Greatest Gift (part three)
Part One
Part Two
“NO!”
Jumping slightly at the sudden shout from Pythagoras, Jason moved over to his friend who appeared to be in the grips of a nightmare. The red-headed man was shaking his head back and forth while whispering, “Please father….no.”
Jason placed a hand on Pythagoras’ shoulder trying to wake the besieged man, only to be knocked backward when his friend pushed at him and raised his arms in a protective gesture as through to warding off a blow. Hearing his friend whimper in pain and distress broke Jason’s heart.
Softly placing his hands on the upraised arms, Jason said in a gentle voice, “Pythagoras, please wake up, you’re okay, and no one is going to hurt you.”
Something of what he was saying must of penetrated Pythagoras’ fevered brain because the man lowered his arms, cracked his eyes open slightly, and whispered in a confused tone, “Jason.”
Gently Jason pushed the sweat damped hair off Pythagoras forehead in a soothing gesture, “Yeah it’s me, everything is fine.”
Gabbing his friend’s hand Pythagoras felt fear knife through him that Jason was there, in a panicked voice he said, “You have to get out of here my father will be home soon, he… he doesn’t like me to have friends over. He’ll hurt you too.”
Jason was saddened to hear the terror in his friend’s voice and of course Pythagoras’ first thought was to protect him. Jason reached behind him and found the rag he had stuck in a puddle of rain water. Ringing out the excess water, Jason placed the cold cloth on his friends head in an attempt to bring down the other man’s fever, he said, “Your father can’t hurt you anymore, Pythagoras,” seeing the unconvinced look his friend was giving him, Jason gripped the man’s hand said in a rough voice, “I wont let him, no one is going to hurt you anymore.”
“Promise?” Pythagoras said in a small voice, looking up at his friend beseechingly, he was confused and in so much pain but he knew if anyone could help him Jason could.
Jason felt a knot form in his throat at the pleading tone, nodding he stated in a voice that broke slightly, “Promise.”
Pythagoras kept hold of his friend’s hand trusting that Jason was telling the truth that he wouldn’t let his father hurt him anymore, as he slowly fell back to sleep leaving the pain and fear behind.
Removing the rag Jason moistened it and placed it back on Pythagoras’ head praying like he hadn’t in a long time that his friend’s temperature would go down. Even a layman like himself when it came to healing, knew the fact that his companion was hallucinating was a very bad sign. But he had made a promise to Pythagoras and he would do everything in his power to keep it. As exhausted as he was Jason felt a new determination steal over him, he was going to get both of them back to Atlantis and get Pythagoras the medicine and help he needed no matter what.
********
Scowling at the guard’s retreating back Hercules picked himself off the rain soaked ground, foul mud clinging to his already sodden clothing. He had tried to ascertain from the bad-tempered sentry, if his friends had returned but it was soon apparent the guard didn’t know and didn’t care one way or another but in frustration at Hercules persistence had thrown the strong-man out. He was told not to come back until sun-up when the gates would be open to the public.
Hercules made a show of walking away towards the center of the city, even throwing back an insult or two until he was out of sight of the guards. Then he made a sharp turn and followed the wall until he reached the mid-point between the gate and the next guard tower. There was more then one way out of Atlantis and Hercules had a sickening feeling if he waited till morning he would be too late to help his friends. Hercules ignored the sly voice in his head that whispered that it may be to late already.
********
The precipitation stopped by degrees from deluge to downpour to drizzle, until as the first splash of light arched across the sky, the rain quit all together. Jason walked out of the cave as soon as it was light enough to see anything. Gripping the wall as a wave of dizziness swept over him, he shook his head trying to clear it as his vision darkened around the edges. He hadn’t eaten in three days he was feeling weak and sick to his stomach.
Looking back he could see Pythagoras was finally sleeping peaceably, it had been a restless night with Jason having to soothe the younger man’s fears more then once. Jason had continued to try to combat Pythagoras’ fever through the night replacing the wet rag over and over again trying to keep him as cool as possible. He had been hoping the fever would break but unfortunately Pythagoras didn’t seem any better.
He knew they were on borrowed time, undoubtedly the assassins had also taken cover at some point last night and thanks to the rainstorm they wouldn’t be able to track them. So that would give them some sort of cushion but even with all that going for them the men trying to kill them probably had guessed their destination and would be looking for them along this trail. At this point though he wasn’t sure how he was going to get Pythagoras back to Atlantis, there was no way his friend was well enough to walk like he had done last night, and Jason had thought to build a litter to drag him back on but they didn’t have any blankets or cloth big enough to hold him. Jason could carry him but that would be very slow going also he was worried he would reopen Pythagoras wound and the man did not need to lose any more blood. He had briefly thought about disguising their hiding place and going to get help but he was afraid to leave Pythagoras so vulnerable he was fearful he would come back to find the man dead. Jason would never forgive himself if he caused his friend’s death.
Jason had wrestled with indecision for most of the night none of his options were any good but delay would kill the red-head either from the assassins catching up to them or the infection progressing to the point of no return. In the end Jason had decided he would carry the younger man and rest when he needed to. If they had both been well they could have made Atlantis within an hour but with Jason having to carry his friend it would probably take him at least a couple of hours. Jason knew it was going to be sheer willpower that got them to Atlantis; as he was feeling very shaky and his ribs were killing him.
