And with that gesture he felt his very bones grow tired. The smooth skin of youth wrinkled, and his sharp eyes dimmed and lost their luster.
"Return to Zeus. Tell him that the Curse of Cronus shall never be lifted. Give up this quest, for on it you shall age each day as though it were a year. Only the kindness of Cronus prevents you from withering and dying before the dawn." The deep sonorous voice ceased, the vision faded.
He touched his cheek, his forehead. Indeed wrinkles formed and furrows! 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 of arthritis attacked his joints, his breath was short, and at times he wandered over his earlier trail unknowingly.
Demo noted, looking in the mirror of a calm pond, his thinning hair, now turning gray. Dark pockets formed under each eye, and his 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 body weakened and tired from the visit of Cronus.
His appearance had become so wretched that he avoided the quiet ponds, that he see not his image. In desperation he called on Zeus, then sighed. Even Zeus, mightiest of the Gods, labored under the Curse of Cronus.
On a certain day, in a certain glade he walked, knowing not where to turn. His thirst grew, and he noted water trickling down the hillside ahead. At the base of the hill a small spring formed a placid pool, and he leaned forward to drink of its water.
"Not me! Let it not be me!"
The gaunt, ancient creature reflected in the still waters screamed out the words.
He would turn away, and yet he could not. Fascinated he noted the 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 limbs and foliage to make his bed. It mattered not. All beds to him were hard. Emptying his pouch he nearly dropped the mirror of Venus.
He caught it before it struck the ground. I need no more bad luck, the thought crossed his mind.
The image of Venus brought tears to his eyes. The beauty reflected in the mirror but days before had disappeared. Now was seen 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 all beings. They seemed to say, "If I could but forget what once I was. Then I could more readily bear this plight."
He shuddered, held the mirror in his hand as he stretched out on his forest bower. Sleep would come soon. And with sleep, Cronus!
And so it was. Cronus stood silent at the foot of his sylvan bed. 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 Cronus lowered the mirrored, glanced at the boy. Demo stirred, looked with 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 you once loved. The face of one you have condemned to misery. This is the face of your granddaughter, Venus, disfigured by the Curse 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 you rest."
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 have slept, except for the sound of the sparrows.
They hopped excitedly around an object gleaming on the forest floor. He rose, walked to it, and they took wing in fright.
The mirror of Venus. Cronus had dropped it there before he left. 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 its surface.
Eyes wide he glanced at the hand holding the mirror. The gnarled fingers, wrinkled and old, were no more. The strong hands 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 the sky.
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." and felt 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, the hand of youth. As he sat on the edge of his bed his foot brushed an object.
Absentmindedly he reached down, picked it up.
He found himself gazing on the beauty of Venus, a smile on her face. The lips seemed to move, and expressed in a voice all softness 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; his mind, quick. Strength I gave him, and the will to bear pain without 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 more powerful.
No, not true. Moira has mapped the path of each, be they God or man. And Fate has given me a vision.
I knew not then to what purpose the boy's skills would be needed. How quickly time has passed, and the wrong done my daughter 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 touch of sarcasm in his voice, "You are undoubtedly familiar with the legends 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 a stalwart, handsome offspring."
"At times she has expressed doubts. However, it is but a motherly quirk, or so I believe."
"Fine, fine." Zeus seemed weary of the conversation, and yawned loudly.
"Pardon me, my son. It isn't that you aren't a brilliant conversationalist. I could listen to your childish prattle - eh - to your exploits for hours on end. Shameful, I have so little time for such pleasures. I must attend to my chores, you know. Have to give the globe another kick before long, keep it spinning." 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 his lips.
"Well, the annual circus is scheduled for later this spring. I've decided that we shall have some unusual creatures to entertain the Gods. They grow listless and tired with dull repetitive acts. Dragons, unicorns - you know, all old hat. So I thought I'd surprise them this time. A jolly old minotaur may well jolt them a little. Yes it should." He mused aloud.
"Bring one back. Oh, don't hurt it, please. Want it in good shape. And find out what it eats, will you? Hate to have it starve on us. I suppose we could feed it nectar and mead. Might not drink the nectar. This year's nectar is really poor. Not fit for a minotaur." He took another draught, licked his lips, then took an additional one.
