The large Atticus eyes the group up and down. "This entrance is for staff and deliveries only. You don't look like either. As far as Prometheans go, never heard of them. Now beat it."
Growing up surrounded by soldiers, Kyronai is not really intimidated by one guard acting gruff.
"Not to worry. We're not interested in the entrance, just you.
"Now perhaps this person did not say they were with the Prometheans. But they were seen talking to you recently, at this very spot. They were cloaked, and magic kept their face blurred, but you seemed to know them.
"Who was this person, Atticus?"
"Is that why they were talking to me? I would not have guessed that. I've heard of them but never met them before, but they knew me. They were willing to pay me handsomely to take a break sometime in the future. They did say people would be watching us and they were right. To be honest, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. However, if you really wanted to know, two hundred coins is the price of info. I'll even keep my mouth shut on this conversation as a bonus.
"Perhaps the rumors of your greed have been spread far and wide too quickly, my friend. Not a reputation I would relish, as it may get you killed one day. What if they seek to assassinate someone, or worse, the king? Someone who knows of your looseness and that they approached you as you have already confirmed would gladly volunteer that information for a reward. I'd suspect you would lose your head at the very least. I already know of at least a few people besides us who know of your...greed."
"Before I go communicate to your superiors about your idle intent, as a representative to the gods," she flashes her badge, "...you should know your desire to be greedy has prompted terrorists to the entire world to want to work in conjunction with you. You risk invoking the wrath of not only your superiors, but the wrath of the gods. Now...we didn't come here to threaten you, nor do we seek to ruin your life and livelihood. We intend to catch these villains and put an end to this nonsense. Agree to their terms. Then...you are going to tell us when."
She clearly intends to set a trap for these people. Not only that, but to protect the guard and his family at the same time from any retribution.
"Well you only live once. But I get the point. Fine, you got a deal. Two days from now, I take a walk and their people move in. As for who asked me, it was the old bastard's Hades' boy, Zagreus. I've heard he's always had daddy issues, so I figured maybe he wanted to do something glorious like steal from the king of Crete himself to get some attention. I mean it's all gods' business anyway, why would I stick my neck out for one demigod just to piss off another?"
"Makes sense." Amphitryon said. "Like dealing with any other employer, isn't it? Multiple princes, competing merchants in the same cartel, it always gets tricky when the higher ups have different goals." He talked in an even, friendly tone. "It'll be good to put this mess behind us."
"Were you given any means of contacting Zagreus before these two days have passed?"
"I figure I should get paid well if I'm just gonna get a one-way trip to Tartarus anyway. As far as contact goes, the punk didn't tell me anything other than where to pick up the money afterwards."
"I wouldn't go. It's most likely he means to kill you after...you know...remove witnesses and all..."
"Well he is a demigod. If he wants me dead, then I'm dead. We're all basically ants to them. I might as well try to die rich. But thanks anyway."
"If you go to their temples, the gods hear you. Even your prayers are taken into account, but if you really want to change your life, become more devout. You'll see."
She shrugs and moves away, hopefully with the others. If not, she will wait until they are done. When finished with the guard, she will ask them:
"What do you think? We don't have enough time to send a message to Zeus or others. He's here. The source of the problem. I don't want him slipping through our fingers. I am sure they have a temple to Zeus here. I am going to go attempt to commune with him. We have a couple of days. We should set up some kind of trap, and talk to his superiors. Who wants to handle what?"
"I think that talking to Atticus' superiors risks alerting Zagreus that someone is on to him, and it will definitely nullify any good will you have garnered with him.
"As far as a 'trap' goes, I don't have anything more than confronting Zagreus when he shows up here in two days' time. Him or whomever is acting on his behalf. I think we should spend time until then trying to gather more information. Perhaps we will learn something that will give us an edge."
"Fine, we don't have to inform him. I don't know how to set up a trap for a godling though...other than conventional means. We could hardly hurt Diskord before. Do we stand a chance now? Hopefully, I'll learn the truth about how we should proceed with all of this from Zeus..."
"Anyone coming with me to the temple?"
"I will gladly come to the temple with you. As for ambushing him, it could not hurt but to try."
Aikaterine nods and listens to the brothers to see what their intent is. When that is voiced, she will head to the temple to pray.
”At the very least, if we were to fall it would alert Olympus.” Amphitryon said, a feeling of anticipation building in him. Unable to take away a smile that had crept onto his face he added ”And what Godling would expect an ambush? The audacity will cloak us.”
Kyronai nods.