Walking back into the cave Jason started gathering their belongings, quickly shoving them into Pythagoras’ bag. After that task was completed Jason knelt next to his friend and gently shook him. Seeing the red-head blurrily squinting up at him, Jason placed his hand on the man’s forehead and thought that maybe Pythagoras was slightly less warm. Smiling down at his friend Jason asked, “How are you feeling?”
Pythagoras brought his hand up to block the light that seemed to be trying to painfully drill a hole through his already aching head and replied sheepishly, “I’ve been better. I am sorry for my out bursts last night, I wasn’t quite myself.”
Some of the tension left Jason at Pythagoras answer; he was more then pleased that at least his friend seemed in his right mind again, and he said, “Don’t apologize, I am just glad you seem to be better.”
“What’s the plan?” Pythagoras asked already feeling the pull of sleep trying to drag him back under but he forced himself to keep Jason in focus.
“We are not far from home so I thought I could carry…” Jason stated before stopping and listening intently.
Pythagoras opened his mouth to ask what was wrong but stopped when Jason held up his hand as he stood up and started walking to the entrance of the cavern. The red-head briefly thought about following but quickly realized the futility of that as pain and weakness washed through him, although he did manage to sit up. Holding his stomach Pythagoras watched as Jason disappeared around the corner.
Jason stood motionless at the entrance, scanning the wooded area and listening to see if he could hear the sound again. Everything was very still and silent, in fact it was too quiet. That may be an old cheesy movie line but there was wisdom in it. The birds had stopped singing which meant there was movement in the forest. Drawing his sword Jason felt burst of adrenaline hit his system which helped steady his hand as he waited for their move. He didn’t have to wait long.
One minute he was alone in the clearing and the next he was facing the two men that had been tracking them. They were directly in front of him, the one on his right was average height, had wiry frame, blond hair, and a menacing grin on his face. The one on his left was bald and reminded him of Hercules in size but unlike his genial friend this man was stone-faced and seemed more ominous for it. They drew their swords in a synchronized move that showed skill and practice in fighting together. Jason could tell they weren’t amateurs when they didn’t waste time talking as they started to spread out distancing themselves from each other and forcing Jason to divide his attention between them. He knew if they got past him Pythagoras would be too vulnerable, his friend couldn’t fight off a newborn kitten as sick as he was much less a one of these two. So he decided to take the fight to them.
Yelling as he ran forward, Jason managed to surprise both men and they took a couple steps backward. Jason took on the bigger man first, he feinted with his sword hand as though he was going to strike the larger man with it and when the assassin brought his sword up to block him Jason withdrew the knife from his belt and stabbed the man in his arm. This caused the strong man to drop his sword and grip his arm in agony. Spinning around Jason faced the smaller man. Rushing toward him Jason brought his sword down in an arc which was met by the wiry man bring his sword up, Jason stepped forward and punched the man in the throat. As the man gasped for a breath and fell to his knees Jason used the man’s momentum and brought his knee up catching the assassin underneath his chin. Jason saw the man’s head snap back and the would-be murderer fell to the ground and didn’t move.
Whipping his head around looking for the man’s partner, Jason was now the one taken by surprise as he was slammed into from the side. Falling Jason tried to catch himself but the weight of the burly man forced him to the ground. Struggling for breath Jason attempted to push the man off him but the man answered his effort with a knee to the ribcage. Shouting as he felt pain explode along his torso, he was sure his ribs were definitely broken now. Struggling painfully for any sort of leverage, Jason stopped when his hair was gripped tight and he felt a knife press against his throat.
“He said you would be difficult to kill, I didn’t believe him but you and your injured friend lead us on quite the merry chase,” the man said as he pulled Jason’s head back even further and straddled Jason’s back. The weight of the heavy-set man made it even more difficult Jason to breathe.
His neck seemed on the verge of snapping but Jason managed to choke out, “Who? Who sent you to kill us?”
The man’s putrid breath tickled Jason’s ear as the assassin chuckled darkly and then leaned forward and slid the knife blade lightly across his neck. Feeling the sting of the knife and the slow trickle of blood on his throat, Jason gasped, fear spreading through him, his breath quickening.
“Not us, pretty boy, the red-head was not part of the deal. No the contract was only for you, he wanted you gutted and left for the birds. Which may seem a bit extreme to you but after all you did humiliate him pretty badly in the arena and you even got his girl to turn against him. He hates you something fierce, in fact he paid extra to make sure you would suffer before you died,” the man puffed out as he cut another line this time downwards towards Jason’s collarbone.
Jason ignored the pain and panted out, “Heptarion.”
“Got it in one!” The assassin exclaimed as he slowly drew his knife up and made a satisfied sound, “There you go. A perfect triangle just for you; I heard how your boy in there loves his triangles, doesn’t he?” Jason started at the mention of Pythagoras, which made the man laughed cruelly, “Don’t worry; after I kill you I will put your friend out of his misery.”
“No!” Jason shouted as he renewed his struggles, but the man quickly got him back under control with a jerk of his knife against Jason’s neck.