"Where . . . ?" Demo started to ask, only to find himself sitting 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 last night on the very subject. The nasty creature has wandered away from the maze. No one knows to where. Frightful creature. I certainly hope it doesn't come near here. I'd give it such a whack."
She brandished her broom in the air, brought it down within inches 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. It may well be wandering out there. It could be very hungry. And no one knows what it eats. It really has a nasty temper, or so they say. I wonder why it has a nasty temper?"
Drat! Wandered off from the maze. Poor security, I'd say. Where would 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 a man. Boy, I bet it has a strange diet!
I could go over and look at the maze. Might be a clue or two there. And I better talk to the keepers. They should have a handle 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 so happy 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 a vicious temper. Now Theresa, she is such a lovely girl. And so docile. You'd make such a handsome couple," she finished wistfully.
"Yes, mother. Do tell dear Theresa hello for me."
Morning came early. He rose grumpily, washed his face in the wash basin, and carried it out the door to throw away the water.
He paused to look up at the stars, still brilliant in a dark sky. Orion was low in the sky, and seemed to be pointing toward the 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 one more 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 young man.
"Watch what you are about. If Pluto weren't so concerned I'd just quit this foolishness." The fox imp was leaping up and down, shaking itself to shed the water. "This is the second bath I'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 the closest tree. Clambering up the oak, the imp glared down at Rough in anger. "I shall certainly sic Cerberus on you! What a thrashing you will get! Call off your dog, boy. Quickly, now, or I will send him where he would not go."
The threat seemed real. "Come here, Rough. You'd not care for the taste of carrion."
"Carrion? Carrion, is it! The seasons pass, my boy. And you near your destiny. I merely hope to be there when you meet that destined fate. Yes, indeed! Then there'll be no talk of carrion!"
He looked carefully at Rough, who stood tense and ready at Demo's side. When the imp thought the time propitious he leaped from the tree limb, danced a jig beneath the branches. All the while watching Rough carefully. Demo held the dog tightly. Finally the imp rushed angrily into the orchard, growling in a high-pitched voice while glancing anxiously over its shoulder for the approach of Rough. "Minotaur, indeed! Wait 'til I get on the phone to Pluto!"
"Mother, I'm off to Minos. I want to see where the minotaur lived."
"Well, for goodness sake, don't go inside. People just keep popping in, and Theseus is the only one to pop out again. Must be awfully crowded in there. If you pass by your Aunt Matilda's place, 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't complain. It did save me a few hours. I'll drop it off at Aunt Matilda's, and pick it up later.
"Oh, Demo, how tall you have grown. My, my! And so handsome. I must introduce you to my neighbor's daughter. You'd make such a perfect 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 thinkshe 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 enthusiastic welcome of his Aunt. Eventually he left the bike in the garage next to the chariot, bade her a fond farewell, and hurried on his way. He'd be lucky to reach the maze by nightfall.
But he did. He crossed over the bridge, followed the winding path 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. And they seemed to extend indefinitely, eventually disappearing into a 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 and she . . . " He seemed to think better of his comment. "Anyway, we were distracted. It snuck out, quiet like. Amazing, for a bull. More like a tiger, stealthy quiet. It's sad, really. Never trust a minotaur. They'll turn on you. And to think how many years I've watched and guarded the creature. And my father before 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 do minotaurs. 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, all right. Didn't touch his food last night. Of course, I really don't blame him. The ladies of the Minotaur Monitor Group required that we feed him half hay, half fish or poultry. I think he stuck at the hay. So he is half bull. Of course, that's not the eating half. Anyway, the ladies had their way - and now look how it's all turned out. Of course, I slipped him a glass of wine at times, and he was appreciative of that, I want you to know."
"I'd like to go inside, glance around if I may."
"Oh, no! Zeus forbid! The going in is easy - it's the coming out 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 claim Theseus went in, killed the minotaur, and came out. Well, I'll have you know, if he went in it wasn't far in - and he snuck out in a hurry. Cause the minotaur is alive and well, and wandering around I don't know where on this damp night. I surely hope he doesn't catch a cold. No, no, sir! You don't want to go in there."
"Well, I thought about the coming out again. If you'll kindly hold 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 right back to here. No way I can get lost if you'll just hold on to the trusty rope."