"Well, I don't know the best place to seek information that might be helpful, so let's accompany them towards the temple, and see if we pass by anything promising," he suggests to his brother.
Aikaterine nods and will walk with her companions in search of the temple district. There, she hopes to find a temple to Zeus.
Finding the temple to Zeus is rather easy as you find that Zeus seems to be the patron deity of Crete. You do notice that the streets are more peaceful than what you're used to. You spot regular guard patrols and the citizens greet them warmly. There is a line to enter Zeus' temple but eventually you are able to make your way inside. It is a simple temple though, one large room housing an enormous statue of Zeus where many pray.
Kyronai and Amphitryon veer off towards one of the people who have just had a pleasant interaction with one of the guard patrols while Aikaterine and Varocles enter the temple. If he can, he'll approach someone who look like they are a successful merchant or a tradesman rather than a common laborer.
"Pardon me. We are travelers from Athens. Do you have a moment to explain something to me about this city? This city seems so safe compared to Athens and the other cities we have been to. And yet the guards don't seem oppressive or hostile. Do you know why that his?"
Aikaterine, when inside the temple opens her hands before the statue of Zeus. With her eyes closed, she prays to him from the depths of her soul. Furthermore, she intends to use what little godly powers she has to clarify and make more potent her prayer in communication to him.
"Pelasgian Lord Zeus, who lives far away, ruler of wintry Dodona, surrounded there by your staff, recorders, and office workers with unwashed feet, who sleep on the ground, and tarry about to bring you word. Yet here you said you would hear me directly. Hear now the voice of a goddess, yet one that still has faith in you. You who have heard me before when I prayed, you who have honored me by striking hard at the many foes we've faced, fulfill my prayer now."
"I stand here in the land of Cretians, who daily stand in line to speak with you in this temple. Faithful they are. It is these people who seek saving, though they don't know it. For in this city are those who conspire against the gods. Amphitryon, Kyronai, Varocles, and myself are here, unraveling a plot by none other than your nephew, Zagreus. We have no foresight into his plan except that he has targeted the guards for an opening. Perhaps his ill will is against the king here? Your servants will stand against him, but will our blades and spells prevail? We ask now for your blessing oh mighty Zeus. We ask for your aid now and especially in two days time when we are to face the godling. Help us in our plight and destroy that invincibility that may precede him at the moment of his folly. We ask this be handled by you, and to only trust Callie with knowledge of this, as we wish not to inform his father, Hades. Who can say who has part in this until we know all of his foolishness."
The statue seems to animate after you say your prayer. It is evident that no one else sees it however, not even your comrades.
"I hear you and understand. I can only give you aid in terms of advice. Any direct aid will alert him and put him on the run and we don't want that. Besides, I would prefer to resolve this peacefully if we can. We've had enough death in the family as it is. Seek out the captain of the guard there. She will definitely help you. Her name is Alexia and please tell her grandpa says high." The statue then resumes it's immobile state.
"Ah yes, welcome to our fair city my friend. I specialize in scrolls and you are in luck as we are having a sale! You buy three scrolls and get a fourth scroll for free! Discount only applies to the lowest price, terms and conditions may apply.
But to answer your question it is because the guards here are friendly and professional. They do their job without being bullies like in other cities. Even Athens has a few bad apples. We actually feel pretty safe here. And none of them are corrupt! I do not miss having to pay protection money. I had my doubts about the king, but he has done a fantastic job so far."
Kyronai expresses interest in the scrolls. He may actually buy a set if it seems it will help loosen the scroll merchant's tongue.
"Fascinating. But what about the ominous pirate ship docked at the harbor? The guards just seem to be allowing an infamous marauder to stay here in your city. Is that normal? Are there other criminals here that the guards don't put down?"
"This is the first I have heard of this. I assume that the guard is working tirelessly on finding them. Though that does spark the question of why they are here, no? The land's reputation would scare away all but the most daring thieves and scoundrels. Have you spoken to the guard about this?"
She looks to Varocles, who is with her praying.
"I can tell you didn't see that..." she observes from his eyes. "Zeus himself was here speaking with me, as though we were in his office. Interesting. Only I could see and hear him. Let's find the others. I have his directions."
”I saw nothing, unsurprising, on we go.”
"The ship was already docked when I arrived, and since others in the area of the docks were already talking about it, I assumed that the guards already knew. I'll see about letting a guard know, I suppose.
"Thank you for your time. I appreciate it."
After they leave the merchant, Kyronai pauses on the side of the street to talk to Amphitryon.