“Tsk, tsk, none of that now, you will ruin my masterpiece,” the man’s amused tone never changing. It grated on Jason he knew the man was just playing with him letting him know he was totally in control.
“Please,” Jason begged, “he is not a part of this, Pythagoras is not in your contract just leave him be.”
“Sorry no can do, I never leave witnesses, plus with the amount of blood I found he wouldn’t last much longer anyway, it really is the humane thing to do. I am nothing if not merciful,” the man said in a menacing whisper.
“Well enough talking, it has been an amusing chase but I need to be getting back to Atlantis and collect the rest of my pay.”
Jason wondered briefly if he would see his life flash before his eyes as the hand in his hair tightened and the knife dug in to his throat. When suddenly the weight of the man was lifted off his back and Jason fell forward with a pained grunt. As he lay there trying to catch his breath, Jason couldn’t believe what he was seeing as he watched Hercules wrestle the assassin to the ground trying to get the upper hand.
Hercules grappled with man, trying to get the man in a chokehold only to have him slip out at the last minute. Thankfully when he had tackled bald man the knife had gone flying but the other man was strong and obviously skilled in hand to hand maybe even better then Hercules.
His heart had almost stopped when he had run into the clearing and had seen Jason on the ground with the heavyset man on top of him about to cut his throat. Spurred on by that image flashing through his head, he once again got the man in a chokehold. Hercules squeezed his arm tightly around the man’s neck and felt his fear turn into anger and held on even after the man went limp with unconsciousness. He had recognized the man trying to kill Jason, his name was Phrixos a hired killer who Hercules had seen at the seediest of taverns the ones he only visited when he had run out of money and could only afford the cheapest of drink. The stories he had heard of this man had always disturbed him the way he would stalk his victims and the fun he had torturing them before finally killing them. Hercules knew this man would not stop until his friends were dead.
“Hercules”
Hearing his friend whisper his name Hercules met Jason’s eyes he saw the question in them, the strong man just shook his head and held on until Phrixos breathed no more.
Letting go of the body Hercules stood up and staggered forward until he could lean down and gently help Jason up. What he saw was not good. Jason although now vertical was hunched over one arm protecting his side; he had blood running down his neck staining his shirt. Reaching up he softly pushed Jason’s chin to look at the damage, the cuts didn’t look to deep but it made his blood boil that his friend had been tortured.
“Are you alright?” Hercules asked worry bleeding through his tone.
“I am so glad to see you my friend, and I am fine,” Jason said in a rough pain filled voice. Hercules just raised his eyebrows at him in incredulity and shook his head.
Quickly running over he checked on Phrixos’ companion but it seemed Jason had already taken care of this one. Looking around worry shot through Hercules as he realized who was not in the clearing. “Where’s Pythagoras?” he asked in a panicked voice.
Jason pointed toward the cave and said, “He was hurt yesterday by a friend of that man.”
Taking Jason’s arm he helped the wounded man to the cave. His eyes having to adjust to the darkness of the cave he didn’t see his friend at first but then he heard “Hercules!” exclaimed in a breathy voice and he located Pythagoras against the back wall.
Leading Jason over to Pythagoras, Hercules helped the hurt man sit down and got a good look at the red-head. He looked worse then Jason, Pythagoras was pale with beads of sweat on his forehead, probably indication of a fever, also his shirt was stained with old blood from some sort of abdominal wound. In spite of looking like death warmed over he watched as Pythagoras peppered Jason with questions and fussed over the man demanding to be told what happened and where he was hurt.
Squatting down next to Pythagoras, Hercules worriedly asked, “How are you doing?”
Pythagoras was almost confused by the sudden turn of events when Jason had left the cavern to investigate the noise; he had figured he would be back in a minute. His concern had grown as the minutes had bled one into another and then when he had heard Jason yell he had started trying to get up but he was to weak to do so and had cursed himself for being unable to help in anyway. Just when he had truly despaired, Hercules and Jason had walked into the cave.
Just thrilled to see both of his friends, he answered, “I am alright.”
Hercules threw up his hands in disbelief, stood up and spit out in disgust, “I am surrounded by idiots.”
Knowing his friend was just grousing due to his worry, Pythagoras leaned back against the cave wall his worry abated for the first time in twenty-four hours and allowed himself to drift.
Concern gnawed at Hercules as he watched his friend fall asleep so suddenly, at least he hoped it was sleep.
Jason gently placed his arm around Pythagoras’ shoulders and drew his head to rest on his shoulder hoping it would be more comfortable then a cave wall. “We need to get him back to Atlantis as quickly as possible; he was hit by an arrow meant for me, he saved my life, and is now running a fever.”
Hercules heard the worry and blame in Jason’s voice but he would deal with Jason’s guilt later. In the meantime, both of his friends need to be at home where healers could attend them. “Can you walk?” Hercules questioned and at Jason’s nod, he continued, “Then I only need to make a travois for one.” He could almost see what was going through his friend’s mind, “Just stay here and look after him, you need to save your strength it is going to be a long walk back to Atlantis with broken ribs.”
