mean, nothing strange and, eh, stultifying?"

"A beautiful lady, sire. She welcomes your invitation, andshall attend the ball."

"The ball, yes. She will attend the ball! Zounds! What to do?Well, it may serve my purpose. I shall invite some specialfriends. Oh yes, very special friends! My charming brotherPluto. Serve him right. And a few other who have done me dirt.The ball is in the third month. And Medusa is in such a moodthat month! Yes, I must invite some very special friends."

Zeus rubbed his hands together and smiled cherubically.

"Oh, Demo, of course you are invited."

What dreams do children dream?

Persephone sat quietly on a wooden bridge. Her legs dangleddown, her tiny white feet broke the surface of the stream. Thecrystalline waters of the rivulet bathed them softly. Ahummingbird darted near the water's surface, a brilliant wingedjewel. At times it whirred motionless above the water. Thenangry at the reflected beauty below, dived heedlessly, only torise again as the rapid beat of its wings distorted the liquidmirror.

Persephone smiled, watched with amused attention.

Another hummingbird approached, and soon the two flew away, thefirst in angry pursuit. A tiny warrior protecting his domain.

Persephone closed her eyes, leaned back to bask in the warmthof the sun. The music of the stream, the softness of the breeze,the quiet solitude of her garden lulled her into a light slumber.

And as she slept, she dreamed.

Games of tag, of skipping ropes, of dolls ran through her mind.Friends she had known, kitty cats, and puppy dogs. Climbing thetall oak tree and seeing the big, wide world from its greatheight. Swinging on the swing beneath the tree. The taste ofblackberries, of cherries, of fresh peaches.

The dreams of childhood.

Her mother, holding her, hugging her. Her mother's smile.

Colored stones, and crystals, and flowers. Beautiful dresses,and grown-up parties yet to come.

A far-off day and the arrival of a handsome prince, a marriage,living and playing together as children.

Children of her own, and she would mother them as her motherhad done for her. Cookies, and pies, and cream covered berries.

Dolls for her girls, and swords for her brave boys. She wouldsew for them, and of a night tuck them into bed. She would tellthem strange stories of magic worlds, and real.

Ah, the happy world, the beautiful world.

What dreams do children dream?

"Grim!"

"Inexorable!"

"Pitiless!"

"Passionless!"

"Without feeling!"

"Devil!"

"These have I been called!"

Pluto sat in his chariot on the mountainside, the mountingstorm surrounding him. Gusting wind screamed, and pelting raindrove from the skies. The fury of the storm matched the fury inhis voice.

"Without feeling! Then why burns this loneliness within me! Whythirst I for the companionship denied me! Was it by choice thisform is mine!"

A sob was in his voice.

Gloomily he bowed his head, shook it. Reluctantly he took thereins, returned once more to the nether regions where he heldsway.

Yes, even the devil weeps.

6. Escape from Tartarus

"Young man, I'm becoming increasingly dependent on you. Youhave carried yourself well indeed. Athena may well have chosen aworthy mate." Zeus' smile was effusive, his manner friendly andbrisk.

"I've just gotten word from the CIA (Clever InformationActivities) that something is astir in Tartarus. I do hope yourecall your history."

"Tartarus? Well, sire, I recall vaguely that the Titans dwelltherein. And that it lies far beneath even the depths of Hades."

"Astounding? The boy has genius! Ah, you must have cheated inschool. I'll bet you studied! Sneaky way to pass a course.Regardless, right you are. But there is more." Zeus paced backand forth silently, looking down, a slight frown on his face.

"The CIA tells me that Megalith, a veritable giant amonggiants, has assumed power. . . . However, first, let me mentiona bit more geography."

Zeus sat at his desk, punched a few keys on his computer, anddisplayed a map labeled Tartarus. "Computer, display theboundaries."

The computer hummed and whirred for a moment, then displayedthe same map, but with boundaries highlighted.

Zeus smiled in delight. "Pac-man it isn't, but it's still agreat toy." He frowned momentarily. "Beats me at chess. I haveplans for that programmer. Long vacation with my brother Pluto."

"Computer, give us an image of Megalith, hear?"

The computer once more hummed and whirred. A few words appearedon the screen. Zeus read them, grunted. "All right, all right!I'll do it your way! Computer, display Megalith."

The computer did some more of the h & w routine, displayed amuscular warrior, standing quietly, a bemused expression on hisface.

"Looks peaceful enough, doesn't he. Ah, beware! That quiet facebelies the turmoil within. He, young man, is plotting the escapefrom Tartarus! The escape that must be thwarted!"

Zeus stared for a moment at the computer screen. He sighed.

"You know, of course, that these - the Titans - are ourforebears. I would we could live in peace with them, but it isto no avail. Out of the goodness of my heart I granted themasylum in Tartarus. Yet they are not appreciative. They want toescape. What a strange term! Who would escape from Paradise!"

The computer displayed a pair of arms, waving desperately.

"Yes, yes, what is it. Oh, I mean, Computer, Speak."

"Oh Great and Mighty One, Master of the Universe, Benefactor ofall mankind, . . . ," the computer began in a subservient voice.

"Computer, cease. I know all that. Get to the point. Computer,
Speak."

"News of Tartarus, Master. Megalith has secretly had installedan express elevator from the basement right up to the earth'ssurface. He is even now contracting with the SkyHigh Elevatorcompany to extend it to the top of Olympus. Fortunately SkyHighis asking an exorbitant price. They have a monopoly on theelevator trade, so they are likely to eventually obtain theasking price. For now, however, Megalith is examining otheralternatives. He was visiting the local Ultralight assemblyplant. And it is said his agents have contacted the RocketeersClub. No additional data at this time, Sire."

"And now, back to our commercial. Oh Great and Mighty one,
Master of the Universe . . . " Zeus turned off the computer.

"He has already made his first move! An elevator indeed! And anextension to the peaks of Olympus! Zounds!"

"My boy, my plans have changed. This may require more than theskills of an earthling. I shall don human form, and I shallaccompany you. The might of Megalith must be met! Ah, I like thesound of that! Permit me to repeat, The might of Megalith mustbe met!" He let the words roll sonorously from his lips, aslight smile on his face.

"Once considered the theater, you know. Actually, this Godthing is much more fun - sometimes."

Two figures moved cautiously to the bank of the river Styx.Dark and smoothflowing the river arose from pale mists in thedistance, and faded once more into mists as pale.

The sojourners moved slowly along the river's edge. One, awhite-bearded elder, shuffled along supported by wooden rod. Theother, younger and vigorous, darted ahead, returned, then dartedahead again.

"I think I shall tie a string to your leg, as though you were a
June bug. Just calm down. There is no danger."

"For you, perhaps not. Still, I know he is here. I can feel hispresence. In every sojourn he has been with me."

"Ah, the unseen companion! Yes, I too note an irksome presence.
Nevertheless, nothing shall come of it this day. Trust me."

Demo glanced at the old man, Zeus. For it was indeed these two,long removed from the heights of Olympus. "Trust you . . . ? Iknew this used chariot salesman once . . . Well, never mind."He noted the look of concentration on Zeus' visage. "No realcorrespondence. I was just thinking out loud."

Zeus regarded the river Styx with distaste.

"Most foul stream, this. I was in a vile mood when I loosed itfrom the bowels of the earth. Unpleasant odor, too. Fetid, infact. Perhaps Pluto is right, a little landscaping andenvironmental cleanup are needed. I'll make a note . . ."

"Beware, my lad, that you drink not of these waters. Though yoube of the most placid nature, but a sip from this stream and youshall rant against the world. Here has the essence of hate beendistilled, and it flows forever at the edge of Hades.

They were interrupted by the yapping of a dog, or perhaps apack of dogs. The yapping quickly changed to deep-throatedgrowls. "Ah hah! Cerberus! My puppy! Must have grown a bit bynow. How glad he will be to see me once more" Zeus was exuberant.

His face was that of an eager child. Plainly a wave ofnostalgia flooded his mind, and a wistful smile flitted acrosshis face. "To return to the innocence of childhood. Howwonderful it would be . . . . Here, boy! Come here!"

Demo shrank back!

The dog bounded toward them from a hidden cave. It rushed toZeus, licked his hand with one of its heads, while a second headgrowled ominously at Demo. The third head maintained acontinuous vigil.

"Pet him, he's quite gentle." Zeus smiled. "Good doggy, gooddoggy."

"Remember when I gave him to you, Zeus."

Startled, Demo and Zeus looked up. Their gaze encompassed thetowering height of Megalith.

"Yes, I remember." Zeus smiled delightedly. "He was just alittle bundle of fur. barely a handful, yet so warm, so loving.He came to me, climbed upon my lap and quickly fell asleep. Amost wonderful present he was."

"Well," Zeus voice changed, and he ceased petting Cerberus. "Soit is true. You have left Tartarus. You know, of course, that Ican't permit it. I've already contacted the SkyHigh ElevatorCompany, and they'll be removing the elevator by the end of themonth."

Megalith ignored the comment. "Your Mother Rhea sends yougreeting, as does your Father Cronus. They want you to know theygrow weary of the depths of Tartarus. They would breathe the airof earth, drink the nectar of Olympus. Lift your decree ofbanishment, Zeus. What manner of child are you, to so treat youraged parents! Remember you not, your happy childhood?"

For a moment Zeus stood silent, head bowed.

"You weave your words with delicate care, Megalith. I know itis not for my parents you seek these things. You, who were bornin Tartarus, would have these worlds as your own. You would havethe Gods of Olympus give obeisance, the children of man serveyou."

Megalith reached down, patted the third head of Cerberus. Thedog snapped at his hand, and he withdrew it quickly, scowled.

"You recall, Zeus, when you allowed me to visit Olympus, when Igave you the pup Cerberus?"

"I recall well. I was yet a child in many ways. Now, I havematured, Megalith. Gifts do not buy my favor."

"And do you recall I left with you, also, the jug of the bestwine of Tantalus?"

"Good wine it was! A most amazing brew! To what purpose is yourquestion?"

"You drank of the jug, and it brought you dreams of Hera, andof others. And even now those dreams return to tease your mind.The wines of Tantalus will return, time after time. Nor can youavoid them. Sleep now, Zeus, in a drunken stupor as the wineworks its magic."

Megalith smiled.

Indeed Zeus stretched out on the greensward, Cerberus whiningas he lay down beside him. A smile touched Zeus' lips.

"I have long planned my return. The wine of Tantalus was butthe first step. Now, while he sleeps, I shall roam once morethis earth, partake of its pleasures, prepare it for our coming.And you, earthling, shall be my emissary. We are well met!"

"I serve Zeus, no other."

"Well said. See this pebble. Watch carefully, then mind yourtongue."

Megalith lifted a huge boulder in his right hand, looked at
Demo with a smile, lifted it high above the head of the sleeping
Zeus.

Quickly Demo notched an arrow.

Megalith laughed. "Dream on, Zeus, for the dream shall soonend. As for you, blunt your arrows if you will. In a moment Ishall feed you to Cerberus."

The dog growled at mention of his name.

From the River Styx a form arose.

"Hold, Megalith!"

With a start Megalith gazed at the dark and menacing figure.

"You seduced my brother with your gifts, Megalith. I laughed,for your wiles were of no value against me. You find the fieldsof Tartarus confining. Lay down the stone then, and come withme. For I have prepared a place for you in Hades."

A chill encompassed Demo.

He dared not look at the speaker. This one projected all theaura of another he knew. Another who traveled with him, unseen,on sojourn after sojourn.

The unseen companion!

Though shaken Megalith was not deterred from h is intent.

"You have no power over me. And you have no reason to loveZeus, who banned you also to an inferior kingdom. Join me. Weshall rule the earth, and even Olympus." Megalith smiled.

"True, I cannot harm you. I have no love for Zeus, as you say.Yet you have erred. For there is one who loves Zeus beyond allmeasure, and before that stone shall fall he shall tear yourheart from that giant body."

Megalith's eyes widened.

Indeed such a one even now waited, ever alert, ever faithful.

Beside Zeus, awake and watchful, Cerberus stood. Baleful eyes,from each of his heads, glared at this creature who daredthreaten his sleeping master.

With a deep growl he crouched.

Megalith stepped backward, in desperation launched the greatstone downward.

It did not strike the helpless target. It's path was deflected.

The stone stuck not the hapless head of Zeus. For anotherbravely placed himself in harm's way.

The stone struck the third head of Cerberus, crushing andtearing. The dog moaned low, stood still over its helplessmaster, then lunged forward.

The battle was long. The deep growls of Cerberus mixed with theangry snarls of Megalith. The ground rocked under their fury,and blood and sweat mingled in an ugly stream.

They rolled on the ground, tearing and ripping each his enemy.
The hills reverberated with the sound of their blows.

Megalith broke loose, rushed to the mountainside, seized aboulder even huger than before.

He turned to meet the onslaught of the dying beast, brought thestone down. Another head was crushed, and Cerberus staggeredback.

Megalith once more picked up a massive rock. Quickly now hestepped around the dying dog, stood again over Zeus.

Demo launched his arrow. It fell, blunted, from the rough hideof the Titan. Megalith looked at the boy, smiled a scornfulsmile. He raised the stone high above his head.

Before the stone could fall Cerberus struck. Wounded andbleeding, still he launched his body at the Titan, knocked himfrom his feet. His fangs closed on the throat of Megalith.

Megalith seized the dog's neck in both hands, his powerfulfingers cutting off the breath of life. The dog shuddered, yetreleased not its death grip on the Titan's throat.

In moments it was over.

The Titan lay dead!

And Cerberus.

No. Yet he moved.

Slowly, painfully he inched his tortured body to the side ofthe sleeping Zeus. He licked his master's hand, his tail wagging.

Closing his eyes he slept, to wake no more.

The silence was broken only by the call of a raven, flying highabove. Even Styx flowed quietly, as though in dread. The streamreddened where the blood of giant, and of beast, mixed with itsdark waters.

Demo knelt by the sleeping Zeus, touched him hesitantly withextended hand. "Sire, wake. The task is done."

Even as he spoke Zeus pulled himself erect, stroked the longwhite beard he favored for his earthly form. He blinked, lookedat the motionless Megalith. With a sudden sob he held Cerberusto him.

"'Tis well I sent you not out alone. I fear he would have doneyou in neatly. That wine! I should have known! A devilishconcoction, well brewed to twist the mind of even the Gods. Andsay you another interfered on my behalf, your unseen companion?Strange indeed." He shook his head. "If that one be whom I thinkthere is little love lost between us."

"Have you ever owned a puppy, my boy. Wonderful! There is nocreature so loving, so caring of his master. Cerberus, Cerberus,that you should die saving me." A tear trickled from his eye.

"Yes, child, for such loyalty even the Gods may weep."

For a moment Zeus sat quietly, Cerberus in his arms. A teartrickled from Demo's eye as he thought of Rough, and the manytimes the dog had protected him.

"I shall bury him at the base of yonder mountain. It shallserve as his headstone. Let all who look upon its majestyremember who sleeps at its foot." Zeus sighed.

"Well, well, it is over. And you, my boy. Well done. Well done.This sojourn I shall long remember. And though you are, shall wesay, jumpy and at times overly eager I did indeed enjoy yourcompany. So I may . . .

"Ah, listen, even now your Mother calls you. Is it fresh-cookedvenison I smell? Yes, yes indeed. Excellent cook, your Mother.The berry pie that disappeared while cooling in the window . . .slightly tart, but oh so tasty, very tasty!"

Ceres walked sad of mien upon the earth.

Time past, the mighty Pluto had rode roughshod across the land.Had seized her daughter Persephone, carried her away to hisdamned kingdom.

Long since had she accepted her daughter's fate. Yet sheremained forever disconsolate. At times she wept. No smiletouched her lips. And in her mind a plan developed.

The wiles of women have oft changed the course of man's world.
Even the Olympians would feel that power.

Carefully she gave thought to devices that would serve, tothose who might champion her cause. Finally, in desperation, sheturned to that power of powers.

White-faced, in dread, she prayed to Moira to unravel the evilthat had been done.

Her humble cottage was quiet, still. The silence was such asshe had never known. Even her breath was unheard.

In the silence she received her answer. Not in words, nor inthoughts, but in a strange vision.

She stood on a high peak, surrounded by rolling fog. In thatfog she heard her daughter calling, but she could not tell fromwhence came the call.

She answered, yet knew her voice to be unheard.

Faintly, another voice sounded through the fog. The voice of ayoung man. "My lady, you are in pain. Can I help you?"

The vision faded, and she was once more in her little hut. Shesat by her kitchen table, laid down her head, and cried.

There would be an end to the cursed imprisonment of her child!
There was yet a champion who would stand against the fiend from
Hades. In time the one who had wrought this grievous crime would
suffer!

In her mind she saw darkly a deep cold tarn, its face hidden byfog and mist. She knew.

There, by the tarn, the tragedy would end.

7. The Curse of Cronus

"My dear, it is but reasonable. It is the curse of Cronus, thateven the Gods shall age." He sighed.

"I have, in my infinite wisdom, ameliorated that curse to adegree. The aging process is slowed, and eons are only days.Still, aging continues. No, basically, it is not practical tocompletely counter the process. I've certainly given it carefulthought. Do you think I enjoy it. Just look at me!"

Zeus frowned, paused in deep thought. Using his cane he limpedslowly to his throne.

"You really shouldn't be so upset. Look at what it's doing tome? Zeus - with a cane? Ridiculous!"

"But, sire, would you but look at me! How can I stand thehumiliation. Just look at me!" Venus stamped her foot inexasperation.

"Yes, my dear, I am looking. Oh, yes! Eh, to be honest, I can'teven see a single wrinkle. Just a moment, let me put on myeyeballs." He adjusted his bifocals carefully on his nose.

"My dear, you look delectable. Wrinkles! Bah!"

"You jest. I saw it only this morning. Right here, on myforehead. Do examine me more closely."

Zeus pursued his examination with great gusto, until theentrance of Hera distracted him. Gruffly he growled, "Well, if awrinkle is there, it is a beautiful one. Let me see? Ah, I haveit. I shall send for expert advise. Rest assured, I'll solve theproblem."

Hera watched suspiciously, finally spoke as Venus departed.

"What's that young snip want. You were certainly giving her athorough perusal. Which, I might add, you were relishingmightily."

"The duties I must perform. They weigh on me heavily indeed, mydear. Venus has detected a wrinkle. Sad, but the curse ofCronus, you know."

With a suddenness that Demo had come to abhor he found himselfonce more before the might of Zeus.

Arrow notched, bow drawn, he had the game on the dinner plate -and then, whoosh, the forest, the buck, everything -disappeared. And now he stood before Zeus, his arrow still readyfor its flight.

Zeus ducked precipitously behind his throne.

"Now, boy, now, now! Didn't mean to startle you. Eh, justrelease the arrow - No! I mean, just return your arrow to itsquiver. There will be other bucks, I assure you."

Demo turned red, quickly returned the arrow to its pouch.

"My apologies, Sire. You called me at an awkward moment. Nooffense was intended."

"Delighted, really delighted, to have you here once more. Ilook back upon our last little adventure together with fondremembrance. Fond remembrance? I like that combination. I'llhave to use it again sometime."

Demo waited quietly. Zeus rarely spent time in emptyconversation. Though it might seem like prattle, somewherehidden was meaning - and danger.

"Have I talked with you of Cronus? No, I think not. Well,Cronus bore a grudge against us - myself, the other Gods. Some,they say, get mad, others get even. Not Cronus - oh, no! Cronusget mad? Never! Cronus get even? Perish the thought!"

Zeus stalked back and forth before the throne. His face wasturning red in exasperation, and sweat trickled from his brow.

Already the dark clouds were beginning to form above Olympus.

"Now you stop that!" Hera exclaimed. "And quit rambling! Dotell the poor boy of Cronus' monstrous gift to the Gods! And doget on with it!"

"Hmmm, yes, my dear. Where was I?" He wiped his brow.

"Cronus was furious. F . U . R . I . O . U . S!"

"The boy knows how to spell. Be a bit more concise, Zeus. Youknow, we have this garden party shortly. Quickly now!" Hera waspetulant.

"Of course the boy knows how to spell. Eh, don't you, my lad?"

"Oh, yes, Sire! My mother taught me well. She says . . . "

"Another time, boy. Another time." Zeus brushed off hiscomments.

"He was furious. He had no intent to get even. No way! Evenwould never do. It was his wish to lay upon us troubles tentimes greater than those he received. Even? Ha!"

"And so he did. The Curse of Cronus! Has a nice ring to it,don't you think. I remember well the ceremony. In deep sonoroustones he enunciated those very words - The Curse of Cronus - andthen repeated it three times. Melodramatic type, he was. I couldalmost hear the deep swelling boom of a gong as he ended eachpronouncement." He paused, seemed to be thinking.

"I've tried awfully hard, you know, to emulate that voice. Veryimpressive, really. Can't quiet hack it, though. Had somethingto do with his bearing, too." He stopped, looked at Hera andDemo, and blushed.

"Lift the curse, that's what I want from you. Now, be off andtake care of it. I have a garden party to officiate, you know."He glanced placatingly at Hera. "Do be quick about it, for Venusis terribly peeved. Although I didn't see a single wrinkle.Lovely skin, lovely, . . . " He paused, noted Hera's angryglare. "Reminds me - to a lesser degree, of course - of Hera'sbeautifully smooth neck and shoulders."

Hera deigned to be placated. She smiled gracefully as sheaccepted his compliment. Yet, she had a knowing look in hereyes, and the boy noted how she shook her head.

Demo started to ask more questions, when he found himself,drawn bow in hand, once more in his hunting pose. He sighed,released the arrow.

Fresh venison, a new mission, and Cronus!

He cleaned the game carefully, working from habit withoutthinking. His mind was far away. The Curse of Cronus - I mustlift the Curse of Cronus!

"Oh, yes, of course I know of Cronus," his mother appearedpeeved. "I may be a country girl, but I want you to know, I amwell read. Cronus was, of course, Zeus' old man. My, how theyquarreled! Some thought Zeus would be banned. And well he mighthave been, if he hadn't moved first."

She sighed, added a touch of herbs to the soup. "Mmmmm," shecommented. "It is tasty indeed. Not the ambrosia I'm sure Zeusserves, but quite tasty. Here, give me your bowl."

"There was a curse, mother?"

"Yes, that there was. Zeus drove them out - his father, Cronus;his mother, Rhea; all of the Titans. He stood by the wayside,lightning bolt ever ready." She paused, her eyes seeing a priortime, a time when the Gods were seen by man.

She filled the bowl with the warm soup, placed it before him."Now try some of that. Cronus indeed. This will take the yearsoff. And a slice of my bread."

She smiled as he began to eat, watched in pleasure as heattacked the food with the zeal of hungry youth.

"Cronus stumbled, and Zeus raised his arm to cast thethunderbolt. And then Cronus stood straight and tall andmajestic. He repeated, three times I think, with his armsextended upward, 'The Curse of Cronus'. Doesn't it have such amelodramatic sound to it? Especially if you pause between thewords." She once more intoned, "The Curse of Cronus", pausingdramatically between the individual words.

"And the curse, mother, what was it?"

"That the Gods, for whom 'til now time did not exist, would now- like other beings - age. Zeus laughed. Still, there arerumors, and I understand he laughs no more." She lowered hervoice. "I'm told that, even now, he walks with a cane. Have youseen it? Can this be true?"

Demo ignored the questions. "Mother, how would I find Cronus?"

"My child, you do not find Cronus. He finds you. It isinevitable. It is from his touch that we pass from child to manor woman, from youth to middle age, from middle age to an elderestate. It is a process you would not desire to compress. No,search not for Cronus. He is not well met!"

Demo pondered her words, the story she had told. Fable, orfact? At one time he would have thought the former. Now he wascompletely unsure. His simple world had turned strange.

Demo began his trip, knowing not the way, knowing not the guiseof him whom he sought. The fates were kind, and he found aidalong the way.

"Earthling, attend me!"

The voice was soft, yet commanding.

He breathed deeply as he gazed upon her. The beauty of Athena,of Medusa, he had thought, could not be surpassed. He was wrong.

The diaphanous gown accentuated, rather than hid, the exquisiteform of the maiden who addressed him. The face was beautiful notonly in its own right, but in its every response to herthoughts. Now with a slight blush, now calm and serene, nowsmiling and happy - always with an innocence that beguiled andattracted.

"I am Venus. It is for my sake that Zeus has dispatched you onthis dreadful sojourn. And dreadful must it be for you, for whenCronus looks upon you the bonds of time will lock you in theirembrace. Yet there is no other way." She sobbed.

"Take this. When you tend Cronus, tell him from whence it came.Then ask him, must the beautiful blond hair of Venus turn gray.Once he loved me, a grandchild who was his pride. Perhaps hestill remembers. Give to him this mirror, for in it he shall seemy visage. And as I age, so shall indeed the image on which hegazes. It is his curse. Let him reap its reward."

She expected no reply, and was gone so swiftly none waspossible.

He glanced at the mirror from the side of his eye. He blinked.Truly, it was not his own image, but hers. He carefully placedthe mirror in his pouch. Perhaps, after all, Cronus would relent.

One might think that, to reach Tartarus, the path would befirst through Hades. And having passed through that monstrousdomain Tartarus would lie ahead.

Indeed, Tartarus lies far below even the inferior regions ofHades. Solitary, neighborless - there is no common border, noentry or exit. Tartarus stands alone. None may enter. None mayleave. To those who live therein its bounds are endless. Tothose who dwell without it is but a speck, lacking depth,lacking width, lacking height.

Demo searched. He found not Tartarus. He found not Cronus. Andso he slept. And as he slept, Cronus found him!

Each night he lay down to rest, tired from his travels. Eachmorning he awoke, unrested, the weight of passing years pressingdown upon him. Yet, the sun had made its own journey, and it wasbut the start of a new day. He felt in his bones aches he hadnever known. The muscles that served well afore now weakened,gave way under exertion.

The dreams began. A white bearded patriarch, severe of mien,stood nightly at the foot of his bed, gestured over his pronebody.

And with that gesture he felt his very bones grow tired. Thesmooth skin of youth wrinkled, and his sharp eyes dimmed andlost their luster.

"Return to Zeus. Tell him that the Curse of Cronus shall neverbe lifted. Give up this quest, for on it you shall age each dayas though it were a year. Only the kindness of Cronus preventsyou from withering and dying before the dawn." The deep sonorousvoice ceased, the vision faded.

He touched his cheek, his forehead. Indeed wrinkles formed andfurrows! Beneath his chin a dewlap hung. His eyes grew tired,and his voice weak. Nightmare, or visitation from Cronus?

By day his travels became ever more onerous. The pain ofarthritis attacked his joints, his breath was short, and attimes he wandered over his earlier trail unknowingly.

Demo noted, looking in the mirror of a calm pond, his thinninghair, now turning gray. Dark pockets formed under each eye, andhis eyes were themselves bloodshot.

Perhaps, he thought, it is time to return home, there to rest.
Perhaps, there to lie down to an eternal rest.

Each night Cronus came. Each day Demo was left with a bodyweakened and tired from the visit of Cronus.

His appearance had become so wretched that he avoided the quietponds, that he see not his image. In desperation he called onZeus, then sighed. Even Zeus, mightiest of the Gods, laboredunder the Curse of Cronus.

On a certain day, in a certain glade he walked, knowing notwhere to turn. His thirst grew, and he noted water tricklingdown the hillside ahead. At the base of the hill a small springformed a placid pool, and he leaned forward to drink of itswater.

"Not me! Let it not be me!"

The gaunt, ancient creature reflected in the still watersscreamed out the words.

He would turn away, and yet he could not. Fascinated he notedthe wrinkled face, the gnarled hands, the tired eyes.

My youth, to have fled so quickly! The Curse of Cronus indeed!

Night shadows were fast enveloping the land. He cut soft limbsand foliage to make his bed. It mattered not. All beds to himwere hard. Emptying his pouch he nearly dropped the mirror ofVenus.

He caught it before it struck the ground. I need no more badluck, the thought crossed his mind.

The image of Venus brought tears to his eyes. The beautyreflected in the mirror but days before had disappeared. Now wasseen but an old crone, straggly hair, wrinkled face, bent back.Still the eyes tore at his soul.

The sad eyes that held remembrance of beauty beyond that of allbeings. They seemed to say, "If I could but forget what once Iwas. Then I could more readily bear this plight."

He shuddered, held the mirror in his hand as he stretched outon his forest bower. Sleep would come soon. And with sleep,Cronus!

And so it was. Cronus stood silent at the foot of his sylvanbed. He held an object in his hand, gazed at it in deep thought.

The mirror of Venus!

He had taken it from the bed where Demo lay. Slowly Cronuslowered the mirrored, glanced at the boy. Demo stirred, lookedwith tired eyes at his visitor.

"I know this one from long ago. I see, yet I know not the face,nor the name. Is this your mother, boy?"

"No, sire, this is the face of another, the face of one youonce loved. The face of one you have condemned to misery. Thisis the face of your granddaughter, Venus, disfigured by theCurse of Cronus."

Cronus' eyes widened, and he glanced once more at the mirror."I shall take this with me. Sleep, boy, this night I give yourest."

Head bowed, he turned and walked away, fading into the night.

Demo slept.

He woke late, the sun high in the sky. Even then might he haveslept, except for the sound of the sparrows.

They hopped excitedly around an object gleaming on the forestfloor. He rose, walked to it, and they took wing in fright.

The mirror of Venus. Cronus had dropped it there before heleft. Strange. He had been so moved by the aged image therein.Demo shook his head, picked up the mirror.

In shock, he almost let it fall.

The beauty of Venus, radiant and young, once more graced itssurface.

Eyes wide he glanced at the hand holding the mirror. Thegnarled fingers, wrinkled and old, were no more. The stronghands of youth now held the mirror.

Quickly he rushed to the spring, examined his countenance.

Cronus had relented.

He heard a distant rumble of thunder, glanced anxiously to thesky.

A voice, strong and yet soft, reached his ears.

"Well done, my son." He knew the sojourn had ended.

And then he heard the words again. "Well done, my son." andfelt a hand shaking him.

"Yes, well done. The firewood you were to gather, where is it?
Do you know the sun is near its zenith, and you still lie abed."

"Yes, mother, I shall fetch it quickly."

He shook his head. Only a dream? He looked at his hand, thehand of youth. As he sat on the edge of his bed his foot brushedan object.

Absentmindedly he reached down, picked it up.

He found himself gazing on the beauty of Venus, a smile on herface. The lips seemed to move, and expressed in a voice allsoftness the gratitude shining in her eyes.

He smiled. No!

No! Not a dream.

As a child I nourished him. His body I made strong, agile; hismind, quick. Strength I gave him, and the will to bear painwithout flinching. Almost, eternal life. But that was not to be.

Ceres was thinking to herself.

The voice I heard while praying - It is, I am sure, his voice.The time is coming when this tragedy shall end. In some manner,unknown to me, Fate will bring the paths together.

Ah, yet how powerful is the enemy! Zeus himself alone is morepowerful.

No, not true. Moira has mapped the path of each, be they God orman. And Fate has given me a vision.

I knew not then to what purpose the boy's skills would beneeded. How quickly time has passed, and the wrong done mydaughter is yet to be avenged!

His shall be the duty.

I grow old, my limbs puny.

He is young, strong. My enemy shall be his enemy.

And for that enemy his name shall be Nemesis!

8. The Minotaur

"Being a well-educated earthling," Zeus began, a slight touchof sarcasm in his voice, "You are undoubtedly familiar with thelegends of the Minotaur?"

"I have been told the legend by my mother, sire."

"Ah, a wise woman. And proud, I am sure, to have such astalwart, handsome offspring."

"At times she has expressed doubts. However, it is but amotherly quirk, or so I believe."

"Fine, fine." Zeus seemed weary of the conversation, and yawnedloudly.

"Pardon me, my son. It isn't that you aren't a brilliantconversationalist. I could listen to your childish prattle - eh- to your exploits for hours on end. Shameful, I have so littletime for such pleasures. I must attend to my chores, you know.Have to give the globe another kick before long, keep itspinning." He paused long enough to sip at his nectar.

"Poor year, this. Lousy flavor. Must force myself to drink it,I suppose." He took a large draught from the flask, smacked hislips.

"Well, the annual circus is scheduled for later this spring.I've decided that we shall have some unusual creatures toentertain the Gods. They grow listless and tired with dullrepetitive acts. Dragons, unicorns - you know, all old hat. So Ithought I'd surprise them this time. A jolly old minotaur maywell jolt them a little. Yes it should." He mused aloud.

"Bring one back. Oh, don't hurt it, please. Want it in goodshape. And find out what it eats, will you? Hate to have itstarve on us. I suppose we could feed it nectar and mead. Mightnot drink the nectar. This year's nectar is really poor. Not fitfor a minotaur." He took another draught, licked his lips, thentook an additional one.

"Where . . . ?" Demo started to ask, only to find himselfsitting on the ground in his front yard, addressing the air.

"Yes, dear?" his mother queried.

"Nothing. Mother, do you recall telling me of the minotaur?"

"Why, isn't that strange. They had a special on TV just lastnight on the very subject. The nasty creature has wandered awayfrom the maze. No one knows to where. Frightful creature. Icertainly hope it doesn't come near here. I'd give it such awhack."

She brandished her broom in the air, brought it down withininches of Demo's foot.

He scrambled backward.

"No one knows where it is?"

"No, sonny. But you stay away from the woods for a while. Itmay well be wandering out there. It could be very hungry. And noone knows what it eats. It really has a nasty temper, or so theysay. I wonder why it has a nasty temper?"