After some discussion the guards admitted Demo to the entranceway. The chief guard held the rope end in his own hands, and Demo proceeded to follow the maze. Every so often he pulled on the rope. The tension in the line gave him a feeling of confidence.
But circumstances outside the maze did not bode well for his escapade.
"Ah, good evening again, ladies. Oh, you dropped your handkerchief, miss. Let me get it for you." The chief guard politely stepped forward to help the damsel in distress, in the process laying down the rope.
Unfortunately, at that moment Demo tugged at the rope, to insure 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 in it. This time he pulled harder. The rope moved easily, coiled at his feet. Demo's face whitened.
The chief guard turned in time to see the end of the rope snaking into the maze. He rushed forward to grab it, reached the entranceway in time to see it disappear down one of the many openings that seemed to appear and then vanish before his startled eyes.
He placed his hand on the entranceway, took a tentative step inside, then quickly withdrew his foot.
"Ah, what a nice young lad he was! I wonder where he can be. I do hope he starts back quickly, before the rope's end has completely slipped within. Oh, well, time for supper. Do hope the wife included a sip of wine. Relaxes one."
Demo looked dazedly at the rope coiled at his feet. The entire length was there, even the grappling hook that the chief guard had held so firmly in hand.
He sat down, stared at the walls that now seemed to press upon him ever closer. Finally he stood up, used the rope to measure their separation. After a while he measured it again. No, just imagination. They hadn't moved. The narrow corridors maintained a constant width, half a man's height.
All the same the appearance that the corridor became more and more narrow stayed with him. Is there truly no escape from the maze? How many had gone before, never to return. Did they die here? Or does it lead to another land, another world? Well, I shall not remain here. And I will escape this maze. But how? How?
He bowed his head, eventually fell into a disturbed sleep. He dreamed of searching for Athena, hidden in the middle of an impossible maze.
At times he dreamt he had found her, held her in his arms, as she whispered in his ear. Love words? Or something else. What was she saying?
Demo woke, glanced around.
Day was breaking and the sky above was brightening. Nevertheless, something was wrong. This wasn't his home! This was - ah, the maze. Slowly he stood up.
Athena. She had been trying to tell him something. Something very important. She had whispered so low the words were unclear. He shook his head, started to wander off in search of the entranceway.
Then he stopped.
It was something about the rope. She whispered something about the 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 stand that place! Too many brass. Too much spick and polish."
"You may not be so lucky. Remember, the minotaur escaped. They just might cut off our heads!"
"It wasn't our fault! How could we know it was coming out? Cut off 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 his side. "Are you real, sir. This is an experience. I've known none who successfully navigated that maze. Tell me sir, how were you able to do what none has done before you?"
Demo took the proffered loaf, tore off a section, and began to eat.
The guards eagerly awaited his response.
"Athena. She whispered it to me in my sleep. I almost missed it. Mother always told me, wash your ears. She's right, you know. 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 excellent recommendation, excellent."
They sat back in disappointment, glanced at one another and at him.
"Now why does she want me to take the rope. That's what I asked myself. And It came to mind that, with the rope and grapple I could cross the walls, rather than following each corridor. That way, if one corridor seemed to be getting me nowhere, I could quickly climb over to the next one." He paused to twist off another piece of bread.
The chief guard picked up the paltry remains and slowly ate the crumbs.
"Nevertheless, after swapping corridors for a while I found little evidence that I was making progress. And then another thought hit me. Brilliant thought, really. And not Athena's, but my own. I think." He paused, ruminating.
"Yes, I do believe it was my own."
The guards looked at each other in exasperation. Demo munched their bread, then picked up the chief guard's wine bottle. The latter half-heartedly attempted to retain it, but finally gave it to Demo.
"Save me a draught, if you'd be so kind," he growled rather sarcastically.
"Anyway, I started to climb to the next corridor. Just when I got to the top of the wall it struck me. Why fool with those twisting corridors. I'll merely jump from wall to wall and go in a straight line until I reach the outer wall. So I noted my shadow's direction from the rising sun, and headed south to the wall 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't saved you a full draught."
"From wall to wall he went. He didn't solve the maze at all, he jumped over it. I don't think that's really fair. Oh, well, certainly effective," the chief guard grumbled. "Yes, you are right, 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 weight over 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 to the sea, then.