Jason nodded tightly, knowing Hercules was right, now that the adrenaline had worn off the ache in his side felt more like a stab wound then just broken ribs. Leaning his head against Pythagoras, Jason was so relieved at the turn of events and took Hercules advice and closed his eyes and rested.
********
Pythagoras was thirsty and he hurt from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet and had a feeling he didn’t want to open his eyes, but he also had this nagging feeling he needed to, that there was something he was concerned about. No someone he was worried about and with that thought the events of their failed pig hunt flew through his mind and his eyes popped open. He tried to sit up but a jolt of agony from his midsection convinced him that was a very bad idea.
Moaning in pain, Pythagoras road out the anguish, eyes clenched shut, his hands closed in fists at his side. He felt a familiar hand close over his, so he turned his hand and gripped it tightly and didn’t feel so alone with the agony. The moment seemed to last forever but when it was finally over, he relaxed his grip and opened his eyes; Pythagoras saw that Jason was sitting next to him.
Looking him over he saw that his friend looked better; he wasn’t as worn out looking, or as anxious. His eyes drifted down and saw a bandage on Jason’s neck and vaguely remembered blood staining his friend’s throat but couldn’t recall the cause. Gesturing towards his own neck Pythagoras asked, “What happened?”
Jason reached up and touched the bandage, “I got cut during my struggle with Phrixos.”
Pythagoras definitely didn’t remember anyone called Phrixos, “Who?” Shaking his head in frustration at feeling helpless as he lay flat on his back, “Help me to sit up and then start from when Hercules appeared and tell me everything.”
Jason carefully helped his friend sit up and briefly contemplated not telling Pythagoras how close he came to having his blood spilled on the forest floor by a sadistic man named Phrixos, but he didn’t want to be deceitful. Plus Jason really needed to talk it over with Pythagoras. Maybe it was selfish of him to unload all of his anxiety on his recovering friend, but the helpless feeling of knowing he was about to die and there was nothing he could do about it, haunted him in his dreams and tugged at his thoughts during the day.
Pythagoras listened to Jason’s story and when Jason told of his fight with Phrixos the red-haired man felt the man compulsive seize his hand and hold it tight. He realized just how close they both came to never coming back from their little excursion and he in turn gripped Jason’s hand just as tightly.
“Heptarian? Really?” Pythagoras knew the man hated Jason but to fear him so much he would pay to have him killed, his friend must have really scared him. “So what are you going to do?”
Jason opened his mouth to answer but instead a voice over his shoulder said, “Absolutely nothing.”
Pythagoras stared aghast at Hercules, “Nothing?!? The man almost had us killed and may again.”
“What proof do you have?” Hercules asked his tone tired, bitter, “Jason’s word for what some criminal told him? Everyone knows there is no love loss between the two of them, to accuse a nobleman you must have more evidence then that.”
“But what if he tries again?” Pythagoras couldn’t help but picture a million scenarios in which Jason could be caught off guard and killed.
Hercules smirked, “I have heard through my sources within the palace that some bodies were found outside the city and one of them had a bag of gold with Heptarian’s mark on it. This lead to a long meeting between Pasiphae and Heptarian and since he has been quite cowed, now I think his little plan was unknown to the Queen and I am sure it was pointed out to him that to have his opponent end up dead so soon after the fight in the arena would be very suspicious.”
Jason wasn’t sure this bit of logic was totally sound but he had passed Heptarian and his guards in the market and Jason could have sworn that the man had turned around to avoid him. So maybe Hercules had a point.
Pythagoras was also doubtful, plus even if Hercules was right, he knew it would probably not be long before Jason did something to once again gain the Queen’s wrath and next time she might decide a dead Jason would cause no more trouble. He planned on sticking close to his friend for awhile at least.
Out of curiosity he asked, “How long was I unconscious?”
“A couple of days, you had an infection from your wound,” Jason said as he squirmed in his chair trying find a way to sit that didn’t hurt his ribs. “The fever broke yesterday and the wound looks much better; you will probably be up and about soon.” Jason skipped over the fear that had raced through him when his friend had taken a turn for the worse and the hours when he had feared that Pythagoras would die from his wounds.
Pythagoras’ stomach decided at that moment to let it be known how hungry it was by grumbling loudly. At his friends laughter he smiled sheepishly. “I am a bit hungry have we any food?” Remembering their bare cupboards which lead them on their ill fated hunting trip Pythagoras didn’t hold out much hope but then Hercules just chuckled a bit wickedly and said, “As luck would have it I managed to find a few stray pieces of gold along the trail and so we have plenty of food.” With a wink the strong man left the room to find some food suitable for his recovering friend.
“Luck?” Pythagoras shouted after his friend his voice clearly stating he did not believe Hercules story one bit.
“Sometimes Pythagoras it is best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.” Jason stated with a smile on his face.
“Why would you look in a horse’s mouth and what has that to do with gifts?” Pythagoras loved his friend but there was times when he made no sense whatsoever.
Jason started laughing while holding his sore ribs and Pythagoras leaned back against the wall, he was still confused but he smiled, happy to see his friend so merry. So he watched as Jason got himself back under control and they both settled in to wait for Hercules return. Pythagoras was just glad to be home and in the company of his friends, he could ask for no more.
