GOLDEN FLEECE QUEST(BEN BROWN) THE KINGDOM OF THESSALY

That day, was one of the darkest in the land of Thessaly, if not the darkest.
Over six dozen soldiers in black armour, charged into the city of Iolcos on dark horses.
Leading those soldiers, was a figure in a hooded black cloak. Riding with the cloaked figure, was a boy, around fifteen years of age with wild black hair, dark eyes and a mean expression on his face.
People cried in fear, as the unknown riders headed for the palace. Many fled inside their homes to hide, others were thrown aside, women held onto their children. Stools were knocked over too.
The guards outside the palace gates, were afraid.
“I don’t like the look of this,” said the left-hand guard.
“I don’t either,” the right-hand one said.
“We should warn the king and queen.”
The guards went inside the courtyard and bolted the gates, as tightly as possible. They then crossed the courtyard and entered the palace.
Meanwhile, King Aeson was in the throne room, sitting on a throne of silver.
Aeson had shoulder-length, wavy black hair, steel-grey eyes and looked around forty years of age. He wore alight-blue robe with silver embroidery and a crown of
silver.
Aeson was not alone in the throne room. His wife, Queen Medea and son Jason were there, along with Atalanta and Heracles. Then there were the two guards standing by the doors.
Queen Medea looked about the same age as Aeson. She had green eyes, a thin nose and long black hair piled up high with bands of gold wrapped around it. She wore a dark-green robe and a silver head-piece.
Jason looked around ten years of age. He had neck-long, wavy black hair like his father and green eyes like his mother. Unlike his parents, Jason wore no royal garments. He had a plain brown robe, tied at the waist and a pair of sandals.
Atalanta looked about twenty-five years of age. She had a mass of very long, fiery red wavy hair, green eyes and was wearing hunting garments. She had in her possession, a large bow and a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. She happened to be Heracles’ younger sister.
As for Heracles, well, he painted a totally different picture. In age, he looked about thirty-five years. He stood at a mountainous height of eight feet with bulging muscles, huge dextrous limbs, mighty hands, dark eyes and a bald head. He wore no more than a pelt around his waist and had in one hand, a five-foot-long club.
Suddenly, the two guards from outside the courtyard, burst into the throne room.
“Yes, what is it?” Aeson asked.
“We are under attack, my lord,” replied one of the guards.
Everyone grew concerned.
“Under attack?” Aeson asked.
“Yes, my lord.”
“The force of warriors is no small one, my lord,” said the other guard.
“How many are there?” Medea asked.
“Over four dozen, my lady,” replied the guard. “One of them wears a hooded black cloak and has a boy with him.”
“A boy?” asked Medea.
“Yes, my lady.”
“What will you have us do, my lord?” one of the guards in the throne room asked.
“Round up all the men into the courtyard, at once.”
“The enemy will be upon us at any moment, my lord,” said the other throne room guard. “We may not have time.”
“Then you must act very fast. Now hurry.”
“Yes, my lord,” the guards said together.
When all the guards were gone, Aeson turned to everyone else.
“What of Jason, your lordship?” Heracles asked.
“You and Atalanta must take him far away and raise him to adulthood.”
“Must I go, Father?”
“I’m afraid so, Jason.”
Jason turned to Medea.
“It’s for the best, Jason.”
Jason knew his parents were right.
“Okay,” he said. “But I will return. I promise.”
“Come, Jason,” said Heracles.
“We’ll look after you,” Atalanta said.
Jason went with Heracles and Atalanta through a side door, leaving Aeson and Medea to face what was coming – if they had to that is.
Meanwhile, the enemy warriors were preparing to take the palace. Several of them had a large battering ram.
“BREAK THOSE GATES OPEN.” the cloaked figure barked savagely, in a male voice.
The soldiers holding the ram, started to pound the gate.
“MORE POWER!” the cloaked figure barked again. “MORE POWER! MORE! MORE! MORE!”
The soldiers pounded the gates full force, until they broke open.