Demo heard the pounding waves long before reaching the shore. As he broke out of the undergrowth onto the rock-strewn beach his eyes widened.
The huge waves seemed almost upon him, then broke, ending in a gentle flow lapping at his feet. The sea was not the gentle blue of calmer days, but a deep and angry green. The skies were dark on the far horizon where a powerful storm built and drove the pounding waves. White froth leaped high into the sky where water met solid boulders. And on one such boulder a creature sat. A creature 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 stones twisting 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 a steak? I've been eating this sea weed for days now. Not that it's bad. Learned to enjoy it while in the Orient, years ago. Great taste, yet enough is enough, really. By the way, I suppose I do look rather strange. They tell me I'm a minotaur, whatever that is. It does have some advantages, with four legs and all." He reached down and picked up a handful of brown kelp, gnawed at it judiciously.
"Has a flavor all its own. Quiet different from dried seaweed I use to enjoy in Japan. Actually, I learned to enjoy it with sesame seed and soy sauce. You wouldn't have either of those in your pouch, I suppose. No, well, I didn't expect it. Should never travel without them, though. Local supermarkets seem to run out so quickly. Would you care to join me in a swim?"
Demo glanced out to the raging sea. The waves, which he had thought to be huge before, now had doubled in height. Even the boulders 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 not in 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 up somewhere. 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 its windings back and forth made me seasick. I should never have bought that place.
"Ahh, a real salesman! The Realtor was so very enthusiastic. A month after I bought it he came to the door to ask how I liked the 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 certainly not go back! No indeed! Of course, they did feed me. But hay? Do I look like I would enjoy the taste of hay?" He stared defiantly at 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 behind those walls so long! I want to see the world. I'm looking to join a carnival and travel from place to place. After all, I'd be 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 that is the life. A three ring circus. The big top! Definitely, a circus!"
"I have no delusions of grandeur. Don't you think that might be presumptuous on my part. A little carnival would be sufficient."
"I have a . . . an acquaintance. I do believe we can have you as the chief attraction in the center ring. In fact, I'm sure of it. You would perform before the crown heads of Europe . . . I mean, 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 we can make it in record time."
The gatekeeper was notably reluctant to allow their entrance. Fortunately Hera was near and heard the argument. "Of course he can come in. It isn't every day we have such handsome company. And Zeus is looking forward to your return. He always is." She said the last in a sardonic tone.
It puzzled Demo at times, how the words said one thing, but the tone implied something quite different.
Hera announced them. "Zeus, your ringmaster and his chief attraction have arrived."
Zeus, who was staring at his cups, looked up.
"Poor year for nectar. And now you're back. What else can go wrong!"
The division had seemed fair and equitable. Zeus to receive the Heavens, Poseidon the oceans, and himself the nether world. Oh, they differed a bit in the dimensions, but when the dimensions were so large what mattered it?
Pluto sat on his throne, reminiscing.
We were all young bucks in those days, before Cronus and Rhea were driven out. Actually, as parents go, they hadn't been too bad. Old fashioned, believed in discipline - they just wouldn't give in to the whims of their children. It finally reached the point 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 should never have dipped her pigtails in the ink. She resents that to this very day. And how was I to know she would be the Goddess of Justice and Law!
Yes, she was more than willing to take control of their lives!
Zeus laid out their counterplan, suggested the details of the partition. He and Poseidon merely acquiesced. Zeus had always been the smooth one.
They woke Cronus and Rhea in the dark of night, Zeus with that mighty thunderbolt, the one Vulcan had fashioned at Cronus' direction. A thunderbolt so powerful even the Titans such as Cronus and Rhea could not stand against it.
Reluctantly Cronus and Rhea agreed to leave. Of course, they pleaded with the children. He and Poseidon had felt remorse, had almost backed down, allowed them to remain.
Zeus was adamant. He would provide the Titans a world of their own, but to that world they must depart. And so depart they did, off to Tartarus.
The exodus went smoothly, except for that little incident of the Curse of Cronus. At first he thought it was merely a bad joke. Ah, a few gray hairs and aching joints had long since convinced him. It was no joke!
Well, well, time had passed. And now here he sat on the throne of his realm. With a queen yet!
So he had stolen her away! It hadn't really been done with evil intent. And he had made an honest woman of her, proper marriage ceremony and all.