The End
Part Two
“NO!”
Jumping slightly at the sudden shout from Pythagoras, Jason moved over to his friend who appeared to be in the grips of a nightmare. The red-headed man was shaking his head back and forth while whispering, “Please father….no.”
Jason placed a hand on Pythagoras’ shoulder trying to wake the besieged man, only to be knocked backward when his friend pushed at him and raised his arms in a protective gesture as through to warding off a blow. Hearing his friend whimper in pain and distress broke Jason’s heart.
Softly placing his hands on the upraised arms, Jason said in a gentle voice, “Pythagoras, please wake up, you’re okay, and no one is going to hurt you.”
Something of what he was saying must of penetrated Pythagoras’ fevered brain because the man lowered his arms, cracked his eyes open slightly, and whispered in a confused tone, “Jason.”
Gently Jason pushed the sweat damped hair off Pythagoras forehead in a soothing gesture, “Yeah it’s me, everything is fine.”
Gabbing his friend’s hand Pythagoras felt fear knife through him that Jason was there, in a panicked voice he said, “You have to get out of here my father will be home soon, he… he doesn’t like me to have friends over. He’ll hurt you too.”
Jason was saddened to hear the terror in his friend’s voice and of course Pythagoras’ first thought was to protect him. Jason reached behind him and found the rag he had stuck in a puddle of rain water. Ringing out the excess water, Jason placed the cold cloth on his friends head in an attempt to bring down the other man’s fever, he said, “Your father can’t hurt you anymore, Pythagoras,” seeing the unconvinced look his friend was giving him, Jason gripped the man’s hand said in a rough voice, “I wont let him, no one is going to hurt you anymore.”
“Promise?” Pythagoras said in a small voice, looking up at his friend beseechingly, he was confused and in so much pain but he knew if anyone could help him Jason could.
Jason felt a knot form in his throat at the pleading tone, nodding he stated in a voice that broke slightly, “Promise.”
Pythagoras kept hold of his friend’s hand trusting that Jason was telling the truth that he wouldn’t let his father hurt him anymore, as he slowly fell back to sleep leaving the pain and fear behind.
Removing the rag Jason moistened it and placed it back on Pythagoras’ head praying like he hadn’t in a long time that his friend’s temperature would go down. Even a layman like himself when it came to healing, knew the fact that his companion was hallucinating was a very bad sign. But he had made a promise to Pythagoras and he would do everything in his power to keep it. As exhausted as he was Jason felt a new determination steal over him, he was going to get both of them back to Atlantis and get Pythagoras the medicine and help he needed no matter what.
********
Scowling at the guard’s retreating back Hercules picked himself off the rain soaked ground, foul mud clinging to his already sodden clothing. He had tried to ascertain from the bad-tempered sentry, if his friends had returned but it was soon apparent the guard didn’t know and didn’t care one way or another but in frustration at Hercules persistence had thrown the strong-man out. He was told not to come back until sun-up when the gates would be open to the public.
Hercules made a show of walking away towards the center of the city, even throwing back an insult or two until he was out of sight of the guards. Then he made a sharp turn and followed the wall until he reached the mid-point between the gate and the next guard tower. There was more then one way out of Atlantis and Hercules had a sickening feeling if he waited till morning he would be too late to help his friends. Hercules ignored the sly voice in his head that whispered that it may be to late already.
********
The precipitation stopped by degrees from deluge to downpour to drizzle, until as the first splash of light arched across the sky, the rain quit all together. Jason walked out of the cave as soon as it was light enough to see anything. Gripping the wall as a wave of dizziness swept over him, he shook his head trying to clear it as his vision darkened around the edges. He hadn’t eaten in three days he was feeling weak and sick to his stomach.
Looking back he could see Pythagoras was finally sleeping peaceably, it had been a restless night with Jason having to soothe the younger man’s fears more then once. Jason had continued to try to combat Pythagoras’ fever through the night replacing the wet rag over and over again trying to keep him as cool as possible. He had been hoping the fever would break but unfortunately Pythagoras didn’t seem any better.
He knew they were on borrowed time, undoubtedly the assassins had also taken cover at some point last night and thanks to the rainstorm they wouldn’t be able to track them. So that would give them some sort of cushion but even with all that going for them the men trying to kill them probably had guessed their destination and would be looking for them along this trail. At this point though he wasn’t sure how he was going to get Pythagoras back to Atlantis, there was no way his friend was well enough to walk like he had done last night, and Jason had thought to build a litter to drag him back on but they didn’t have any blankets or cloth big enough to hold him. Jason could carry him but that would be very slow going also he was worried he would reopen Pythagoras wound and the man did not need to lose any more blood. He had briefly thought about disguising their hiding place and going to get help but he was afraid to leave Pythagoras so vulnerable he was fearful he would come back to find the man dead. Jason would never forgive himself if he caused his friend’s death.
Jason had wrestled with indecision for most of the night none of his options were any good but delay would kill the red-head either from the assassins catching up to them or the infection progressing to the point of no return. In the end Jason had decided he would carry the younger man and rest when he needed to. If they had both been well they could have made Atlantis within an hour but with Jason having to carry his friend it would probably take him at least a couple of hours. Jason knew it was going to be sheer willpower that got them to Atlantis; as he was feeling very shaky and his ribs were killing him.