“CHARGE!” said the cloaked figure.
The warriors rushed into the courtyard, where Aeson’s men were waiting.
Then the battle took place. Sword against sword, shield against shield. One by one, Aeson’s men fell, until they were all dead. Only five of the enemy warriors had been killed.
Now there was no one to prevent the palace from being taken.
“INTO THE PALACE.” the cloaked figure said.
He marched swiftly into the palace, bold as brass, followed by the boy and the surviving soldiers.
“This is the end, Aeson,” Medea said sadly.
“Yes, my dear, this is the end,” Aeson said sadly too.
The throne room doors burst open and the enemy warriors marched in.
The cloaked figure strode forward and halted two metres before Aeson. It then threw back its hood – revealing the head of a man, identical in appearance to Aeson’s.
Undoubtedly, a twin brother.
“Pelias,” said Aeson.
“Your rule is at an end, brother Aeson,” Pelias sneered.
He then turned to Medea.
“And yours too, whoever you are?”
“I am Queen Medea.”
“Not anymore.”
Medea was not afraid of Pelias and neither was Aeson.
“I might have known this would befall,” Aeson said.
He knew that the game was up.
“Now, hand over the kingdom, brother.”
Aeson had no choice.
He stepped down off the throne, without hesitation. He then removed the crown and placed it on the throne.
“Now, I will be king.”
Pelias beckoned Acastus to his side.
“And this is my son and heir, Acastus.”
Pelias knew that it was forbidden by royal law to draw a single drop of blood from any member of the royal family. So he had no choice, but to let Aeson live.

JASON RETURNS

Fifteen, long years had passed, since Pelias seized the kingdom of Thessaly. In those fifteen years, the land, which used to be peaceful had been bled dry and turned into a place of suffering and violence.
Aeson and Medea, the former king and queen, were cast into prison. There they had languished day and night, surviving off no more than gruel and water, while Pelias reigned terror over the land.
Acastus was just as bad. He never protested and was set dead against anyone who tried to stand up against his father, in any way.
However, as devastating as things were, a ray of hope still shone and that was Jason – the son of Aeson and Medea.
Over the last fifteen years, Jason had been raised to adulthood, faraway in the mountains of Thessaly, by Heracles and Atalanta.
There he had learned how to wield the sword, throw the javelin and fire the arrow. Now he was a fine hunter and a handsome young man of twenty-five.
Heracles and Atalanta had told him many things about the known world. Other lands they had visited, kings and queens they had met, voyages they had been on, treasures they had found.
They got wind from time to time, of what Pelias was up to from passersby and forwarded it onto a furious Jason.
Furthermore, Jason regarded Heracles and Atalanta as family. Heracles was like a second father to him and
Atalanta a sister.
In the present moment, the three of them were out in the forest, hunting a small deer for their dinner.
Atalanta poised and fired an arrow at the deer. A perfect shot.
“Well done,” said Jason.”
“Yes, well done,” Heracles said.
“Thanks.”
“Now we must head home,” said Heracles.
He picked up the deer and walked with Jason and Atalanta back the way they came.
Eventually, they reached a small cave, over-looking a lake, surrounded by hills and valleys. On the other side of the lake, about two miles away, there was a small settlement.
“You two go fetch some water, while I prepare dinner,” Heracles said.
Jason and Atalanta stashed their bows and arrows inside the cave, which was mostly dark inside and fetched three large skins. They then left the cave and headed to a stream to get some water. When the skins were full, they went back and put them inside the cave.
“Dinner’s all ready,” said Heracles, who had just finished roasting the deer on a spit over a warm fire.
“Lovely,” Atalanta said.
“Let’s tuck in,” said Jason.
“Yes, let’s tuck in,” Heracles said.
The three of them began to dine.
“I have something to tell you, Jason,” Heracles said.
“Go on.”
“The time has come for you to go to Iolcos and make yourself known to Pelias.”
“Finally,” Jason said. “I’ve waited fifteen years for this moment.”
“We know you have,” said Atalanta.