He'd never forget her mother. Angry? Whew, was she ever angry! Nothing she could do, however. Zeus himself conducted the ceremony. 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 her to eat very heartily.
Joyful occasion, over all.
Except for two incidents.
Zeus had promised Persephone as a wedding present to give her one wish. How would anyone guess that she would wish for six months each year with her mother! Dreadful mistake, that wedding present. Zeus was a bit muddled, plainly, when he let himself be cajoled 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, and intoned slowly - "One born of man shall aid her, and when you follow him it will be to a foreordained destiny."
That was all. She smiled, turned away, and left the wedding party.
He had brooded long over her words.
Zeus knew not of their content, or refused to divulge his knowledge.
She was his bride, this his kingdom, and the only earthlings were those poor souls whose lifely habits had condemned them to his 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 send you on the ridiculous chore I now have in mind."
Zeus rubbed his hands together, clapped them, and otherwise exhibited an excess of glee.
"Yes, after surviving such adventures as that of the Minotaur, the next task will be rather childish. Ah, well, even routine chores must be done. I have the same problem, you know."
"Indeed, every day, day in and day out, I must spin the earth around. 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. You know, if you don't give it that spin each day, it starts to wobble. I wonder if I didn't spin it for . . .?"
He looked around for his wife. "Of course, I would never consider doing that. Eh, well, the next chore . . ."
"Dentistry! I hate the thought of it! My dentist tells me I need to have some teeth replaced. Ridiculous! Five teeth, to be exact."
"Of course, I couldn't possibly use ordinary repairs. Gold teeth, now. I do like the sheen of gold. But, no, that wont do. Very picky, these dentists. At times I've thought of driving them out of Olympus, right down to another kingdom! Let 'em visit 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 I have to explain things in such detail. Never mind. Now listen carefully."
He paused, sipped slowly from his flask the divine nectar of the 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 in uncertainty. Zeus reached up, produced a towel, and wiped his visage.
"They've changed the flavor again. Can't leave well enough alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's what I always say. It's not like the good old days. They knew how to prepare nectar 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 his prowess, he didn't knock them out. My dentist says I must have those. No substitutes. No plastic. The real McCoy. Dentists!"
"Anyway, they're right in your own back yard. T'other side of the mountain from your home, actually. Easy day's trip. Just get a gunny sack, go over and pick 'em up, and bring 'em back. Your task, then - should you choose to accept it - is - get those teeth."
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 be on your way."
Demo stood up, knowing he had been dismissed. The sudden landing when dismissed from Olympus back to earthly surroundings is best met standing and with flexed muscles.
As he departed he heard Zeus murmur, "Actually, this nectar does have a certain bouquet, a body, an essence of its own."
He couldn't quite make out the last few words. " Hmmm, did I tell the boy that the serpent isn't dead after all? Minor detail."
"Mother, do you know aught of Cadmus?"
"Cadmus. Oh, yes, he lived down the valley a ways. Strange fellow. Went around killing dragons and such. In fact, that was his 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 about that. It goes to show the ridiculous way some of the neighbors behave. Let me see." She paused, a slight frown on her face.
"If you cross the mountain at lowpass and descend to where the river 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's teeth. It grew him a dreadful crop, it did."
"Warriors! They sprang up from the ground! Fully armed, ready for battle. Big, burly, rascals all. And he didn't even have to water or fertilize. I wonder how big they might have been if he had used fertilizer?"
"Vicious tempers, though. Hardly spoke a civil word to him or each other before they were hard at it, fighting like children. He just stood and watched openmouthed. Couldn't believe adults would 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. One does forget, you know."
"Cadmus, mother, and the dragon's teeth?"
"They went bonkers, killed each other off, except for half a dozen. They looked around, and one said 'Hey, you could get hurt out here.' and they walked off the field over to Cadmus. He put them to work building some kind of city, Planned to live there, I think. Anyway, he got one of the God's peeved. Wasn't too smart, Cadmus."
"Really, mother. What happened?"
"Turned him and his wife into serpents. Kind of poetic justice I suppose. He comes slithering around this way every so often. I don't mind, cause he kills the mice. It is a little disconcerting when he starts talking about the good old days, though. And I have to be extra careful I don't step on him. He always was the one to be underfoot."