Drat! Wandered off from the maze. Poor security, I'd say. Wherewould I wander if I were a minotaur? He sat in quiet thought.

Food, of course, it must find food. No keepers to feed it now.And water, certainly. The body of a bull, the upper torso of aman. Boy, I bet it has a strange diet!

I could go over and look at the maze. Might be a clue or twothere. And I better talk to the keepers. They should have ahandle on its feeding habits.

And if I find it? What then? How does one capture a minotaur?Or keep oneself from being devoured by it? Ahh, and I was sohappy as a simple hunter!

"Mother, I'm off again tomorrow."

"Oh, I wish Zeus would quit sending you on these silly errands.And you should forget about that Athena. I hear she has avicious temper. Now Theresa, she is such a lovely girl. And sodocile. You'd make such a handsome couple," she finishedwistfully.

"Yes, mother. Do tell dear Theresa hello for me."

Morning came early. He rose grumpily, washed his face in thewash basin, and carried it out the door to throw away the water.

He paused to look up at the stars, still brilliant in a darksky. Orion was low in the sky, and seemed to be pointing towardthe ocean's shore.

Perhaps it is an omen, he thought. I shall trek to the ocean.After all, the minotaur may have plans to leave our land for onemore to his - it's - liking.

Demo tossed the water out into the darkness, heard it splash,then a sudden sputtering and words not fit for ears of a youngman.

"Watch what you are about. If Pluto weren't so concerned I'djust quit this foolishness." The fox imp was leaping up anddown, shaking itself to shed the water. "This is the second bathI've had this year. Enough is enough! Going to catch a minotaur,eh? At this rate I'm going to catch a cold!" He sneezed loudly.

"You'll be lucky to catch a mouse!"

Suddenly the imp was silent. He frowned, turned cautiously.

With a deep growl Rough pounced.

The imp squealed, rolled sideways, and dashed madly to theclosest tree. Clambering up the oak, the imp glared down atRough in anger. "I shall certainly sic Cerberus on you! What athrashing you will get! Call off your dog, boy. Quickly, now, orI will send him where he would not go."

The threat seemed real. "Come here, Rough. You'd not care forthe taste of carrion."

"Carrion? Carrion, is it! The seasons pass, my boy. And younear your destiny. I merely hope to be there when you meet thatdestined fate. Yes, indeed! Then there'll be no talk of carrion!"

He looked carefully at Rough, who stood tense and ready atDemo's side. When the imp thought the time propitious he leapedfrom the tree limb, danced a jig beneath the branches. All thewhile watching Rough carefully. Demo held the dog tightly.Finally the imp rushed angrily into the orchard, growling in ahigh-pitched voice while glancing anxiously over its shoulderfor the approach of Rough. "Minotaur, indeed! Wait 'til I get onthe phone to Pluto!"

"Mother, I'm off to Minos. I want to see where the minotaurlived."

"Well, for goodness sake, don't go inside. People just keeppopping in, and Theseus is the only one to pop out again. Mustbe awfully crowded in there. If you pass by your Aunt Matilda'splace, tell her I'll see her next week."

He picked up his bike, kicked the tires, and started pedaling.
The phrase 'Minos or bust' came to mind, he didn't know why.
Probably some historical significance, he thought.

Naturally he had a flat before reaching midway on his trip.
"And no gas station within miles," he muttered aloud.

Never trusted these contraptions anyway. I guess I shouldn'tcomplain. It did save me a few hours. I'll drop it off at AuntMatilda's, and pick it up later.

"Oh, Demo, how tall you have grown. My, my! And so handsome. Imust introduce you to my neighbor's daughter. You'd make such aperfect couple!" Aunt Matilda was plainly glad to see him.

"I really can't eat another bite. You are such a good cook,
Aunt Matilda. Oh, mother said she'll be over next week. I think
she wants to borrow a pattern from you. She's always sewing.
Wished she'd learn to darn. Look at the holes in these socks!"

It took some time to extricate himself from the enthusiasticwelcome of his Aunt. Eventually he left the bike in the garagenext to the chariot, bade her a fond farewell, and hurried onhis way. He'd be lucky to reach the maze by nightfall.

But he did. He crossed over the bridge, followed the windingpath over the ridge. And there it was.

The maze, from the outside at least, was rather impressive.Huge massive walls of at least a man and a half in height. Andthey seemed to extend indefinitely, eventually disappearing intoa wooded ravine. The keepers sat at the gate, talking together,and glancing nervously around.

"I hear the minotaur has escaped?" Demo questioned.

"That it has. We were distracted. This lady was going by andshe . . . " He seemed to think better of his comment. "Anyway,we were distracted. It snuck out, quiet like. Amazing, for abull. More like a tiger, stealthy quiet. It's sad, really. Nevertrust a minotaur. They'll turn on you. And to think how manyyears I've watched and guarded the creature. And my fatherbefore me, and his before him. Minotaurs lack dependability.I'll take a cat every time, myself. Don't eat nearly as much.Nice pets. Catch mice, too. Of course, for all I know, so dominotaurs. Nah, they couldn't be that spry!"

"How many stand guard here?"

"There are twelve of us. But what's to guard! He's gone, allright. Didn't touch his food last night. Of course, I reallydon't blame him. The ladies of the Minotaur Monitor Grouprequired that we feed him half hay, half fish or poultry. Ithink he stuck at the hay. So he is half bull. Of course, that'snot the eating half. Anyway, the ladies had their way - and nowlook how it's all turned out. Of course, I slipped him a glassof wine at times, and he was appreciative of that, I want you toknow."

"I'd like to go inside, glance around if I may."

"Oh, no! Zeus forbid! The going in is easy - it's the comingout that comes hard. None who went in have come out in my time.Nor in my father's time. Before that, there are those who claimTheseus went in, killed the minotaur, and came out. Well, I'llhave you know, if he went in it wasn't far in - and he snuck outin a hurry. Cause the minotaur is alive and well, and wanderingaround I don't know where on this damp night. I surely hope hedoesn't catch a cold. No, no, sir! You don't want to go inthere."

"Well, I thought about the coming out again. If you'll kindlyhold the end of this rope I'll take the other end in with me.And when I'm ready to come out I'll just follow the rope rightback to here. No way I can get lost if you'll just hold on tothe trusty rope."

After some discussion the guards admitted Demo to theentranceway. The chief guard held the rope end in his own hands,and Demo proceeded to follow the maze. Every so often he pulledon the rope. The tension in the line gave him a feeling ofconfidence.

But circumstances outside the maze did not bode well for hisescapade.

"Ah, good evening again, ladies. Oh, you dropped yourhandkerchief, miss. Let me get it for you." The chief guardpolitely stepped forward to help the damsel in distress, in theprocess laying down the rope.

Unfortunately, at that moment Demo tugged at the rope, toinsure his path to safety continued in place.

Tensionless, the rope lay loose on the smooth floor!

He frowned. Perhaps, he thought, I've left too much slack init. This time he pulled harder. The rope moved easily, coiled athis feet. Demo's face whitened.

The chief guard turned in time to see the end of the ropesnaking into the maze. He rushed forward to grab it, reached theentranceway in time to see it disappear down one of the manyopenings that seemed to appear and then vanish before hisstartled eyes.

He placed his hand on the entranceway, took a tentative stepinside, then quickly withdrew his foot.

"Ah, what a nice young lad he was! I wonder where he can be. Ido hope he starts back quickly, before the rope's end hascompletely slipped within. Oh, well, time for supper. Do hopethe wife included a sip of wine. Relaxes one."

Demo looked dazedly at the rope coiled at his feet. The entirelength was there, even the grappling hook that the chief guardhad held so firmly in hand.

He sat down, stared at the walls that now seemed to press uponhim ever closer. Finally he stood up, used the rope to measuretheir separation. After a while he measured it again. No, justimagination. They hadn't moved. The narrow corridors maintaineda constant width, half a man's height.

All the same the appearance that the corridor became more andmore narrow stayed with him. Is there truly no escape from themaze? How many had gone before, never to return. Did they diehere? Or does it lead to another land, another world? Well, Ishall not remain here. And I will escape this maze. But how? How?

He bowed his head, eventually fell into a disturbed sleep. Hedreamed of searching for Athena, hidden in the middle of animpossible maze.

At times he dreamt he had found her, held her in his arms, asshe whispered in his ear. Love words? Or something else. Whatwas she saying?

Demo woke, glanced around.

Day was breaking and the sky above was brightening.Nevertheless, something was wrong. This wasn't his home! Thiswas - ah, the maze. Slowly he stood up.

Athena. She had been trying to tell him something. Somethingvery important. She had whispered so low the words were unclear.He shook his head, started to wander off in search of theentranceway.

Then he stopped.

It was something about the rope. She whispered something aboutthe rope. I better take it with me.

The guards huddled around the fire, talking dispiritedly.

I suppose they'll transfer us back to headquarters. Can't standthat place! Too many brass. Too much spick and polish."

"You may not be so lucky. Remember, the minotaur escaped. Theyjust might cut off our heads!"

"It wasn't our fault! How could we know it was coming out? Cutoff our heads? Do you really think so?"

"Hello. Would you share me a bite of bread?"

Startled, they quickly looked around.

The chief guard stood up in amazement as Demo leaped to hisside. "Are you real, sir. This is an experience. I've known nonewho successfully navigated that maze. Tell me sir, how were youable to do what none has done before you?"

Demo took the proffered loaf, tore off a section, and began toeat.

The guards eagerly awaited his response.

"Athena. She whispered it to me in my sleep. I almost missedit. Mother always told me, wash your ears. She's right, youknow. I nearly didn't hear it."

"Ah, sir, and what were the words you nearly didn't hear?"

"Take the rope," is what she said. "An excellentrecommendation, excellent."

They sat back in disappointment, glanced at one another and athim.

"Now why does she want me to take the rope. That's what I askedmyself. And It came to mind that, with the rope and grapple Icould cross the walls, rather than following each corridor. Thatway, if one corridor seemed to be getting me nowhere, I couldquickly climb over to the next one." He paused to twist offanother piece of bread.

The chief guard picked up the paltry remains and slowly ate thecrumbs.

"Nevertheless, after swapping corridors for a while I foundlittle evidence that I was making progress. And then anotherthought hit me. Brilliant thought, really. And not Athena's, butmy own. I think." He paused, ruminating.

"Yes, I do believe it was my own."

The guards looked at each other in exasperation. Demo munchedtheir bread, then picked up the chief guard's wine bottle. Thelatter half-heartedly attempted to retain it, but finally gaveit to Demo.

"Save me a draught, if you'd be so kind," he growled rathersarcastically.

"Anyway, I started to climb to the next corridor. Just when Igot to the top of the wall it struck me. Why fool with thosetwisting corridors. I'll merely jump from wall to wall and go ina straight line until I reach the outer wall. So I noted myshadow's direction from the rising sun, and headed south to thewall whereat I entered last night. It didn't take long at all,and here I am, and this wine is quite tasty. I fear I haven'tsaved you a full draught."

"From wall to wall he went. He didn't solve the maze at all, hejumped over it. I don't think that's really fair. Oh, well,certainly effective," the chief guard grumbled. "Yes, you areright, you saved me less than a draught."

He shook the empty bottle above his upturned lips, to no avail.

"I don't suppose you have any idea where he might have gone?"

"The minotaur? Well, the old boy has put on a little weightover the past century. I'd wager he moved mostly downhill,toward the sea. Much easier path to stroll, I'm thinking."

Demo nodded. As reasonable an assumption as any other. Off tothe sea, then.

Demo heard the pounding waves long before reaching the shore.As he broke out of the undergrowth onto the rock-strewn beachhis eyes widened.

The huge waves seemed almost upon him, then broke, ending in agentle flow lapping at his feet. The sea was not the gentle blueof calmer days, but a deep and angry green. The skies were darkon the far horizon where a powerful storm built and drove thepounding waves. White froth leaped high into the sky where watermet solid boulders. And on one such boulder a creature sat. Acreature that blended well with the nature's fury.

The unseen companion, barely discernible through mist and froth.

He closed his eyes, breathed deeply.

When he looked again the massive boulder was bare.

Still, something moved. Beyond, on the beach, something stood.

He rubbed his eyes, lurched forward, the unstable stonestwisting under his steps.

It had not moved, waited silently.

The minotaur!

"You don't have a bale of hay on you, by any chance? Or even asteak? I've been eating this sea weed for days now. Not thatit's bad. Learned to enjoy it while in the Orient, years ago.Great taste, yet enough is enough, really. By the way, I supposeI do look rather strange. They tell me I'm a minotaur, whateverthat is. It does have some advantages, with four legs and all."He reached down and picked up a handful of brown kelp, gnawed atit judiciously.

"Has a flavor all its own. Quiet different from dried seaweed Iuse to enjoy in Japan. Actually, I learned to enjoy it withsesame seed and soy sauce. You wouldn't have either of those inyour pouch, I suppose. No, well, I didn't expect it. Shouldnever travel without them, though. Local supermarkets seem torun out so quickly. Would you care to join me in a swim?"

Demo glanced out to the raging sea. The waves, which he hadthought to be huge before, now had doubled in height. Even theboulders seemed to rock under the force of the surge of water.

"No, I think I'll stay here and play in the sand. I'm just notin the mood for a swim today. The water does look lovely,though. Why don't you indulge yourself?"

"No, no! Never swim alone! And old safety rule I picked upsomewhere. By the way, are you here vacationing?"

"Actually, I was looking for you."

The minotaur suddenly tensed, became alert.

"You aren't planning to take me back to that silly maze now,are you? I'd walk around that place once each day, and itswindings back and forth made me seasick. I should never havebought that place.

"Ahh, a real salesman! The Realtor was so very enthusiastic. Amonth after I bought it he came to the door to ask how I likedthe property. I invited him inside, and haven't seen him since.I guess the place did have a few good points at that.Personally, though, I prefer view property. And I'll certainlynot go back! No indeed! Of course, they did feed me. But hay? DoI look like I would enjoy the taste of hay?" He stared defiantlyat the boy.

"Oh, no! I definitely have no intent of taking you back there."

"I'm glad to hear that. You see, I've been a captive behindthose walls so long! I want to see the world. I'm looking tojoin a carnival and travel from place to place. After all, I'dbe major attraction, don't you think?"

Demo listened in disbelief, and in sudden glee. "A carnival!Not a carnival. What you want to do is join a circus. Now thatis the life. A three ring circus. The big top! Definitely, acircus!"

"I have no delusions of grandeur. Don't you think that might bepresumptuous on my part. A little carnival would be sufficient."

"I have a . . . an acquaintance. I do believe we can have youas the chief attraction in the center ring. In fact, I'm sure ofit. You would perform before the crown heads of Europe . . . Imean, before Zeus and all the Gods on Olympus. Believe me, this. . . acquaintance would be more than pleased to have you."

"Wonderful, wonderful! When can we start?"

"Right now. And if you'll let me ride on your back I think wecan make it in record time."

The gatekeeper was notably reluctant to allow their entrance.Fortunately Hera was near and heard the argument. "Of course hecan come in. It isn't every day we have such handsome company.And Zeus is looking forward to your return. He always is." Shesaid the last in a sardonic tone.

It puzzled Demo at times, how the words said one thing, but thetone implied something quite different.

Hera announced them. "Zeus, your ringmaster and his chiefattraction have arrived."

Zeus, who was staring at his cups, looked up.

"Poor year for nectar. And now you're back. What else can gowrong!"

The division had seemed fair and equitable. Zeus to receive theHeavens, Poseidon the oceans, and himself the nether world. Oh,they differed a bit in the dimensions, but when the dimensionswere so large what mattered it?

Pluto sat on his throne, reminiscing.

We were all young bucks in those days, before Cronus and Rheawere driven out. Actually, as parents go, they hadn't been toobad. Old fashioned, believed in discipline - they just wouldn'tgive in to the whims of their children. It finally reached thepoint that something had to be done.

Zeus got the word first.

The three of them were to be turned over as wards to the court!

Incorrigible!, Yes, that was the word they used!

Themis had been looking forward eagerly to the day. I shouldnever have dipped her pigtails in the ink. She resents that tothis very day. And how was I to know she would be the Goddess ofJustice and Law!

Yes, she was more than willing to take control of their lives!

Zeus laid out their counterplan, suggested the details of thepartition. He and Poseidon merely acquiesced. Zeus had alwaysbeen the smooth one.

They woke Cronus and Rhea in the dark of night, Zeus with thatmighty thunderbolt, the one Vulcan had fashioned at Cronus'direction. A thunderbolt so powerful even the Titans such asCronus and Rhea could not stand against it.

Reluctantly Cronus and Rhea agreed to leave. Of course, theypleaded with the children. He and Poseidon had felt remorse, hadalmost backed down, allowed them to remain.

Zeus was adamant. He would provide the Titans a world of theirown, but to that world they must depart. And so depart they did,off to Tartarus.

The exodus went smoothly, except for that little incident ofthe Curse of Cronus. At first he thought it was merely a badjoke. Ah, a few gray hairs and aching joints had long sinceconvinced him. It was no joke!

Well, well, time had passed. And now here he sat on the throneof his realm. With a queen yet!

So he had stolen her away! It hadn't really been done with evilintent. And he had made an honest woman of her, proper marriageceremony and all.

He'd never forget her mother. Angry? Whew, was she ever angry!Nothing she could do, however. Zeus himself conducted theceremony. Couldn't be more official than that.

Food was delicious. Persephone hadn't eaten much. Of course,every young girl is excited by her marriage, wouldn't expect herto eat very heartily.

Joyful occasion, over all.

Except for two incidents.

Zeus had promised Persephone as a wedding present to give herone wish. How would anyone guess that she would wish for sixmonths each year with her mother! Dreadful mistake, that weddingpresent. Zeus was a bit muddled, plainly, when he let himself becajoled into such a promise.

The other incident hadn't been quite that bad.

Ceres came forward to give him her blessing.

She wiped the tears from her eyes, looked straight at him, andintoned slowly - "One born of man shall aid her, and when youfollow him it will be to a foreordained destiny."

That was all. She smiled, turned away, and left the weddingparty.

He had brooded long over her words.

Zeus knew not of their content, or refused to divulge hisknowledge.

She was his bride, this his kingdom, and the only earthlingswere those poor souls whose lifely habits had condemned them tohis control.

Pluto, Ruler of Hades, to fear nothing.

Death could not claim him!

Even Zeus entered not into Pluto's domain!

So why this premonition, this uncertainty!

9. The Dragon's Breath

"My Boy, My Boy! Ah, I am indeed so proud of you! Such daring!Such courage! And such wisdom! Well, I am all but shamed to sendyou on the ridiculous chore I now have in mind."

Zeus rubbed his hands together, clapped them, and otherwiseexhibited an excess of glee.

"Yes, after surviving such adventures as that of the Minotaur,the next task will be rather childish. Ah, well, even routinechores must be done. I have the same problem, you know."

"Indeed, every day, day in and day out, I must spin the eartharound. I actually missed a day! Gave everyone quite a scare.Ho! I made up for it. Spun it twice as fast the next day. I say,that was jolly."

"Of course, the wife gave me whatfor. Oh, I deserved it. Youknow, if you don't give it that spin each day, it starts towobble. I wonder if I didn't spin it for . . .?"

He looked around for his wife. "Of course, I would neverconsider doing that. Eh, well, the next chore . . ."

"Dentistry! I hate the thought of it! My dentist tells me Ineed to have some teeth replaced. Ridiculous! Five teeth, to beexact."

"Of course, I couldn't possibly use ordinary repairs. Goldteeth, now. I do like the sheen of gold. But, no, that wont do.Very picky, these dentists. At times I've thought of drivingthem out of Olympus, right down to another kingdom! Let 'emvisit Pluto for a while. My brother's very sociable."

"And that, in a nutshell, is the chore."

"To drive out the dentists?", Demo asked in confusion.

"Sorry, sorry. To continue, then." Zeus frowned. "You know,you've really shown a great deal of brilliance. I'm surprised Ihave to explain things in such detail. Never mind. Now listencarefully."

He paused, sipped slowly from his flask the divine nectar ofthe Gods. He frowned, and a large black cloud formed above him.In a moment rain drops began to pellet them.

Hastily he looked up. "Ah, go away! Go away! Go bother Pluto!"

The cloud drifted rapidly away, darting from side to side inuncertainty. Zeus reached up, produced a towel, and wiped hisvisage.

"They've changed the flavor again. Can't leave well enoughalone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's what I alwayssay. It's not like the good old days. They knew how to preparenectar then. I mean real nectar, with a kick."

He took another sip. "Well, well, one must make do."

"Cadmus. He killed this serpent, see. Knocked out its teeth,sowed them like seed, and raised an . . . Oh, it doesn't matter!"

"The important thing is, five teeth remain. For all hisprowess, he didn't knock them out. My dentist says I must havethose. No substitutes. No plastic. The real McCoy. Dentists!"

"Anyway, they're right in your own back yard. T'other side ofthe mountain from your home, actually. Easy day's trip. Just geta gunny sack, go over and pick 'em up, and bring 'em back. Yourtask, then - should you choose to accept it - is - get thoseteeth."

Demo frowned. Somehow it seemed he had heard those words before.

Zeus smiled kindly, reached out and patted Demo's head.

"I do apologize. It's such a silly task! But necessary. So beon your way."

Demo stood up, knowing he had been dismissed. The suddenlanding when dismissed from Olympus back to earthly surroundingsis best met standing and with flexed muscles.

As he departed he heard Zeus murmur, "Actually, this nectardoes have a certain bouquet, a body, an essence of its own."

He couldn't quite make out the last few words. " Hmmm, did Itell the boy that the serpent isn't dead after all? Minordetail."

"Mother, do you know aught of Cadmus?"

"Cadmus. Oh, yes, he lived down the valley a ways. Strangefellow. Went around killing dragons and such. In fact, that washis downfall. Poor soul. Why do you ask."

"Was he a dentist?"

"Oh, heavens no! Sorry, Zeus, no disrespect intended. Ah,you're thinking of the dragon's teeth. Did I ever tell you aboutthat. It goes to show the ridiculous way some of the neighborsbehave. Let me see." She paused, a slight frown on her face.

"If you cross the mountain at lowpass and descend to where theriver forks, you'll see it."

Demo waited, but plainly she wanted him to ask.

"Yes, mother, what is it I will see?"

"The field, the very field where Cadmus sowed the dragon'steeth. It grew him a dreadful crop, it did."

"Warriors! They sprang up from the ground! Fully armed, readyfor battle. Big, burly, rascals all. And he didn't even have towater or fertilize. I wonder how big they might have been if hehad used fertilizer?"

"Vicious tempers, though. Hardly spoke a civil word to him oreach other before they were hard at it, fighting like children.He just stood and watched openmouthed. Couldn't believe adultswould behave so abominably. Did I pronounce that right?"

"Yes, mother, I think you did."

"Thank you. I really need to review my English - eh, Greek. Onedoes forget, you know."

"Cadmus, mother, and the dragon's teeth?"

"They went bonkers, killed each other off, except for half adozen. They looked around, and one said 'Hey, you could get hurtout here.' and they walked off the field over to Cadmus. He putthem to work building some kind of city, Planned to live there,I think. Anyway, he got one of the God's peeved. Wasn't toosmart, Cadmus."

"Really, mother. What happened?"

"Turned him and his wife into serpents. Kind of poetic justiceI suppose. He comes slithering around this way every so often. Idon't mind, cause he kills the mice. It is a littledisconcerting when he starts talking about the good old days,though. And I have to be extra careful I don't step on him. Healways was the one to be underfoot."

Demo bartered with the village smithy for some metal tongs anda hammer, stowed them in his pouch, and headed for lowpass. Abeautiful day, with bright sun and cooling breeze.

"Five teeth. Zeus is right, this is a silly task."

At lowpass he gazed out over the wide valley. The river flowedroughly through its center, and the fork in the river was lessthan half a day's travel away. With a satisfied grunt he beganthe descent.

At first the trail ran steeply down. He half walked, half slid.But eventually the incline became less intense, and he made goodprogress. The path widened as it reached the green meadow. Fromthere it led with little deviation directly to the dragon'swoods.

In due time he reached the field. It was immediatelyrecognizable.

Rusted armor and scattered bones brought tears to his eyes. Somany brave men had died, and for nothing!

Here and there a small helmet rose only partway above theground. "Ah, bad seed, I suppose. Never ripened."

Then he heard it.

The sound came from the forest adjoining the field. A moan,almost ghostly in quality.

"Do the spirits of these dead warriors dwell in yonder copses?"he whispered to himself. Slowly he approached the forest edge.

It rushed from among the trees, fire breathing from its mouth.Its huge body threshed from side to side, knocking giant treesto the ground.

As it saw him it stopped, moaned again. "I see you have sometongs there. Are you perchance a dentist. I've got this terribletoothache." It had hardly finished speaking when it moaned oncemore.

"No, I'm not a dentist. But, see here, maybe there is something
I can do. Do you know where I'll find a dead dragon. Killed by
Cadmus, if I rightly recall?"

"I am he, eh, it. Didn't kill me. Terrible dentist. Never,never go to Cadmus for treatment. No anesthetic at all! justyanked 'em out." The creature shuddered.

"The worst part is, he left five. He left the five I really hadwanted him to work on. Never, never, trust a dentist. Oh, boy,do they ache."

Five, well that must be the five. Demo thought carefully.

"Well, hang in there. I think we can get you some help. Comealong now."

When they arrived at Olympus Zeus was out back.

"Just go through the gate right there," Hera smiled. "I'm surehe'll be glad to see you. Shouldn't your pet be on a leash,though? Keep him out of the flowers. And don't let him chase mycat. She'll claw him good if he does."

She reached down and scratched her pet behind the ears. Thesaber-toothed tiger purred softly, arched its back. With asupercilious look it examined the dragon as though it were anoversize mouse. Eventually it followed Hera out the door, merelystopping once to glance disdainfully back.

Zeus was busy, feeding fuel to a small still. He opened a valveat the base, filled his flask with the sparkling liquid.

"This is it. Just the right flavor. Just the right consistency.Just the right strength." He slowly sipped, threw his head backand took a larger swallow.

At that moment Demo and his companion entered the garden, andthe dragon groaned.

Zeus took the cup from his lips, stared wide-eyed at thedragon, then looked at his drink. He closed his eyes, shook hishead, then looked at the dragon once more.

"Boy, do you notice something unusual behind you. I do believethis nectar has muddled my senses."

"Oh, no sir. Nothing unusual. I've completed my task."

"Nothing unusual." He said the words sadly, emptied his flaskon the ground. "I was afraid you were going to say that." Heshook his head.

He looked once more at the dragon and frowned. "I'll drink nomore of that stuff."

"The teeth, boy, the gunny sack full of teeth. Where are they?"

"Right here, sir." Demo pointed to the dragon.

Zeus blinked, then smiled.

"Aaah! Yes! I understand. Well, now, that's all right. I hadsome doubts there for a moment. Thank you, my boy." He refilledhis flagon.

"Yes, I see. Well, take them, then. The teeth, that is. Fighthim. Hit him a nasty blow and take the teeth. Get on with it."

"Oh, no sir. He's more than willing to part with them. Theyhurt dreadfully, he tells me. I told him your dentist wouldwillingly remove them."

"Yes, of course." Somehow Zeus sounded disappointed.

Odd, he sounded disappointed at the completion of each task.

"Well," Zeus growled at the dragon. "Don't just stand there.The phone's over yonder. Make an appointment and get thempulled. I do hope the dentist isn't all booked up."

The palace had all the jewels, all the objects of art, all thetrappings a person could desire. But for a country girl raisedin a small hut it lacked a prime requisite.

It flat wasn't homey.

Such was Persephone's evaluation.

Even that could have, over time, been corrected.

A second problem concerned her even more.

Her husband.

He wasn't presentable.

His looks were atrocious, his bearing boorish, and he couldonly be described as uncouth.

He had one slight redeeming grace.

In his own strange way, he loved her.

That fact, more than anything else, made her unhappy.

If he were but toying with her she could willingly havedespised, yes, even hated him!

His love was real.

He showed it in his every attempt to be kind, in his watchfulmanner. If she seemed to only hunger, he sent for food. If shewere only tired, he prepared her bed. If she showed sorrow hetried to bring joy.

How miserable to be married to a monster with a kind heart!

Her feelings vacillated.

At times she hated him for having abducted her, for keeping herfrom her mother and the flowery garden where she had played.

At times she pitied him for the suffering he boreuncomplainingly.

Only she knew the sadness in his soul as each new sinner movedinto his kingdom. Their pain he suffered too. Yet he was chainedforever to his duty, to be the Master of the Nether Regions.

In spite of her feelings she thought of different ploys,plotted, to escape from this dark world.

In time that escape would occur.

As would regrets.

10. Heaven's Essence

On Olympus, in spite of all the stories and legends, idyllicconditions do prevail. Zeus and Hera live in peaceful bonds ofmatrimony. Mercury zooms off here and yon, now here, now yon.Zephyrs blow gently. Paradise indeed.

But, occasionally, matters go astray. The essence of heaven isflavored with a drop from misery's vial. And, oh, whatdespondency, what black moods, and what strange and tragicescapades a drop may launch!

Demo found himself at the center of one such escapade. Hequickly wished himself elsewhere. To no avail.

"We're going on a very short vacation, Hera and I. It's beeneons, literally, eons! So I just want you to take care of theplace while were gone. Keep an eye on things. Check the houseplants, make sure they are watered. Feed Cerberus's pup. That'sreally about it. I suppose I ought not do it, but I'll give youcredit for a full - eh, for half a task." Zeus smiled happily.

"You told me . . . .," Hera paused, and angry look in her eye.

"You are right dear, you are absolutely right. A full task, myboy. Out of the goodness of my heart." Zeus glanced petulantlytoward Hera. Fortunately she was examining her garb in themirror.

"Oh, one minor detail. You'll be baby-sitting Cupid during ourabsence. Venus left him here to keep us company. He's awonderful little chap. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."

Was there a smirk on Zeus' face, a touch of facetiousness inhis voice?

"Boy, why are you sitting on the throne of Zeus?"

Demo turned, startled.

"Eh, you see, I'm in charge. Zeus is on vacation, and I'mfilling in for him."

"Indeed! A likely story. Let's see your credentials!"

For a moment Demo hesitated. Then he stood erect, shouldersback, as kingly as he knew how to stand.

"Who are you to question the credentials of an appointee of themighty Zeus. See, here in my hands he has left his thunderbolt,symbol of his power. And in a moment I shall become angry andcast it at you. Begone! And when you are allowed to return, doso with a better grace, or I shall send you trapping, off tovisit . . . well, off to visit his brother Pluto. Now, off withyou, and quickly!"

Demo took the thunderbolt in his right hand, raised it high,and made as furious a face as a 17 year old might make.

Apparently it was sufficient. The lackey backed quickly out ofimmediate range, bowing low and rushing madly from the room ashe reached the entranceway.

Demo smiled.

Well, he thought, I could have done worse. A little morepractice is all I need. This Zeus surrogate role could be quitepleasant.

It wouldn't be.

The clouds were difficult. In fact, he couldn't master them atall.

With Zeus, merely to think an angry thought generated them.They clustered, dark and ominous, above his head. Streaks oflightning jumped from cloud to cloud.

Demo tried, but he could not really develop a seriously angrythought. At one time he did almost generate a mild fog, thinkingabout the fox-imp. With it's antic in mind, his better natureovercame him, and he broke into laughter. Poor fox-imp. It hadbeen so concerned when Rough growled.

For two days were Zeus and Hera to vacation, and two trialswere imposed on Demo, one on each of those long days.

The first day Demo sat in the garden, relaxing, watching thegreen grass grow. It was chore that pleased him, requiringlittle physical or mental exertion. There are those who preferto sit and watch green grass wither. Not Demo. He really had nomean bone in his body. At least, if he so had he to date hadn'tlocated it. Actually, he hadn't searched very thoroughly.

Nevertheless and regardless, here he sat, watching the greengrass grow. Occasionally he broke out his micrometer, measured ablade or two. "I believe they are shirking. Hasn't changed asingle millimeter!"

Would that it could have lasted.

"Sire," Janus bowed. "There are two who would have yourcounsel."

Demo nodded. "Oh, very well. Send them in. Oh, and bring me mynectar."

The two who entered were unknown to him. One, the smaller,limped. The taller, however, walked as unsteadily as did thesmall one, and his red nose and blinking eyes suggested a stateof inebriation.

Demo frowned.

"Well, what would you have of me. Get on with it!"

"Sire, this picture, this picture so well crafted, is claimedby Bacchus. By Bacchus, who can not draw a straight line, norwalk one. He claims to have painted it, with all its intricaciesand beauty. He lies. I, and I alone, painted this picture. Iwould take it with me to my island of Lemnos."

"Poppycock! Preposterous! This limping lout knows that Zeus isabsent. He wishes to take advantage of your innocence. He is aworker in metal, merely an artisan. His soul is burned by thesmithy's fire. Art! He knows nothing of art! This picture is ofmy own design, and it contains my very soul. An artist, youknow, puts himself into his every product. Look! Here is beauty,wonder, brilliance - would a smithy even aspire to suchqualities as reflected here!"

"Ho, yon wimpy wine sop would not know one end of the brushfrom the other. More like he would paint the picture in wines ofmany colors, not with the pigments you see on this my parchment.

The picture, limned on parchment stretched on a wooden frame,depicted a forest scene. Near at hand the trunks of large trees,and seen between them, in the distance, an open meadow. Theredanced woodnymphs.