Walking back into the cave Jason started gathering their belongings, quickly shoving them into Pythagoras’ bag. After that task was completed Jason knelt next to his friend and gently shook him. Seeing the red-head blurrily squinting up at him, Jason placed his hand on the man’s forehead and thought that maybe Pythagoras was slightly less warm. Smiling down at his friend Jason asked, “How are you feeling?”
Pythagoras brought his hand up to block the light that seemed to be trying to painfully drill a hole through his already aching head and replied sheepishly, “I’ve been better. I am sorry for my out bursts last night, I wasn’t quite myself.”
Some of the tension left Jason at Pythagoras answer; he was more then pleased that at least his friend seemed in his right mind again, and he said, “Don’t apologize, I am just glad you seem to be better.”
“What’s the plan?” Pythagoras asked already feeling the pull of sleep trying to drag him back under but he forced himself to keep Jason in focus.
“We are not far from home so I thought I could carry…” Jason stated before stopping and listening intently.
Pythagoras opened his mouth to ask what was wrong but stopped when Jason held up his hand as he stood up and started walking to the entrance of the cavern. The red-head briefly thought about following but quickly realized the futility of that as pain and weakness washed through him, although he did manage to sit up. Holding his stomach Pythagoras watched as Jason disappeared around the corner.
Jason stood motionless at the entrance, scanning the wooded area and listening to see if he could hear the sound again. Everything was very still and silent, in fact it was too quiet. That may be an old cheesy movie line but there was wisdom in it. The birds had stopped singing which meant there was movement in the forest. Drawing his sword Jason felt burst of adrenaline hit his system which helped steady his hand as he waited for their move. He didn’t have to wait long.
One minute he was alone in the clearing and the next he was facing the two men that had been tracking them. They were directly in front of him, the one on his right was average height, had wiry frame, blond hair, and a menacing grin on his face. The one on his left was bald and reminded him of Hercules in size but unlike his genial friend this man was stone-faced and seemed more ominous for it. They drew their swords in a synchronized move that showed skill and practice in fighting together. Jason could tell they weren’t amateurs when they didn’t waste time talking as they started to spread out distancing themselves from each other and forcing Jason to divide his attention between them. He knew if they got past him Pythagoras would be too vulnerable, his friend couldn’t fight off a newborn kitten as sick as he was much less a one of these two. So he decided to take the fight to them.
Yelling as he ran forward, Jason managed to surprise both men and they took a couple steps backward. Jason took on the bigger man first, he feinted with his sword hand as though he was going to strike the larger man with it and when the assassin brought his sword up to block him Jason withdrew the knife from his belt and stabbed the man in his arm. This caused the strong man to drop his sword and grip his arm in agony. Spinning around Jason faced the smaller man. Rushing toward him Jason brought his sword down in an arc which was met by the wiry man bring his sword up, Jason stepped forward and punched the man in the throat. As the man gasped for a breath and fell to his knees Jason used the man’s momentum and brought his knee up catching the assassin underneath his chin. Jason saw the man’s head snap back and the would-be murderer fell to the ground and didn’t move.
Whipping his head around looking for the man’s partner, Jason was now the one taken by surprise as he was slammed into from the side. Falling Jason tried to catch himself but the weight of the burly man forced him to the ground. Struggling for breath Jason attempted to push the man off him but the man answered his effort with a knee to the ribcage. Shouting as he felt pain explode along his torso, he was sure his ribs were definitely broken now. Struggling painfully for any sort of leverage, Jason stopped when his hair was gripped tight and he felt a knife press against his throat.
“He said you would be difficult to kill, I didn’t believe him but you and your injured friend lead us on quite the merry chase,” the man said as he pulled Jason’s head back even further and straddled Jason’s back. The weight of the heavy-set man made it even more difficult Jason to breathe.
His neck seemed on the verge of snapping but Jason managed to choke out, “Who? Who sent you to kill us?”
The man’s putrid breath tickled Jason’s ear as the assassin chuckled darkly and then leaned forward and slid the knife blade lightly across his neck. Feeling the sting of the knife and the slow trickle of blood on his throat, Jason gasped, fear spreading through him, his breath quickening.
“Not us, pretty boy, the red-head was not part of the deal. No the contract was only for you, he wanted you gutted and left for the birds. Which may seem a bit extreme to you but after all you did humiliate him pretty badly in the arena and you even got his girl to turn against him. He hates you something fierce, in fact he paid extra to make sure you would suffer before you died,” the man puffed out as he cut another line this time downwards towards Jason’s collarbone.
Jason ignored the pain and panted out, “Heptarion.”
“Got it in one!” The assassin exclaimed as he slowly drew his knife up and made a satisfied sound, “There you go. A perfect triangle just for you; I heard how your boy in there loves his triangles, doesn’t he?” Jason started at the mention of Pythagoras, which made the man laughed cruelly, “Don’t worry; after I kill you I will put your friend out of his misery.”
“No!” Jason shouted as he renewed his struggles, but the man quickly got him back under control with a jerk of his knife against Jason’s neck.