Demo bartered with the village smithy for some metal tongs and a hammer, stowed them in his pouch, and headed for lowpass. A beautiful 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 flowed roughly through its center, and the fork in the river was less than half a day's travel away. With a satisfied grunt he began the descent.
At first the trail ran steeply down. He half walked, half slid. But eventually the incline became less intense, and he made good progress. The path widened as it reached the green meadow. From there it led with little deviation directly to the dragon's woods.
In due time he reached the field. It was immediately recognizable.
Rusted armor and scattered bones brought tears to his eyes. So many brave men had died, and for nothing!
Here and there a small helmet rose only partway above the ground. "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 trees to the ground.
As it saw him it stopped, moaned again. "I see you have some tongs there. Are you perchance a dentist. I've got this terrible toothache." It had hardly finished speaking when it moaned once more.
"No, I'm not a dentist. But, see here, maybe there is somethingI can do. Do you know where I'll find a dead dragon. Killed byCadmus, 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! just yanked 'em out." The creature shuddered.
"The worst part is, he left five. He left the five I really had wanted 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. Come along now."
When they arrived at Olympus Zeus was out back.
"Just go through the gate right there," Hera smiled. "I'm sure he'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 my cat. She'll claw him good if he does."
She reached down and scratched her pet behind the ears. The saber-toothed tiger purred softly, arched its back. With a supercilious look it examined the dragon as though it were an oversize mouse. Eventually it followed Hera out the door, merely stopping once to glance disdainfully back.
Zeus was busy, feeding fuel to a small still. He opened a valve at 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 back and took a larger swallow.
At that moment Demo and his companion entered the garden, and the dragon groaned.
Zeus took the cup from his lips, stared wide-eyed at the dragon, then looked at his drink. He closed his eyes, shook his head, then looked at the dragon once more.
"Boy, do you notice something unusual behind you. I do believe this nectar has muddled my senses."
"Oh, no sir. Nothing unusual. I've completed my task."
"Nothing unusual." He said the words sadly, emptied his flask on the ground. "I was afraid you were going to say that." He shook his head.
He looked once more at the dragon and frowned. "I'll drink no more 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 had some doubts there for a moment. Thank you, my boy." He refilled his flagon.
"Yes, I see. Well, take them, then. The teeth, that is. Fight him. 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. They hurt dreadfully, he tells me. I told him your dentist would willingly 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 them pulled. I do hope the dentist isn't all booked up."
The palace had all the jewels, all the objects of art, all the trappings a person could desire. But for a country girl raised in 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 could only 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 have despised, yes, even hated him!
His love was real.
He showed it in his every attempt to be kind, in his watchful manner. If she seemed to only hunger, he sent for food. If she were only tired, he prepared her bed. If she showed sorrow he tried 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 her from her mother and the flowery garden where she had played.
At times she pitied him for the suffering he bore uncomplainingly.
Only she knew the sadness in his soul as each new sinner moved into his kingdom. Their pain he suffered too. Yet he was chained forever 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, idyllic conditions do prevail. Zeus and Hera live in peaceful bonds of matrimony. Mercury zooms off here and yon, now here, now yon. Zephyrs blow gently. Paradise indeed.
But, occasionally, matters go astray. The essence of heaven is flavored with a drop from misery's vial. And, oh, what despondency, what black moods, and what strange and tragic escapades a drop may launch!
Demo found himself at the center of one such escapade. He quickly wished himself elsewhere. To no avail.
"We're going on a very short vacation, Hera and I. It's been eons, literally, eons! So I just want you to take care of the place while were gone. Keep an eye on things. Check the house plants, make sure they are watered. Feed Cerberus's pup. That's really about it. I suppose I ought not do it, but I'll give you credit 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, my boy. Out of the goodness of my heart." Zeus glanced petulantly toward Hera. Fortunately she was examining her garb in the mirror.
"Oh, one minor detail. You'll be baby-sitting Cupid during our absence. Venus left him here to keep us company. He's a wonderful little chap. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
Was there a smirk on Zeus' face, a touch of facetiousness in his 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'm filling in for him."
"Indeed! A likely story. Let's see your credentials!"
For a moment Demo hesitated. Then he stood erect, shoulders back, as kingly as he knew how to stand.