Demo examined the picture carefully, then turned it face awayfrom the purported owners.

"Tell me," he looked at Bacchus, "what is portrayed, and how soportrayed?"

He listened quietly to the exposition of the sylvan scene, themerry dance of the nymphs, the greens and browns and tone colorsthat formed the hues.

"And you," turning to Vulcan, "describe to me this picture."

Vulcan closed his eyes and was silent. Then he spoke slowly,almost as in a trance. "This is the picture of a maiden, hergolden hair lighted by a single beam filtered through the forestfoliage. All else is only background, merely there that shemight display her beauty. It is but a vision, unreal, of whatmight be. Yes, it is only the picture of a maiden."

"Could each of you supply me with a picture similar in naturethat I might compare?"

Neither could respond to his request.

"Well, without more evidence I find that I cannot judge for oneor the other. Let me give further thought to the matter. Eh,come back in 2 days. Zeus will be here, he'll resolve theproblem quickly."

"My Lord, we are both to leave this edifice this very day. Zeushas so decreed. He was unhappy with our problem, and requestedthat we bring it to your attention."

Demo frowned. To my attention!

"It's time for my ambrosia. Return when the sun begins itsdescent. I'll give you and answer then.

He mused. He thought. He worried. He ate.

Delicious, this ambrosia. Not equivalent to his Mother'scooking. But certainly good enough for Zeus.

He carved the food carefully, munching on each savory bite. Andas he carved a thought came to mind.

Okay, I've a solution. With my knife I shall rend the picturefrom top to bottom and each may keep his half."

He took picture, laid it on the table before him, face up,pulled out his hunting knife.

Bacchus rose, looked at the picture, then shrugged. "Very well,Sire. It will serve me just as well. It is but an ornament todecorate my wall."

Vulcan looked at Bacchus, at the picture, and then at Demo.

"No, I would have my picture. Still, let it remain whole.Though Bacchus may own it, it shall ever be mine. Better itdecorate his wall in its entirety than suffer the sacrilege ofdissection."

"Upon further thought, Master Vulcan, I consider the picture tobe yours. You speak true, it is the picture of a maiden. Allelse is there only for her. And you would lose your masterpiecerather than see it destroyed. Take it."

"As for you, Master Bacchus, I find you to be deceitful in thismatter. I would have you accompany Master Vulcan. For six monthsyou will serve him. And he, in that six months, shall teach youthe rudiments of his art. Now, begone, for Cerberus' pup growshungry."

Was I right? Demo questioned himself. Perhaps, after all,
Bacchus did paint the scene. What would Zeus have done?

Ah, Zeus would have done much the same. And, being Zeus, he'dbe right by definition. So, of course, as Zeus' surrogate I tooam right by definition.

Demo smiled. This God stuff wasn't too bad at that.

So he thought!

Children are lovable. As babies they, sweet and cuddly, inviteone's kind adoration. As toddlers, though underfoot, they laughand chatter, bring brightness into our dull lives. Older, theyplay, are now defiant, now dependent, as they seek to find theirplace in the world.

Then, there was Cupid. Not quite the child. Yet not an adult.Ever with the prankish nature of youth. Armed, nevertheless,with a bow. Armed with arrows of the most pernicious kind. Sly,at times. Open and outgoing at others, he shared the faults -and the virtues - of his mother, Venus.

The second day started off nicely. Demo gave the world a littleextra twirl, and it hummed along smoothly. He did note a slightwobble, and gave it a slight extra spin to compensate.

He checked the progress of the sun, the positions of the stars,and kept a weather eye on earth and underworld.

No problems surfaced.

He was being lulled into an unwary mood.

The attack began!

It was ruthless! They came at him in droves, never giving himtime to think. His face whitened, reddened, turned blue.

Demo tried to think of the terms Zeus might use under suchcircumstances. They didn't come.

Zeus' old flames - angry, petulant, pleading, demanding!

Demo was caught off guard.

They informed him that they had an audience. Zeus plainly hadforgotten to pass on the information to him. They waitedimpatiently for the promised audience.

Zeus had promised faithfully, to each and every one, a place byhis side on the throne. Had promised the decision on this veryday. At these words Demo hair stood on end.

What kind of fit would Hera throw at even such a suggestion.The heavens would split asunder from her anger! This problem hadto be resolved, and quickly, before the return of Zeus and Hera!

Nereids and naiads, they came. Sea nymphs and mountain nymphs.Beauties from far off forgotten corners of the world, and othersfrom nearby. All with one thought in mind - to claim thatpromised gift from Zeus!

"Ah, Ladies, charming Ladies - I must retire to my chambers andgive this matter careful thought. Return when the sun hasreached its zenith." Demo smiled, bowed, and escaped quicklybefore their anger could be vented on him.

It would certainly be simpler if - well, dalliance on such ascale! It had never entered his mind. Zeus?

Anyway, whether real or imagined, these angry young ladies wereconvinced. What could be done?

Enter Cupid. Helpful child, he considered the dilemma faced byDemo. In his childish way he quickly arrived at a solution. Asolution of great moment to Demo.

Cupid's arrows flew!

Unfailingly they struck the heart of each victim! Unfailinglythey elicited a well-known result!

Love and ardor possessed each target. Love and ardor, no longerfor Zeus. Rather, for Demo!

Cupid's arrows flew! And flew!

The approach of noon weighed heavy on Demo. How best toextricate Zeus from an untenable situation came not to mind.What to do? A really deplorable situation, with very little roomfor maneuvering. My, what would Hera say!

Aha! An idea came to mind. A contest, to chose one from themob! Cut the problem down to size. What kind of contest?

Of course!

These, the most beautiful of women - what else? A beautycontest!

A problem still remained. Who dare judge such a contest?Certainly not Demo! He shivered at the thought. The anger of thelosers might well be vented on him. No, someone better qualifiedmust decide. It had to be someone impartial, and unassailable.Someone not subject to feminine wiles.

But who?

Oddly enough, Cupid entered the throne room at that veryinstant.

Demo smiled.

A child! Why, of course, a child! Who could be angry at thedecision of a child? And certainly a child would hardly beswayed as might an adult.

"Cupid, my lad, I have a chore for you."

Cupid listened carefully, nodded in understanding, and agreedto participate in this new game. He would indeed judge thebeauty contest.

"Janus, bring on the ladies, if you please."

The meeting did not go as planned.

The ladies entered. They sat around the room, stood, fidgeted.Each was unique, beautiful in an individual way. In look andaction they differed. Yet they all did one thing in common.

They stared at Demo with undisguised desire, boldly caressinghim with ardent gazes.

Demo felt the hair on his neck rise, and a shiver raced downhis spine. With an effort he announced, "There is insufficientspace in the throne room for all you fair ladies. So we proposeto have a beauty contest, the winner to set beside Zeus andguide him in matters of the heart. Cupid has volunteered to bethe judge."

They seemed little interested. Rather, they watched Demo'severy move with strangely glistening eyes. At his direction theyparaded across the throne room.

Cupid made notes, assigned points for various and sundryqualities, and finally arrived at a conclusion. He brought hisnotepad to Demo, stood quietly beside the throne, cherubic inappearance. That alone should have forewarned Demo.

It was a tie! All the contestants had attained identical scores!

Demo's eyes opened wide, and he quivered. This was unexpected!He hesitatingly announced the result, readied himself for theangry outburst he expected.

There were a few yawns. Some of the ladies engaged in quietgossip. All continued to regard him with interest.

There was no outburst.

"Who cares." A comment came from the back of the room.

"Sit beside Zeus! I'd much rather keep company with a charmingboy." The lady stared meaningfully at Demo.

"Hardly!" Another beauty stood up. "He is certainly mine!"

In moments the room was filled with rancorous voices, angry andloud. Turmoil followed, and the crowd quickly moved to the outercourt, accompanied by pummeling and hair pulling.

Demo sat wide-eyed, glaring at Cupid.

The boy smiled. "Well, I must practice my archery."

He strolled away, humming softly.

Was that a smirk I noted, Demo thought. I'm sure not. Afterall, he is only a child.

I think I'll cut his bow string.

A maiden clothed in white gazed with tear-dimmed eye across anendless plane. Sulfurous fumes rose from boiling liquid pondsdotting that dread surface. Manlike creatures, yet men no more,staggered blindly from place to place. In their ceaseless walkthey fell hapless into the open pits and screaming in agonyclambered out, only to resume their endless wandering.

With a sob the maiden turned to her companion. Hideous thoughthe manlike creatures were, the visage of her comrade was morehideous still. A body twisted, scaly, not of this world,well-suited to this dark and gloomy clime, supported thegrotesque head.

"Have you no pity? Is there nothing to be done for these, thesuffering?"

A voice between whine and growl responded. "They chose, whileon the earth, their own brand of eternity. I am but the keeper.Yet, for the kindness of your soul, shall their pain be easedfor a brief moment. I shall give them sleep. I can do no more."

"And for me? I who would choose another world, I who have notyet passed through death's portal - what have you to offer me?"

"I offered you a goblet from the River Lethe. That would havesoothed your tears, and washed away all memory of yesterday, andof all yesterdays. Sadly, you would not drink. Perhaps it isbetter." He spoke musingly, as though unsure.

"You know full well that you are to abide with me until oncemore the sun pass through one half his journey. Then may youreturn to your mother's lodging, to green grass and gardens, fora time. Were it within my power the confines of Hades would besuch a garden, that here you might too find beauty. It cannotbe!"

The creatures of the nether region lay quiet now, a shortrespite from their eternal pain. Tears welled from the eyes ofPersephone. Where they fell bloomed sweet violets, even bloomedin Hades.

But too quickly they wilted and died.

11. The Sound of Regulus

"My dear boy, how are you? This weather! I must apologize. I'vebeen despondent, down in the dumps. I'll try to cheer up, reallyI will. Tomorrow you shall have sunshine." And in fact Zeus didindeed sound cheerful.

"Your poor dear Mother! I know she washed today, and then tohave that awful deluge! Well, well, I shall have to make amends.Ah, she does cook such delicious berry pie! Ummm! Ah, I have it!You will soon notice, on the hillside to the south - I'llarrange to have the most scrumptious berries grow. Tell her topick from that patch. Ah, those pies!" He paused, leaned back onthe throne, eyes closed. The smile reflected that even thememory of the pies was appealing.

"But I mustn't waste your time. My snake charmer, poor soul,has lost his snake. Not literally. It has just grown old(Cronus, you know) and can't hear his flute to well. So he needsa snake. And he won't settle for just any type of snake. No, hetells me the regulus is the only one that will do. Would you beso kind as to dash off to the Cush and pick up one for him. Thenorthwest corner, I believe. No, sorry, that's the northeastcorner. I think. Oh, never mind, you'll find it all right. It'scalled the Nubian Desert. And do hurry back. He'll be so verypleased. Yes, he will. And so will I." Zeus smiled benevolently,and Demo knew it was time to go.

It was.

With a final word, "What you don't hear can't hurt you," Zeuswaved good-bye and Demo found himself partially immersed in asand dune. Slowly, cautiously Demo worked his way out of thedune, slid down the side. Overhead the bright sun beamed down asthe heat became ever more oppressive.

In the distance he heard a steady beating sound, drumlike yetmetallic. It disturbed him. The dull monotonous beat,reminiscent of the clang of shields, spear butt struck,announcing doom and death song.

Demo shivered. It did not bode well. Where had Zeus placed him,and where would he find the regulus? And the last words fromZeus, what did they portend. "What you don't hear cannot harmyou." Strange words indeed.

But he heard well, and what he heard was that steady beat, andsuddenly the sound of footstep in the sand. He turned to greetin friendly manner the native of this strange land.

Striding toward him, tall and imperious, spear in hand, a darkyet ghostly white sinister figure!

"Are you of Cush, or are you from the Northland?" The voicewas emotionless, but the spear point bore upon his chest, ahandsbreath away.

"Neither. At least, I think neither. I am Demo, and I am here
on a mission for Zeus. I know nothing of Cush, nor of the
Northland. I am here to find the regulus, to take with me to
Zeus. I mean you no harm, and implore your aid."

The stranger listened stoically to his plea. He silentlymarched in a wide circle around Demo, always at spear length.Seeing no weapons he sat down at the edge of the sand dune.

"Zeus? Is that the name of the pharaoh? Are you an emissary ofthis pharaoh, Zeus?"

"Of Zeus, yes. But he is no pharaoh. He is, well, he is Zeus.
And I'm here to perform this little chore for him."

"Strange, you don't resemble us. Neither the Nuba nor theMirikan. Nor the people of the Northland. Very well, I'll takeyou to Jebel Bakhal. There your fate will be decided." He roseslowly.

"Come, perhaps your blood shall stain the sands of Cush. Othersshall decide. That way!" The tall stranger pointed with thespear, waited for Demo to move out. As Demo hesitated the spearpoint was thrust forward, stopped a finger's width from hisskin.

Demo nodded, moved quickly in the indicated direction.

So this is Cush, he thought. And somewhere in Cush I'll findthe Regulus. Or will it find me? Ah, the sun is blazing. Would Iwere swimming in the streams of home!

Heat, dreadful heat!

Heat, humidity, and air that pressed upon the chest - how shall
I escape?

Here, prisoner of love though she were, she knew onlysuffering. She glanced at the creature by her side. Pluto gazedout upon his kingdom deep in thought.

The moans of unremitting misery rose from countless throats, attimes drowned by the screams of horror, the imprecations againstPluto and all his minions. Persephone cowered at the sounds,pressed palms to her ears, to no avail.

Pluto sighed, rose slowly. Sad-eyed he gazed upon the womanchild by his side. Why had he brought her here? Though his, shewould never be his. Though loved, she would never love. What afool, to have stolen her from Ceres! And yet, he would not existwithout her.

God, ruler of the nether world. Then why the sadness, why theremorse?

Pluto sighed.

Dunes gave way to wasteland, sand strewn with stones. And thisin time to regions where grew sparse vegetation, small trees.Soon copses of thorn trees rose. And beyond, shimmering as anillusion, dark hills faintly seen.

Though his companion strode seemingly without effort throughsand and stone Demo grew ever more weary. And even as the sunneared the horizon and a light breeze tokened cooler air hepaused, exhausted.

His companion eyed him suspiciously, once more walked in a widecircle around him. "Uhmm, sit. The river is beyond. We shallsleep here this night. And tomorrow we shall know your fate.Here."

He was offered dried food, a mixture of fruit and nut and meat.There was little taste, but at least sustenance. "I need water,"he breathed.

"No. Tomorrow there shall be water. Here there is none. Sleepnow. When the moon rises we shall move on. Over there." Hemotioned toward a slight rise between dark boulders and aboveone of the scattered termite hills.

Demo lay down, shivering in the air, rapidly cooling with thesetting sun. The sandy earth, still warm from the sun's rays,was welcome. And he fell rapidly into a strange sleep broken byeven stranger dreams.

A dream in which a giant with a spear stood over him, spearraised. And a bright glow enveloped the giant's head, gleamingwhite.

Suddenly he sat up.

It was no dream.

The point of the spear touched his stomach and he slid hastilyaway. His companion stood at his feet, and the full moon gleamedbrightly behind his head. "Quickly, we will be in Jebel Barkalby daylight. Quickly."

"Ah, Regulus!" They looked, one to the other. "The Master ofthe Cobras! The Guardian of the Desert!"

These were the priests, the wise men. Each wore the mysticcrown, the sun disk with the protecting uraei, the twin cobras,sacred to Amun. All of gold, even the band of the crown. Clothedin gowns of white, trimmed with gold. The chief priest held agolden rod, nearly equal in height to himself.

The pillars supporting the roof were gold, and at the peak ofeach pillar the ram's head, above which was the sun disk, and asingle cobra seeming to view with disdain those before him.

"Tell us of this Zeus. What has he to do with Regulus? Whywould Regulus deign to visit this one in his far off kingdom?What manner of Pharaoh is this Zeus?"

"Zeus? Zeus is the Father of the Universe. All that is, is,because Zeus so wills. You and I and Regulus and . . . andeverything. We are but the product of Zeus' power."

Ezah raise his spear, a look of shock on his face.

"Wait, wait! Do you speak of Amun? Is this Zeus but a differentface of Amun? There is no Zeus here. And all that you say, thatis the work of Amun. We know not this Zeus."

"Yes, it may be. In my land the supreme being is called Zeus.
In your land the name may well be Amun. And he has sent me."

They whispered, looked at him askance, whispered again.

"You are but a stripling. Ezah could dispose of you with oneblow. He could pierce you with his spear, and you would be nomore. What kind of emissary is this for a God to send ourtemple, this temple dedicated to Amun?"

"I, well, I have chores to perform. And this was laid on me asone of those chores. I have no special magic, no special skills- I am merely the chosen one."

"The Chosen One!"

They all stood, and the high priest, wide-eyed, bowed.

"Amun has sent you, then. And the will of Amun must be obeyed!
Tomorrow you shall be led to the Nubian Desert, to the abode of
Regulus. And there we will leave you. For none returns who
enters the lair of Regulus."

Sleep was fitful, with dreams that began and ended with astrange serpent eyeing him malevolently. And a hiss that madehis blood run cold. He woke often, fell once more to sleep. Themoon shone, cold and bright. A slight breeze blew, at timesgusting to drive grains of sand across his face, into hisnostrils. At times he sensed a musty smell, strange andfrightening. The odor of Regulus. He was sure of it, though heknew not why.

Morning came cold with the desert night. But quickly the sunwarmed the land an air, and day creatures awoke. Ezah stoodsilently by his side. They ate, drank a tea sweet with the tasteof a strange honey, and Ezah rose. "I brought you here, and Ihave been chosen to lead you to your destruction. North and Easttoward the sea. But long before we reach that sea you shallenter the Nubian Desert. There I turn back. And you, Amunwilling, you shall meet Regulus. And may Amun protect you, fornone other can!"

The earth changed from hard surface coated with sand to sandalone. With each step Demo sank ever deeper into the entrappinggrains. As he struggled to keep up with Ezah the sweat drippedin a steady stream from his brow, into his eyes, at timesblinding him. He could taste the salt, mingled with the desertdust. Each breath drew in dry dust, clogging his nostrils,coating his throat.

Suddenly Ezah raised his spear high, stopped short of a ridge.

"I have gone far beyond the borders, far beyond my realm. But Ican go no farther. Yonder ridge marks the bounds of his lair. Iknow not how he looks, nor how he attacks his prey. I am told onthe far side of the ridge lies but a graveyard, dotted with theremains of those who dared approach Regulus. I have but oneweapon, this spear. Take it, and may it render you good service.Before you go pray to Amun, or to your Zeus. Now I must leaveyou."

Demo accepted the long spear and watched in dismal mood as Ezahturned and quickly disappeared in the direction from which theyhad come. Reluctantly Demo move toward the ridge, using thespear as a cane to aid his passage.

As he reached the peak his foot slipped. He fell forward inthe sand. He rolled headlong over the ridge, and downward.Rolled into the lair of Regulus. Stopped finally. Buried in adune of sand. Sand clogged his nostrils, forced its way betweenhis lips, packed even his ears.

He tried to stand, to break out from the smothering blanket. Hemoved his arms and legs as though swimming. He was blind, knewneither up nor down. His heart pounded as he held his breath,for fear of breathing in only the deadly grains.

He felt the spear's shaft, held it tight, moved it from side toside. And suddenly through slitted eyes he noted light.

For a moment he lay still, then gradually worked his wayupward, upward to the light.

Hours passed. Or days. He had no sense of time, only ofdesperation. And finally he emerged from the imprisoning grains.

He forced the grit from his mouth, his nostrils. Rubbingcarefully he cleared his eyelids, blinked slowly to regain oncemore his sight. His heard a continuous roar and he looked aroundto find the source. Then he realized it came from within him. Hecould hear no external sound! Both ears were plugged with grit,with desert silt and sand!

He found that, ears plugged, his sense of balance was lacking.With each step he wobbled from side to side, both from lack ofbalance and from the loose particles beneath his feet.

He could see now, though dimly. His eyes burned and teared. Ifhe only had water to wash his eyes.

And his mouth! Dry, filled with the taste of earth and silt andminute particles of rock. And the rising wind was driving evenmore grit into his face, into his lungs. He turned his back tothe wind, gazed at the bleak landscape of Regulus' Lair.

For the most part there was nought to see but bare desertwaste. And yet, dotted here and yon, remains of those who hadgone before. A skull, whitened by the windblown grit. The ribcage, each bone in place, lying half buried at the base of adune. And the horizon darkening as the wind's intensity mounted.

Though he could hear nothing the felt the driven grainsstriking even through his clothes. And dust devils rose from thedesert floor, danced their dance, and faded in the distance. Thesun was blotted out as the gusting wind lifted silt and sand anddust into the sky.

He lay down, desolate and knowing not which way to turn. Buteven as he lay on the desert floor the sand began to blankethim. With an effort he stood erect.

How could he find Regulus? Indeed, with the blowing wind, theshifting dunes, and the desert heat how could he do anything.Zeus, he though, I have failed you. I'll see home no more.

Amun the powerful ruled those desert wastes. Amun the mercilessdrove the sand across its surface. But Amun could relent.Perhaps the pleas of Mut, Goddess Mother, perhaps but a whim,yet the winds died and dark clouds gathered, poured brieflytheir life giving waters on the scene below.

The huge drops fell, pelting the desert floor, drenching Demoin the deluge of a rare thundershower. And bringing a new anddifferent danger.

For the rain fell in torrents, and water rushed down gullies,down ravines, flushing sand and rocks before it. A wall of waterloomed above Demo's head, coming ever closer. He clambered upthe side of a dune, fell. He rolled down, but managed again andagain to regain his footing. Finally he reached the top.

Standing there he gazed at the raging waters in disbelief. Theyate at the dune as though a wild beast. Waves rose an bit awaythe sand beneath his feet. The dune shrank, began to merge withthe surrounding water. The rain had ended, but the streamcontinued unabated.

And then, as suddenly as it had risen, the stream sank into thedesert leaving but moist pools behind. Demo looked in disbeliefat the sudden calm. Hurriedly he drank muddy water from a poolat the base of the dune. Even as he drank the thirsty soilsoaked up the water. Small pools disappeared under his gaze, andlarger ones shrank rapidly.

He knew the winds must have hummed, the torrents roared - andyet he had heard nothing, the silt and grit pounded into hisears. And he was sure that now there was silence - how much hewanted but to listen to that silence. He smiled at the idea,then frowned. How dare I smile at a time like this, he thoughtto himself.

Distracted by his thoughts he did not note the ripples on thelargest pool. Ripples which emanated from movement beneath thesurface. Movement that ever became more violent. Nor did he hearthe hiss that bubbled up from the depths. Aroused by thetorrential rains, the rushing waters, the blast of thunder,Regulus awakened.

"He's seldom gone this long. Demo is such an able hunter. I dobelieve if there were but one deer in the forest Demo would findit. We're never without venison, you know." She was proud of herson, of his prowess as a hunter.

"But this time the hunt has been long. And I dreamed of Moiralast night." She shuddered. "May I never again have such adream!"

"Moira? I don't know Moira."

"No, and be glad you don't! But enough of that. Come, you shallhelp me cook the last of our venison. I do hope Demo returnssoon with his kill. He's always so proud, you know. Rough, leavethose chickens alone!"

Hissing and writhing Regulus rose from the pool, slithered outon the sand. He gazed at Demo balefully. Demo neither saw norheard. For him the world was silent.

But then he noticed something. A faint musty odor, and odorwhich he remembered from his dreams.

Demo quickly stood up, looked toward the pool of water. And saw
Regulus rising, the brown drops shedding from his slick skin.
Wide-eyed Demo held the spear level, pointed toward the strange
apparition.

Regulus regarded the spear point with concern, hissed mightily.
With consternation he observed Demo, hissed once more.

"Most unusual," he commented, "I must be losing my touch."

He slithered over the sand, undulating from side to side in hisprogress. He approached Demo, but kept a distance beyond thespearlength. With slow sinuous motion he glided around the boy.

"Hisss! Hissssss!" he breathed, watched nonplused at the lackof response. "You seem not to understand, my boy. Have I failedin some manner to properly enunciate the sound? Perhaps my lungsare waterlogged! Know you not that none survive who hear thehiss of Regulus? How dare you continue to stand there,impervious. Bad mannered, to say the least."

He grumbled, still continued his slow and torturousencirclement of his intended prey.

"You must be Regulus," Demo commented, in part to himself. "Iwould hope, though my ears are so confoundedly stopped up Ican't hear you, that you can hear me. I'm sent by Zeus toinvite you to come live on Mount Olympus. No nasty sand storms -and absolutely no floods! Look at you, dripping and with wetsand sticking to your every scale! You could slither comfortablythrough the smooth green grass, dance to the flute, and sipnectar in sun."

Though Demo was hardly a salesman he was suddenly aided by theelements. A dark cloud was forming above, accompanied bythunder, lightning, wind - and sudden rainfall.

Regulus wriggled from side to side, glissaded down one dune, upanother. But there was no place to hide. Grumpily he returned toa spot before Demo, nodded his head in agreement. WhateverOlympus had to offer, it would be an improvement.

Hardly had the contract been made than Demo found himself oncemore in Zeus' presence, accompanied by the sinuous serpent.

"Well, well, I'm pleased. So this is the Nubian Demon. I begyour pardon, but it is the reputation you have earned. Regulus,isn't it? Of course. Ah, you shall like it here. Yes, indeed.But please stop that infernal hissing. You see, it reallydoesn't work up here. Just crawl into that basket over there.And please, pull the top over you. My, what a surprise you shallbe to my charmer.

"As for you, Demo, once more well done. I'm amazed at yourresourcefulness. But do keep in mind that my little black cloudwas helpful. Good day, my boy."

With a sudden thump Demo found himself once more in his ownfront yard. The fall had ended so abruptly the sand-and-siltplugged ears were cleared, and he could hear once more.

"Demo, I told you to stay out of that tree. My, I hope youhaven't broken anything. Well get up from there and come to eat.We have such wonderful company. Theresa is staying for supper."

Rough licked his cheek and grinned a dog grin.

Evening came early.

They ate their supper in a strangely quiet mode.

Afterward his mother looked at him for a moment, turned away,wiped a tear from her eye.

"Mother, are you ill? What is wrong!" Demo rose quickly,stepped to her side.

"Demo, I have a story to tell you. Sit down, don't interruptme."

She sighed, paused as though uncertain how to continue.

"Today an old woman visited our home. A very old woman. Hername is Ceres. Perhaps you have heard the name."

He shook his head.

"An old woman, but a very good woman. One known to me sinceyouth. At one time she served as your nursemaid. A goodnursemaid! Would that I had known how good!"

She stood up, paced back and forth in a disturbed manner.

"You were a weak baby, with very little chance for life. Ifeared that you would not survive. I prayed to the Gods. Andthen she came to me, brought to us by your Father. He had mether in the forest, where she wept for her lost daughter. Shenurtured you, raised you for me, put strength in your bones andmuscles. Nearly, she gave you gifts no human dare dream of."

This time she sobbed, head bowed.

"But I, foolish woman, feared her ministrations, feared foryou. I ask her to leave my house and I took you away, and actionI shall ever regret."

"Nevertheless, I had promised, that should you survive, shemight one day ask of you a service.

"This day she came, and so asked. I queried of her, what mightthat service be, yet she answered not. She said only this, thatshould you accomplish the chores of Zeus, one task more must youperform, and then the debt would be paid."

Demo smiled.

"Mother, if I complete the tasks laid on by Zeus, what matter asimple task laid on by an old woman. The promise has been made,the service shall be rendered. In due time she will, I'm sure,inform me of that which must be done. Do not be concerned."

His mother hugged him close.

During the night he heard her sobs.

He felt for the first time a gloom, a foreboding, that oneinsurmountable task lay ahead. He fell to sleep with difficulty,woke often. And he dreamed.

In the night he dreamed of rushing through the dark forest,pursued by he knew not what. Knowing that, before the longnight's end, he must turn and face that dread pursuer.

12. Poseidon's Wrath

"A family reunion would be nice. I really don't get around asmuch as I used to. The job, you know. Duties. Responsibilities.You humans! You just don't understand how vexing it can be,being a God. Why, every day, day in and day out, I've got tohave the sun rise. No big chore, but it's only one of many."Zeus shook his head.

"The moon, if I don't watch her, goes wandering off. Messes upthe tides terribly. Disconcerting to young lovers, too!"

He looked, head cocked to the side, at Demo.

"So, what may I ask, do you want here at Olympus?"

For a moment Demo was nonplused.

"Sire, I gathered you had sent for me. I came not of my ownvolition. Perhaps some other has need of my services . . . ?"

"Somebody is playing games, and they are surely going to getthemselves into a mess of trouble. Yes! A mess . . . of . . .trouble!" Zeus glanced around, a thoughtful expression on hisface.

A titter sounded from the inner hallway.

Zeus glanced at Demo to see whether he had noted the sound.

Demo was silent. Best to leave all surmises alone. After all,he thought, who am I to criticize the dalliances of Zeus.

Zeus smiled.

"Anyway, you are here, so let's get you started on anotherexciting excursion. By the way, you've really done remarkablywell, and I am proud of you. Here, let me give you a slighttoken."

He thought a moment, smiled once more, and waved his handsnonchalantly in the air. The medal was large and shiny as Zeusslipped the supporting chain over Demo's head. Demo took themedal in his hands, read the legend thereon. Although the wordswere difficult to read in an inverted position he managed todecipher them.

"For Ungodly Support to the Gods."

Zeus kissed him on one cheek, then the other. "I'm never surethe order in which I'm supposed to do that. Never mind. If I gotit wrong, we'll merely change the ritual."

He glanced rather anxiously toward the hallway.

"Young man, rather quickly now. I want you to drop in onPoseidon. Lovely fellow, you'll like him. Eh, don't ever discussfishing with him. He has a dread of the subject. I was fishingone day and he nibbled at the bait, and . . . Anyway, a subjectnot to be discussed. Where was I . . . ?" Zeus glared at Demo asthough the boy had stolen his train of thought.

"Take this bag with you, and give it into his hands, and hisonly. He'll know what to do. By the way, do you own a bathingsuit?"

Zeus, Olympus, and all else seemed to be fading away. Demoseemed to hear, faintly, Zeus scolding. "Now, you know youaren't supposed to play with my powers. You just leave thatyoung man alone, my dear. I'm such an ogre when I'm jealous."

He landed with a splash.

Zeus' aim was plainly off.

Almost always he had landed in his home, the forest. But this?

The middle of a stream, of course. He slipped under the water,propelled himself upward, glancing quickly around at the heightof his watery leap. A shudder went through him.

No river, this!

Neither shores, nor the green forest, nor the high mountains ofhome!

Water, only water! Deep blue water, extending as far as eyecould see. Blue . . . and salty. Surely he had landed in theocean!

"Zeus, Oh, Zeus! I do think you may have erred . . . onlyslightly, of course. Zeus . . . ?"

"Who dares call on Zeus, when he swims in my domain? How comeyou here, earthling? Where is your ship? Do you not fear mywatchdogs, the great sharks that guard my kingdom. And why callyou on Zeus. Poseidon rules these waves!

"I . . . My name is Demo. I was merely doing an errand for
Zeus. And, through some mischance, I landed in these waters.
Perhaps you can direct me to the nearest shore?"

"Mischance, eh? Well, Zeus is putting on the years . . . Odd,but he may be losing his grip. Oughta spend more time at theseashore. Relaxing. Yes indeed." The voice seemed to emanatefrom a puff-fish, which floated rather nonchalantly at armslength away.

"The nearest shore. Of course. You earthlings. I would inviteyou down for a meal, but you lack the necessary organs to joinme. Toward the setting sun. A small island. I'll race you!"

Demo looked to the west. Water, only water.

"Is it, well, very far?"

"No, no! Just a good swim away. Ah, forgive me. It could be abit strenuous for you. I'll take care of it, though." Thepuff-fish whistled loudly, popped up above the water to peruseits surface.

"Here he comes."

Demo followed the puff-fish's gaze. He wished he hadn't!

The shark was approaching at alarming speed. Its fin split thewater's smooth surface, drawing ever closer. Demo's eyes widened.

"Hey, that's a shark!"

"Yes, yes indeed! Actually, merely a minnow as sharks grow.Actually, he was the only one in the area, so I flagged himdown. Oh, taxi, right this way."

The shark circled slowly, at times rising to the surface, itscold eyes regarding Demo with hungry interest.

"None of that, now! Just come over here and let him ride uponyour back. Over to the island, and be quick about it. I don'tcare to wait. And I do so enjoy shark steaks."

The shark stopped dead, then slowly swam alongside Demo, whoclambered aboard.

The trip was indeed swiftly completed. Though it ended swiftly,not swiftly enough. Not before the shark, perhaps to show itsdispleasure, several times dived deep.

Coughing and spewing saltwater, Demo suffered the tormentswith little grace. As they reached the shallows off the islandhe quickly dismounted, swam toward the waiting beach.

The shark swam with him, circling ahead and behind, andoccasionally taking a playful nip at Demo's heels. Amazing howplayful nips at one's heels improves one's swimming skills!

As he waded toward the shore a sudden wave roared in. Massivetorrents of water tore over him, knocked him to his knees. Whenhe groggily arose he saw before him, in all his oceanicsplendor, a figure of majestic proportions.

"You are on an errand for Zeus, are you shipmate? And may Iinquire to what port ye are bound? I may well give theefavorable winds and gentle seas, if it so please me."