“Tsk, tsk, none of that now, you will ruin my masterpiece,” the man’s amused tone never changing. It grated on Jason he knew the man was just playing with him letting him know he was totally in control.
“Please,” Jason begged, “he is not a part of this, Pythagoras is not in your contract just leave him be.”
“Sorry no can do, I never leave witnesses, plus with the amount of blood I found he wouldn’t last much longer anyway, it really is the humane thing to do. I am nothing if not merciful,” the man said in a menacing whisper.
“Well enough talking, it has been an amusing chase but I need to be getting back to Atlantis and collect the rest of my pay.”
Jason wondered briefly if he would see his life flash before his eyes as the hand in his hair tightened and the knife dug in to his throat. When suddenly the weight of the man was lifted off his back and Jason fell forward with a pained grunt. As he lay there trying to catch his breath, Jason couldn’t believe what he was seeing as he watched Hercules wrestle the assassin to the ground trying to get the upper hand.
Hercules grappled with man, trying to get the man in a chokehold only to have him slip out at the last minute. Thankfully when he had tackled bald man the knife had gone flying but the other man was strong and obviously skilled in hand to hand maybe even better then Hercules.
His heart had almost stopped when he had run into the clearing and had seen Jason on the ground with the heavyset man on top of him about to cut his throat. Spurred on by that image flashing through his head, he once again got the man in a chokehold. Hercules squeezed his arm tightly around the man’s neck and felt his fear turn into anger and held on even after the man went limp with unconsciousness. He had recognized the man trying to kill Jason, his name was Phrixos a hired killer who Hercules had seen at the seediest of taverns the ones he only visited when he had run out of money and could only afford the cheapest of drink. The stories he had heard of this man had always disturbed him the way he would stalk his victims and the fun he had torturing them before finally killing them. Hercules knew this man would not stop until his friends were dead.
“Hercules”
Hearing his friend whisper his name Hercules met Jason’s eyes he saw the question in them, the strong man just shook his head and held on until Phrixos breathed no more.
Letting go of the body Hercules stood up and staggered forward until he could lean down and gently help Jason up. What he saw was not good. Jason although now vertical was hunched over one arm protecting his side; he had blood running down his neck staining his shirt. Reaching up he softly pushed Jason’s chin to look at the damage, the cuts didn’t look to deep but it made his blood boil that his friend had been tortured.
“Are you alright?” Hercules asked worry bleeding through his tone.
“I am so glad to see you my friend, and I am fine,” Jason said in a rough pain filled voice. Hercules just raised his eyebrows at him in incredulity and shook his head.
Quickly running over he checked on Phrixos’ companion but it seemed Jason had already taken care of this one. Looking around worry shot through Hercules as he realized who was not in the clearing. “Where’s Pythagoras?” he asked in a panicked voice.
Jason pointed toward the cave and said, “He was hurt yesterday by a friend of that man.”
Taking Jason’s arm he helped the wounded man to the cave. His eyes having to adjust to the darkness of the cave he didn’t see his friend at first but then he heard “Hercules!” exclaimed in a breathy voice and he located Pythagoras against the back wall.
Leading Jason over to Pythagoras, Hercules helped the hurt man sit down and got a good look at the red-head. He looked worse then Jason, Pythagoras was pale with beads of sweat on his forehead, probably indication of a fever, also his shirt was stained with old blood from some sort of abdominal wound. In spite of looking like death warmed over he watched as Pythagoras peppered Jason with questions and fussed over the man demanding to be told what happened and where he was hurt.
Squatting down next to Pythagoras, Hercules worriedly asked, “How are you doing?”
Pythagoras was almost confused by the sudden turn of events when Jason had left the cavern to investigate the noise; he had figured he would be back in a minute. His concern had grown as the minutes had bled one into another and then when he had heard Jason yell he had started trying to get up but he was to weak to do so and had cursed himself for being unable to help in anyway. Just when he had truly despaired, Hercules and Jason had walked into the cave.
Just thrilled to see both of his friends, he answered, “I am alright.”
Hercules threw up his hands in disbelief, stood up and spit out in disgust, “I am surrounded by idiots.”
Knowing his friend was just grousing due to his worry, Pythagoras leaned back against the cave wall his worry abated for the first time in twenty-four hours and allowed himself to drift.
Concern gnawed at Hercules as he watched his friend fall asleep so suddenly, at least he hoped it was sleep.
Jason gently placed his arm around Pythagoras’ shoulders and drew his head to rest on his shoulder hoping it would be more comfortable then a cave wall. “We need to get him back to Atlantis as quickly as possible; he was hit by an arrow meant for me, he saved my life, and is now running a fever.”
Hercules heard the worry and blame in Jason’s voice but he would deal with Jason’s guilt later. In the meantime, both of his friends need to be at home where healers could attend them. “Can you walk?” Hercules questioned and at Jason’s nod, he continued, “Then I only need to make a travois for one.” He could almost see what was going through his friend’s mind, “Just stay here and look after him, you need to save your strength it is going to be a long walk back to Atlantis with broken ribs.”