"Who are you to question the credentials of an appointee of the mighty Zeus. See, here in my hands he has left his thunderbolt, symbol of his power. And in a moment I shall become angry and cast it at you. Begone! And when you are allowed to return, do so with a better grace, or I shall send you trapping, off to visit . . . well, off to visit his brother Pluto. Now, off with you, 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 of immediate range, bowing low and rushing madly from the room as he reached the entranceway.
Demo smiled.
Well, he thought, I could have done worse. A little more practice is all I need. This Zeus surrogate role could be quite pleasant.
It wouldn't be.
The clouds were difficult. In fact, he couldn't master them at all.
With Zeus, merely to think an angry thought generated them. They clustered, dark and ominous, above his head. Streaks of lightning jumped from cloud to cloud.
Demo tried, but he could not really develop a seriously angry thought. At one time he did almost generate a mild fog, thinking about the fox-imp. With it's antic in mind, his better nature overcame him, and he broke into laughter. Poor fox-imp. It had been so concerned when Rough growled.
For two days were Zeus and Hera to vacation, and two trials were imposed on Demo, one on each of those long days.
The first day Demo sat in the garden, relaxing, watching the green grass grow. It was chore that pleased him, requiring little physical or mental exertion. There are those who prefer to sit and watch green grass wither. Not Demo. He really had no mean bone in his body. At least, if he so had he to date hadn't located it. Actually, he hadn't searched very thoroughly.
Nevertheless and regardless, here he sat, watching the green grass grow. Occasionally he broke out his micrometer, measured a blade or two. "I believe they are shirking. Hasn't changed a single millimeter!"
Would that it could have lasted.
"Sire," Janus bowed. "There are two who would have your counsel."
Demo nodded. "Oh, very well. Send them in. Oh, and bring me my nectar."
The two who entered were unknown to him. One, the smaller, limped. The taller, however, walked as unsteadily as did the small one, and his red nose and blinking eyes suggested a state of inebriation.
Demo frowned.
"Well, what would you have of me. Get on with it!"
"Sire, this picture, this picture so well crafted, is claimed by Bacchus. By Bacchus, who can not draw a straight line, nor walk one. He claims to have painted it, with all its intricacies and beauty. He lies. I, and I alone, painted this picture. I would take it with me to my island of Lemnos."
"Poppycock! Preposterous! This limping lout knows that Zeus is absent. He wishes to take advantage of your innocence. He is a worker in metal, merely an artisan. His soul is burned by the smithy's fire. Art! He knows nothing of art! This picture is of my own design, and it contains my very soul. An artist, you know, puts himself into his every product. Look! Here is beauty, wonder, brilliance - would a smithy even aspire to such qualities as reflected here!"
"Ho, yon wimpy wine sop would not know one end of the brush from the other. More like he would paint the picture in wines of many 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. There danced woodnymphs.
Demo examined the picture carefully, then turned it face away from the purported owners.
"Tell me," he looked at Bacchus, "what is portrayed, and how so portrayed?"
He listened quietly to the exposition of the sylvan scene, the merry dance of the nymphs, the greens and browns and tone colors that 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, her golden hair lighted by a single beam filtered through the forest foliage. All else is only background, merely there that she might display her beauty. It is but a vision, unreal, of what might be. Yes, it is only the picture of a maiden."
"Could each of you supply me with a picture similar in nature that I might compare?"
Neither could respond to his request.
"Well, without more evidence I find that I cannot judge for one or the other. Let me give further thought to the matter. Eh, come back in 2 days. Zeus will be here, he'll resolve the problem quickly."
"My Lord, we are both to leave this edifice this very day. Zeus has so decreed. He was unhappy with our problem, and requested that we bring it to your attention."
Demo frowned. To my attention!
"It's time for my ambrosia. Return when the sun begins its descent. I'll give you and answer then.
He mused. He thought. He worried. He ate.
Delicious, this ambrosia. Not equivalent to his Mother's cooking. But certainly good enough for Zeus.
He carved the food carefully, munching on each savory bite. And as he carved a thought came to mind.
Okay, I've a solution. With my knife I shall rend the picture from 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 to decorate 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 it decorate his wall in its entirety than suffer the sacrilege of dissection."