“When do I go to Iolcos?”
“Tomorrow, at dawn,” replied Heracles. “But you will not go alone.”
“We will come too. Iolcos is a very long way from here,” Atalanta said.
“Yes,” said Heracles. “We don’t want you running into trouble along the way. And besides, Atalanta and I swore on oath, that we will always protect you.”
Jason was relieved to know that he wouldn’t be going alone.
“How long will the journey take?” he asked.
“About two to three weeks,” replied Atalanta.
“We’ll have to stop off several times along the way,” Heracles said.
“How far away is Iolcos?” Jason asked.
“Over two hundred miles,” replied Atalanta.
“That is a very long way.”
Indeed it was a very long way, but Jason was prepared to make the journey.
“Now remember what we told you, Jason,” said Heracles. “It is forbidden by royal law for you to shed a single drop of blood from any member of the royal family. You will not be allowed to harm Pelias and he
will not be allowed to harm you.”
“I remember,” Jason said. “But what if he refuses to release my parents and hand the kingdom back over to them?”
“Well, we’ll cross that bridge, when we come to it,” replied Heracles.
“If we come to it,” Atalanta said.
“Time to turn in for the night,” said Heracles.
“We’ve got a very long journey to begin tomorrow,” Atalanta said.
“Yes,” said Jason. “We have.”
The three of them went inside the cave. Heracles spread out several large pelts for sleeping on. He then lay down with Jason on one side and Atalanta on the other.
The following day, Jason, Atalanta and Heracles, readied themselves for the trek.
Jason and Atalanta sheathed their swords, put on bronze coats of armour, grabbed shields of bronze and slung their quivers over their shoulders.
Heracles grabbed a skin of water, a bag of food, including berries and dried meat and last of all, his mighty club.
“Off we go,” he said.
So Heracles, Atalanta and Jason left the cave, for the very last time and set out on their journey.
Along the way, they stopped off at settlements, inhabited by the poor, stayed at declining farms, crossed rivers, walked around lakes, travelled along roads, hunted and spent nights in the wilderness.
There were many other travellers about too – either riding in carts and chariots, riding on horseback, or simply walking on foot.
The weather wasn’t always perfect. Some days were windy, others misty, others stormy.
In the end however, they reached Iolcos, though Jason’s feet were very blistered and sore. Never before, had he walked so far.
“There it is,” said Atalanta. “Iolcos.”
Jason gazed at the great sailing vessels coming and going.
“I always dreamed of going to sea, when I was a boy,” he said.
“Maybe you will one day,” said Heracles.
After covering the last two miles along the coast, Jason, Atalanta and Heracles entered the city and made for the palace.
Jason didn’t like what he saw in the city. Building walls were chipped and stained all over with dirt, doors half-hung off their hinges, shutters were missing from the windows, people were sitting, or lying around in old clothing, women were comforting crying children, the streets were filthy, dogs and cats were wandering about, stalls were falling apart and food was scattered everywhere.
The Iolcos, which Jason had known as a boy was no more.
Jason was fuming inside, as were Atalanta and Heracles.
“Pelias will pay for this treachery,” said Heracles, who certainly was not going unnoticed.
When the guards outside the courtyard gates saw him, they became afraid too.
“I don’t like the look of this,” said the left-hand guard.
“Neither do I,” the right-hand one said.
“We should inform the king.”
“I agree. I certainly don’t want to face that monster.”
Meanwhile, Pelias and Acastus were in the throne room, in the company of guests. They became annoyed when the guards burst in.
“Well, what is it?” Pelias asked.
“There are three unknown strangers approaching the palace my lord,” said one guard.
“Two men and a woman, my lord,” the other said.
“Are they armed?” asked Pelias.
“Yes, my lord,” the guard replied. “One of the men stands about eight feet tall and carries a huge club.”
The sound of that disturbed both Pelias and Acastus. Even the guests felt on edge.
“We dare not stand up to him, my lord.”
“What will you have us do, my lord? Get rid of them?”