Jason nodded tightly, knowing Hercules was right, now that the adrenaline had worn off the ache in his side felt more like a stab wound then just broken ribs. Leaning his head against Pythagoras, Jason was so relieved at the turn of events and took Hercules advice and closed his eyes and rested.
********
Pythagoras was thirsty and he hurt from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet and had a feeling he didn’t want to open his eyes, but he also had this nagging feeling he needed to, that there was something he was concerned about. No someone he was worried about and with that thought the events of their failed pig hunt flew through his mind and his eyes popped open. He tried to sit up but a jolt of agony from his midsection convinced him that was a very bad idea.
Moaning in pain, Pythagoras road out the anguish, eyes clenched shut, his hands closed in fists at his side. He felt a familiar hand close over his, so he turned his hand and gripped it tightly and didn’t feel so alone with the agony. The moment seemed to last forever but when it was finally over, he relaxed his grip and opened his eyes; Pythagoras saw that Jason was sitting next to him.
Looking him over he saw that his friend looked better; he wasn’t as worn out looking, or as anxious. His eyes drifted down and saw a bandage on Jason’s neck and vaguely remembered blood staining his friend’s throat but couldn’t recall the cause. Gesturing towards his own neck Pythagoras asked, “What happened?”
Jason reached up and touched the bandage, “I got cut during my struggle with Phrixos.”
Pythagoras definitely didn’t remember anyone called Phrixos, “Who?” Shaking his head in frustration at feeling helpless as he lay flat on his back, “Help me to sit up and then start from when Hercules appeared and tell me everything.”
Jason carefully helped his friend sit up and briefly contemplated not telling Pythagoras how close he came to having his blood spilled on the forest floor by a sadistic man named Phrixos, but he didn’t want to be deceitful. Plus Jason really needed to talk it over with Pythagoras. Maybe it was selfish of him to unload all of his anxiety on his recovering friend, but the helpless feeling of knowing he was about to die and there was nothing he could do about it, haunted him in his dreams and tugged at his thoughts during the day.
Pythagoras listened to Jason’s story and when Jason told of his fight with Phrixos the red-haired man felt the man compulsive seize his hand and hold it tight. He realized just how close they both came to never coming back from their little excursion and he in turn gripped Jason’s hand just as tightly.
“Heptarian? Really?” Pythagoras knew the man hated Jason but to fear him so much he would pay to have him killed, his friend must have really scared him. “So what are you going to do?”
Jason opened his mouth to answer but instead a voice over his shoulder said, “Absolutely nothing.”
Pythagoras stared aghast at Hercules, “Nothing?!? The man almost had us killed and may again.”
“What proof do you have?” Hercules asked his tone tired, bitter, “Jason’s word for what some criminal told him? Everyone knows there is no love loss between the two of them, to accuse a nobleman you must have more evidence then that.”
“But what if he tries again?” Pythagoras couldn’t help but picture a million scenarios in which Jason could be caught off guard and killed.
Hercules smirked, “I have heard through my sources within the palace that some bodies were found outside the city and one of them had a bag of gold with Heptarian’s mark on it. This lead to a long meeting between Pasiphae and Heptarian and since he has been quite cowed, now I think his little plan was unknown to the Queen and I am sure it was pointed out to him that to have his opponent end up dead so soon after the fight in the arena would be very suspicious.”
Jason wasn’t sure this bit of logic was totally sound but he had passed Heptarian and his guards in the market and Jason could have sworn that the man had turned around to avoid him. So maybe Hercules had a point.
Pythagoras was also doubtful, plus even if Hercules was right, he knew it would probably not be long before Jason did something to once again gain the Queen’s wrath and next time she might decide a dead Jason would cause no more trouble. He planned on sticking close to his friend for awhile at least.
Out of curiosity he asked, “How long was I unconscious?”
“A couple of days, you had an infection from your wound,” Jason said as he squirmed in his chair trying find a way to sit that didn’t hurt his ribs. “The fever broke yesterday and the wound looks much better; you will probably be up and about soon.” Jason skipped over the fear that had raced through him when his friend had taken a turn for the worse and the hours when he had feared that Pythagoras would die from his wounds.
Pythagoras’ stomach decided at that moment to let it be known how hungry it was by grumbling loudly. At his friends laughter he smiled sheepishly. “I am a bit hungry have we any food?” Remembering their bare cupboards which lead them on their ill fated hunting trip Pythagoras didn’t hold out much hope but then Hercules just chuckled a bit wickedly and said, “As luck would have it I managed to find a few stray pieces of gold along the trail and so we have plenty of food.” With a wink the strong man left the room to find some food suitable for his recovering friend.
“Luck?” Pythagoras shouted after his friend his voice clearly stating he did not believe Hercules story one bit.
“Sometimes Pythagoras it is best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.” Jason stated with a smile on his face.
“Why would you look in a horse’s mouth and what has that to do with gifts?” Pythagoras loved his friend but there was times when he made no sense whatsoever.
Jason started laughing while holding his sore ribs and Pythagoras leaned back against the wall, he was still confused but he smiled, happy to see his friend so merry. So he watched as Jason got himself back under control and they both settled in to wait for Hercules return. Pythagoras was just glad to be home and in the company of his friends, he could ask for no more.
The End