"Sire, I seek the master of the deeps, Poseidon himself. I havethis missive to convey to him."

"Well, now, you've laid your course well, and have made alreadylandfall. Lower your sails, matey, for I be Poseidon, he whomyou seek. Let me look upon this important missive. My, my, fromZeus himself!"

Demo proffered the missive, astonished at his good luck in soquickly completing his task.

Poseidon opened the package, pulled out a long roll of papyrus.
"Well, a letter from Zeus! I didn't know he could write!"

He read the Zeus' letter, looked contemplatively out to sea,then read it once more. "Have you read this missive, my goodlad?"

"Oh, no, Sire. It would not do, you know!"

The calm look on Poseidon's face had disappeared. Anger seemedto be mounting, and his face grew first red, then purple as anangry sea.

"Then let me tell you what this is. This is a bill. And not anordinary bill. Our good Zeus says, says he: 'Your past bills forthe water I have supplied you have not been paid. Your rates aretherefore doubled, and the present bill also includes a penaltyfor late payment and excess water usage. Return payment in fullwith the boy, or suffer the consequences."

"How dare he! To send such a bill to Poseidon! I rule the wavesand all the water under them! Penalties! I am somewhat annoyedby your missive, shipmate. Have you heard the term, keelhaul?It's an old custom to keelhaul those who arouse the ire ofPoseidon. And, in the absence of Zeus, mayhap we shall keelhaulhis emissary."

Demo looked around. He saw no sign of emissary, none to servefor the aforementioned keelhauling.

Demo shivered.

"Eh, Sire, he seems not to have an emissary handy. Should Isee such an emissary, I shall most certainly direct him to you,so that he may participate in the keelhauling. Anyway, now mymission is complete, and I must report back to Zeus."

"Oh, no! I wouldn't think of such a thing. Come aboard, comeaboard! Ho the dinghy, we'll be going directly to the ship. Looklively, now!"

Demo followed Poseidon's gaze. Where the sea had been empty nowfloated a three master, its sails furled. And on the beach adinghy, manned by a scurvy looking crew of ill-clothed sailors.

"Yes, indeed. I can see you are impressed by her lines. Onlywait 'til you are on board. We shall have a sumptuous feast inyour honor. Ah, you haven't eaten until you've partaken of thefood from my galley. Come along!"

Demo examined, surreptitiously, the oarsmen. Though they rowedwith vigor, their faces remained expressionless, their eyesempty. He felt as though he were looking on the spirits ofdrowned sailors, condemned to these chores for eternity.

"Quickly, now, laddie! Up the ladder. Hold her steady, boys. Iwouldn't have the youngster get wet, not yet."

Somehow the last two words disturbed Demo. He wasn't exactlysure why.

"Keelhauling, I didn't explain it to you, did I. Well, it's asport we indulge in at times. Gives the lads a chance to get intheir exercise. The way it works is, we take a . . . eh, avolunteer. We tie his hands behind him, wrap a hawser aroundhim, and toss off the bow. The boys pull the hawser from stem tostern, from starboard to larboard, all around the good ship backto the bow once more. Jolly good fun!"

Demo listened wide-eyed and speechless.

"I see you are impressed! And so you should be. I've a verygood mind to let you volunteer. Give you a chance to show offyour mettle. Yes, I just may give you the chance." Poseidon'svoice held a tone of anger to match his angry face.

"And the sea is of like mind. Have you ever seen such waves!
Keelhauling today would indeed be great sport!"

"Sire, I fear I would provide poor sport indeed. With handsfree I swim like a rock. With them tied I fear I would neversurface at all."

"Well, don't fret. That happens all the time. Ruins the fun, ofcourse. Keep in mind, though, that we always give the volunteera solemn burial at sea. A very impressive ceremony. You wouldtruly appreciate it."

The prospect of participating in a keelhauling - in fact, ofbeing the keelhaulee - grew less and less desirable as Poseidonexplained the term.

"But, first, a good meal. We'll start with some bacon and eggs.Delicious bacon, and the eggs are cooked in the bacon grease. Adelightful meal. And you probably thought we'd be dining oncockles and mussels and nought from the dry land. No, no! Wefeed our guests well. Yes, indeed!"

The rolling of the ship as the waves struck, the thought of thegreasy bacon and greasy eggs - the very idea of eating -nauseated Demo.

With a sigh he stared out at the watery scene.

The sea, which had been so blue and calm early in the day, nowfrowned with graygreen surface and waves that reached, at times,the foot of the crowsnest. The wind blew with a sonorous tone,reminiscent of the dirges played at village funerals. And aboveall the sky looked down with a gray visage, pockmarked withblack clouds.

From these, more and more frequently, lightning flashed tobetter display the scene.

Flying fish swam deep, and dolphins sported not. Gulls andterns were not to be seen.

And yet . . . .

And yet a bird flew. Battered by the wind, drenched by fallingrain, its powerful wings brought it ever closer to the ship. Ahuge white bird . . . .

Demo eyes brightened. Could it be her? Here, in this dreadfulstorm!

Indeed it was.

She landed beside them, assumed the form of a goddess.

"Well, uncle, you sail rough seas this day. I've come to ask ofyou a favor, for I am in love and what Cupid cannot grant, themighty Poseidon may well provide."

"Ah, little niece, delightful to have you on board. The boy andI were discussing some manly sport for later in the day. Perhapsyou can stay. It should be amusing."

"Come, Uncle, let us go forward to where the bow leaps from thedepths. I want to feel the force of the waves, the blast of thewindy gusts. No fair weather sailor I. Boy, stay! We shallreturn."

With anxious mien Demo awaited their return. He was sure hisown fate was being discussed. Could she control even the powerof Poseidon? A shiver went through him, whether from the coldrain and wind or from his own fears, he knew not.

"My boy, forgive me. I knew not your qualities. Athena, mydearest niece, has told me of your exploits. My, you are muchtoo shy and retiring. If I had done the deeds she attributes toyou, I would blare them out for the world to hear. Come, joinAthena and myself at a table set to honor you."

The attitude of Poseidon had changed indeed. And the smile ofAthena erased all fear and doubt from Demo's mind. Even the seanow grew calm, and the winds died to mere gentle breezes. Demothought, 'The wonder of a woman!'

"Before you return to Zeus - with a message I wish to dispatch- I would have you assist me with a problem. I'm sure it willtake but a little of your time, and you shall certainly berewarded well."

"Sire, I would willingly serve, but . . . "

"Good, good! Then it's settled. Have you, perchance, heard of
Oceanus, and of my henchman Proteus!"

"Vaguely, I recall the names."

"Eh, you shall get to know them well. Perhaps you will knowthem better than you would care to. I think so. Well, enough fornow. Let us enjoy the feast." Poseidon smiled.

They dined well. The wealth of the sea contributed toPoseidon's table. Yet were missing the flesh of the sea calves,a delicacy for which his table was famed. Amphitrite, Poseidon'swife, commented on the lapse.

"Proteus, long our herdsman for the sea calves, has left us tofollow Oceanus. For Oceanus has returned, and attempts toreclaim these watery regions from the rightful authority of mybeloved Poseidon. It is sad, for only strife can result, and thedeath of heroes."

Poseidon glanced at her, then addressed Demo.

"I had intended to delay this conversation until after ourrepast. However, since the subject is broached, let me appeal toyou." He sat silently for a moment, a slight frown on his face.

"These domains were passed to me from Oceanus, in the earlytimes when the Old Gods lost their powers. Even as Zeus wasgiven the heavens, and Pluto the netherworld, so received I theraging waters, the ocean depths, and all creatures who take tothe sea. And the Titans, who had long held power, were exiled toTartarus."

His face grew grim.

"I have ruled well this maritime kingdom. The fisherman takeshis catch, the traveler sojourns on peaceful seas, the waternymphs sing along the quiet streams. Yet Proteus, when still heserved me, prognosticated of evil times. In words strange andcryptic he warned of a usurper who would wrest from me my verythrone."

Amphitrite patted his hand, and for a moment he smiled.

"Athena has told me of your services to Zeus, of your courageand your deeds. I now am in dire stress, and would send you on atask. A task to thwart the avarice of Oceanus, and end thismadness."

"My dolphin, my sea chariot, and my horses are at yourdisposal. I have little guidance to provide, little help tooffer. You should know this. When Oceanus ruled these waves theseas were wild and no ship dared sail. Under my rule calm seashave greeted the sailor, and steady winds have filled his sail.I would keep it so."

"Tomorrow, at break of day, my chariot and steeds shall be atyour disposal. My dolphin shall act as a guardian, to warn youin times of danger, and protect as best he can. As for the rest,it is left with you."

After the meal they went on deck. The seas were calm, sparklingwith strange luminescent lights where played the flying fish.The moon rose, its light reflected from the water's surface.Demo and Athena stood quietly at the bow of the ship, enthralledeven as we by the beauty and majesty of the sea.

Poseidon and Amphitrite watched the couple for a moment, thenlooked at each other with a smile. "I think she chooses well,"Amphitrite voiced quietly.

Poseidon nodded.

Demo walked with his hand in that of Athena, bathed in hersmile. Strange that Zeus did not interfere!

Premonitions occupied his mind, and even as he pressed thewarmth of her against him he shivered. Waiting for him, he knew,was the unseen companion. And a destiny he could not fathom.

She sensed his mood, touched his cheek lightly with her hand."Would I could remove this curse from you. Understand that it isnot given even to me to see the final scene. Yet my love will bewith you. Ah, 'tis time. The moon is sinking into the sea, and Imust be a-wing ere it fade from sight. Fare the well, mywanderer. Return safely to me."

He looked at the moon, now half hidden by the horizon. Turninghe found her gone. The beat of wings above the ship, and thesilhouette of an owl against the moon, marked her going.

Demo stood, disconsolate, listening to the quiet lap of thewaves against the bow, the groan of taut hawsers, the gentleflap of furled sails in a light breeze. Tomorrow a differentadventure - one from which he might not return. Well, morningcomes swiftly. He sought his bunk, slept well, rocked by thegentle swells of the vast ocean.

The chariot rode smoothly and swiftly over the surface of thesea, pulled by a brace of stallions even a warrior might rideeagerly. Led by the dolphin they raced he knew not where. Tosearch for Oceanus, whom he had never seen; to look for Proteus,who changed form at will - what strange adventure this. Perhaps,what hopeless adventure.

Yet they pressed on. The sun rose and lightened a glisteningsea, deep blue mirroring the blue of the sky. And as far assight could see, nothing. Only the endless surface, stretchingfrom horizon to horizon.

Still on the dolphin sped, close followed by the steeds. Neverhad he ridden with such speed, never had he seen an oceanwithout end. Sun overhead, he felt the warmth of its rays, eventhough the cool ocean breeze gentled its beams and he felt onlycomfort.

They came upon the shore so quickly that he was surprised. Themighty stream rushed into the sea, a current that stretched evenbeyond the sight of land. They had approached from the side.Suddenly the dolphin leaped into the air, twisting sideward, andswam slowly in a circle. The team slowed, halted the chariot atland's edge.

What was he to find here? He recognized nothing. Beyond themouth of the river the trees grew profusely, hiding the upperreaches from his view. The near shore was rock strewn, butmarked with wide sandy stretches. Inland the land rose slowly,then reached a escarpment, a huge vertical stone wall.

He waded to the shore, looked for edible plants near theriver's brink. Strange plants grew in scattered clumps, butnothing that he recognized. He sat down, gazed out to sea. Onthe far horizon white cumulus clouds were forming. Finally hepicked some of the native plants, examined them carefully.Perhaps they had some food value. They might serve for greens,or even a salad. Reluctantly he munched on a leaf.

The taste was bland. Still, there seemed to be little else withwhich to satisfy his appetite. At least, it would fill hisstomach.

He had eaten a handful, leaned back to rest, when he noted ashadow on the sand. Quickly he looked up.

He had felt no alarm. Surely this monstrous creature was notthe unseen companion!

"I came swiftly, yet plainly not swiftly enough. I am sorry.You have eaten the herb, and the curse of Glaucus is even nowworking in your body.

"I pity you, young man. You have eaten of the herbs thatbrought me to the state you see. Soon you will feel a milddesire to enter the water. And if you resist it will grow everstronger. At last you will respond, and when you do, your bodywill change as did mind. You too suffer the curse of Glaucus!

Demo stared at him in distaste. Yet, fearfully, he knew it wastrue. Even now he felt the urge to enter the beckoning sea. Hismind saw visions of deep lagoons populated with swarms of fish,great manta rays, swimming amidst brilliantly colored coralreefs. His skin felt dry and sere. He must swim in the warmocean, or he would surely die.

Quickly he rose to his feet. Glaucus looked down, did not move.Demo walked slowly to the beach, looked back at this, his weirdvisitor. Finally, closing his eyes, he stepped into the water.

He felt the change begin even as the soft waves touched hisankle. He rushed forward, threw himself headlong into the softwaves lapping the shore. He heard a roaring in his ears, hismuscles ached, and for a moment his eyes were sightless.

It was done!

He did not ask. He looked at the scaly hands, the strangelywebbed fingers and toes. The curse of Glaucus. The adventure wasover. Athena was lost to him forever. Now he was but anotherdenizen of the deep, a strange monster in the ocean's depths.

The dolphin swam near.

"You are one of us, now. I know not whether the process can bereversed. In any event, in this form I can take you to Proteus,if it is your will?"

"Proteus? What matters it now. He would set upon me, for Iresemble nothing but a monster of the deep." Yet, reluctantly,Demo swam with the dolphin through boundless seas 'til nightdarkened the eastern sky.

"Down. We must go down. Here Proteus waits, prepares for thecoming of Oceanus. He works busily, his eight great arms everassembling the throne on which Oceanus would sit. Come with meto the depths."

With each moment they swam ever deeper. The blue-green watersof the surface darkened, took on a purplish tinge, grew evermore impenetrable by the eye. Yet, far below, a light gleameddimly, or lights. And it was toward those lights they made theirway.

At first the fish had swam and played, delighted with theircompany. Butterfly fish flitted by, seahorses danced in avertical ballet, and in the distance the sharks circled, everaccompanied by the pilot fish.

With each fathom they penetrated the fish grew ever fewer, evenas did the light. The warm surface waters were no more, replacedby chill drafts from far below. And colder still the waters astheir passage continued.

The source of light became more evident as they drew nigh. Redand glowing lava, flowing in an endless stream, lit the massivepeak from which it flowed. The stream near the volcano's mouthglowed brightly, and lava flow around the peak retained the glowuntil the heat was quenched by the frigid waters.

Water and steam and bubbles swirled ever upward above themelted stone, a seething cylinder of white illuminated by thelight beneath. And there, on the edge of the molten magma,Proteus worked his work.

His giant squid-shaped body was limned by the magma's redlight. He coiled his tentacles around huge boulders, tore themfrom their rest. These he sat in place, building a massivethrone, the throne of Oceanus.

The task progressed. Nevertheless, even as he worked the Godsof fire struck out against the defilement of their meltedartistry. A belch of white-hot lava erupted, brushed aside themighty throne. In hasty retreat Proteus swam quickly, tentaclesdrawn in to escape the edge of the crimson river. He droveacross the watery waste, propelled by the force of inky jetfluids.

His passage brought him to the very spot whereat they waited.His eyes looked upon them in neither curiosity nor fear. So longas Demo and his dolphin guide did not interfere with Proteus'movement they were ignored.

Demo watched the undersea volcano, the fiery eruption with itssteaming seawater, molten stones. Still, it was not the grandeurof the scene that held his attention.

In the midst of the burning mass a dark object stood, armsfolded, eyes focused in deadly hatred on Demo.

The unseen companion!

With a shudder Demo closed his eyes, opened them once more. Thevision was gone. Only the angry red lava remained. He shook hishead, turned once more to the job at hand.

"Proteus, I am sent by Poseidon to reason with you."

The tentacles suddenly coiled spasmodically. The creature movedcautiously away, halted, then approached once more.

"Poseidon knows full well why I have left his service. I servedhim well as herdsman, and in reward the Golden Isles were to bemine. They have gone to another, Glaucus, who is only atrespasser in these watery depths."

"Glaucus, he who was transformed from human form to one such as
I?"

"Indeed! He whom I would drive from these waters with all goodwill."

Demo was silent. Suddenly a spume of molten lava shot from thepeek of the volcano. The explosive eruption drove them back,even as the red liquid followed a steamy path, lighting thedepths around them. Only Proteus observed nature's fury withequanimity.

With a shudder Demo ignored the roiled waters. "Proteus, let medeal with Glaucus. Should I convince him to return to the landfrom whence he came, can you in your wisdom return him once moreto human form?"

"Willingly, willingly. I tell you, though, I know his kind.
He'll never give up the Golden Isles."

Turning to the dolphin Demo ignored the last remark. "Take meto the isle where I first assumed this form. There I knewGlaucus. Perhaps there he still remains."

Lying in the waves Demo gazed anxiously at the shore. Theregrew the horrid plants, the occasion of his unhappy condition.But nowhere was Glaucus to be seen. The waves gently washed uponthe deserted beach, and terns and gulls flew low above them insearch of food. High above white cumulus clouds floated in anazure sky. Even as he gazed one began to obscure the brilliantsun, casting a dark and cooling shadow on earth and sea.

The dolphin grew restless, swimming back and forth to releaseits pent-up energy. "Go, search these seas for one such as I.Tell him that a friend waits here. A friend who may well have aremedy for this curse from which we suffer."

The dolphin willingly began his search. No lover of indolencewas he.

Diligent though he was, he searched to no avail. Glaucus wasnot to be found. Eventually, nigh day's end, the dolphin swamonce more to Demo, confided to him his failure.

"Know you of Scylla? The six headed monster who takes her tollon those following their trade on the sea? Go where she waitsher prey, and look there for Glaucus. For there was a time,before Circe in anger molded this hideous creature, that Scyllawas a maiden fair. Yes, a maiden loved of Glaucus. Search forhim near that abode, for he will not wander far from his truelove."

Through the night Demo slept in the gentle tide, washed by warmwaves. The phosphorescent sea stretched as far as eye mightfollow, dropping below a distant horizon. Flying fish playedabove its surface, and seahorses danced beneath. All was silent,save for the soft waves caressing the shore.

He dreamed.

Of Athena, of home, of what he had now become.

The roar of incoming waves awoke him. A seafog covered theshoreline, and heavy waves were forming with the incoming tide.He dove into the oncoming wave, swam deep to calmer waters.

There played bigeyed butterfly fish, colored with a palette ofwhite and black and orange. Silversides swam, and among thefloating weeds wanderer crabs creep. Seahorses cavort, and attimes the young were exploded in droves from the fathers pouch.Shoreward, where rocky outcrops lay, seasnails moved slowly,devouring the algae on their way.

He sensed, rather than saw, their approach.

They came swiftly. The Dolphin swimming in happy glee, Glaucusfollowing at a more subdued pace. After explanations Glaucuswillingly accompanied him to Proteus lair.

The pact was sealed. Glaucus would be returned to his priorform. Proteus was to return once more to Poseidon's service."And myself?" Demo queried.

"It shall be as with Glaucus."

Proteus smiled, if one can say a squid smiles. At least, hegrimaced.

"How, then, do we deal with Oceanus? You know of his rekindledambition. What can be done to placate one such as he?"

They talked long, examining the problem each from his ownperspective. "It is a problem without solution!" exclaimedProteus. "He seems invincible. Yet even he must have someweakness, some hidden defect that might be his downfall." Demospoke with little assurance.

"None. No, there is not niche in his armor. Any weakness inanother is lacking in him. I should know. Weekly, before theGolden Isles fell to Glaucus, Oceanus and I played round afterround of golf on those shores. I observed him, talked to him,learned of his history. He opened up to me. I tell you, no,Oceanus has no weaknesses."

"What, of all things, does Oceanus most enjoy?"

Proteus sat quietly, only the tips of his tentacles wriggling."He enjoys thoroughly power. He likes, of course, a round ofgolf. And to talk. Little else."

"Ah, let us wend our way to Poseidon. There is much to be done."

Indeed there was. Day after day they worked with Poseidon,taught him skills foreign to his domain. With Proteus he visitedthe Golden Isles, the throne intended for Oceanus, and learnedmuch along the way.

"Proteus, when comes Oceanus?"

"That I know not. But this I know, the waves shall not bestill, nor the ocean calm, with his coming."

Demo woke with the leaping and bounding of the three-master.The ship moaned in the throes of an angry sea. The planks bentand gave, and sea water sloshed in the hold. Above, the windtore at the furled sails. The hawsers, stretched taut, groanedunder the torment. Seabirds landed on the deck, sought shelterfrom the storm.

"Is it now? Has he come?"

Proteus, now in human form, nodded. "It is surely Oceanus. Iwill address him. He will listen to me." Proteus spoke withlittle assurance, his eyes watching the ever wilder sea.

"Oceanus, 'tis I, your old friend, Proteus. We would meet with
you, on the Golden Isles. Poseidon is amenable to concessions.
He would negotiate with you. This day we sail for the Golden
Isles."

The words seemed to have little effect. Then, gradually, thewinds died, and the waves grew ever smaller. A light breezerose, steady, blowing toward the Golden Isles.

Quickly the sails were unfurled. The ship rode smoothly andswiftly toward the distant shore. In the bilge sea watercontinued to slop, gradually was dumped over the side.

"A gift, Zeus, from Poseidon." Demo handed Zeus a golf club,handle of gold.

Zeus frowned. "And what of my missive?"

"Given to him, Sire. He acknowledges that his payment has,indeed, been delayed. But, another matter might interest you. Aterrible battle ensued between Poseidon and Oceanus. The watersof the oceansea thundered upon ship and shore. Islandsdisappeared haplessly into the depths. Still they fought in evermore desperate anger.

They labored for a day, and only with nightfall did Poseidonfinally dominate. 'Twas on the golf course of the Golden Isles,and as result of his win Poseidon retains mastery of the seas.Oceanus had the lead, then developed a nasty slice as theyneared the 15th hole."

"Oh, yes, it really was a nasty slice. Ball flew right off thecourse."

"Golf, Poseidon, Oceanus? Who rules the watery domains as theywhile away their time at such diversions?"

"I, your majesty. Great fun. Some minor problems. Washed awaythe rock of Gibraltar, which Poseidon kindly replaced. And,Sire, Poseidon invites you a golf match at your earliestconvenience, where he would negotiate with you over the bill yousubmitted. I'd be more than pleased to run Olympus in yourabsence."

"Yes, I understand." Zeus weighed the club in his hands, took ahefty swing. "I'll surely join him. I doubt he knows thatProteus gave me lessons years ago. 'Twill be a most enjoyablegame!"

He paused for a moment, eyes wide, as though watching a majorcatastrophe. "You . . . in my absence!" With a frown he walkedtoward the throne. "Where is my flagon of nectar. Good day, mylad!"

The river Lethe flows dark and deep in the nether kingdom.Strange stories of the power of those waters spread amongmankind.

One story was true.

Who drinks of those waters remembers no more.

Lost loves, friends, family - their vision fades away.

Hate, enemies, wars, catastrophes - all are gone.

Happiness, joy, taste of rare wines, flavor of good foods - allfade.

Victories, defeats. Catastrophes, triumphs. Gone, all gone.

A blessing or a curse?

To each new dweller in Hades offers Pluto a goblet. In thatgoblet the limpid water of Lethe. The only kindness offered inthe kingdom of the damned.

One bathed in those limpid waters, drank deep, and found nopeace.

Pluto.

Master of the evil domain. Keeper of the Portals of Hell.
Cursed to minister to the punishment of the damned, forever.

And cursed yet more with a heart that bled for the poor foolswhose actions had brought them to such sorry end.

The most damned of all souls in purgatory.

Pluto, master of that dread domain.

He had hoped with Persephone to escape in her arms theever-present misery.

Her sorrow brought misery the more.

"I can give to others the waters of Lethe. Only to others. Asfor me, I must know all past evil deeds - and even more, mustknow the evil yet to come."

The waters of Lethe failed him.

13. The Anger of Zeus

"I will not have it! Dare he taunt the master of the universe!I will swat him like a fly! No! Too easy! He shall change placeswith Prometheus! No, no! Even that is too easy. Boy, where areyou, come here! Now, right now! I have a chore for you. Yes,such a chore!"

The sudden call to Olympus was unexpected. Not that Zeus eversent out invitations. Normally - if one could consider a summonsfrom Zeus to be normal - he had few cues and hints before Zeussummoned him. This unceremonious summons came as a complete, andnot overly appreciated, surprise.

He noted immediately Zeus' red face, and the tumultuous towerof black clouds above Olympus. This was going to be a real task!

"Atlas! A vulgar name! Do you know it? I'll tell you of Atlas!Condemned! Condemned to hold the world forever upon hisshoulders! And he dares claim that I chose him for that taskbecause I had not the strength and stamina to perform it! Howdare he!"

Zeus paced back and forth, sputtering.

"He is to be punished. Right now, I have yet to decide the whatthat punishment shall be. You, my lad, shall decide. I want youto travel widely, to examine all the vilest, cruelest, mostatrocious forms of torture. Select from these the very worst.That torture shall be imposed on the impudent lout."

"But, Sire, I . . . "

"Enough! Begone. And do not linger, or you may join him."

Never had he seen Zeus so angry. Once more he started to speak,but with a wave of his hand Zeus dismissed him.

He landed in the midst of a patch of briars, extricated himselfslowly and carefully. "My, but he is peeved!"

Two mighty brothers served Zeus faithfully and well. Yet therecame a falling out, and the anger of Zeus could not be appeased.One brother he chained to a mountain crag, and daily sent agreat eagle to tear and rend his flesh.

One he placed in eternal servitude, to carry upon his shouldersthe earth and heavens. And that was Atlas.

Torture, torment? More like Hades than Heaven! What a strangeand obscene task was this!

"Mother, the Gods at times have been cruel to man. What mannerof cruelty have they applied, what devices or creatures thatgive pain?"

"A strange question. But, yes, the Gods work in strange ways."

A sparkle lit her eye.

"There is a legend that once, in long ago times, there lived onearth only men. They grew proud and warlike, offended each theother and offended all the Gods. Zeus became very angry, andcalled unto him all the Gods. Long they parlayed, and angrily.And at long last they decided on a torture so inhuman, somerciless, so enduring that they hesitated to loose it upon eventhese undeserving earthlings. At last Zeus authorized thepunishment."

She paused, stirred the pot in which vegetables were beginningto boil.

"And that was?"

A smile crossed her face.

"A present was delivered to man. One that he looked on withdelight, and took to his heart. A present that has punished himever since. It was an object of unending torture; still, atorture that poor weak man courted."

"A present, Mother?"

"Yes, he sent to man Pandora. Pandora, the first woman. And
since that day man has found himself unable to live without her.
She torments him, tantalizes him, arouses in him all emotions.
Yet he turns again and again to her." She laughed.

"Just as Athena torments you, yet you turn to her again andagain!"

"You tease me, Mother?"

"No, the legends say it's true. Woman was man's firstpunishment. Disguised as a gift! Well, well, perhaps your Athenawill be more the gift, less the punishment!" She tousled hishair, hummed to herself, glanced in amusement over her shoulderat him, and laughed.

Demo smiled. Such pleasant punishment.

Yet, truly, how much pain. The wanting, the loneliness, thefeeling of emptiness when she was not near - before he met herthey did not exist. Now they were his constant companions.

A coin has two sides.

Gift and punishment indeed!

The more he thought, the more reasonable it seemed. Thepunishment for Atlas, the ultimate punishment, would be to findhim a mate.

Of course, it was difficult. For one such as Atlas, who mightqualify?

There were children's' stories, tales, even legends, of womensuch as these. But reality knew none such.

I have a task of great difficulty, he thought to himself. I'llget busy on it after lunch. "Mother, haven't we anything to eat?"

"Mother, tell me of women."

"Women! Why . . . , eh, what in the world do you want to know?
She blushed slightly, frowned.

"Well, you spoke of Pandora. I am sure there are other women inhistory. Tell me of them."

She blinked, then smiled. "Oh, of course. History is repletewith stories of great women. Let me think."

"What is greatness? Hera, wife of Zeus, of course. Venus,Goddess of Love, certainly. The Amazons, who dominated men,perhaps. There are so many, and they vary in their greatness."

"Let me tell you true, Mother. I have a task laid on by Zeus,to punish the mighty Atlas. I would find for him a wife, a giftof happiness, of misery. Thus there would be punishment, butlightened by womanly touch. Where would I look for such a one?"

"Zeus! At times I am angry, even at the Gods. Atlas didfaithfully support his master. Yet Zeus has rewarded him with anunending toil! A fit mate for Atlas? I can think of only one,and that one who would resist such wedded bliss."

"You know of one! Her name, Mother, and I will find her!"

"You are eager, but beware. She has been courted by many, wonby none. Her name is Atalanta. Huntress, runner, wrestler -skilled in arts of man and of woman. Yes, you might well searchfor Atalanta."

He was committed. Find Atalanta, woo her for Atlas, arrange thenuptials - and convince Zeus that he had fulfilled his task.

Little details must be worked out. A plan of action developed.A purported weakness of Atalanta - a love for golden apples -might well be exploited. Vulcan agreed to fashion these in hisshop, and with his usual skill fashioned them in exquisite form.

Demo looked at them and was so enticed that he had a mind tokeep them. Wisdom prevailed, and merely placed them in hispouch.

He inquired widely of those who might know, searched widely forthe land wherein she dwelt. In due time he was rewarded. Andfinally he reached the very village she called home.

The dwellings were scattered, separated by green meadows andforest. Each small domicile resembled in its own way the homewhere he lived with his Mother.

But he did not find her in one of these.

They met in the square of the little village. He wasastonished. With her reputation for physical superiority heexpected - well, it doesn't matter.

What he found was a beautiful woman, tall and slender. Notmuscle-bound, she. Not the heavy wrestler. Nor the huge-bicepedbrute he had visualized.

They talked.

"Ah, young sojourner. What brings you to our land? Do you seekadventure, riches? You'll not find them here, I assure you. But,while you tary, join with me in a race." She challenged him, asshe did all newcomers to the village. Race with her, and if hebut win she would acquiesce to his every demand.

Demo blinked. It was going to be so easy. Amazing! He hadexpected to cajole, beg, lie - even, terrible thought, to carryher off against her will.

The race began unpropitiously.

She darted ahead, turned with a smile - a sarcastic, mockingone.

"My, shall I help you? Perhaps your brogans are too heavy. Oris it those huge feet?"

Quickly he tossed one of the golden apples before her, slightlyoff to the side. The legends proved true.

She quickly deviated from the path, picked up the apple,continued on her way.

Happily, in those moments he gained. She was now only stepsahead!

Once more Demo tossed an apple. This time it went even more offthe path. Nevertheless she ran after it, returned to the race.

She laughed.

"You think to distract me? I have but begun to run. But don'tworry, I'll wait for you at the finish line."

And now they were abreast!

He tossed once more, the last of the apples.

His eyes widened. The fox imp rose from the roadside bushes,seized the apple, and disappeared again, chortling.

Atalanta would now be concerned only with the race! How couldhe possibly beat her! Ah, if only he had one more of the goldenapples. Sadly he staggered on. There was no way he could beather!

He had failed!

He reckoned not with Vulcan's skill!

Atalanta lost all thought of the race, ran madly after the foximp. The imp, looking back, saw her quick approach and droppedthe apple. It skipped sideways, dashed into the forest without aglance behind.

Atalanta seized the last apple, returned to the race to findherself bested. With good grace she bowed to the winner.

The nuptials were performed by a local priest. He wanted nopay, merely the reputation of having married the mighty Atlas toAtalanta.

As Atlas shifted the world on his shoulder Atalanta squeezedhis brawny arm. The adoration on her face brought happiness tohis eyes.

A perfect match, thought Demo.

"Give him a wife! I sent you to find the most horrible oftortures. How dare you suggest we reward his impiety byproviding him with a wife! I've a mind to have you replace himfor just a few hours, with the burden of the world on yourshoulders!"

Zeus was, to put it kindly, miffed.

"But, Sire, think! If Atlas had such a wife as Hera . . . ?"

"Give him Hera? Well, you begin to interest me." Zeus lookedaround quickly. "Just jesting, my boy, of course. Now what haveyou in mind?"

"That he be wed to Atalanta."

"The huntress! Yes, yes indeed. Glad I thought of it. Adelightful young lady. Enticing! Irresistible!" He paused,glanced around, spoke with lowered voice. "She will tire of him!At first, they will be attracted, of course. Of course, he willbe so busy balancing the world, he'll have little time for her.Soon they'll quarrel and he'll feel miserable." Zeus smiledbenevolently.

"Wonderful! My boy, you wisdom exceeds your years. In fact, themore I think about it, the more I'm inclined to permit yourmarriage to Athena. You, too, deserve such married bliss."

There seemed to be a slight snicker in his voice.

Demo ignored it. Finally, Zeus was beginning to mellow, toconsider rewarding him for his services. What a kind andconsiderate God indeed!

Though she knew not where fate might lead, Ceres labored stillto undo the evil marriage of Pluto to Persephone. In the heartof Pirithous she planted the seed of love, love for Persephone.There it grew and prospered.

The day came when Pirithous would tarry no longer. Whatever hisfate might be, he would free his loved one from the grasp of thebarbarous Pluto!

Theseus reasoned with his friend, but to no avail. Then,reluctantly, knowing full well the dangers, he joined him onthat fated mission.

The entrance to the dark kingdom lies on the far shore ofOceanus. Nevertheless, there are secret ways, known to only thefew. This knowledge Ceres had.