"Listen, we need to talk about Varocles." He then proceeds to recount the conversation the witch and cleric had earlier that day.
"I can't tell if he's being passive aggressive because he's upset that you and Aikaterine have absorbed some of the gods' divinity or if he truly believes what he's saying at face value. That perhaps you have certain responsibilities and entitlements you are beholden to."
"And neither did I." Amphitryon said, to Varocles. "Not surprising, that Zues would choose to appear before beauty. Not that I can blame him, of course. If I had to choose between looking at her or you, the choice would be easy." He added, a smile on his face, to ease any lingering tension.
Aikaterine will rise up and move along with the dwarf, letting her long, graceful elven legs slow to his pace. She actually enjoys moving slower.
Once with the others:
"We need to tell the captain of the guard, according to Zeus. He can't send aid without putting him on the run. We are the best option. The captain of the guard here is Alexia, Zeus' grandchild. She should be on our side. Although let us approach with discernment."
If they are open to it, she will let them lead the way to the castle.
Approaching the castle from the other entrance, the party sees that a set of very large double doors block the way in as well as a pair of guards. Both male, one is taller and leaner than the other, though both wield sword and shield.
"And neither did I." Amphitryon said, to Varocles. "Not surprising, that Zues would choose to appear before beauty. Not that I can blame him, of course. If I had to choose between looking at her or you, the choice would be easy." He added, a smile on his face, to ease any lingering tension.
"The gods move as they will, not as we would have them do. It makes all sense that he would speak with her directly."
The group follows Aikaterine to the castle entrance to look for Alexia.
Aikaterine approaches the gate with the two guards. She opens her hands, showing there is nothing there so they do not need to worry, then patiently stands a short distance away and announces to them.
"We are here to speak with Alexia. Being servants of Zeus, we have a message for her."
If requested, she will show her badge.
The taller one raises an eyebrow. "Servants of Zeus? This must be serious. I mean, worst case, you lot try to ambush her and she sends you all to Zeus' brother Hades so sure thing. I'll go fetch the captain." He replies while nodding to the shorter one who eyes the party up and down as if to assess possible foes.
A few minutes pass and the tall one returns. "Captain says to head on inside to her office. It's the third door on the right." He says as the pair open the double doors to let you inside. The first thing you notice is that the interior is quite different from most other castles one might visit. The walls are simple with very little in the way of fine art. There are a few paintings of various religious iconography and a few weapons mounted on the walls but otherwise the decor is simple and clean.
You open the door to Alexia's office to find a very tall and statuesque beautiful woman leaning on a desk. She stands a bit taller than even the tallest in your group, with long blond hair tied into a pony tail, and you notice that she is also very fit as if she had never even seen a roast boar. In one corner of the room stands a plethora of weapons and full battle armor sits atop a mannequin. "So when Lucius told me that agents of Zeus were here to see you I was tempted to reprimand him for trying to play a joke on me. But I'm in a good mood, so I will hear you out. What is it that you want?"
Varocles shivers each time he is referred to as a "Servant of Zeus." However, he is philosophical about it, and realizes that Poseidon has blessed his current efforts, which are done under the auspices of Zeus, so from a perspective, he is a "servant of Zeus," but not a "Servant of Zeus."
"You'd do well not to reprimand your guard, as he was correct. We come with information for you."
Aikaterine will pull down her hood and will speak with elven grace.
"The message from Zeus was simple. He stated that I should seek you out because you will definitely help us, and that I should tell you that your grandpa says hi."
She explains.
"You see, we are servants of the gods. These are Kyronai, Amphitryon, and Varocles, a priest of Poseidon. I am Aikaterine. Together we are on a mission to root out the dangerous Prometheans, and it is to that cause that we have been led to your door."
"We came across credible information that Zagreus was attempting to gain access to your castle in a most suspicious way. Sure enough, the guard on duty, a certain Atticus on the staff and deliveries door had taken a bribe to look the other way and let Zagreus in two days from now. We need your help to stop him so we are here to appeal to you. We wish to lay a trap for him that he and those with him cannot escape."
"Atticus has volunteered to give us this information for protection at the time and hour. In our plight, we didn't know who to trust, so my companions and I went to the temple of Zeus to pray. It was not many days ago when we were in the very presence of your grandpa when he told us that if we were to pray in his temple, he'd hear us directly. So I did, and he answered, then told us to come and trust you. Here we are."
Varocles perks up at the mention of his name and his true allegiance.
