The Minoan Rhapsody

Tailless Dog

One of the Sintian brothers was clearing the rubble that was once the house by the olive grove. The other one was gathering rocks which they would use to rebuild it. Arindraai was tending to the groves, following Hephaestus instructions.

The Fallen One returned to them, after being away for some time. He first talked to the brothers, and then approached Arindraai. "We must leave for now," he told her.

"Why?"

"I will tell you on our way." He retrieved Apator and saw that Ari hadn't moved. "Can't you just trust me and come along?"

The loud braying of their donkey interrupted the discussion. The unexpected noise brought a smile to the group.

Hephaestus approached and petted it. From the distance, he seemed to be talking to it, but Arindraai could not make out the words. Then both, The Fallen One and donkey walked side by side towards the siblings. "Even the donkey agrees we must leave. Ride it." he encouraged Arindraai.

"Why?" She placed her hands on her hips.

"We'll go faster this way."

"No. You got this wrong. I am not the one with a limp. You get on it and we'll go faster."

The brothers chortled as they mumbled amongst themselves.

"Hmm." Hephaestus furrowed his brow, lifted the chin and pressed-together his lips.

"Why don't you ask the donkey and see if it agrees."

The Fallen One sighed, and reluctantly mounted the donkey.

They travelled swiftly and with little effort.

"Danger is upon us," Hephaestus confessed

"Dawa paito pi," one brother said.

"I knew it also," Ari agreed, "let me guess, the Myrmerkes."

"Kuruka tna teti?"

"They are ancient beings from the upper Nile. I am surprised they are here as they never venture this far from their homeland. Zeus must be desperate."

"He is desperate for what? What did you do? What is the Nile?" Ari asked, irritated by her confusion.

"No time to explain. They are here for me. That puts you all in mortal danger."

"Kuruka ju kupanuweto waduna?" The second brother asked.

"This is what I want you all to do. First, do not engage them by yourselves. You will not stand a chance."

"Then why did you bring us along?" Ari asked.

"Best way for me to protect you is to have you close by. Second," he continued. "If you see an ant near you, run away.

"Ta?" The second brother asked.

"Yes, big black ants. Remember when you saw those shadows of men, but there were only ants crawling on the rocks? That was them. Now, I can kill them, so long as I fight them one by one. That's where I need you both," he said while pointing at the Sintians, "Your job is to prevent them from swarming me. If they do, I will be done."

"They can't kill you. You're a God!" Ari interrupted a bit agitated.

"There is not that much ichor left in me," he held Ari's hand. "Whatever is left, I hope is enough. Ari, if things do go wrong, I will need your help and it won't be easy for you."

They arrived at the eastern cliffs, by the ruins of a large, ancient, abandoned temple. Only its greyish, eroded remains were resting on top of the dried grassy landscape.