Dark caverns and dread marked their way. Creatures not of thisworld guarded narrow defiles, yet let them pass unharmed.Sulfurous fumes that might have brought them to a deadly sleepdissipated with their approach. Olden bridges, rotten anddecayed, crossed deep caverns, yet none gave way with theirweight. With each such success Theseus grew ever more alarmed.

"Friend, it is not as it should be! We are not opposed! Do youremember the ambush of the Sileni? I fear we are being led on."

Pirithous listened, nodded.

"Such is my thought. Turn back, old friend. I shall press onalone. For good or evil, my fate lies ahead, in the bowels ofthis infernal region. Fare thee well, now go your way. And say aprayer to Zeus for the success of my mission."

Theseus placed his hand on Pirithous' shoulder. "We have foughtmany a battle, you and I. The times you have saved my life, andI yours, are innumerable. If fate calls you yonder, then youshall not go alone."

Would that loyalty and friendship were portents of success.

It was not to be.

Even the drawbridge was in place, and the great wooden door to
Pluto's castle, open. They entered warily.

Pluto grimaced in a friendly smile, if such it could be called.

"Welcome, for I have few such visitors. Come, join me. Sit onyonder bench, and let us discuss the purpose of your visit."

Woe unto those who sit upon the Chair of Forgetfulness!

Named rightly, even as the waters of Lethe, it cleanses themind of all that went before!

And that the bench to which Pluto motioned them.

Pluto poured red wine into waiting glasses, rose to carry it tothem. He nodded to the bench as he approached, reached the winetoward them.

Pirithousaccepted the glass, moved to the bench. Theseusfrowned. Something was wrong. But what?

Finally he too moved to the bench, joined his friend.

"We came to . . . ." Pirithous was silent, glanced at Theseus.Shaking his head, he repeated, "We came to . . . ." He could notcontinue.

Theseus sat quietly, empty-eyed.

Without a sound Pluto took the wine glasses from lax hands,called his minion to carry away the glasses and wine.

He sat, looked at his visitors, then turned away.

They waited now for the coming of Hercules.

And Ceres waited, too.

She waited for a champion.

A champion to challenge Pluto's power.

14. Lover's Quarrels

Cupid launched his arrows with careful aim at times, at timeswith casual disregard.

Today he launched no arrows.

His quiver was empty.

"Zeus, you've got to straighten out the postoffice. I ordered agross nearly an eon ago. And still they haven't arrived! Look atme! What good am I without my arrows? What is Olympus coming to?"

"Now, now, have patience, Little One. Let me see. Ah, I haveit. Just stand by. Oh, Demo. I need you. I have such a nicechore for you. Demo, get yourself up here!"

Demo grimaced. Just before supper, and what a meal his motherhad prepared. Surely there'll be nothing but leftovers when Iget back. Ah, unfortunately, Zeus was not one to wait.

"My lad, we have a major problem. A work stoppage! Our mailsystem is old, archaic, obsolete - besides which, I don't likeit. Fix it!"

Peremptorily Zeus turned, walked through the nearest wall anddisappeared from view.

Demo blinked. Such abruptness would be unpardonable in a lesserentity. At times one must bear with Zeus. He had his - eh,eccentricities.

"It's the rain! No, it's the snow! No, it's the dark ofnight!" The postmaster explained the reasons for such poorservice. His subservients listened quietly, nodded in readyagreement with each of his explanations. Then they all sat back,put their feet on their respective desks, and talked incessantlyabout ways of solving the problem.

"Eh, shouldn't they be out delivering the mail, " Demo inquired?

"Well, yes, but we need to think about this big problem. Themail can wait."

Demo looked at the postmaster, shook his head, and started forhome. He stopped. "Is there any mail for myself or my Mother?I'll take it with me."

"Oh, you couldn't do that! Only we are authorized to deliverthe mail. It'll be along in . . . , oh, in a week or so."

Cupid's arrow are very effective. In fact, they never fail.Unfortunately, they do have a minor weakness. Their effect isnot permanent. Thus Cupid must wander from place to place,zapping the same targets from time to time.

That isn't to bad, as Cupid is fast, his aim is accurate, andin an odd sort of way the victim enjoys the wound.

However, since he has previously inoculated his subjects, hemust use the same concoction as previously. Otherwise the spellmay work, but for an entirely different object of desire.

The problem with the mail was introducing another complication.
Cupid's spell was beginning to wear off for many a couple.

One such couple was Athena and Demo.

Not that they quarreled. Rather, as Athena phrased it, theydiscussed.

The discussion became loud, grew heated, and Athena pacedangrily back and forth. "And I could have a God. But no! Ichoose a country bumpkin! An insensitive, heartless, countrybumpkin."

Fire burned fiercely in her eyes as she glared at Demo.

"So he saved my life. Anyone could have done as well! Certainlythat is no reason to condemn myself to live with him for aneternity. Look at him! Merely a mortal! And an immature,childish one at that!"

Demo blinked, swallowed.

He had never seen anyone so angry. Not even Theresa the time hespilled cold wine down her back. Well, maybe that time.Nevertheless, no other.

This was indeed a crisis! Plainly, the mail system must berescued, and Cupid's arrows quickly delivered!

Demo began his task by doing extended research. His first step
was to read. History of the Post Office. Operation of a Post
Office. Management books in general. Operations Research,
Management Analysis, Industrial Engineering, Sex Life of the Sea
Turtle - Oops! That book was misfiled, on the wrong shelf.
Anyway, it was really dull reading.

He interviewed the customers of the Post Office. He interviewedthose who delivered the mail. He interviewed the managers. Themore they talked, the less he knew.

He attempted to examine the day-to-day operations. In spite ofhis credentials as Zeus' emissary, he found little cooperation.

Organization charts were missing. Long term plans werenon-existent. Budgets were cursory documents. Balance sheets andProfit and Loss statements were fiction.

The warehouses bulged!

The mail was accumulating at a phenomenal rate. The mail wasbeing delivered at a minuscule rate.

Fingerpointing was rampant!

Managers blamed workers. Workers blamed management. Zeus blamed
Demo. The people blamed everyone.

And Cupid waited impatiently for his arrows!

What to do!

He discussed the situation with his Mother.

"Why, dear, there really seem to be two problems. Deliveringthe mail that has accumulated, and insuring that it doesn'taccumulate in the future. Perhaps you could burn the backlog,and throw away all incoming mail for a while."

"Burn! Throw away! Mother, Zeus would be furious! Besides, whatif I burned Cupid's arrows? Athena and I might never be united!"

Nevertheless, he thought about his Mother's words. And thoughtof a brilliant solution to the first problem.

"Sire, we need to implement a two step process. First, wedeliver all the outstanding mail. Second, we streamline theexisting system to insure we don't again arrive at our presentsituation again."

"Fine, I like that. Do it!" Zeus seemed very agreeable.

"Well, yes, Sire. By the way, I'll need the services of
Mercury."

"Of Mercury! He's my private messenger! How dare you! How longwill you need his services? Ridiculous! When can I have himback? And how do you propose to use him?"

"We'll loan him to the Post Office Department. He'll distributethe backlog quickly and easily, and then we have only the secondproblem to solve."

Zeus frowned, then finally agreed.

Mercury's transfer to the Postal Department was delayed. Notbecause he objected; rather, because of the normal bureaucraticdelays. Eventually the paperwork was completed and the transfermade.

The results were astounding. Within a day half of the backlogwas distributed. It seemed that the initial problem was well onits way to being solved.

Appearances are deceiving!

On the second day the mail distribution once more failed. And
Cupid had not yet received his arrows!

Demo hurried to talk to the Postmaster.

"What has happened? Where is Mercury? The mail is once morepiling up!"

"No problem. It'll all be delivered in time. As for Mercury, hewas ruining the morale of our normal deliverers. I reallycouldn't tolerate that, so I placed him in another department.He is currently acting as our censor. Keeps his eye open foranything that might be controversial. Why, he just found apackage of arrows! Never should have let them get into thesystem. Directed to a Mr. Cupid, on Zeus' staff. Might well havebeen an attempted assassination planned!"

"Arrow? Cupid?" Demo's eyes brightened. "Ah, where are they?
What did you do with them?"

"Turned them over to security. Right now they are rounding upthis Cupid character. It'll go hard with him, I assure you!"

The arrest of Cupid created a furor on Olympus. Zeus wasnonplused. Hera, horrified! Venus, however, was the practicalmother. "Zeus, you must go his bail. I know it is high. Still, Iam sure there are some celestial bailbondsmen who'll cover itfor a fraction of the total amount."

Reluctantly Zeus provided the gold.

The problem still remained. Find the arrows!

Demo rushed to Hades, where The Great Detective, better knownas TGD, a detective of somewhat dubious character hadestablished office. "Sir, you are famous for the divorce casesyou have supported, for the furtive tracing of vanishedcriminals - indeed, for tracking down lost people and lostitems. Your skills are badly needed in support of Zeus!"

TGD smiled. "I am pleased that Zeus has need of me. I would bebetter pleased if he were to allow me to relocate my office toOlympus. However, for a reasonable fee, I shall be glad tolocate the arrows."

"The arrows? How did you know? Well, yes, the arrows must befound. The world is approaching a level of desperation neverseen before."

"Great! Then my price shall be adjusted accordingly. Now, wherewere they last seen? In whose hands? What was the intendeddisposition by that person?"

"Come, boy, just the facts. Don't waste my time.

Though taken aback, Demo quickly supplied the information.

"We must act quickly! The game, to plagiarize, is afoot. Handme my cape, my cap, and yonder cane. Been at this too manyyears, you know. Eh, my pipe, also, if you please."

"But . . . , eh, where are we going?"

"Don't be dense, lad. Where else - we're going to collect thosearrows. I don't charge by the hour, I charge by the case. So Idon't care to waste time. Come along, now, Wat . . . - Beg yourpardon, come along now, Demo."

Demo came along.

TGD had dealings with the postal system before. Hisinterrogation of the Postmaster was cruel. Without hesitation heattacked when any sign of deviousness, confusion, or simple lackof clarity surfaced.

"My dear sir, you're talking pure balderdash! Come, come, tothe point, man. Who was the last man known unequivocally tohave had possession of those arrows? None of this 'It seemslike,' or 'I think it was,' or any of that tomfoolishness. Whodo you recall with certainty last had the arrows!"

TGD augured in on the key contact, step by step. With each newsuspect he reiterated the above questions. His eyes werebrightening. He plainly had a clue!

Demo listened and watched. He was impressed by TGD'sstep-by-step, inexorable closing in on the culprit.

Mercury recalled finding the package of arrows. In his job ascensor he had decided to notify the Postmaster. The latter hadcalled in the security department, and the arrows weretransferred to them.

"To whom did you specifically deliver the arrows?" TGD queried.

"Why, to Janus, of course. As doorkeeper Janus is in fullcharge of security. Would I have delivered them to anyone else!"

TGD smiled. "Thank you, of course you delivered them to Janus.
Eh, did you ask for a receipt?"

"Ask for a receipt! From Zeus' own doorkeeper! Never!"

"Ummm. Yes, I understand. Thank you, you have been mosthelpful."

"How long have you worked as doorkeeper, Mr. Janus?"

"Oh, for eons. Yes, for eons and eons! I've always been Zeus'doorkeeper, you know. He'd never have another. Very pleased withme, he is.

"Except that time I closed the door on his foot. Terribleepisode, really. Never cared for those sandals, myself. Don'treally offer much protection. Lost th' toenail on his big toe,he did! It grew back, of course! My, but he was in a dither.Said some dreadfully rude things to me. Even, would you believeit, threatened to replace me!" Janus feelings had been hurt,perhaps even more so than Zeus' big toe.

"Yes, I'm sure. Now about the arrows, Mercury gave them to you,did he not?"

"Of course he did. Dreadful conspiracy going on. Arrows aredangerous things indeed. I gave them to Ate for delivery toZeus. Blessed if I know what she did with them. Be verycareless, letting them lie around. Particularly after therelease of that dreadful Cupid. Was he plotting an insurrection,do you think?"

TGD smile, turned to Demo. "We are closing in. Ate! Yes, Imight have known. The very essence of mischief. Let us firstdiscuss the matter with Zeus. We'll get no straight answers fromAte, of that I am sure!"

Zeus received them with poor grace.

The love that Hera held for him was growing ever thinner. Heglared at Cupid with undisguised anger. "You should have had abackup supply. Ridiculous to run out of arrows. They reallyaren't that costly!"

TGD grilled Zeus with the same methodical approach he used forall. And even Zeus was impressed, and finally cooperated.

"Demo, I am sure you will succeed. Indeed, he is TGD. Must gethim to find my wife's earrings. We'll work on that later."

"Yes, Ate did mention the arrows to me. Told her to get them to
Cupid, right away. But he claims never to have received them!"

Of course, Ate, true to the reputation for mischievousness, hadnever delivered the arrows to Cupid. The noose was tightening.The culprit was now identified!

"Ate, did Mercury give you the arrows?"

"Oh, no. Janus gave them to me. Perfect arrows, well designedfor their purpose. Plainly they belonged to Cupid. Talked toZeus about it, and I delivered them to Cupid the very next day."

TGD was taken aback. In spite of Ate's reputation he recognizedsome semblance of truth in the words.

Cupid denied all. "Never received them from Ate. Never even sawAte. Dastardly lie, that's all. Finger pointing! Would ruin myreputation! Ridiculous!"

Sitting quietly TGD listened, nodded. "Lovely place you havehere. Would you show me the house?"

"Delighted," Cupid smiled. "I decorated it myself."

Demo found himself blushing at the many statues and pictures.
They had plainly been developed with Cupid's tastes in mind.

TGD, however, had other things in mind.

"You've no mail slot in your front door."

"No, I'm a bit old fashioned. Mailbox is down by the road.
Retains something of the old rural atmosphere, you know."

They wandered through the house, from one erotic treasure toanother. Then they walked outside.

TGD admired the lawn, the trees, the white picket fence. Heopened the gate, reached in the mailbox, and extracted apackage. "Here, my boy. Your arrows."

Demo's eyes widened.

"Astounding, my dear TGD! But, how did you know? The mailbox?
No mail is being delivered!"

"Elementary, friend Demo. Of course you knew no mail was beingdelivered. I know that. Cupid knows that. So Cupid doesn'tbother to check his mail." TGD smiled.

"And Ate certainly knew that! And I know Ate!"

"Thank you, lad. Never has my kingdom been so peaceful!" Zeuswas well pleased.

"Ah, sire, it is truly wonderful. Athena smiled at me! Oh, bythe way, the earrings. TGD says not to worry. Hera is wearingthem."

"Wearing them! No wonder she couldn't find them in her jewelrybox! I really must pay more attention to my wife.

"Oh, as for the postal department! I abolished it. Mercury isnow running the Celestial Parcel Service. Deliveries guaranteedto reach destination before being dispatched! How's that for agimmick!"

15. Giver of Fire

Man weeps.

The beast of the fields ate of his flesh, and no where could hehide. By day the pterodactyls swooped from the skies to taketheir toll. By night the wolves, in vicious packs, invaded evenman's caves and carried off their prey.

Man weeps.

The sound was low, smothered by the wind.

But one heard.

Prometheus.

He took a brand from the fires of Olympus, laid it at the mouthof the cave where man shivered in cold and fear. And the wolvesgrew wary, approached not. And man maintained as sacred the firegiven to them by Prometheus. Priests and priestesses watchedwithout cessation that the fire should be fed. Let the flamesbut flicker, and they stirred the ashes. Should the burningbrands be too few they replenished them. And should the flamesdie they brought forth the bellows, blew life giving air on thecoals below, and the fire burned bright. They never failed intheir chores.

Except,

Once.

Then, the fire died!

"Lad, you must never tell a soul of this task. As Zeus, masterof the universe, I make no mistakes. But, at an earlier time, Itook an action that I have since regretted. Prometheus, thegiver of fire, as you earthlings know him. I punished himseverely. Even to this day he suffers."

Zeus seemed to be downcast. "Anyway, the fire he gave to manhas burned out, flickered out, been blown out - whatever. Yet,after careful thought, I have decided that man should have fire.Prometheus must be freed to once again pass a lighted brand tomankind. I can't free him, as that would cast doubt on myinfallibility. So, you do it. Off with you, now!"

There is a mountain, far removed from human haunts. There, timeafter time, a tragedy repeats itself. Prometheus, the giantbenefactor to mankind, waits. Chains bind him to the mountain.He waits and watches, watches the sky.

High in the sky, barely visible, a black dot can be seen.Suddenly it falls, faster and faster, and as suddenly slows,wings widespread. An eagle. A giant bird, with fierce talons,merciless curved beak, strikes at the helpless captor.

Its talons rip, its beak slashes, and Prometheus gasps in pain.The eagle tears at skin and muscle, at bone, and finally tearsfrom living flesh an organ. It flies away, the liver of itsvictim in its beak.

Day ends, night passes, an lo the body of Prometheus hashealed. And now he waits again the coming of the eagle.

Demo began his hike to the Edge of the World, that region wherejuts the great mountain upward to the sky.

He carried with him dried venison. No bread had he. Mankind'sfires were no more. Raw fruit and vegetables. Sun dried meat andfish.

At home his Mother sat before the stove, her frustration plainon her red face. Without fire she could not cook. Without firethe night became ever dark, and days were too short.

Prometheus must be freed!

"These boltcutters will handle any chains you'll run into,young man. Well tempered metal, endorsed by Vulcan when hestarted this franchise. His personal guarantee on every onesold. Money back, no questions asked, if you aren't satisfied.Now, what more could you ask?" The salesman was solicitous andpersistent.

Finally Demo nodded, paid the asking price, and added theboltcutter to his pouch of goodies.

He had chanced on the Vulcan Franchised Technology hardwarestore while passing through the village. Fortunately it carriedthe type of equipment he required.

"And keep in mind, with the extinguished fires, there'll be nomore of these produced. It'll become a collector's item, worthmuch more than the original cost. You are getting a bargain!"

The sight of the giant, some scars still open and bleeding,brought tears to Demo's eyes. Quickly he climbed upward, reachedthe cliff to which Prometheus was pinned.

Demo looked at the chains, at his boltcutter.

It was too small!

He examined the pitons that maintained the chains in place.
Hammered deep in the rock, they seemed mounted to last forever.
Demo shook his head. What could be done?

At that moment he heard a strange sound, growing ever louder.Looking upward he saw an object. It fell from the sky, swifterand swifter still.

And then, wings spread, in eagle form it lashed at its assignedprey!

The mountains trembled at the thunderous scream of the torturedgiant. He quivered, threw himself against the bonds that heldhim!

Agony on his face, he screamed once more!

Demo put hands over ears to escape the misery and pain thatvoice held. It did not suffice!

He looked, grief-stricken, at the bleeding, gaping wound. Hegazed in wonder at the pain-filled face, the reddened eyes!

Prometheus eyes closed. Sweat poured from his brow. Slowly heslipped down, unconscious from the pain. Only the chainssupported him.

"Zeus, that you could impose such horror! I cannot understand!But he shall be freed! I must act quickly!" Demo talked tohimself as he worked.

Though his boltcutter was useless Demo was not ready to giveup. He took hammer and metal chisels from his pack, began towork on the most worn of the links of chain.

Even as he worked he noted the change in Prometheus. The woundhealed! By nightfall no sign remained, except the fearful scars, to show that the vicious attack had ever occurred!

Tomorrow, the eagle would return!

The boy worked throughout the night on the link. In earlymorning it gave, opened!

Prometheus pulled against the links, and one arm was free. Withboth hands he wrestled with the remaining chain on his left arm.In moments the piton was freed from the mountain wall! Quicklyhe wrestled with the leg irons, wrenched them from their placeagainst the cliff.

Prometheus, his bonds broken, glanced wildly around. His eyesreflected fear, madness. He watched the skies, searching forsomething fearful and inescapable.

But no eagle flew.

Demo motioned downward, toward the path leading to the valleybelow. Quickly he led the way! "Follow me! Follow me! Quickly!"

Prometheus, walking awkwardly, using skills long lost tocaptivity.

They reached the valley, began the long journey to the sea.

Suddenly they felt a shadow encompass them. Demo frowned.

Prometheus had thrown himself on the ground, curled up like achild. He was sobbing.

Glancing toward the sky Demo realized why!

Now the eagle flew!

Closer and closer, its wings spread wide, it zoomed downward.
Its prey lay still, paralyzed by fear, waiting its strike.

Demo notched his arrow, loosed it against the huge bird.

The arrow struck home!

With an angry squawk the bird turned from its prey to itsattacker. Demo fell as it swooped near, rolled over!

Too late!

It had his leg, was pulling him aloft!

Prometheus, an expression of fear on his face, yet reached out,seized the wing of his enemy. He pulled the eagle to the ground.

Demo was released, quickly rolled over. He watched, wide-eyed,as Prometheus unleashed his pent-up anger on his tormentor.

They fought long and hard, and feathers and blood mingled onthe valley's floor! At long last the eagle stood atop the giant,its talons at his stomach!

Yet, even as it tore at the flesh of the giant, Prometheusseized its throat in powerful hands, cut off the breath of life.

In moments the eagle lay dead!

Demo looked at the face of the conqueror. He shuddered!

The eyes of Prometheus still held unreasoning fear. Nosemblance of reason was displayed in those haunted eyes! Thelong, ever-enduring torment had not destroyed his body.

It had destroyed his mind!

The hope that man might once more have fire was dashed!

Prometheus, for all his size and strength, was helpless.

"Come, there is nothing left to do here. I'll help you. Toyonder stream."

Demo led him from the site, down to a green meadow where floweda quiet brook. There he washed the giant's wounds, gave him wineto drink, watched him as he slept.

Like a child Prometheus followed Demo. At first ever watchful,his frightened eyes on the sky. With time he relaxed, onlysporadically tensed, glanced anxiously upward.

He did not speak.

He did chores as directed. He searched for berries, edibleplants, honey. He fetched water from a nearby spring.

Within the immediate area he worked diligently. He would not gobeyond sight of Demo. When he reached a distance that seemed togreat he would halt, bow his head, and return.

Broken, frightened, the hero was dead! Only the shell lived.

The wild beast became ever braver. Fire, that strange creaturethat turned night into day, no longer existed. Mankind huddledby night in their abodes, listening, frightened, at the nightsounds.

The wolves became bolder. They hunted in larger and largerpacks, killed sheep at will. Soon village dogs became theirprey. And children who wandered alone into the night. Even men,traveling alone, were subject to the deadly raid of the wolfpack.

Prometheus and Demo came under attack. They slept in the open,under the stars. Demo woke to hear the call of the wolves asthey assembled for the hunt. He grimaced, felt for his bow andarrows.

Prometheus slept. Childlike, he trusted to Demo for hisprotection.

The howls soon ceased. That silence, more than the wild calls,frightened Demo. He notched an arrow to his bow, sat with backagainst a huge oak. He watched the edges of the clearing,looking for sign of motion.

He wasn't to be disappointed.

They came in the false dawn, quietly creeping to the edge ofthe open space. Demo saw in the dim light their movement. He letfly an arrow, prepared another. The yelp of the injured wolfsignaled the attack.

One more arrow flew and a wolf fell. The pack was upon him! Hehad not time to draw his bow again.

With an angry roar Prometheus awoke. His huge form toweringhigh, he seized a fallen tree trunk, raised it above his head.

He met the oncoming horde with battering blows, growls morefierce than that of beast. Quickly, leaving fallen comradesbehind, the wolves scattered.

Prometheus sat down, shivered as though cold.

"Why is there no fire? They would fear the fire."

Demo stared!

Under the fierce attack Prometheus had regained his will tolive, to fight!

"The fire you gave man is extinguished. He failed to keep itsflame burning, failed to protect it. He took it for granted, andnone would be its keeper.

"There is no fire!"

Prometheus lay down the great log, breathed deeply.

"I took from Vulcan's furnace, from the hottest flames, theheart of fire. I gave it to man for his care and nurture, toprotect him from the creatures of the wild. I gave it to him toprotect him from the night, and those things that creep in thedarkness. And now he has let it die? What fools are thesemortals, to disdain a such a gift?"

"Man grows lazy and irresponsible. He thinks all things cometo him with no effort on his part. He values little those giftsthat he receives. At last he knows, now, what he has lost."

"In my own hand I carried the fiery coals. Look!"

He thrust out the palms of both hands, and Demo stared in thedawning light of morning at the charred and blackened skin.

"Vulcan will not so easily be fooled again! Yet," Prometheusmused, looking at Demo, "Perhaps it can be done."

Demo frowned. No more was Prometheus leaning on him to take thelead.

"You have access to Olympus. Zeus has given you the key, foryou seem to be a favorite of his. And once on Olympus, you haveaccess to Vulcan. You could prepare the way for me, distractVulcan, and I could once more draw fire from that deadlyfurnace. Let us plan together."

They sat, discussed, argued, compromised.

It was decided. Demo would return to Olympus, persuade Zeus tocall an audience with Vulcan. And in Vulcan's absence, once morewould Prometheus carry fire to mankind.

The best laid schemes of man and firegiver go oft astray.

Zeus would have none of it! "I want no involvement on my part.
Otherwise, do what you will."

They sat, discussed, argued, compromised.

Demo was amazed! That Zeus would condone such activity onDemo's part seemed unbelievable. Perhaps, as Prometheus implied,he was a favorite!

Regardless, Vulcan would be called to an audience. He would bedetained long enough for Prometheus to wend his way to thatgreat furnace wherein lie the eternal fires. And once more wouldPrometheus give to man the gift of fire.

Vulcan looked morosely at the raging fires in his furnace.Flames huge and red leaped, frolicked, and disappeared to befollowed by others of blue and white. They cast giganticshadows, grotesque and ever changing.

Usually he admired the display, relaxed as might others to thesound of music.

Tonight he did not relax.

Zeus desired his company.

Rarely did Zeus call upon him. Even more rarely was he invitedinto the presence of that most august God. It did not pleasehim. Here, at his furnace shaping objects from hardest metal, hefelt at home. Let others court the company and favors of Zeus.

Nevertheless, he would go. Perhaps there was a chore to bedone, a mighty sword to fashion, a shield to form from moltenmetal. Or, more likely, some damaged tool to repair, weldingbroken parts to make a whole.

He stoked the fire, breathing the hot flames as though perfume.Wiping sweat from his moist brow he hurried to ready himself forhis audience with Zeus.

Prometheus waited.

With Vulcan's departure he slipped into the celestial foundry,inched ever closer to the heart of that huge factory. Thefurnace glowed from the fire within.

Prometheus entrance was noted.

He knew not of the guard.

Vulcan had led a life of abuse, mistrust, and rejection. Hehimself trusted no one. Though crippled he remained agile andable, and used his skill with fire and metal to fabricate anobject of strange shape and size.

The object was formed of the strongest metals. Its joints werecunningly hinged to allow motion. Its appearance was that of man- rather, that of giant. For it was huge. Huge and massive.

Silently it stood guard in the empty foundry. A dead, uselessmetal statue, a scarecrow for the vagrant birds that might passby.

It had one more characteristic.

It lived!

Vulcan had withdrawn from the huge furnace a heart of fire,ensconced it in the body of his creation. That burning, beatingheart gave it an existence of its own.

Prometheus' entrance was noted.

Noted by Vulcan's metal monster!

Prometheus stalked quickly to the fiery confines of Vulcan'sfurnace. Opening the door to its sizzling interior, he flinchedback from the blast of flames and heat.

Quickly he picked up the long shovel, thrust it into the midstof the flames. Slowly he withdrew it, the very heart ofscorching mass centered in the scoop.

Vulcan's creation struck!

The metal monster, moving silently, steadily, had positioneditself behind Prometheus. Even as he captured the heart of thefurnace its arms enfolded him.

Prometheus dropped the shovel!

The white-hot mass of fire rolled onto the floor, began to meltthe stones that supported it.

Prometheus threw himself backward, tipping over his attacker!

They rolled on the floor. The creature dug its iron talons into
Prometheus stomach.

Prometheus screamed!

The memory of the eagle engulfed him!

Once again he was chained to the crag, the eagle coming evercloser.

Now it struck!

Its talons, tearing, ripping . . . !

He seized the metal arm, bending and ripping at the fingers!
One by one they gave way to his strength.

Even as the last finger gave way, the other arm now enwrappedhis throat! His breathing grew ever more difficult. And Vulcan'smonster wrestled him closer and closer to the deadly ball ofscorching fire.

He felt the heat on his skin, burning and charring! Now hischest was barely inches from the fire! It touched his skin!

Abruptly he reached out, seized the burning mass in his hugehands!

He lifted the deadly cargo above his head!

Burning through skin and flesh, charring bone, it lit thehellish scene!

With an effort he loosed the deadly mass behind his back!

If fell on the head of Vulcan's creation.

The struggle was over!

A molten mass, the metal monster lay inanimate upon the floor!

With crippled hands Prometheus once more shoveled the burningheart of the furnace. Without a backward glance he rushed fromthe site of battle.

Arriving on earth he deposited his burden in the bowels of Mt.Vesuvius. There would it ever burn. And from that burning massman once more distributed fire to hearth and kiln.

"My boy, you handled that quite well. Certainly left Vulcan'sfoundry in a mess, though. By the way, I sent Aesculapius overto care for Prometheus' hands. It will take time, butAesculapius works wonders. Gad, his rates are high! Do you knowhow much he charges for house calls! Never mind, it's enough, Iassure you!" Zeus grumbled to even think of the cost.

"Stay healthy." He growled morosely.

16. Wading in the River Styx

Odor of dying algae, of rotting plants, of stagnant waters -all drift above the long, dark stretches of the river Styx. Nobeauty here.

And in these waters lived creatures not of this world, but ofHades, round which the river flowed, and flows forever. Doomedthrough eternity to these putrid stream, they had yet onerecompense.

Who dared wade the River Styx, he was their prey.

"My boy, take this package over to the guardshack just acrossthe Styx. They are expecting it; by the way, be sure to get areceipt. They hate to sign receipts. Still, it messes up ouraccounts if we don't have them. The boat is anchored right bythe pier, and the oars are stowed beneath the seat."

Zeus started to turn away, then hesitated. "Oh, well! Boy,don't drag your hands in the water. And don't even think abouttaking a dip. You'd be dreadfully sorry!"

An extremely simple chore, this. Why all the fuss?

Each river has its peculiarities. The Nile, known for itsannual flooding. The Lethe, notorious for the effect on thosewho drink its waters.

And then there is the river Styx.

It has a well-deserved reputation. The environmentalists havebeen picketing since time immemorial. They complain,legitimately, about the odor, the sludge, the inhabitants - allthe little things that help make the Styx unique.

They picket Pluto.

Pluto suggests they picket Zeus, instead. To emphasize hispoint he releases Cerberus.

Hurriedly they scatter, not taking time to even look back.

They picket Zeus.

Zeus takes it all with gentle and tolerant attitude. His is ameasured reaction. He assigns to each picket a little blackcloud, from which rain continuously falls. Umbrellas arediscouraged by random gusts of wind.

The pickets persist.

Zeus smiles.

The clouds grow larger, the winds gust more strongly.

The temperature begins to fall. The continuous rain ends, isreplaced by snow showers. The winds now blow steadily from thecold north.

The pickets persist.

Zeus' smile broadens.

The clouds merge. The winds now reach blizzard force, and thesnow changes from soft flakes to frozen pellets. The temperaturedrops, then drops again.

The pickets assemble, discuss, and rapidly disperse.

Zeus smirks, makes a snowball, which he then playfully tossesinto the air. He then builds a snowman. He gives it a picketsign to carry.

Humming, Zeus returns to his throne.

There is no snow by the river Styx. Nor rain. Nor coolingbreeze.

The air is stagnant, hot, thick with the odor of rotted plants,the breath of Hades' denizens.

Demo, with the back of his hand, wipes the sweat from his brow.Ah, how delightful it would be to splash even this putrid wateron his forehead. Or even to swim in its cooling depths! What wasit Zeus had said? Something about being dreadfully sorry?

He rows slowly, moving the oar against water with theconsistency of mud. To lift the oar for the next stroke isnearly as difficult as to row.

Then he cannot lift it at all!

Frowning Demo yanked at the oar. It gave slightly, then slippedback into the dank water. With an effort he used the side of theboat as a point of leverage, once more brought up the oar.

Covered with slime, strange plant growth, it broke the surfaceof the water. But there is something else, a red long and sinewycoil wrapped tightly around the oar. Grimacing, Demo tried toscrape the enwrapping red plant from its hold.

The red plant suddenly uncoiled, extended upward, and quicklyenwrapped his forearm. Wide-eyed Demo attempted to pull free.

The hold on his arm tightened!

He was being pulled to the side of the boat!

Slowly the boat began to tip. He lost his footing, fell againstthe gunwale. The boat began to rock, and with each rock theputrid water of the river Styx splashed in.

As Demo pulled hard more and more of the red plant becameexposed.

With a start Demo stared into enormous green eyes!

This was no plant!

Rather, a denizen of the weird waters! A denizen with anappetite for Demo!

A grin appeared on its face. Rather, a smirk. It licked itslips in anticipation.

With one arm held captive by the creature, Demo was unable touse his bow and arrows. Nevertheless, he was not completelyhelpless.

With his free hand he pulled an arrow from its pouch, stabbedat the entwining red tentacle. Surprised and in pain, thecreature uncoiled its hold, slid back into the dark stream.

Demo sat down in the boat, sweat appearing on his forehead. Fora moment he sat still. Then he noticed that the boat wasdrifting away from the shore.