Amphitryon stood to the side of Aikaterine, his arms crossed. He let the glamer on his armor fall away, so that the raiment of Ares was clearly visible. His blade appeared on his back, in its scabbard. To any who had any experience or training in religious matters, the image he portrayed was clear. "Indeed, this is no joke." He added. "All of us here are the faithful of the Gods, and your aid is required."
"F~~$!" She mutters to herself. "I knew Atticus was lazy, but I didn't think he was corrupt. That does explain why we've been losing our shipments of apples. Next time you see him, let him know that he is free to find employment elsewhere. But on to the matter at hand, I have heard of these Promeatheans. I can't fathom what Zagreus would want from the castle. Stealing mere trinkets and gold would be beneath him. I should alert the king in any case. Perhaps between the lot of us, we can figure out a way to stop Zagreus." Alexia then eyes Amphitron's garb. "Is that an Ares' costume? Are you planning on attending a party? You could practice your scowling and brooding though." She smirks.
Varocles stiffens at the woman's impertinence! She was insulting the new god of war and courage to his face!
He gripped his trident and prepared to mete out punishment...
Kyronai turns towards Varocles and blinks in surprise, but takes no other action.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Your intelligence is old and out of date. You are far behind in the events that are happening here. Allow us to catch you up."
She gestures toward the dock.
"At this very moment, a notorious pirate is at your dock. The savage brute, Glaucetas, is identified by the falcon skull on the flag of his ship. He does not waste time on small prey. At the same time, Zagreus is opening a passage into the castle, and as far as we have seen of the Promethians, they have had the intent to poison ambrosia to weaken and kill the gods. In this, they have succeed in slaying the great God Ares. Before you now is the one in which Ares passed his spirit and powers to willingly. It was in his final death throes, he struck a mortal blow to another Promethian who had turned evil, the goddess Diskord. Upon her death, I ripped her godhood from her and assumed that mantle, although her willingly giving up her godhood I don't believe was intended, the merge occurred."
Aikaterine will now show her true form.
"The Minotaur is in danger. The King needs to be protected. Any supplies being shipped anywhere to any of the gods need to be destroyed and kept under close watch when recreated, and we four need to conjure up a plan to deal with this terrorism now."
"As for Atticus, I will let you handle your own people, as well as the punishment for their actions, but I'd advise not to do anything regarding him until after the day of this terrorist event."
Alexia seemingly ignores Varocle's bristling. "That sounds insane, but I have seen wilder things in my time. Yes, we recently have acquired intelligence on the pirate Glaucetas being here. I was wondering why he would dock here. While not a poor nation, there are better kingdoms with much more wealth to rob. But to work for an Olympian would bring fame or rather infamy to the pirate. He already declares himself the king of pirates. Perhaps he seeks to steal the king's divinity for himself and Zagreus is aiding him? Luckily we do not ship any goods to the gods themselves. But I can send an order to close down the ports for the time being. But in any case, we should still alert the king himself. Are there any other questions before we do so?"
"If Glaucetas is working with Zagreus, shutting down the ports before Zagreus or his agent attempts to enter the castle could alert them.
"Since Crete is not likely the source of what has poisoned the gods, I'm not even sure that shutting down trade here will do much good, other than give the Prometheans a rallying point.
"Speaking of which, my instinct is that Zagreus is fairly new to Crete. Has there been any recent history of malcontent regarding Olympus here?"
"I patrol the streets with my men and honestly I have not seen any sort of malcontent here in regards to Olympus. There is still some tension between the citizens and some of the recent refugees, but that is a growing pain that most nations have."
Under his helmet Amphitryon couldn't help but smile. He was never the kind of person who stayed dour for long. And why should he? Life was too short, even in times of peace. And his line of work was not peaceful. He saw no reason to remove said helm, or to announce his new status to Alexia. He didn't even understand what he had to do in the role, so it did not feel proper to publicly wear it.
"Is there any planned movement for the king, or events which would take him into public? The two classic ways of regicide are poison and ambush." He had no experience in the former, but the latter? That could be more fun to thwart. At the very least, it would be closer to his area of expertise.
"No, actually. Which makes the timing all the more odd. There would be no easy way to assassinate the king if that is their plan. Besides, given that I've seen the way the king eats, I doubt poison would do little more than give him indigestion. He does patrol with us on the regular, but he is surrounded by the best guards in the kingdom so an ambush seems unlikely as well."
"I am not sure the target is the king. Allow us to walk about and see what we see. We have two days to prepare the trap. Perhaps in our exploration of the castle and all of its rooms, we'll see what their target is?"
"What refugees?"