"Upon further thought, Master Vulcan, I consider the picture to be yours. You speak true, it is the picture of a maiden. All else is there only for her. And you would lose your masterpiece rather than see it destroyed. Take it."
"As for you, Master Bacchus, I find you to be deceitful in this matter. I would have you accompany Master Vulcan. For six months you will serve him. And he, in that six months, shall teach you the rudiments of his art. Now, begone, for Cerberus' pup grows hungry."
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'd be right by definition. So, of course, as Zeus' surrogate I too am 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, invite one's kind adoration. As toddlers, though underfoot, they laugh and chatter, bring brightness into our dull lives. Older, they play, are now defiant, now dependent, as they seek to find their place 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 little extra twirl, and it hummed along smoothly. He did note a slight wobble, 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 him time to think. His face whitened, reddened, turned blue.
Demo tried to think of the terms Zeus might use under such circumstances. 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 had forgotten to pass on the information to him. They waited impatiently for the promised audience.
Zeus had promised faithfully, to each and every one, a place by his side on the throne. Had promised the decision on this very day. 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 had to 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 others from nearby. All with one thought in mind - to claim that promised gift from Zeus!
"Ah, Ladies, charming Ladies - I must retire to my chambers and give this matter careful thought. Return when the sun has reached its zenith." Demo smiled, bowed, and escaped quickly before their anger could be vented on him.
It would certainly be simpler if - well, dalliance on such a scale! It had never entered his mind. Zeus?
Anyway, whether real or imagined, these angry young ladies were convinced. What could be done?
Enter Cupid. Helpful child, he considered the dilemma faced by Demo. In his childish way he quickly arrived at a solution. A solution of great moment to Demo.
Cupid's arrows flew!
Unfailingly they struck the heart of each victim! Unfailingly they elicited a well-known result!
Love and ardor possessed each target. Love and ardor, no longer for Zeus. Rather, for Demo!
Cupid's arrows flew! And flew!
The approach of noon weighed heavy on Demo. How best to extricate Zeus from an untenable situation came not to mind. What to do? A really deplorable situation, with very little room for maneuvering. My, what would Hera say!
Aha! An idea came to mind. A contest, to chose one from the mob! Cut the problem down to size. What kind of contest?
Of course!
These, the most beautiful of women - what else? A beauty contest!
A problem still remained. Who dare judge such a contest? Certainly not Demo! He shivered at the thought. The anger of the losers might well be vented on him. No, someone better qualified must 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 very instant.
Demo smiled.
A child! Why, of course, a child! Who could be angry at the decision of a child? And certainly a child would hardly be swayed as might an adult.
"Cupid, my lad, I have a chore for you."
Cupid listened carefully, nodded in understanding, and agreed to participate in this new game. He would indeed judge the beauty 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 and action they differed. Yet they all did one thing in common.
They stared at Demo with undisguised desire, boldly caressing him with ardent gazes.
Demo felt the hair on his neck rise, and a shiver raced down his spine. With an effort he announced, "There is insufficient space in the throne room for all you fair ladies. So we propose to have a beauty contest, the winner to set beside Zeus and guide him in matters of the heart. Cupid has volunteered to be the judge."
They seemed little interested. Rather, they watched Demo's every move with strangely glistening eyes. At his direction they paraded across the throne room.
Cupid made notes, assigned points for various and sundry qualities, and finally arrived at a conclusion. He brought his notepad to Demo, stood quietly beside the throne, cherubic in appearance. 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 the angry outburst he expected.
There were a few yawns. Some of the ladies engaged in quiet gossip. 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 charming boy." 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 and loud. Turmoil followed, and the crowd quickly moved to the outer court, 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. After all, he is only a child.
I think I'll cut his bow string.
A maiden clothed in white gazed with tear-dimmed eye across an endless plane. Sulfurous fumes rose from boiling liquid ponds dotting that dread surface. Manlike creatures, yet men no more, staggered blindly from place to place. In their ceaseless walk they fell hapless into the open pits and screaming in agony clambered out, only to resume their endless wandering.
With a sob the maiden turned to her companion. Hideous though the manlike creatures were, the visage of her comrade was more hideous still. A body twisted, scaly, not of this world, well-suited to this dark and gloomy clime, supported the grotesque head.
"Have you no pity? Is there nothing to be done for these, the suffering?"