With a start he once more manned his oars!

It was useless. The slow flowing waters of the Styx had nowbranched off. This was a different river entirely!

He recognized it! Fearfully his eyes opened wide!

The Meander! A river that went on forever. Purposeless,endless, going on forever!

He looked back.

No trace of the Styx was to be seen!

From the far shore he heard unearthly laughter!

An object he knew too well blended with the shadows there. Theunseen companion!

Night fell, the air cooled. Birds flew low in pursuit ofmosquito swarms. From the swampy shores growls and moans,strange shrieks and lonesome howls disturbed the darkness. Thewater lapped intermittently against the boat's side. Fish, orcreatures adapted to the Meander, leaped above the water,splashed back to the surface. Nightbirds winged closed to theboat, dived toward Demo, then veered away.

Finally, lulled by the boat's rocking, he fell asleep.

The frigid night air woke him. The vast waste of the river wascoated by a low-lying white fog. Above, a cold and desolate moonshone full on the quiet scene below. At times white fluffyclouds blocked its rays, then drifted on.

As morning approached a light breeze began to blow. The surfacefog, like disturbed ghosts, scattered, drifted, faded away.False morning lit the sky, only to fade.

A red and angry sun rose on the horizon. Twisted, bent, hugetrees brooded along the river bank. The sun's rays hardlypenetrated into the depth of the forest. Birds flew high,dashing wildly away as a hawk fell into their midst. A largefish leaped from the waters' surface, splashed back anddisappeared.

His empty stomach growled in anger over lack of breakfast. Thethought of meat and eggs cooking on his mother's fire would notleave his mind.

He searched his pouch, found only day old remnants of bread,which he quickly devoured. Still, visions of venison roasting,of warm loaves of bread from the oven - enough! He must quitthis foolish dreaming, must find a way to return!

Listlessly the young man let his hand dip into the water. Onlywere he able to catch a fish, anything to provide sustenance.

With a start he felt an object brush against his fingers.Quickly he grasped it, pulled it to the surface. Perhaps a fish,careless of predators.

"No!"

He thrust it from him! The headless body of a man! Shudderinghe watched it slip away. In his mind he recalled the story ofone so killed, doomed to the endless wandering of the Meander.

The broad river seemed to wind endlessly, going nowhere. Alongits low banks huge trees dipped their limbs in the muddy water.A turtle swam by near the shore, then dived below. In the treelimbs above birds sang their mating calls. Serenely the placidriver flowed. A lifeless stretch of jungle bordered it.

But was it lifeless!

Something moved among the brush and tree trunks. At first hethought of the unseen companion. No, this was different.

He watched carefully.

Farther along, more movement! Something, or someone, wasfollowing his boat!

They stayed well back from the shore. Still, from time to timehe saw again the movement, glimpsed once more a stern visage.

He tensed as the current moved him closer still to that shoreand its unknown inhabitants.

The boat ground to a stop, its lower hull lodged on theshallow bottom.

Demo took a deep breath, using the oar tried to pry the boatfrom its anchorage.

A small stream flowed into the river within feet of hisposition.

The bushes along the stream were moving! The motion came evercloser!

He climbed into the water, attempted to free the boat again.

It was to no avail!

He turned to the shore. They stood silently, stoic, watching.

Waiting!

The Sileni!

A distant cousin of the centaurs, with much the sameappearance. Their lower haunches were horselike, while torso andhead were that of man. Their history was dim, their homelandunknown.

There was no escape! The boat was lodged tightly. He stood,waded slowly to the shore.

"We rarely see visitors from the outside." This Sileni stoodtall above his companions. "And on the river Meander some comeand go, never to be seen again. What seek you on this river?"

"Ill fate sent me to this stream. I merely wished to cross theriver Styx, carrying a missive sent by Zeus. Strange forcesdiverted my passage, and I floated unwillingly here."

"Tarry with us a bit. To follow the Meander is useless. Itnever ends, never repeats a passage. An eternity is too short tofollow all its windings. Perhaps we can aid you, help you returnto the river Styx. Though it, too, is a river of ill repute."

The hospitality of the Sileni pleased him. They fed him well,gave him cot on which to sleep. During his sleep they draggedthe boat to shore.

"Your coming has been foretold. One waits now to talk with you,for there is much you do not know. Egeria, the last of theCaminae, would speak with you. There is the matter of the Tarn."

With a start Demo regarded the speaker. "Egeria! I do notunderstand. The Caminae are long gone, long departed!"

The conversation with Egeria confused him. She told him ofthings to come, but in words that were mystic and full ofcryptic allusions. Yet she spoke of the tarn, where he mustinevitably meet a foreordained fate.

"The tasks shall lie behind you, yet will there be anothertask. By your kindness to a stranger shall you be led to dangernever faced by man. Though you be brave, follow the dictates ofyour heart. Heed my words. For this were you brought to me. Itwas foretold before your birth." The ancient woman stared at himthrough blinkless eyes.

Although he had listened he knew well that he did notunderstand. "Heed the dictates of your heart." What dictates ofhis heart? And if all had been foretold why should he not beinformed of those inevitable results? He gazed at her, startedto ask questions, then reconsidered.

"The Sileni shall return you to your craft. Lie down, in thebottom. Do not take oar in hand. When darkness descends youshall once more be on the river Styx. Your mission shall bequickly done. Tell Zeus that Egeria has opened your eyes."

It transpired as she explained. Zeus, when he delivered hermessage, bowed his head. "The Moira draws maps on sandy beaches,and man and Gods dare not deviate. My boy, believe that I wishyou well. You understand, I cannot intervene in what will be."

Perhaps for the first time Demo felt real fear!

17. Lost in Time

Cronus hiccuped.

It doesn't happen often, and it rarely has much significance.

Only this time, it had significance. This time, Cronus wasbusy.

He was adding a slight touch of gray to Demo's hair.

Cronus, to those not knowing, has time as his domain. Even thegods respond to his wiles, and age even as you and I.

And Cronus was gently aging Demo.

Cronus hiccuped.

He had taken a liking to the boy since they had met on anearlier task imposed by Zeus on Demo. So Cronus had not acted inspite. It was only that Cronus is the master of time, and whenhe hiccuped he inadvertently sent Demo flying into a time farremoved. Even this would hardly have been a problem, for Cronuscould easily have returned him. But, as only one way exists fora project to go right, and many ways for it to go wrong, thisproject went wrong.

Cronus was distracted by his wife. He quickly followed her toadjust a timepiece that kept erratic time. "My dear, it reallyisn't the sundial that's at fault. It's the sun. It refuses totravel at a constant rate. I've talked to Zeus. Unfortunately,It's low on his priority list."

Then Cronus went off to his study, and his hobby of clockcollecting. Demo was, for the moment, forgotten. In his studyCronus maintained clocks of every size, every design, everymotif. Electronic clocks, grandfather clocks, wall clocks, floorclocks, round clocks, square clocks - even clocks that kepttime. But no two displayed exactly the same time. For, you see,time isn't at all the same. Here it has one value, thereanother, and elsewhere still a third. But, most assuredly, oneof the numerous clocks ticked the right time. Only Cronus knewwhich one.

"Which studio you with? They shooting here today?"

Demo looked quizzically at his interrogator. Since becomingZeus' protg he found that languages were no problem. All thesame, always there were references, words, and phrases of whichhe had no ken.

"I know not of studios, and the next shooting is at the greatfair, a full moon away. There I shall surely prove champion ofall of Greece, perhaps of all the civilized world."

"Ah-ha! Your advertising a coming film, right. The Great Fair.Well, I'll try to take it in. Your doing good, pal. I'll tellyou, though, that costume really needs some work."

The stranger smiled and walked away.

Demo frowned.

No city of Greece was this. Grass grew not, and chariots dashedmadly, teamless, down streets of solid rock, The people woreclothing of strange design, talked in a weird dialect, and gazedat him in benign amusement. The buildings were as none he hadever seen. They, too, were made of stone or even metal, andtheir height gave challenge to proud Olympus.

Suddenly he noted, passing high overhead, a dragon of strangeconstruction, growling deeply as it passed. Passersby gave it noheed. Plainly the monster had already fed, was returning to itslair for rest.

A chariot smashed into the side of another, and high-pitchedscreams as of the wild geese filled the air. The chariots linedup, one behind the other, all emitting similar shrills.

Something here is akilter, he thought.

He noted men being disgorged by the shrilling chariots,shouting each to the other and making aggressive motions withclosed fists.

Then arrived chariots with fires of red and blue flashing upontheir heads, screaming like night creatures in tales he had beentold.

These in turn disgorged men adorned in blue cloth, with shiningmetal decorations on their chests. These men in turned carriedsticks, and screamed and shouted at those who had gone before.

In due time the horseless chariots moved away, the mass chasingin single file the leader. And endless sequence followed madlyafter the leading chariot. Was this a race, or a new form of war?

Along the pathway a bench attracted his attention, and he satdown, took dried venison from his poke. A young man, perhaps hisown age, approached.

"Hey, got a dollar? I'd like to borrow a dollar for a while."

"What, pray, is a dollar?"

The youth stared at him for a moment. "All right, forget it!Whatcha eatin'? What's in th' poke?" He gestured toward Demo'spouch.

"Food, good food. Would you care for some tasty viands?"

"Vines? Did you say vines? That ain't vines you're eatin'.
Looks like meat to me. You got any more?"

"Yes, try it. You'll find it quite tasty. My mother dried itunder the sun, salted it herself."

The suppliant tasted the dried venison, looked at Demo indisbelief. "Hell, I'm going to the Salvation Army. You reallyeat this stuff!"

A large horseless chariot pulled up alongside him. A womanstarred at him through some strange, clear material. She smiled,then laughed. He looked around to see what caused her laughter.

Nothing untoward met his sight. Ill-dressed heathens strolledaimlessly, it seemed, along the wide pathway. No, there wasnothing amusing to be seen.

Frowning, he continued to eat his dried venison. Two mendismounted from the chariot, and it drove away, moaning in adisquieting manner.

Inside the passengers were looking at him through the viewingspace in the rear.

Perhaps it is my garb. Here they dress strangely.

"Hare Krishna?"

One of the passengers who had descended addressed him.

"No, Demo."

"That's a new one. Is it Indian?"

"I don't think so. Greek."

"Greek? Well, new ones are popping up all over. Here, just toshow you I'm open-minded, I'll donate a couple of bucks. Goodluck."

The man walked off, murmuring, "Demo, and Greek! L A is theplace, I'll tell you!"

He approached a large building. It had openings through whichhe could see, but could not enter. However, watching the strangepeople he noted an entrance that resembled a whirligig. My, hethought, how many years since I played with a whirligig. Anyway,as people went in and out, the door rotated.

Finally, he entered the building.

A boy stood in front of a silver recess, leaned down, and agush of water rose, striking him on the mouth. Only then didDemo realize he was thirsty. When the boy moved Demo approachedthe recess, leaned down.

Demo frowned. Nothing had happened.

He leaned forward again. A man looked at him, "Hey, it ain'tbroke again, is it?" The man pressed the button and a stream ofwater struck Demo's face. He sputtered, then drank thirstily.

What part of Olympus is this, he thought. It resembles nothing
I've seen before.

Nevertheless, it was becoming gradually familiar. He entered alittle room that had the picture of a man on the door. Afterwatching a few moments he found himself well versed on thefacilities.

Fortunately, item after item followed a similar pattern. Theimportant thing was to watch. The paper given to him earlierserved as money. You used money to buy from machines and fromindividuals. Of course, how to get money was unclear.

Then he thought of the boy who had asked him for a dollar. Ofcourse, just ask.

He tried it. At first he felt a little strange, for time aftertime the individuals he asked seemed a little embarrassed,finally provided either coins or paper. "Damn cults everywhere.All right, here, just leave me alone."

The young supplicant soon found his purse bursting with paper.
It was a strange phenomenon. Ask for money, it is given to you.
Give it to machines, to individuals, and they give you products.
Not too unlike home, except for the first step.

Cronus frowned.

There is something I've overlooked, he thought to himself.
Something important. Well, tomorrow I'll get around to it.

The thought struck him.

Demo! He had been aging Demo! Then, he had helped his wife withthe sundial. Then . . . . Oh, ho! The boy! What of the boy?

"Ah, I've lost him!" He spoke aloud. "I've let him slip off,and I didn't really note to where - rather, to when. Drat, it'sinconvenient. I suppose he'll show up by and by, sometime. Yes.I wonder, what time?"

At that moment he heard his wife calling. Evening meal wasready. Thank goodness, I am famished, thought he.

It was a delicious meal.

Demo left the building, watched the chariots stopped in thebroad streets, growls issuing from inside. At times other soundsissued from the vehicles. Loud and raucous, the soundsrepeated and repeated, as though some musical instruments werebeing played out of tune. Accompanying these sounds were screamsand yells of tortured innocents.

He could only assume that, in some manner, the chariots hadmalfunctioned.

Duane Golchick and Ralph Fulcere waited nervously outside thebank door. The customers were thinning out as three o'clockclosing time neared. Finally the last of the stragglers left.

Duane and Ralph entered quickly.

"Say, I'm sorry, we were just closing." The guard smiled,motioned them toward the door.

"Just walk over to the counter with us. Put your hands behindyour neck and hold 'em there." Duane spoke in a half snarl, helda revolver in his hand.

The guard noticed the nervous motion of the gunbarrel. "Okay,okay, don't be nervous. Whatever you say! Just take it easy! Noone's causing any trouble."

"All right, listen up!" Ralph shouted. "This is a holdup! Anyscreams, any alarms, and we'll take you out. And we don't carewho we shoot first, so you heroes just give it a try. Open itup, babe."

He indicated the gate leading behind the counters. The clerknervously fumbled with the catch, finally opened the gate.

Duane and Ralph cleaned out the drawers, stuffing bills into agarbage bag. "On the floor, all of you. Hands straight out, legsspread, face down. Lift a head, move a muscle, and you'rehistory!"

The left the building quietly. No one had moved. No one wasmoving now. They ran for the car, parked in a nearby alley.

A man in blue stopped Demo.

"Those arrows real?"

"Oh, yes, very real. Deadly, too. I've killed many a buck withthem. Won a few tournaments, too."

"I thought so. You got a license to carry a deadly weapon? Youain't some kind of kook, here to kill off as many as you can,are you? Here, you better give me the bow."

"Oh, no, I couldn't do that! It's been in the family forgenerations. My Father used it to kill the sea serpent. And hisFather before him to kill fire dragons. I just couldn't partwith it."

The policeman, for such he was, looked at Demo in astonishment.
"Oh, boy! One of those!"

He took out his communicator, called for reinforcements. "Werestanding in front of the alley next to Martin's Bank. Seems likea loony. Anyway, so far he's not violent. Get somereinforcements over here, before he does go off his rocker. Andtell Sue warm up my pizza. I'll be in about two hours from now.You let her know."

He had hardly signed off when he felt an object pressingagainst his neck. "Your in our way, Mr. Man. Now just pull outthat gun and let it fall, real easy. Now, put your hands behindyour head. Up against the wall. Spread 'em!" Ralph was relishingthe situation.

"Get the gun and let's get out of here. You, get out of theway." Duane motioned to Demo, who stepped politely aside.

The two men entered the car, rev'd up the engine, pulled outinto traffic.

"Stop them! Stop! Police!" The officer shouted.

Demo notched an arrow to his bow, drove it through the rightrear tire of the vehicle. He then repeated the process with theleft tire.

The car abruptly swerved, ran against the curb, jumped it.

Crashing into a store front, the engine died.

Almost at that instant the reinforcements arrived and hurriedto the car.

"My God, it must be the kook with the bow. Look sticking out ofthose tire! See if anyone is hurt. I've got him in sight."

"Drop it, drop it now! I'll shoot!"

Demo glanced at the approaching form. This also was a blueclothed one. He turned to his companion. "Is he talking to you?"

"Hey, it's all right. He's okay. Get them gorillas in the car.
Hurry, they're getting out!"

Everyone rushed madly toward the chariot. For a moment Demowatched, then turned with a shrug. An interesting, but kind ofstrange, sport.

"Hey, Guru, tell me what life signifies. You still chompingthat dried junk?" The boy who had asked for a dollar wasgrinning at him.

"My name is Demo, not Guru. Yes, I rather enjoy dried venison."

"Look, Guru, no offense, eh? You got cover for the night? The Yhas some pads open. They get taken in a hurry, so you betterscat over there if you want one. Gonna rain before morning. Say,I'm Randy. Look, I can't pronounce that Demo bit, so you'reGuru. Don't let it throw you."

"Cover? The Y? Ah, shelter from the rain? Yes, that would bewell. You are kind. Where is this Y?"

"Hell, I'll baby sit you a while. Just follow along, sport."

They located an available pad, and Demo found himself in adormitory filled with numerous unique individuals. The glanceshe received indicated that he won honors for uniqueness.

It is a law of nature that, for things to go right, there isonly one viable path. For things to go wrong, the paths areinfinite. Demo continued down one of the infinite paths.

Cronus had indeed attempted to make contact, return Demo to hisown time and place. Cronus selected the right time withoutdifficulty. Place, however? Well, place threw him a curve.

Demo had gone wandering off.

Cronus had rather limited power so far as space is concerned.Given sufficient time - of which he was the sole master - hecould examine the reaches of space. And examining the reaches ofspace was his immediate goal.

He began the task methodically.

First, he returned himself to the time and space when he wasoccupied with aging Demo. Then he moved forward (time-wise) tothat point in time when he was distracted. With care he thengave careful thought to the next incident.

Unfortunately, he found himself in the predicament many of usface from time to time.

He had a sudden mental lapse.

As the saying goes, the right words were on the tip of histongue. Stubbornly, unfortunately, they clung there tenaciously.Grumbling, he vectored forward in time once more. I'll sleep onit, he decided. Tomorrow is soon enough.

Demo, if he were asked, would not have agreed.

Randy woke him early. He knew it was early because it was dark.Also, because he was sleepy. He was not by any stretch of theimagination an early bird. Au contraire!

They left the building hurriedly.

"Nice place and all," Randy noted. "Just keep in mind, somestrange people stay here. I'd rather not meet them outside.'Nough said?"

They walked along the pathway, which Randy called a sidewalk.Demo noted that he himself was rapidly developing an extendedvocabulary of words, mainly from listening to Randy.

"Look, we got to scrounge some eatables, you know, food. Nowthere's a place over on 5th . . . ." He paused as Demo smiled,motioned toward his pouch.

"We can buy food. My pouch is full of paper, eh, money. Gifts!
Dollars!"

Randy stared at him for a moment, put his hand in the pouch andpulled out a few bills. "All right, man! You are with it! Okay,let's hit this place across the way. I could use a good meal fora change."

The waitress smiled at them, looked at Demo's garb withcuriosity. "Look, no offense, but you Joe's got cash? The bossis real mean about that!"

"Of course we got cash! Hey, show her, Guru!"

Demo pulled a handful of bills from his pouch, stuck them backin.

The waitress stuck out her lower lip, nodded. "Okay, here's themenu. What'll you have? The western omelette's not bad. Makes agood meal."

Randy ordered the omelette and coffee.

"I'll have the omelette and milk," Demo decided.

"Hey, Guru, where'd you get that rig? What's your thing,anyway? You're awful close mouthed."

"Randy, you ever hear of people traveling through time?"

"Oh, great! All right, forget it. Sorry I asked."

"No, really, I'm serious. I'm from Greece . . . from long timeago Greece. Don't ask me how I got here. I really don't know.And I don't know how to get back." Demo's disconsolate lookalmost convinced Randy.

"You are one good actor. I'm ready to break out a hanky. Look,
I was out of line. You don't have to tell me anything. Hell,
I've told you practically nothing about me, now have I?"

They finished their omelettes, and Randy was sipping his coffeewhen Demo glanced out the window.

"It's him! It's Cronus! I'm going back! Randy, thank you foryour help. Here, take this money."

Demo pulled out handsful of bills, laid them on the table infront of Randy.

"Cronus! Come off it!" Randy glanced out the window.

A tall figure, dressed as was Demo, stood on the sidewalk. Hisface was grim, and he was making some weird, ritualisticmotions. Randy looked toward Demo.

Demo was fading. At the moment he seemed at some point betweenclear jello and fog, with fog gaining the upper hand.

Randy reached out to grab Demo. His hand passed through theimage in front of him, touched nothing.

He stood up, threw his arms around his new found friend.

A chill ran through him.

The room was darkening. His vision blurred.

"Not me! Leave me here! I belong here! I . . . ."

The words faded.

He was now part of the fog. He could see nothing, hear nothing.

But he knew things were happening.

Strange things.

The waitress stood beside the table, eyes wide. "Boss, I don'tfeel too good today. I think I better take the rest of the dayoff."

"You can't do that! Cecilia is ill, Grace is on vacation!
Anyway, what's the problem?"

"Two boys! They were sitting here. I brought them omelets. Nowlook! They're gone. They didn't pay me, I didn't see them leave,they left all this money. Something is really weird. I think itmay be me."

"Nah! Here, let me check the washroom. Anyway, what if theyslipped out. That'll pay for the meal and leave you one realfine tip."

In a moment he returned. "Ain't no one back there. Two of 'em,eh? Look, don't let it bug you. They probably are just havingfun, playing a joke on you."

"Well, I don't like this kind of joke. All right, I'll stay.
Say, I sure feel odd."

Randy looked around wildly.

The city was gone, the restaurant, the building even.

Around him were trees, a nearby brook, some birds singing. Demowas sitting on a log nearby.

"Man, what have you done to me? What is going on here. I don'tlike this. No sir, I don't like this at all!"

"Randy! Randy, what in the world are you doing here? Cronusmust have brought you too. Oh, boy! What a mess."

"This . . . ." Randy hesitated.

"This th' place you were talking about. Look, I'm sorry. Ithought you were putting me on! I wonder why'd he bring me here?How'm I gonna get back. Who is this Cronus? You tell him, I wantto see him, and right now. He can't push me around this way!"

"Just calm down, and for goodness sake, don't talk like that!It's just an accident, just some kind of accident. I'm surehe'll send you back. Well, I'm kind of sure . . . ."

He wasn't.

Randy languished. Rural atmosphere and bucolic settings weregreat TV fare. Who wants to actually live such a life! No way!

Demo attempted to teach him hunting.

Randy proved that, with considerable effort and practice, hewould never be a hunter. The trees chosen as targets survivedunmarked. Arrows vanished into unlikely places.

Chariots in lieu of cars did not sell to well. First, Randy wasscared of horses. Second, he couldn't tell his gee from his haw.Third, he wasn't interested.

However, one aspect of Demo's world did indeed interest Randy.

At the evening meal Theresa chanced by, was introduced, andRandy's eyes lit up. Rural atmosphere, bucolic settings - in theright company they could be tolerable.

He started by telling Theresa of all the wonders of the 20thcentury. She suggested he drink less wine.

He explained to her the pleasures of flying. She gentlysuggested he learn to drive a chariot.

He told her of the convenience of food dispensing machines. Sheexplained to him how gardens could be grown.

They fascinated each other.

Cronus made known to Demo that he could now handle sending
Randy back to his own time and place.

Demo explained this to Randy.

Randy looked at Theresa, who looked wide-eyed at Randy.

"No way! I'm here, and here I'll stay!"

Demo looked at them both, nonplused.

He reported the state of events to Cronus. Cronus consultedwith Zeus.

"Ridiculous," Zeus growled. "Ship him out!"

"Absolutely not!" Hera cried. "It's very romantic. Let himstay."

Being a wise husband, Zeus recanted.

Should you have read of the mysterious disappearance of Randy
Bocksteil, and wondered what happened, you now have the details.

Randy became a mediocre farmer. He learned the rudiments ofhunting, of skinning and quartering deer.

He learned, alas, how to make the potent wine of the region.

When newcomers visit the village, and Randy has sampled his ownwine, he explains to them the wonders of the 20th century.

They suggest he drink less wine.

It was said of Dionysius that, if he did not steal it, he woulddo without it.

It was said of Dionysius that, if he did not kill, he wouldcall the day a waste.

And so it was.

Dionysius came with a band of pirates from a peninsula lyingfar to the west. He came at night, landing on the shores ofGreece in the early dawn of day. He killed a soldier guardingthat shore.

Dionysius killed without hatred, killed quickly. Some joyed intoying with their victims, inflicting pain. They wished tostretch out the victory. They reveled in the growing fear feltby their opponent. Watching in glee as their opponent realizedhis impending fate and became increasingly desperate, theydelayed the inevitable. Then, when the game began to wear, theycruelly and slowly mutilated their prey. Eventually, tiring ofthe game, they dispatched the helpless victim.

Dionysius' pirate companions were of such nature. He despisedthem, traveled with them only for his own ends.

Once they had made shore, dispatched the guard, he left them totheir own devices. He began a sojourn to the mountains. To themountains where lived Demo.

Demo pursued the deer in the foothills. They had migrated downfrom the mountains during the night. He found their spoor besidea clear branch whose cold waters they had come to drink.

Demo followed the trail from the branch deeper into the greencopses. The deer were cautious, kept moving. He pursued them asthey drifted toward the distant seaside. At times the windshifted, and they caught his scent. They scurried quickly intothe deeper forest.

He moved carefully from tree trunk to tree trunk, keeping theobscuring bushes between himself and the herd. Finally thedistance was right, and he drew his bow.

Even as the arrow flew the deer began to bolt.

Too late for the buck he had chosen! It fell to the ground witha shudder as the arrow entered its heart. He moved forwardquickly to bleed the carcass.

Only then did he see the cause for the deers' alarm!

Dionysius stepped from the shadow of a tree trunk, sword inhand.

"Good shooting. Don't reach for another arrow. I believe Ishall take that buck. Be so kind as to carve it for me. And Iwould not try to use knife against sword. At least, not untilthe buck has been carved. Then you may try what you like. Laydown the bow!"

Reluctantly Demo unstrung his bow, placed it on the ground.

I deserve to lose that buck. To have failed to watch, listencarefully! He stalked angrily to the deer, began cleaning themeat.

While cutting he watched the robber with careful eyes. If thefellow dropped his guard! Forlorn hope. It did not happen. Thenhe noticed something new.

The birds on the shoreward side became suddenly noisy, thenbroke into flight. Their flight was followed only by silence.

Something, or someone, was approaching!

He went on with his task, while his eyes searched feverishly tosee who approached.

She stepped into view at the edge of the small clearing.
Smiling she approached.

"Demo, I was told you hunted here. Ah, what a fine buck! Younever miss, do you?"

"Theresa, go home! Quickly!"

He stood erect, stepped between her and the swordsman.

The latter smiled, swished his sword through the air inmelodramatic gesture. "Not so quickly, my lady. We haven't yetbeen properly introduced. Boy, where are your manners?"

Theresa shrank back, took a deep breath, turned toward theforest.

"You run, the boy dies!" Dionysius' voice was gruff, angry.

Slowly she turned back, eyes wide with fear as she glanced at
Demo.

"Theresa, run! Now!"

She obeyed!

"Boy, you call for your own death!" Dionysius growled angrily.

Dashing into the forest, she ran with all possible speed towardthe village. In the fields at the village's edge she saw herfather with other farmers.

"Demo! He's in danger. A swordsman has him prisoner."

They gathered their tools, and her father his longbow. "Showus!" her father commanded, grim-faced.

They arrived in time to see Demo toss the buck's haunch atDionysius. He fell back to ward it off, even as his sword wasimpaled by the meat.

Demo lunged forward, wrestled with Dionysius before the lattercould free his sword. His own knife fell to ground.

Suddenly Dionysius released the sword, dove to the ground andseized the fallen knife.

He smiled as he stepped toward Demo.

Only then did he note the ring of farmers at the forest's edge.
And most of all he noted the longbow, drawn, in the hands of
Theresa's father.

Dionysius, stopped, bowed. "Here, boy, you'll need this tofinish cutting the meat."

He extended the knife, hilt first.

Demo took it, cautiously, backed off.

The farmers quickly tied their captive, led him back to thevillage. A messenger was dispatched, and soldiers came quickly.Dionysius sojourn had ended

18. The Fates

"Now, my boy," Zeus began with a friendly smile and a pat onthe shoulder. "Now, you see, I have this problem. Nothing totumble Olympus, of course. Still, a problem. And you are goingto have the privilege of resolving it. It may well be your claimto fame. No, just joking! It's really minor." He glanced around,lowered his voice.

"My boy, it involves women. Now, I'm not a misogynist - eh, thedictionary is on that stand over there. In spite of being . .." He halted, glanced carefully around once more. "In spite ofbeing married to Hera, I do love and respect beautiful women."

"However, I am Zeus! I am master of the heavens, of earth - andif Pluto would fight fair, of even the nether world! And inspite of that these three - Women! - are flaunting their poweras though I were impotent. Powerless!"

The clouds were forming one on top of another over Olympus.
Suddenly Hera entered, and angry look on her face. "Not over my
flower bed. You've already washed away two of them. Stop it!
Right now!"

Zeus blinked. "Yes, of course, my dear. Merely explaining a fewthings to the boy here." He took a deep breath, let it outslowly while watching the clouds with anxious eye. They slowlybegan to dissipate. Zeus smiled a wan smile.

"Lovely woman. A little impetuous at times. Loves that garden."

"Let me see. We were talking about this little task. Well, whatI'd really like for you to do is to bring me some items. It'skind of a game, really. Yes, a game. A scavenger hunt!"

"And you, my boy, you will undoubtedly be successful. Threeitems. Simple little items. Nothing controversial. No indeed.Wouldn't think of it."

"Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt?"

"No. No, sir. Never."

"Really great fun. I recall when I and this bevy of Naiads . .. Well, no need to trouble your mind over that . . ." Zeus wassilent for a moment, a slight smile on his lips as he reminisced.

"On a scavenger hunt you go out and locate the items you havebeen told to bring back. And you bring them back, and you win.That simple. So be on your way, now. Don't slam the door."

"Yes, sir. I mean, no sir. The items, sir?"

"Oh, of course. A pair of scissors. I told you, nothing rare orcontroversial. Thread. Yes, plain, ordinary old thread. And aspinning wheel. A little large and awkward. But, I assure you,not too much so for a youth of strength and stamina. Threeitems. I think you'll enjoy this scavenger hunt. I really do."

"There are those - you'll find this unbelievable, but havefaith - There are those who believe they have the power of lifeand death. Well, I'll have you know it lies in my hands. Do youdoubt? Shall I demonstrate?" Zeus face was reddening, and cloudswere once more forming above Olympus.

In fact, he noted them. "Ah, well, yes, have to watch that.Let's not become perturbed. Oh, Heavens no. My boy, enjoy yourscavenger hunt." He waved grandly.

"Oh, let me help you a little. Three sisters, and I'll not tellyou their names, have the very objects for which you search.Lovely ladies, and I'm sure they'll do all they can to bringyour search to a quick end. Very quick."

He found himself in the midst of a glade. And well it was, forrain was beginning to fall, and the trees protected him from thecold drops. Scissors, thread, and a spinning wheel. Why, hethought, I can get those from Mother.

Suddenly a shudder ran through him. He did not move. He knew.The unseen companion was there. Waiting, waiting - waiting forwhat? What event would trigger the inhuman hatred radiated bythis strange creature. Always there. Never fully seen.

He rose slowly, glanced fearfully around the glade. "Come out,if you dare. I await your pleasure."

He thought he heard the rustle of leaves. Quickly he glancedupward. The leaves were indeed moving. This time they werestirred by a vagrant breeze. He shook his head.

He knew - though he knew not how - that the scissors, thread,and spinning wheel of his mother would not serve. These mustcome from the three sisters. The lovely ladies mentioned byZeus. In the back of his mind he thought of stories he hadheard. Perhaps, at some early age, he had heard of the threesisters. Sadly, he could not remember. Who are they, and wheredo they dwell?

Startled, he looked up. The leaves were again moving. Thistime, no breeze caused this disturbance.

A large bird, perhaps a white owl, flew rapidly through theforest and in its wake soft white down marked a trail. A trailhe knew he must follow.

The skies darkened as he stalked deeper and deeper into theforest. In time the wooded vales grew even darker, and the skyno longer came to view. A thought formed in his mind, he knewnot how. He knew for whom he searched.

The thought brought sweat to his brow. The Sisters of Night!
How often had he heard the legends, the strange tales. How often
had they spun the thread, how often cut it! It must be they. The
Sisters of Night!

He was lost. The trail was no longer marked ahead, and behindwas only darkness. Slowly he inched forward, hoping for a clue.A simple indication of which way to proceed.

He heard the sound and joy almost made him sing out. She hasreturned, he thought, glancing to his right. And then he froze.Indeed he had heard sound. And indeed was something there.Something huge and monstrous, too near to be imagination; toofar to be clearly seen. The unseen companion! With him still!

He notched his arrow. It was too late. Even as he moved therain fell heavy and he could make out, not even the trees beforehim. He waited. Only silence. No further sounds were heard. Witha sigh he returned the arrow to its pouch.

A flash of lightning lit a rocky rise before him, and he notedthe mouth of a huge cave. Slowly he inched up to the opening,slowing stared into its depth.

Though nothing met his eyes, yet there seemed a light, a smallflickering light, somewhere in its deep within. Cautiously hemoved forward.

"Welcome, Welcome, Young man! We've been waiting. What kept youso long? Hurry along now, The thread is growing short. Comealong."

He blinked. She wasn't there a moment ago! Waiting for me? Idon't understand!

"Madame, there is a mistake. You couldn't have been waiting forme. I don't know you. I had no intention of stopping here. I . .."

She smiled. And though she were old and wrinkled, her eyesbrightened like a happy child's. "Come along. You'll understandby and by. Come along."

She led him ever deeper into the cavern. The flickering lightgrew ever brighter, and seemed to flicker no more. Finally hiscompanion motioned for him to stop. "Mustn't frighten them.'Twould be terrible if they made a mistake. Terrible!"

"Clotho, he has arrived. Lachesis, welcome him. Come, my dear."She led him forward, and he bowed to the ladies who looked upfrom their labor, glanced at him without emotion or eveninterest.

"Girls, girls, are we that old! Look at him. Isn't he ahandsome one. Ah, how sad. To die so young!"

"Atropos, your were always one to talk too much. Here are yourscissors. Now get on with it!"

Clotho was busy spinning a thread. Her spindle moved slowly attimes, then rapidly. Lachesis, bent forward, examining thethread, comparing its length to an unseen measuring stick."Right about there, sister dear. Oh, give him another inch. Noharm done. He is a handsome young man."

Atropos looked at the scissors handed her, sighed. "I would itwere otherwise, young man. But we are duty bound. Nothing canstay us from our labor."

Wide-eyed he stood as the scissors opened, approached thethread. "Wait! Zeus, Zeus, He wants you. You must ceaseimmediately. He eagerly awaits your company."

"Zeus! Olympus! Parties! Dancing! He wants us. Child, you can'tmean it. 'Twas he who banished us to this cold, dank cave. Andnow he wishes our return? Well, he's plainly drunk too much ofthat nectar. I knew it would eventually get to him. Clotho, haveyou a thread for Zeus?"

"Oh, never. Well, I admit, I tried. After all, it wasn't at allnice of him to send us here. Anyway, it kept unraveling."

"Lachesis, give the boy another foot or two. Oh, give him anextra yard. Boy, we'll get dressed as soon as we've put away ourtools. Zeus wants to see us!"

"Eh, please, don't put away your tools. He is extremelyinterested in your skills. You must bring them along."

"Learned to appreciate us, has he? My, how many eons has ittaken! Oh, very well."

He led the way and in due time they arrived at Olympus. "Waitat the gate, I'll announce your coming." He smiled at theiractivities.

Clotho was practicing her curtsies, Lachesis her bows. Atropossmiled a broad smile, then a more reserved one, then tried acalm yet quiet visage.

"Zeus, sir, I have them. I have them."

"Well done. Amazing. No! Not really. I always knew you had theright stuff. Of course, to scavenge the items I fear you had toterminate the owners. It is sad. Still, what can one do? Bringthem in, bring them in. Scissors, thread, and spinning wheel!Wonderful, wonderful!"

"Oh, no sir. I didn't have to terminate them. In fact, they'rehere. Come in ladies, and receive your welcome."

Zeus opened his mouth, closed it. He looked at the three
Sisters of Night. He looked at Demo.

"Yes, brought them with you. Yes, very thoughtful of you. Thankyou, my boy, thank you. Don't call me, I'll call you."

With that Demo found himself in his own home, in his own room,rolling off his own bed with a thud.

Rough barked joyously, leaped upon him in frantic welcome.

"Ah, that Zeus! I really wish he'd not do it that way," he saidaloud. "Mother, I'm hungry!"

19. The Stables

"I'm delighted, my boy, that your chores are almost completed.Delighted!" Zeus didn't look delighted. Rather, he seemed putout. Jolly voice and all, but that scowl!

"Now, this next task. Represents a logistic problem, really.Time consuming, rather than difficult. Your qualifications aresuch that you'll have little trouble, I'm sure." Zeus smiled, asthough at some secret humorous thought.

"I'm into some real estate deals. Brought a few places down onearth. Boy, was I taken on this one. Oh, was I taken. Shystersand developers! I must visit Pluto one day and see if he hasroom for any more. They are overrunning his place, I'm afraid."For a moment Zeus fell silent. His thoughts were evidently onhis brother's domain, and the shysters and developers dwellingtherein. A bright smile lit his face.

"To the matter at hand. I brought this ranch. Excellentproperty, very reasonable price. Closed escrow and all that.Then I thought to look inside the stables. Gad!"

"Poor suffering creatures. Horses, excellent horses.
Unfortunately, locked in those stables for eons. Eons and eons.
Maybe longer. To summarize, the place was not entirely sanitary.
Now be off with you and get it cleaned up." He guffawed rather
loudly.

"Oh, here. This may help." Zeus handed Demo a broom, a mop, anda clothespin. "For the nose, you understand."

Demo arrived unceremoniously at the stable doors. He wasgreeted by the local population, consisting of many and variedforms of flies. Black flies, white flies, colorless flies - alleager to make his acquaintance.

Shooing them away he slowly opened the stable doors, quicklyclosed them.

Impossible! No mortal could possibly clean up this mess. Stillhadn't a hero, long ago, faced a similar problem?

Yes, yes indeed. And he had solved it. Solved it by merelychanging the course of a stream. Simple enough. Now where mighthe find a stream.

There was one, and at not too great a distance.

Well, it is only a creek. Nevertheless, it's all I have. Solet's give it a try.

He worked diligently, opening a channel to the very door of thehuge barn. As night drew near he began to dam the creek, forcingits waters to divert to his newly dug channel.

The youthful civil engineer smiled.

The water was beginning to flow. Quickly he hurried to thestable, dared the flies, and threw wide the doors at both endsof the edifice. Fortunately he wore the clothespin.

The water was moving ever closer. The chore was indeed a simpleone.

He looked up, and frowned.

The sky had darkened, and even now huge raindrops began tofall. The mild creek was rising higher and higher. The dam,built to withstand that creek, was faced with an ever deepening,ever angrier river.

The water reached the top of the dam, flowed now heavilythrough the channel, washed at the very entrance to the stables.

Suddenly the dam began to move, at first slowly. A crackappeared in the middle. It widened.

Water began to seep through the crack.

Water began to pour through the crack.

The crack was gone!

The dam was gone!

Demo sat down, stared in disbelief.

In moments his hours of work destroyed! The rock, the mud, thegood green sod - all gone.

And the stable, fly infested, standing as before.

Even as he looked a swarm of flies rose, moved in hisdirection.

Quickly he retreated.

This required rethinking! Not so simple a chore as he hadthought!

Back to Olympus! I must talk to Zeus! No way!

He arrived at Olympus. Zeus was absent. "He is on a . . .," hisgardener smiled, ". . . on a hunting trip." He winked.

Suddenly a loud screech disturbed their ears.

"Oh, dear!" The gardener wrung his hands. "That's Hera! Theflowers are growing so poorly. I've spent hours tending them.But they will not grow in this kind of soil. I've told Zeus athousand times. Olympus is just too pure!"

Hera entered.

"I will not have my flowers drooping, my bushes wilting! I maywell have my gardener in that condition if he tends not to mygarden!"

The gardener cringed.

"What are you doing here. Did not Zeus send you out on anotherof his ridiculous chores. Begone, then, for I am not fit companytoday!" She stomped back to her patio, giving one last angrylook at the gardener.

Demo frowned. "Well, I wish I could help. Anyway, I'm not muchof a gardener. I know we use fertilizer on our plants. Mostly weuse . . . ." He paused. A thought had entered his mind.

"Sir, perhaps this is your lucky day!"

"This boy, eh, the one who sold you the fertilizer for thevinyard and for Hera's garden," Zeus paused, a slight frown onhis face. The clouds above Olympus darkened, and a low rumble ofthunder sounded in the distance. "This boy wasn't too smart, yousay?"

"Oh, no! Smart? Ha!"

"At first he wanted ambrosia, wine, women - for fertilizer!Ridiculous! He talked! And talked. The more he talked the lesshe decided to charge. We waited quietly." The gardener smiled.

"His charges dropped?"

"His charges dropped!"

"Still we waited! Aha! Finally he agreed that it was all ours,if we would give him just one bottle of wine and agree to moveeverything within 3 days! Oh, he was a cute rascal! We justoutwitted him. Yes, eventually, he came our way. Merely a matterof waiting." The gardener's smile broadened.

"Yes," Zeus mused. "A cute rascal, indeed!"

"So, this callow youth, this dunce from the barnyards,practically gave away his, eh, merchandise?"

"And did you, eh, move all this fertilizer? Within 3 days?"

"Oh, yes, sire. Indeed we did. We didn't want to give him thechance of changing his mind. I had to call on all the Gods -save yourself, Sire - to get the job done. Such dedication. EvenHera carried her share. Lovely wife, Sire, lovely!"

The gardener smiled. Zeus nodded somewhat glumly.

"And we gave him 5 bottles of wine to insure he gave no furtherthought to the fertilizer or the stables."

"What! What is this! Stables! Did you say Stables!" Zeus browwas dark, and the clouds above Olympus now roiled and flashes oflighting lit the dour sky.

"Why, yes, sire. It seems that, through negligence, the stableshad not been cleaned in - well, in a long time. One might saythey were a bit ripe."

"And the horses! Poor things! They were indeed in need ofwashing and curry-combing."

"But, to the matter at hand. Yes, stables they were. And fullto the brim with excellent fertilizer. Oh, such gardens as weshall have this spring! I'm sure you will be well pleased."

Zeus sniffed the air. Zeus seemed to be not well pleased. Hewas muttering to himself.

"Callow youth? Stables? Fertilizer? I will have his head . . .!
Buying it from him with my own goods! Inconceivable!"

"Had all the Gods and Goddesses hard at work. That's something
I've never accomplished. Ah, perhaps he might fit in well at
Olympus!"

Dionysius sat quietly in the prow of the boat. The ferryman wassilent, merely guided the craft on its way. The craft moved ofits own volition.

"How come I here? Who are you? And what is this body of wateron which we float?"

The ferryman stared at him in steely silence.

Dionysius glanced around, studied the ferryman, the boat, thedark liquid on which they floated.

"I was condemned, and the execution was for tomorrow. I hadvenison for supper - stupid cook burned it badly, gravy wastasteless. Then I slept. Someone roused me and we went to theexecution chamber. They readied me for the blade. I remembercursing them soundly, one and all. I was bound and theexecutioner made ready. Did I faint? Did you rescue me, or wasit another? What pay do you expect for this service? I am a poorman, so don't expect too much!"

Although the air was dark and gloomy Dionysius was beginning tofeel cheerful.

"However it was done, I am thankful. And you shall all berewarded. Before I stabbed the old priest I learned from him thelocation of the temple's treasure. I saw it with my own eyes.Jewels, money, golden goblets and silver. Yes, indeed, you shallbe rewarded."

He smiled.

He sniffed the air.

"The sewers must lead into this stream, the smell of burningsulfur irritates my eyes. How much farther until we reach shore?There is a strangely unpleasant odor about this place. I like itnot. Will you speak, or shall I toss you into this filthystream!"

He rose, stepped toward the silent figure.

Suddenly he stopped.

The ferryman neither shrank from his approach, nor responded.His face was hidden by the hood he wore. Yet his eyes shone frombeneath that hood.

The look from those eyes froze Dionysius in midstep.

"No! No! It is a bedtime story to frighten children. What areyou telling me . . . ."

His gaze shifted from stream to boat, from boat to ferryman,from ferryman to stream.

"It is a fairy tale, nothing else. Take me to the shore!" Hisvoice was once more threatening.

Suddenly he sat down, held his head between his two hands,sobbed quietly.

"It's true, isn't it? This river - Styx is its name. You arethe ferryman. This gloom is not the dark of night. It's alltrue!"

Suddenly a thought came to mind.

"Then you are . . . You are Charon. And I must have - yes, hereit is. Your toll. Take me then to the Elysian Fields. Quickly,take me away from this dreadful place."

He extended Charon's toll.

The figure made no move to accept.

Rather, a deep and melancholy voice responded. "Your stop isnot the Elysian shore."

Dionysius gazed at the dark figure, at the coin. Reluctantly helet the coin fall, watched it disappear into the depths of themurky water.

He was silent.

What more was there to say!

20. The Demon's Lair

There are dark grottoes in the high mountains. And tarns, deepand cold, bottomless pits of murky water. And in some fewfavored spots, dark grottoes and murky tarns together.

Such was the site at which Demo stood.

Here dwelt one whom even Olympians fear. This was the Demon's
Lair.

The village folk had long remembered legends. Hoary legends,whispered around campfires during winter storm. Used to frightenchildren to mind their manners. But only legends. Or so Demo hadlong believed.

Something - no one spoke a name - there was. Or something therehad been. Something that preceded even the Titans, that ancientrace from whom the Olympians were descended.

The Titans, so the tales went, had not conquered it. Rather,they had duped it, deceived it, and encaged it in bars not ofthis world. Bars that, until now, had held. Bars that,perchance, were weakening with the passage of eons.

Whispered conversations on earth, whispered conversations onthe pristine streets of Olympus, told of an ominous presence.Not seen, nor heard - still dread of this unknown creaturestalked the night as might stalk even the creature itself.

Idle chatter of fearful children? Old wives tales from the backwoods? Or something else, something evil. Something so powerfulthat even the gates of Olympus stood not against it.

No one knew.

And that was why Demo stood at the gate to the demon's lair.
Zeus would know what manner of creature was there imprisoned.
Zeus would know what manner of prison held such a creature in
throe.

Who better to send than Demo? If he succeeded, another taskmarked off. If he failed, one less concern as Athena choseanother.

Demo gazed into the still water of the tarn, touched itssurface with his hand. He gasped at the chilling cold thatseized his entire arm.

Was this then the tarn of which he had been forewarned? Wouldhere the strange tie between himself and the unseen companion besevered - or brought to its inevitable conclusion?

It seemed fitting!

No drearier spot had he seen. No gloomier grotto existed inthese mountains. If doom hung over his head, it could not choosea place more suitable than this!

He resigned himself to the inevitable!

The sun slipped swiftly behind the western peaks, and coolnight breezes stirred the leaves. Swallows swooped in thedarkening sky, and night creatures called one to another as dayended.

Come morning and he would search further. For now, a fire,food, and a night's rest.

The flames reflected from the precipice's base, their warmthwelcomed as cool night crept in. Beyond the fire lightnightsounds rose and fell, now near, now far.

He added wood to the fire, wrapped himself in his Eddie Bauermummy bag. Ah, how pleasant to sleep after a long day's journey.

It was a sleep beleaguered by dreams. Dreams of he who dwelledin the deep tarn. In the dreams the creature came forth, lookeddown on the sleeping youth. It's eyes were cold, held deadlyenmity.

Yet, it did not strike. Motionless it observed him, turned, anddescended once more into the frigid waters.

Morning came early. Demo sat up, wide-eyed. From the tarn'sbrink to his resting place he saw footprints. A great weight hadpressed them, even into the dryer ground. They turned back, ledonce more to the tarn.

Demo closed his eyes, breathed deeply. What manner of creature,and why had it turned away, doing him no harm? The footprints,though huge, seemed hardly those of some monstrous being capableof frightening even the Lords of Olympus.

Demo stirred the ashes to reveal hot colds beneath, fed twigsand breathed gently on them to kindle a fire. As he placedlarger branches on the flames he heard behind him the sound ofmeasured footsteps.

With a start he turned.

The man looking down at him loomed tall and ominous. He showedno emotion. Rather, his face was calm, nor did his demeanorsuggest threat. Slowly Demo rose, glanced toward his bow andquiver.

The man smiled.

"It would avail thee not. Rest easy. I mean you no harm. You,in turn, may be of aid to me. Why am I here, summoned from anage yet to be, a world far removed? Did you summon me? I thinknot. You are only a child! What can you tell me of this place,and of that one who stole from the cold waters in the dark ofnight?"

"Who are you? You were summoned? How so? From an age yet to be,a world far removed? I understand not your words. Still, if youwere summoned I can think only that it was the work of Zeus. No,perhaps not. Athena may have brought you here to provide succorfor me on this strange sojourn."

The tall man squatted before the fire, warmed his outstretchedhands. "Strange names, these. Zeus? Athena? I know them not. Andhow might I, Beowulf, provide succor to one such as you, when Iseem unable to even help myself. I sit here, lost, knowingneither north nor south, east nor west."

He spoke quietly, calmly. For all the strangeness of theseproceedings, his face showed no fear, his eyes reflected onlyconstant vigil.

"I can tell you why I am here. Zeus sent me to find whatcreature is imprisoned beneath these waters, and what manner ofprison it be. It is plain, from your words; and from the printsupon the shore, it is imprisoned no more."

Beowulf responded musingly. "I walked 'neath moonlight acrossthe moors, alone. The sound of wings, and huge white owl flewby. And then the moors were gone, moonlight faded, and I standupon this forsaken shore of some strange pond. I feel overcomingme a dread that once before I felt, only once before. And thatwhen I fought 'neath murky waters with the mother of Grendl. Isthere no end? Have I come here once more to meet a fiend inmortal combat? And each more powerful than that which wentbefore?"

Demo eyes lit up. "It was Athena. She knew of you, though youhad never been. And if she has brought you here, it is with goodcause. Grendl, and the mother of Grendl. Who, or what, are theseof which you speak?"

"Fiends, creatures of night and corruption, that prey on goodfolk, weak and helpless. Alone I have met them, and that intheir own lair, and brought upon them such destruction as theyhad sown. Monstrous though they were, yet did I feel not dreadas I feel in this dark cove. What manner of creature dwells inyonder tarn. In my mind my thoughts are dark, and Wyrd himselfpeoples them."

"Wyrd? I know of Zeus, of Pluto, and of others of like ilk. Iknow not Wyrd."

For a moment Beowulf sat silent, eyes on the ground before him."Wyrd is he who awaits us. Before all, he was. When all hasfaded and passed on, he will be. Though I fear him, I shall notbow to his power. Strangely, I believe he dwells here. I knownot why."

Demo spoke now, glancing at the tarn in apprehension. "Legendshave it that, before the Titans ruled, another walked thisworld, held it in a grasp of iron. Then the Titans beguiled himin some strange manner, and with fetters formed of dreamsentangled him. After that, that he might never again escape theylocked him away in caverns far beneath Tartarus' depths."

He gazed at Beowulf, back at the tarn.

"It is said he once more walks the earth, and he is not astranger even to the streets of Olympus. Nameless among us,perhaps Wyrd is the name he bears."

Beowulf took from its sheath his sword. Light reflected fromits surface in strange patterns, and the sword's edge seemedalive and moving in the sun's rays.

"I grow old. Yet, it seems, there is one more toil, one battlemore. Well, so be it. Every man dies. But it is given to some tolive and die for a cause. For a cause that makes their havinglived worthwhile. Boy, I will stand beside thee. Against thisone none has ever prevailed. How will fare a boy, and an oldman?"

He laughed. "Well, well, until I came none had prevailedagainst Grendl. Nor against Grendl's mother. Be of good cheer.We shall do what flesh and blood can do. And if that be notenough, then surely we shall die as men, sword in hand!"

The day passed swiftly, and shadows were lengthening. Demobuilt a fire, warmed the food his mother had hastily packed.Beowulf ate of dried meat he carried.

"Your friend, I think, will return once more this night. Sleepby your fire. I shall rest against the trunk of that oak, andwhen he comes I will greet him. If your Zeus be powerful, prayunto him, for this night one walks the earth as evil incarnate.And of us three, I fear none shall view a rising sun."

Beowulf rose, walked to the tall oak, sat at its base. He laythe naked sword across his lap, closed his eyes. Whatever dreadhe felt, it showed not in his demeanor or action. Though heslept Demo knew no sound or motion would escape his attention.It was the sleep of one ever alert, ready for the life and deathstruggle that might lie ahead.

A fog rose from the cold surface of the tarn, and driven by alight breeze, drifted onto the shore. Demo huddled close to thefire, eyes watching anxiously that fog-shrouded tarn, themist-shrouded trees. His hand clutched his bow, and an arrow laybeside him, ready to be notched.

With sunset the grotto lost all semblance of light. Vague windsrustled tree limbs, calls of night birds sounded, and othersounds. Sounds that brought quick apprehension to his mind. Andthen they faded - then returned once more.

Suddenly Demo sat up!

He had fallen asleep. A noise, a movement? Something had surelywakened him.

The crescent moon had risen, and in its light the trees andbushes cast soft shadows.

Quickly he glanced toward the huge oak.

Beowulf was gone!

Slowly he turned his eyes toward the tarn.

It was there!

Moving toward him with deliberate stride, dark except where themoonlight reflected from its eyes.

Quickly he notched his arrow, drew the bow.

Nearer it came, and nearer. It seemed nearly upon him when heloosed his arrow. It struck the creature full in the chest,dropped harmlessly to the ground.

"Athena, farewell!"

The creature's claws touched his arm, cutting effortlesslythrough cloth and through flesh.

"Face me, worm of death. I've traveled through space and timeto challenge you, and you return to your lair only through me."

The creature rose, loosed the boy. It turned to face Beowulf.

Throughout the forest the scream of anger sounded!

It charged the waiting swordsman.

Claws extended, fangs bared, it leaped with fury on its foe.

Quickly they were joined by sound of blows, the whistle ofBeowulf's blade in air. With every motion the sword gleamed witha strange and changing light. Now a deep and glowing red. Then agreen that seemed to flow its length, changing to sunlightyellow. And all besmeared with the blood of Wyrd!

Blood flowed, both red and green!

Beowulf fell before the onslaught, rose again.

Demo watched, transfixed. Even in the horror of nightmare wasnot seen such fearsome battle!

Wounded both and bleeding, and still the battle continued!

The moon dropped from view, and the gentle stars looked down onthe frenzied struggle.

In despair Demo saw Beowulf fall, his sword dropping from hishand.

Demo lunged forward quickly, was struck down as quickly. Hefelt a bump rising on his head where the blow had landed. Hecrawled forward, fell, lay still. The creature turned once moreto Beowulf, its blood-drenched claws extended.

From the tree tops the white object plummeted, opened wide itswings and flew into the face of the fiend. Startled, the monsterfell, rolled over and quickly slipped into the frigid waters ofthe tarn.

Athena stood beside Demo. Their eyes looked in sorrow at theprostrate body of Beowulf.

Even as they moved forward to help him he sat up, his handsearching for and seizing the hilt of his sword. Without a wordhe stood, shook his head, staggered to the brink of the tarn.

Sword clutched in hand, a look of resignation on his face, hedove into the Demon's Lair!

For a brief moment the water was still, not even a breezedisturbing its surface.

Without warning it erupted!

A huge shape rended its surface, fell back with a scream ofanger! The green blood blended with the dark water of the tarn.

For hours the battle continued. The once calm tarn was now anocean of waves and froth, and thunder sound above it. Frombeneath those waters rumbles of anger rose. Sulfurous fumeslifted from its surface, killed the trees bordering the darkwaters.

Then nought but silence!

Athena's voice was sad. "He will drive Wyrd once more intothose bonds that have so long endured. For all his heroism, forall his strength, Beowulf cannot survive the conflict, and evenI cannot save him." She gazed, sad-eyed, at the fateful tarn.

"Yet, he shall return at last in another time, another place.Indeed he will one day slay the Grendl, the Grendl's mother -archfiends of another era."

Her eyes were turned to the heavens, seemed to look beyond thevisible.

"Beyond that, the day will come when the fire dragon itselfshall fall to his sword. Only then shall Wyrd have him, as Wyrdmust have us all."

"Come, Zeus waits."

"Wyrd. Yes, yes, the Worm of Death. But, even the Titans knewit only as a legend. Well, never mind. It is once more returnedto its lair, once more imprisoned."

Zeus seemed to have other thoughts on his mind.

"How did you manage, my boy. No, no, I don't have time! Golftournament this afternoon. Poseidon has won the last two. Still,the score is getting closer. Oh, would you care to caddy. No, Isuppose you are a little tired. Good night, my son."

"Good night, my son."

Demo looked up at his mother, rolled over and pulled theblankets close. Such strange dreams.

His fingers gingerly rubbed the lump on his head.

Theresa entered the room timidly, eyes downcast.

"Is Demo home. I need to talk to him."

Metaneira's eyes held a question? "He's out back with Rough. Issomething wrong?"

"I . . . I like Demo. I really wouldn't hurt him for the world.I am sorry, I . . . . Please, I can't marry him. Metaneira, I amsorry. There is another. Oh, what can I say, what shall I do!"

"Theresa, don't cry. Perhaps all will work out for the best.But, yes, you should tell him. He is a brave lad. I'm sure hewill take it like a man. Why don't you wipe your eyes, then goout back and talk to him. Be brave, girl!"

As Theresa went out the back door Metaneira looked up, shookher fist. "Athena, you are a conniver. Who have you sent to poorTheresa? I should have known. Oh, well, you may make adelightful daughter-in-law."

She shook her head, looked out the back door.

Theresa and Demo were standing quietly, his arms around her.

"It's all right, little sister. You see, I think it's alwaysbeen this way. I've always felt toward you like a big brother. Idon't think I could really have been anything else." Demo spokequietly.

He liked Theresa, always had. Not as a lover. No, more as thelittle girl next door than as an attractive and mature younglady. Even now he could not see her other than as the littlegirl.

"Who is he, Theresa? Are you sure?"

"You know him. Randy. He is so strange and wonderful and I knewwhen we first met."

He smiled, placing his hand under her chin he lifted it up. "Ifhe ever mistreats you, you let me know. And tell him big brotherwill beat him to a pulp if he isn't nice to you. Understand?"

She half sobbed, half laughed.

"Yes, big brother."

She hugged him, her arms around his neck, then kissed him onthe lips, pressing against him. For a moment they stood thus.

"You know, big brother, I think I could have made you love me -another way. I'm very glad I didn't. I'll always need a bigbrother."

"I'll be here."

21. Dream Shadows

In sleep reality is dreams, dreams reality. And Demo knew notwhether he slept, and all was but a dream. Or, whether, waking,his mind did dream of dreams.

It had started - as had all his recent adventures - with asummons from Zeus. And when Zeus spoke Demo felt that, perhaps,he had indulged in too much of Olympic nectar.

"Boy, the world is not what it seems. Look around you. What doyou see?"

The question, of course, was purely rhetorical. Zeus went onwith no hesitation.

"You see Olympus, of course. And, if you had my powers, youmight look down and see earth. Or even let your gaze penetrateto the nether kingdom of my brother, Pluto. With a little moreeffort Tartarus comes in view. And that, think you, is theuniverse. Ah, and that is where you err."

Zeus was plainly morose. He had a problem that bothered him.And rather than attacking the problem head-on, he was talkinghis way around it.

"Ah, indeed, Sire! Just the other day I was telling my mother .. . ."

"Yes, yes, but what I mean is, there is also the unseen. Theworld in transition. It was, and now is not. Yet, in a strangesort of way, it is. Understand? (More rhetorical questions.) Itwill be, eventually; it hasn't become, yet. It's a world in . .. well, it's a world in transition. And during the transition,it isn't. Hmmm, very simple, actually. Must make a note of that,- A world in transition - should go over well at the club."

He reached above his head, unrolled a long papyrus, and jotteda few notes on the bottom. As he let go the papyrus rewound,disappearing when the last page was snugly wrapped. Zeus smiled,took a slight bow, and tossed his pen into the air. It, too,disappeared. But, not, unfortunately, before several drops ofink splattered the divine face. With a growl Zeus reached up anda white towel appeared. He started to wipe away the ink.

"Drop that! Not with my clean towel!"

Hera rushed into the room, seized the towel, handing Zeusinstead a well-used one. With a sigh he wiped away the ink,dropped the towel into the waste disposer. The waste disposergrowled, wagged its tail, and devoured the towel with a singlegulp.

"Anyway, that's where you need to go. It's the one regionoutside of my domain. I just don't have any power there, becauseit really doesn't exist, you understand. Well, it exists, kindof, to be scientifically precise."

Zeus prided himself on his scientific knowledge.

"And, Sire, what is the purpose of my visit."

"That, my boy, is a good question. Let us see if we canfabricate a good answer." He paused, walked back and forthtwice, did a hop and a skip and a slight curtsy.

"I don't know! You will have to define your mission yourself.You see, this transition world, this shadow land - that's it,that's what I wanted to say. Shadow land! It is that. That iswhere you are to go. And what are you to do? Improvise!Improvise, my lad!"

"Yes sir, but to what end?"

"That tomorrow may come."

"That tomorrow may come?"

"Great! You've got it! Farewell, and a safe journey!"

Transitions? Shadow land? So that tomorrow will come? Has Zeusreached his dotage! Demo would ask more, except that he foundhimself suddenly alone. Alone, but where? Surely this was nothis own world.

The gray fog swirled, settled, then swirled again. Dimlyobjects could be seen. And movement. They were there, or so itseemed. Yet, what objects? And what moved?

Silence accompanied the fog. Or, perhaps, preceded it.
Regardless, the only sound was his own breathing.

A light was approaching. Small, at first almost non-existent,it loomed larger, though no brighter. A silhouette, vague anddistorted, carried the lantern. At times both disappeared as thefog thickened.

The approach stopped. Plainly they sensed his presence. Thelantern was held higher, and he could catch glimpses of awoman's face. There was anxiety in her eyes, even fear, as shegazed at him.

"Sir, whence cometh thou? Thee be not of our world. Flee to thyhome, for he walks the moors this night!"

"I . . . I am sent by Zeus. You say one walks this night? Whowalks the moors this night? And why should I fear?"

"None is safe alone in the dark. If you have not where to gothen come with me. Quickly, quickly!"

He followed her down dark alleys, twisting streets. The earthwas wet, and muddy water flowed in rivulets crisscrossing theirway. Varied smells, of vegetables, of cooked meats, and ofdecay, tinted the air. At times lights were visible throughsmall barred windows along their way.

The fog became ever more intense. She held his hand that he notgo astray. Her hand was small and cold. He enwrapped it in hisown to give it warmth. She smiled at his concern.

They passed a pond where floated debris, bodies of dogs andcats, and perhaps objects of more unsavory character. As theyreached the far edge of the pond she turned to the right,slipped and shuffled down a mucky side street.

She slid the door open and motioned him to remove his footwear.When they stepped inside she took a soiled towel from its rack,wiped his feet and her own.

The room was small. A straw mat covered the floor, and cheapcotton tapestry decorated the walls. A small barred windowlooked out from the back wall. A mat unrolled on the floorbeneath the window served for sleeping.

She closed the door, dropped a strong wooden bar in place toblock it from opening. "He will not enter. Still may the Powershelp whomever he meets on these dark streets. You are fortunateI took you in. Others might have taken you for a changeling, andleft you to your own devices. Many a young maid has lost herlife by mating with handsome changelings!"

"You are most kind. No, no changeling I. My name is Demo, and Iam here on a mission. When it is done I must once more depart."

She seemed little interested in his mission, regarded his faceand figure with marked curiosity.

"Thy clothes are not as ours. Thy skin is dark from rays ofsun, and here there is no sun. And thee speaketh strangely, withwords and accent unknown in this land." She stopped, a bemusedlook on her face.

"What call you this land and its people? What is your name?"

She smiled at his questions.

"This is the world of Brume, and we are named Brumians. As forme, you may call me Mist. It is only a title, not my name. Ournames we hold sacred, and to give them to others invites direconsequences. Yes, to Mist I shall answer."

"Well, I suppose I should likewise be as reticent. Anyway, myname is . . ."

Quickly she put her hand to his lips. "Speak it not again! Youare a stranger, a sojourner in a strange land, and its customsare not of your world. You need not believe in our customs, butdo not needlessly court danger. I shall name you."

She walked around him, a smile touching her lips. "Thou arttall, youthful, strong. Thou traveleth from far lands to ourworld. I name thee Wanderer."

She opened the back window and the white vapors of fog creptin. Sliding a small door to the side she removed a pot and someutensils. Toward the center of the room she removed a block offloormat, revealing a pit in which firewood lay.

Soon the room was warmed, and the aroma of a thick souptantalized his nostrils. Gladly did he eat, little noticing thatonly spoonsful remained for her. "Ah, you cook like my ownmother! What meat is this?"

"Do not concern yourself. It is nourishing, and harmless toyou. It is the night season, and you may share my pad. Thoughyou may think me forward, ask nought of me, for I am pledged.Only my company can I grant thee."

He slept. The fire died, the fog shrouded the room.

Of early morning he woke to find her fast asleep beside him. Hereached out to tuck the blanket around her shoulders.

His eyes widened. Taking a deep breath he drew back his hand inconsternation and sudden dread.

The shoulder was without substance. His hand felt cold andclammy air, nought else, passed through to touch the mat beneath.

She woke, looked at him with sad and pensive eyes. "Doth theeunderstand. Thou are not as we. We are but shadows, and thou artreal. Waking, we can have semblance of reality. Sleeping, itfades. But touch me once more, for now I am."

Reluctantly he reached out for the hand she extended. Thoughcold, it was solid now as his own.

The sadness on her face disturbed him. Quietly he squeezed herhand, smiled. "There is much I don't understand. You have beenkind to me. Still, I have a mission, and it must be done. I . .. "

The rattling of the door interrupted him. It started suddenly,grew in intensity. Mist moved to the far corner, dread on herface.

Demo frowned, took up his bow and notched an arrow. Slowly hedrew the bow, waited.

The door held. In moments the rattling ceased. From withoutthey heard a growl, followed then only by silence.

"Stay. Don't go out. He walks the street this night." Mist heldhis arm, eyes wide.

"Who is he? Why should I fear?"

"He is like you. He also comes from elsewhere. Yet, he is notlike you. For you are kind. He destroys all he meets. And he isreal, not shadow. When he came our world stopped. No longer dowe move from the unreal to the real. We linger here in thisshadow world, with no yesterday and no tomorrow."

He looked at her, startled. "No tomorrow? Strange! He saidsomething very much like that - that tomorrow may come. Strange!"

"I cannot stay here, for I have my job to do. When I leave,close and bolt the door quickly. I pray we shall meet again.Time passes, and now I must do that for which I came. Peace!"

Then he opened the door, swiftly stepped out into the fog. Heglanced up and down the alley, as far as he could see. Only fog.

A sound behind him caught his attention.

Turning swiftly, he found Mist closing the door, stepping tohis side. "You shall not go alone!"

Arguments came to his mind. He was silent, for he realized shewould not listen. "Stay close behind me. I search for him, theone from elsewhere. I know not why, but I feel that my missionis with him."

"You need not search. He will surely find us."

Demo moved down the street, ever watchful. Silence held sway,and the fog clung to them like wet cloth. At times lights couldbe seen, rapidly disappearing as the drear dawn came. Dawnbrought little change. The fog still enmeshed a silent world, aworld seemingly populated by Mist and himself.

The chill he felt came not from the fog. A coldness along hisspine, a prickling on the back of his neck, forewarned him.Something there was, something evil and fearsome, close at hand!

"No!" Mist cried as she ran forward toward an object barelyvisible. Demo reached out to stop her. His hand touched onlycold fog, and she was gone.

He followed her quickly, then stopped. The scream of utterterror rose, ceased quickly. All was silent. For a moment heclosed his eyes. He knew full well he would see her no more.

Mist. A strange name. And yet a kind and gentle person. Nowgone. To fight the unseen companion to protect himself had beenhis goal. No longer. Anger enveloped him. Mist was dead. TheDemon must die!

Demo gazed from side to side, trying to penetrate the whitebarrier before his eyes. To no avail. Then, glancing down, henoted footprints. Footprints not made by man!

Slowly, his eyes on the ground ahead of him, he followed thetrail. Where Mist had trodden he could not tell. She left notrace of her passage.

Looming huge in the fog and early morning gloom, ahead anobject stood in his path. This was the creature she feared. Theone that surely had destroyed her!

It was coming slowly closer. Plainly it recognized hispresence. Smoothly he strung his bow, notched an arrow.

Demo waited quietly.

A shudder enveloped his body, and his eyes widened.

He knew this one. An aura emitted from it, one that was not newto him.

Surely, this was the unseen companion!

Without hesitation he released his arrow.

The laughter that came from out the fog held little humor."Your puny weapons are merely playthings. I would end you now,if it were not that the fates have written, and it is by thetarn you shall meet your destiny. If you survive this world, ornon-world! I leave you now, earthling. Find your way back toOlympus and Zeus. If you can!"

The unearthly laughter sounded once more, then faded, as didthe figure half displayed in the swirling fog.

In his ears was but silence, and his eyes saw only the swirlingfog.

'That tomorrow may come.' The words repeated themselves in hisbrain. What had Zeus intended? Was the unseen companion the evilinfluence dominating this strange world? Or were there other,still hidden, culprits. "Zeus, you have indeed given me astrange chore. I know not where to turn! If only I could liftthis fog!"

He wandered through the streets. Glancing at a pond in passinghe recognized it. He knew that he had merely retraced hissteps, neared Mist's dwelling. With a sigh he found the door,entered.

He sat quietly on the mat, fell asleep.

Dreams, interrupted by moments of awareness, disturbed hisrest. Dreams of Mist, of the unseen companion, finally ofAthena. She spoke strange words to him, words couched inriddles. "Prometheus knew the answer. As did your unseencompanion. Quickly, before the fire die."

He woke, sweat streaming from his body. From the center of theroom a wisp of smoke rose from the dying fire. 'Before the firedie?' Strange words. 'Prometheus knew, the unseen companionknew?' What did they know?

Wide-eyed, he looked at the fading fire. Suddenly he reacheddown, pulled a fiery brand from center, and tossed it at thewall. In moments the building was burning.

He rushed out of the building. The conflagration spreadrapidly, and the once empty, fog-shrouded streets were filledwith dim forms rushing helter-skelter to and fro.

Even as the flames spread the fog began to dissipate. An earlymorning sun could be seen shining on the horizon. Where strangeshadows had moved along the streets now people were to be seen.Smiles replaced looks of dreary misery. Indeed Prometheus hadknown!

Still, there remained much to do. 'That tomorrow may come?'What action must be taken 'that tomorrow may come'? The fog wasindeed gone. Only a burned out city remained. No tomorrow, this!

What else had Athena whispered to him while he slept. Somethingvery important. Nothing came to mind. He moved westward, drawnby an unknown force. The answer was to be found beyond thewestern horizon. If there were an answer.

The mountains loomed large to the west. He began that westwardtrek, barely reached the foothills before the sun began to sinkbehind the jagged peaks. Looking for a place to sleep safely, henoted an opening, the mouth of a cave.

He entered cautiously.

"There is no cause for fear. Welcome. I've awaited your coming."

An old man spoke the words softly, calmly. His countenancebelied the words.

Clad in the armor of a warrior, with face stern, marked bysteel and fire, the old man projected a sense of authority.

Demo stepped forward slowly.

"Sire, I know you not. Yet you have awaited me?"

"One who has traveled far with you forecast your arrival. Indue time you shall know him. Much will be revealed - by thetarn. But that another day, another world."

The unseen companion! He had been here, spoken to this one.What strange fate forever brought their paths together? And whatwas the secret of the tarn?

Demo shook his head.

"I rule this domain, ignored by the Gods, unknownst to mankind.This is the field of atonement. All pass through here. Somequickly. Some remain long. For a moment you have lifted themists. Nevertheless, they shall return. I have halted alltransitions until your coming. The souls who depart your worldand pass through here would press on. And so shall they, in duetime."

"What would you have of me, Sire?"

The warrior stood, pulled from its sheath a sword. "Vulcan didtemper this sword with blood. And each who leaves your worldmust first feel this edge. It has proven strong and sharp.Still, time and usage take their toil, and it is now it is onlya blunt instrument, useless for its purpose."

"Sire, I am no swordsmith."

The warrior held the blade in hand, extended the handle towardDemo. "Take it. Return it to Zeus. Tell him one whose nameremains forever unspoken would have the broken sword of Cadmus.Let Vulcan fashion it and put thereon an edge that will notfail. 'Til you return, Clothos shall spin no more, nor Lachesismeasure, nor Atropos wield her shears. And none shall passthrough these portals to tomorrow."

The warrior held the blade high, brought it down flat againsthis knee, and the metal snapped. He handed the broken weapon toDemo. "The gate is there."

He pointed to the darker recesses of the cave. "Quickly, now,to Olympus. I wait impatiently."

Zeus listened in quiet amazement, the broken sword in his hand.In anger he tossed it down and it faded into oblivion. "Youshall meet with it by the tarn, in good time. It is not given tome to know of this shadow land. Of its existence only am Iinformed. The Ancient Ones - they knew! Strangely, they told menothing! Must even the Gods pass through those portals? I knownot. Here, take it. The sword of Cadmus. It, too, was broken.Well, Vulcan has applied his skills. This edge shall never dull."

The warrior examined the sword with critical eye. "Thecraftsmanship of Vulcan leaves little to be desired. I see thebreak in the blade. It matters not. There is no weakness now.You have done well."

His visage reflected an expression that might be construed as asmile. "My broken sword lies by the tarn. It may well be ofservice, at the appointed time. Now, on your way. For I mustreturn to my dreadful chore."

Zeus was morose. "It is a drear vision you bring to me. Still,let us live for today. If it were hidden from the Gods, then itconcerns them not. Return to your own, my boy. The flowersbloom, soft winds blow, and spring creeps upon the land. And, Iassure you, there will be no fog!"

22. The Escape

It is said that none enter, that none leave, the confines ofHades except they be conveyed by the ferryman. Yet, in timepast, ancient time, one entered unattended that eternal prison.He entered in search of his own true love, and pleaded with hissongs. So sweetly sung were they that Pluto, that stern masterof the nether regions, granted safe passage to him, and to theone he loved. For Pluto, most hideous of living beings, yetwithin his monstrous form knew the pangs of love.

Yet did another depart those infernal regions with no aid fromthat dark ferryman.

This is the tale of that departure, of what transpired before.And here lie the tangled threads, and the first strange steps onthe dark path to the Tarn of Eternity.

Legends relate the sad story of the kidnapping of Persephone,the story of the evil Pluto. And the legends tell true. But theyignore the role of Venus, and of Cupid. And they are notguiltless.

Persephone did dwell in the Vale of Enna, gathered there thewildwood flowers.

Pluto, master of Hades, dwelt alone in his nether kingdom.

Powerful, emotionless, dedicated only to his duty, this rulerof the dead traveled from time to time, his coach pulled bygiant black steeds. And one such a trip Venus espied him. Angrybecause she had no power to move him she turned to Cupid.

"This one knows not of love, lives in serenity. I would hesuffer the pangs of unrequited love. Loose your sharpest arrow.Let him suffer as suffer those mortals ferried through theportals of his empire."

Cupid grinned impudently. Ever pleased to show his skill henotched arrow to cord. True and straight it flew.

Pluto felt a yearning he did not understand. Disturbed, heflogged his steeds, flew tempestuously he knew not where,seeking he knew not what.

Wild, the horses flew. And in their flight they entered the
Vale of Enna, paused to drink from the pond therein.

Carrying wildflowers in her arms, with laughter and song didPersephone approach the chariot, tossed in childlike simplicityflowers to the occupant. "Come, play with me. I have noplaymate. I need a friend."

She looked on his loathsome form with neither fear nordisfavor. To her he was merely a welcome playmate, though not ofhuman form. She asked nothing of him, only that he share thislittle while.

He gazed upon her, and in his heart Cupid's poisoned arrowworked its magic.

The innocent beauty of that face, the warm and happy spiritshining through those clear eyes, brought to him feelings he hadnever known. He thought to hold her close, to stroke that softhair, to caress with gentle touch her smooth skin.

And within him, too, aroused the desires of a man. For thoughher face was that of youth, her body was of sculptured beautythat Venus might envy.

When Pluto beheld her all thoughts save one departed his mind.
This was to be his bride!

He tarried there, danced in parody of handsome prince, sang invoice marred and croaking. She mocked him not; rather, smiled.

Of flowers garlands she made, given to him in innocent pride.She sang sweet songs of light and sunshine, of crystal stars andmellow moon, of flowers that did not die, with blossoms thatforever bloom.

He told her sad tales of a dark and lonesome realm, of thosefor whom hope was no more, and of a keeper who sat in solitudein mastery of that realm. A keeper who, more than all dwellerstherein, was prisoner of that realm.

From her eye, soft flowed a tear. From her hand, a gentletouch. He thought not to ask for more.

They parted, though never long. Always his mighty steeds drovethrough time and space, returning once more to that quietretreat. The love he felt for the innocent child grew everstronger. Still, he approached her, not in courtship, but as afriend.

"Your arrow has flown true. It lacked the needed potency. Heloves her as does a brother. Once more loose your bow, and intohis heart drive desire, passion. And I shall open wide her eyes,that she may see him as the monstrous form he is. He joys in herpresence, feels not the pain of unrequited love. As he hasignored me, she shall reject him!"

Venus caused once more Cupid's arrow to fly. An arrow nottinged with sweet love, rather poisoned with selfish lust. Andeven as the arrow flew she closed the eyes of Persephone, lether dream of handsome prince. Handsome prince, of looks farremoved from those of this dread companion.

Pluto lurched back in alarm as desire mixed with tenderthoughts, new and uncontrollable needs surfaced.

Persephone opened wide her eyes, saw him now in a new light. Nohandsome prince he, no proper comrade. With a scream she rosefrom beside him, rushed blindly toward the garden gate.

He seized her, dragged her to that golden chariot. Madly he laywhip on flesh, driving the mighty steeds as never had they beendriven. Thus he carried her to his own domain.

She resisted not, for his was the greater strength. As hischariot reached the gates of the garden she sighed. In arms sheheld her kitten, a white small ball of fur. As they passedthrough the gate she set it free. "May the Gods grant youfreedom and happiness, for mine is no more."

Pluto heard her words with deep remorse. Nevertheless, thespell cast of Venus overpowered the germ of kindness in hisheart. And yet, though he desired her, his love was morepowerful. "Only when the Gods have granted you to me in marriageshall you be mine."

In due time it came about. Still, Persephone was granted onewedding wish. Quickly, before it could be withdrawn, she prayedto be returned to her mother for half of each year. And so itwas.

In time she accepted her exile with good grace. Yet, becauseCupid had never used his arrows on her heart, she felt no lovefor her captor. At times, perhaps, pity.

Time as earthlings know it does not exist for denizens of thenether world. Those suffering suffer not by day or night, but byeternity. The Curse of Cronus, lifted from the Gods, still leftits mark upon these sufferers, and age beyond age they carried.

And even Persephone, though shielded by the Gods, felt thepower of Cronus, saw wrinkles gently forming. Invisible toPluto, who saw only through the eyes of love, this aging process.

One innocent pleasure Persephone had.

The dread ferryman in his duties came ever to the kingdom'sportals. And there he heard the happenings on earth, and fablesof happenings in Heaven.

These tales he passed on to Persephone, for she longed to knowof the world she had left behind.

And one day he brought to her a tale that left her heart cold.

Ceres, her mother, was nearing the end of her days. She prayeddaily to the Gods that she might see, before her departure, herbeloved daughter.

The bargain had been made. Six long months must Persephonedwell within the nether realm. The Gods would not relent.

Still, Persephone would see her mother. She pleaded with theferryman. To no avail. He listened not to her pleas. He carriedonly passengers from the portal to deep within. None carried heto the portal.

She wandered though Hades with sad mien, searching for a pathto the other side. She found none.

While in her search, she met the shades of the departed. On onesuch meeting she heard the name, Orpheus.

Suddenly her eyes widened. Orpheus! The only living man toenter Hades without the attendant ferryman!

Slowly, from tormented souls, from the ferryman, even fromPluto himself, she gathered details of that entry. How he came,singing his songs, and melted even the heart of Pluto.

Ah, how did he enter? What secret way, unknown to any other,had led him into this Stygian realm?

The heights of Taenarus! Earthly legends told of a path, a pathof unknown origin. Through terrain unlike any known to man ittwisted its uncertain way. Boulders coughed from deep within theearth's core blocked its passage. Edged stones marred itssurface. And the path winds into a cave, whose very mouth isenshrouded in darkness.

From its mouth sulfurous fumes rise, and dark clouds of noxiousgases besmirch the sky. Bones of man and beast lie scatteredmidst pools of murky water.

It is thought that this fissure penetrates the very bowels ofearth. Even into the domain of Pluto, the fearsome kingdom ofHades.

Through this portal creatures of the afterworld are unleashedon earth's dwellers. Ghosts of those long gone, strange beingsnever dreamed of by human kind, spirits weird, and othercreatures lacking even a name.

Orpheus must have entered through this portal. Through the caveof Orpheus may I escape to my world!

Thus thought Persephone. And she planned her escape. Each dayshe wandered through the dark domain, mapping its dreargeography in her mind.

She waited.

In due time Pluto was called to an accounting at Olympus. Inhis absence she began the ascent, up through the dark and evilpassages. Ever upward with uncertain step and only hope toguide.

Guardians did cross her path, challenged her passage. But wheninformed that she was queen, and in Pluto's absence master ofthat dread domain, none dared stay her way.

She reached the portal, followed the rough and strenuous pathleading downward from the heights of Taenarus. Always she gazedfearfully behind.

He would come!

23. The Extra Task

"Well done!," Zeus roared. "Every task completed!"

He paused. "Hmmm! I've lost count. Every task . . . . Well,
I'm sure you won't mind just one more to, eh, help me out."

"Yes, yes, every task, that is, except one, a minor one Ioverlooked."

Chagrined he listened as Zeus stated the Final task.

"Perhaps you have noticed, in your sojourns, that you have hada companion. An unseen watcher. A sneaky follower. A sly,disreputable creature! Destroy it! That is your final task. Now,begone!"

Imperiously he waved his hand, and as it fell he faded slowlyinto oblivion. Why was he smiling so happily?

It happened so quickly that Demo had not time to complain, noteven time to think. He stood on the mountain path once more,alone.

Or, perhaps, not alone. The wind gusted, leaves rustling alongthe pathway. Above the tree tops bowed in obeisance to theintermittent breeze. The smell of rain was in the air. And asulfurous smell. One he had noted to often before.

He sensed, rather than saw, the unseen companion. In anger heraised his bow, but could not decide where to dispatch thearrow. With a shrug he lowered it, returned the arrow to itspouch.

"In due time I will succeed. I must!" he breathed.

He felt tired. He had labored mightily through the twelvetasks. Rest was delayed for their completion. And now a furthertask lay on him.

For a moment he leaned against the trunk of a tall pine, hiseyes closed. His arms ached, his back and neck, and his felt theneed to lie down, to rest.

But he dare not! Somewhere, waiting, his nemesis. And when andhow he might strike he knew not.

He trudged disconsolately along the mountain path. In thedistance the howl of a wolf broke the silence. The quiveringwail was answered quickly from neighboring hills. The pack wasassembling for some nightly raid. A dust devil traveled acrooked path on the trail ahead, ended with leaves falling onthe floor. A deer stopped at the edge of the trail, sniffed atthe air, then retreated.

Demo moved cautiously forward, each step a chore. Strong thoughhe was his energy seemed to be waning. Startled, he remainedmotionless. This is not right, he thought. I have gone dayswithout rest, and still felt stronger than today. Am I ill, haveI eaten something that has weakened me.

He felt a vertigo, nearly stumbled. He shuffled forward, eachfoot scuffing along the pathway.

As Demo proceeded he noted a shadow on his path. The sittingsun limned the figure of a young girl sitting on a log by thepath, rubbing her ankle. Plainly she was suffering, and with theapproaching night, in dire circumstances. Exhausted though hewas, he could not ignore her plight.

"My lady, you are in pain. Can I help you?" he inquired.

"No! No. Begone, handsome youth! I carry with me dangers youcannot understand. Even to talk to me invites disaster. Goquickly on your way!"

Her voice was taut with emotion, with fear. Her breath came inquick pants, and her face was distraught. She bowed her head inhopeless resignation.

He started to turn, noted the tears in her eyes, and soremained.

"Here, I have medication for your ankle. It will ease the pain."

He rubbed the ointment on the red swollen skin, and her eyeswidened as the pain began to recede.

"Oh, sir, I am fleeing from a most horrifying creature. Thereare no words that can describe it. Should it finds you with me,it will destroy you. Please, go on your way. You have been verykind, now leave quickly. Let me climb down the mountain alone."

For a moment he hesitated, took a step away from her and downthe mountain. If I stay to help her it will endanger my chancesof completing the final task. I must go on now!

His thoughts said leave. His heart said stay. The sad face ofthe hapless maiden held his eyes. He could not walk away.

"I too have known fear and loneliness. I cannot leave you thus.I will help you, no matter what pursues. And should it overtakeus, I shall leave my mark on it." He touches his arrows forreassurance.

They slowly descend the mountain, and she leans heavily on himas she hobbles along the rock-strewn path. At times windingsteeply, narrow. Then leveling and wide. When they reached aprecipice overlooking the site of a beautiful, dark pond theypaused.

A gnarled pine grew on the crag, leaning outward. In time thewind and rain would loosen its roots and would plunge off theoverhang. For now a swallow nested safely within its branches.

Demo looked down at the tarn so far below. For a moment heclosed his eyes, drew a deep breath. This is the place. Thewait is over. He sighed.

There are ponds where birds sing in happy summer frolic. Wherenests are built in bordering bushes, and eggs laid. Ponds wherethe fish leap, and frogs sing their merry songs of night. Herelightning bugs brighten the surface, court the light ofreflected stars. Here the waters are clear and cool. The farmerstores milk here to keep it cold. Children play along its bankswith happy laughter. By summer day they swim in its depths. Hereby night lovers sit 'neath honey moon and whisper soft words ofadoration.

And there are ponds of rougher nature where the fisherman plieshis trade. Ponds where flowering plants hide snakes that glideupon the waters and feed on the creatures swimming below. Whereturtles wait for unsuspecting geese or ducks and drag them totheir death in waters deep. Here young men come to gig frogs, toseine for bait for tomorrow's fishing, to joke and carouse andwrestle man to man.

There, too, are tarns hidden in dark recesses and grottoes.Tarns deep and still where legends grow and strange stories arewhispered. Here in the eventide one sees the will of the wisp.At times the call of the loon breaks the evening air. Storiesbetter left untold are found here. Of strange sights in the darkof night. Of spirits of those gone. Of evil incarnate, and hateincessant.

Such a one was the tarn that lay below. Tales were told ofblood mingling with the murky waters. Tales of bands of evilnote frequenting its shores. Tales of bodies weighted withstone, resting forever on the bottom.

The escarpment extended outward from the mountain, formed alookout overlooking the dark waters. The escarpment, of solidrock, attracted those despondent, invited them to end their woeswith a plunge into the waiting waters. Too many responded tothat fatal invitation.

"Here is the land of my mother, Ceres. I am Persephone, heronly daughter. And I have been away so long." She sobbed.

Ceres. He knew the name. Where had he heard it? Ah, his Mother.A nursemaid, long ago, and a weak and sickly child. Was thisthen the needed task, to protect her daughter from a ruthlessenemy? How strange the fates! Every move seemed programmed,every action preplanned long ago. And the results? Were they toopreprogrammed? Our lives it seems are in the stars, and weneither control nor understand our fate. There was now noquestion in his mind. This is the Tarn of Eternity! It is hereall shall be resolved!

"Finally, now I am getting closer to home. I shall see her oncemore before she dies. The trip has been long. Soon it is over."

He felt the sadness in her words. And felt something else,something more foreboding.

A hint of a strange odor, a scent that he knew too well. Theunseen companion was close, very close!

Even as she spoke a dark form emerged from the heavy bushesbeside the path.

Unthinkingly he knew. This was the unseen companion!

Demo's mother slept fitfully throughout the night. Dreams,rather, nightmares, repeatedly aroused her. She saw, again andagain, her son. And something else.

Something huge and grotesque, evil and deadly. Something withan unreasoning hatred for her son.

She arose before sunrise, sat on the edge of her bed in deepthought, spoke aloud to herself. "I could try to go to him.Sadly, I am old, weak. I would be but a further burden.

Rough sat at her feet, licked her hand. She reached downabsently, patted his head. Her eyes widened.

"Rough, go to him. What I cannot do, you can. Protect him withyour life. Quickly now! Find your master! Go!"

The dog whined as she opened the door, looked up at her. Thenturning, with a low growl, Rough loped quickly toward the highmountains.

Whatever danger threatened Demo, he would share. Whatever enemyimperiled his master, he too would face.

She sighed, whispered, "Perhaps, perhaps . . . "

Misshapen head, twisted body, covered with hide plated withmetallic scales, it stood tall above them.

But he is not the only one to recognize the creature.

Beside him Persephone starts, cries out. "No, let me be free ofyou!"

A gasping chortle issued from the swollen lips of the creature.
"Ah, princess, it is fit we meet here by the Tarn of Eternity.
Only its waters can still the fires of Hell. And even they
cannot still my love for you."

The words, meant to express deep feelings, were grotesque whenvoiced in a broken, harsh whine by the monstrosity. And yet Demonoted, the eyes held a devotion that was real.

"Pluto, go back to your world. Leave me to live in peace withmy mother. I will never return to Hades. Better a short life onearth than eternity in Hades."

"Persephone, I will never release you. My love for you iswithout an end. You will be mine forever."

This travesty on words of love, voiced by a creature totallydevoid of humanity, brought tears to the eyes of the youngmaiden.

The final task! Destroy the unseen companion! Pluto! Brother of
Zeus! More powerful than any save Zeus himself!

A tear came to Demo's eye. No mortal could accomplish thistask! Yet, though he die in the struggle, he was committed.Athena, remember me, for I have loved you!

He was no longer tired. He drew strength from the imminentdanger.

He took a deep breath, drew an arrow from its pouch, notched itto the string.

"You jest! What power is in your weapons?" once more Plutospeaks.

"I have followed you far, and your arrows have not found their
mark. Do you not know, that nothing you can do will destroy me.
I am immortal. I dwell in Hades, Master of that infernal region.
Only the waters of the Tarn of Eternity can quench those flames."

He laughed, loud and harshly, without humor.

"Now stand up, tall and brave." he sneered, "I tire of thischildish game, and you are about to die."

As Pluto lifted his huge fist Demo drew the bowstring. Athreshing from the side of the pathway, distracted him.

He paused.

Before either he or Pluto could move another interfered.

From the brush a deep growl was heard, and in a moment Roughstood in the path of the threatening fiend. He crouched, eyesblazing.

And sprang!

Caught in mid air by a blow from the monstrous figure, Roughfell, rolled over, lay quiet. Demo released his arrow!

It struck, then fell blunted from Pluto's thick hide.

"I struck the animal only a light blow. I too had Cerberus, andof all creatures only he loved me. The dog shall live. But notyou, earthling."

Pluto once more turned toward Demo, his deadly intentionevident.

"No, Pluto, no more! I can stand no more of you, no more ofyour evil ways."

Persephone rushes by Demo, dodges by Pluto.

Frozen, Demo stands motionless. Still, there is one who acts.
With a desperate lunge Pluto tries to stop the maiden.

Too late!

She flings herself from the edge of the cliff!

Down she falls, down, finally to plummet into the cold depthsof the Tarn of Eternity.

Pluto turns, dives into those murky waters. Plummets downwardto rescue her from their frigid embrace!

As the waves touch him he screams.

The waters roil and tear at him as though the tarn were aliving creature, a beast of prey. Blood stains the roiledsurface.

Demo rushes down the tortured pathway, his lungs and throatburning. A stone turns and he falls, slipping over the edge ofthe escarpment. The roiling waters of the Tarn of Eternity lickshungrily at the boulders below. They crash against the shore,waiting for their next prey.

Slowly, painfully, he regains the path, continues hisprecipitous journey. Finally arriving at the rock strewn shore,he throws himself down as the air rushes through his burningthroat.

There is no sign of life on the Tarn. The water, never still,moves in chaotic pattern. Swirls and streams, whirlpools andrapids, never still.

Then it rises from the deepest, coldest depths. Pluto!

Pluto swims slowly, uncertainly, moving toward the shore whereDemo now sits. Demo rises, defiant. A broken sword from someancient war, lay on the ground, and he seizes it in desperation.

And then he remembers. The broken sword of the warrior!Unsullied by its mishap, the broken blade still shines. Holdingthe weapon in his hand he waits on the shore, watches thetumultuous waters of the tarn.

Even in his torture, Pluto swims in desperate search for
Persephone. But the dark green waters hide their prey.

And then he sees her!

Quickly, thrashing his way to the drowning girl, Pluto divesbeneath the murky depths. He lifts her from the water's deadlyembrace. Cradled in Pluto's arms, her face white above the darksurface, she seems more dead than living. Thrashing the deadlywaves Pluto brings her to the shore.

Demo raises the broken sword high, waiting!

Pluto stalks onto the shore carrying her like a doll, gently,in his huge arms. Turning to Demo, Pluto growls in the angryvoice he could not renounce, "Save her." He lays her softly onthe ground, lays her gently on the sandy beach.

Throwing aside the sword Demo falls to his knees beside thechild.

Demo turns her on her stomach , ministers to her. And finallyhe is rewarded by the slightest movement, a sign of life. Soonshe begins to cough, to breathe.

Pluto stands quietly, watching. What on another creature mighthave been a smile touches his lips. On his cheek a trickle ofliquid. Water from the Tarn of Eternity?

"She lives." He utters, half question, half statement.

"Yes, she lives."

There was no question now. The tears were real.

For a moment Pluto turns away, then turns once more to look ather. "I grant you your life, earthling. Care for her. Help her,human. For this I spare your life. Quickly, now, for as Iforecast, the Tarn of Eternity is quenching the fires of hell,and quenching the very life from me. Yet I pass on willingly,that she may live."

He pauses, looks out toward the center of the Tarn.

"These waters, as foretold, have destroyed me."

Though Demo had paid attention only to Persephone, he had stillnoted the horrible oozing of Pluto's blood from a thousandwounds.

"It is over. I go to my fate. Tell her this. With herdeparture, what hope in Hades dwelt no longer lingers. And tellher, that in my own way, I loved and love her still."

He turns.

With a dignity born of valor he wades into the dark waters,marches stolidly into the ravenous waters that swirl and frothand tear at his body. Their waves lap ever higher until,silently, he disappears beneath the surface, into their cloudeddepths.

And, though he were a denizen of Hell, one could but think,
'True love deserves better.'

Quickly Demo turned to the maiden. In those few moment herbreathing once more has ceased. Loosing her bodice he turns herover, lets the dank water seep from her lips.

Almost he gives up hope. And then she once more stirs, moans.

She moves, half sat, wide-eyed. Gently he holds her hand.

She looks wildly around.

"Where is he? Is he gone?"

He told her of Pluto's last words, of how Pluto died - evil,misshapen, cast out from the heavens. Of how he knowingly casthimself into the deadly waters of the Tarn of Eternity for hersake.

Hated by all. Destroyed, though, not by any of these, not bythe power of his enemies. Destroyed by the one small touch ofgoodness left in him, the ability to love.

Bemused she looked at the now placid surface of the tarn.

Pensively she gazed at the quiet, dark waters. And though sheis silent he noted the quiet tears upon her cheeks. Then sherose slowly, walked to the water's edge, and reached out to agreen weed growing there.

"Mother, grant me beauty." She whispered the words.

And as she touched the plant a white flower bloomed, fell intoher outstretched hand.

"As you have died for love, oh Pluto, I pity you. And thoughyou will be remembered for the evil of your ways, and as masterof the infernal regions, one consolation you shall have."

She tossed the flower with its large white petals out on thenow still waters.

"When the water lilies bloom, you shall be remembered, not foryour vices, but for your one saving grace.

"You will be remembered for this, that you gave up eternity tosave the one you loved." She paused, a sob in her voice.

"Rest well, Oh Prince of Darkness."

A tear trickled down her cheek, and her voice was tremulous.

Even as she spoke the face of the pond rippled, and the whitebeauty of the water lilies spread. Quickly they carpeted thewaters along the shore. Gently rocking with the ebb and flow ofthe ripples they spread their beauty ever farther.

She sat by the quiet waters, stared vacant-eyed toward itsfarther shore. Turning, she glanced at Demo.

"I remember, when I was a little girl, a poem. It was of abrave warrior, and the woman he loved."

She spoke the stanzas, not to him; softly to herself. Hervoice, partially choked by emotion, blended with the soft windand the rippling waves of the tarn.

"For love of maiden fair,

"He walks untrodden ways,

"And fights with dragons in the air,

"And evil ogres he slays.

"For love of maiden fair,

"He sailed on unknown seas,

"And dared the demon in his lair.

" 'Mongst haunted, ghostly trees.

"For love of maiden fair,

"He lay him down to die,

"And asked a token only there,

"A teardrop from her eye.

"For love of gallant youth,

"More than a tear she gave,

"She would not live with constant ruth -

"Slept by him in his grave."

"There will be no poem for him!"

As she spoke a break occurred in her voice, and a sadness.
Perhaps she had not loved Pluto, but surely she had pitied him.

"He was ugly, hated, feared. I, who knew him best, held him inawe. And yet, for all his faults, he was gentle. Though masterof that dark domain, he wept for those within. Though he hadpower, he had not the power to set them free.

"He loved me. A strange love, perhaps. When I returned for thatbrief moment to my mother, he wept. And when I returned to himonce more, his face was radiant.

"Did I love him?"

She was silent. Yet, tears flowed from her eyes.

"Love? What is Love?"

She walked restlessly by the tarn, breathed deeply.

"Mother, I would rest. Take me home." She sobbed.

Demo listened silently, head bowed. Though a tragedy had nowended, still there was tragedy. How strange indeed this life,where evil destroyed did not bring happiness. Where maidenrescued did not bring joy. Where task performed did not bringtriumph.

He picked up the broken sword, gazed at it musingly. With ahalf smile he shook his head, tossed it aside.

Finally he turned to comfort her, but she was gone. Where shehad stood a rose bush grew. Its single blossom, one deep redrose, hung low in sorrow. A vagrant wave gently kissed its softpetals.

With a sigh Demo turned to climb again the mountain. Above itspeaks a lone white cloud drifted. Sun's rays lit the tree tops.

The final task was done.

"Rough, you've come back . . . , alone! Oh, and you're hurt."
She dropped to her knees beside the dog, felt of his legs, ribs.
"At least there aren't any bones broken."

She stood up, thinking.

"You wouldn't have deserted him if he were in danger. I'm sureof that. So he sent you home. I only wish I knew that he issafe. Well, come, boy, I have some food for you."

She patted the dog, took him inside. After feeding him shestood in the open door.

A tear formed in her eye, and she wiped it away.

"Athena, if you truly love him, protect him."

24. Finale

The flutter of wings broke the silence, and she was therebeside him. Athena! She reached out her hand, and he held it.This time neither Zeus nor Pluto intervened. In moments theywere flying upward, ever upward, to far off Olympus.

He glanced back to the tarn below. The water lilies had coveredits surface. The waves lapped gently at the sandy shore, washedtenderly the wild rose.

A few red petals fell softly into the quiet waters, mingledwith the white waterlilies floating there.

Worldwide Book Rights
(C) 1995 Frank Tymon

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