There was a moments silence.
“No, admit them. If this man is as formidable as you say he is, then Acastus and I will face him.”
“You’re mad, my lord,” the other guard said.
“I may be mad, but my decision is final.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
“I do wish. Now be off with the pair of you.”
“Yes, my lord,” the guards said in unison.
They left the throne room with haste.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Father,” Acastus said with unease in his voice.
“So do I,” Pelias said in the same tone of voice.
When Heracles, Atalanta and Jason reached the palace, the guards became very afraid. They didn’t block the gates. Nor did they ask them to state their business.
“We’ve come to see the king,” Heracles said.
“We know,” said the left-hand guard.
The guards cringed away as Heracles led Atalanta and Jason into the palace.
Pelias and Acastus were feeling on edge too, as were the guests.
“Well, we’ll just have to see it through,” Pelias said.
“I hope we won’t have to face the strangers, whoever they are, for long,” said Acastus.
“Neither do I,” Pelias said.
At that very moment, the throne room doors burst open and in marched Heracles, followed by Atalanta and Jason.
For years Pelias had ruled Thessaly, reigning terror over the people. But the sight of Heracles struck a chord of fear inside him. It showed on his face too.
The same went for Acastus and the guests.
“Leave us,” Pelias said to the guests.
The guests didn’t need to be told twice. They left the throne room as quick as they could.
“Well, who – who are you three?” Pelias asked fearfully.
“I am Heracles.”
Heracles could tell that Pelias and Acastus feared him.
“My name is Atalanta.”
“And I am Jason – the son of Medea and your brother, Aeson.”
Pelias and Acastus were shocked by that news. Never had it occurred to them, that Aeson and Medea had a secret heir.
“Come again,” Pelias said.
“I am the son of Aeson and Medea.”
“This is inconceivable,” Acastus said.
“My brother never told me he has a son.”
“Heracles and Atalanta took me from the palace before your arrival.”
“What are you going to do, Father?” Acastus asked with concern in his voice.
“Well, I can’t kill him, just as he can’t kill me. It is forbidden by royal law, as you very well know.
“What are you going to do then?” Acastus asked.
“I will just have to hear him out.”
Pelias knew he had no choice. He didn’t want to step out of line in the presence of Heracles, who was going nowhere.
“Very well,” said Acastus.
“So, Jason, what is it that you want?”
“I want you to release my parents and hand the kingdom back to them.”
Pelias half expected that.
“You want me to stand down as king?”
“I do.”
Pelias was silent for a moment. He certainly was not prepared to free Jason’s parents, not to mention hand the kingdom back over to them. Yet he didn’t want to say as much in front of Heracles.
“What are you going to do, Father?” Acastus asked, with an edge to his voice.
“Let me think.”
As Pelias dwelt on the matter, a cunning idea came to him and he decided to play a very deceitful game.
“I shall do as Jason says.”
“No, Father,” said Acastus, who was most taken aback.
“I will hand the kingdom back, if Jason brings me the Golden Fleece.”

THE ARGO AND THE ARGONAUTS

Jason knew of the Golden Fleece. Heracles and Atalanta had told him that it once belonged to the last of the golden sheep of Colchis.
He had also been told that the Fleece was in the possession of king Aeetes – ruler of Colchis and that many other rulers wanted it.
Heracles and Atalanta had made the journey from Thessaly to Colchis before and had seen the Golden Fleece.
As for Pelias, he had made a very cunning move – a move to get his nephew out of the way. He hoped that Jason would fall for it and so did Acastus.
“You’re mad,” said Atalanta, who didn’t believe a word of it.
“Yes, mad,” said Heracles, who didn’t believe it either. “You just want the Fleece for yourself. Aeson told me as much.”
“That is so, but if Jason doesn’t get the Fleece, I will not hand the kingdom back to Aeson and Medea.”
“So be it,” Jason said strongly.
Like Heracles and Atalanta, he didn’t buy it, but he didn’t want to let on to his uncle.
“No, Jason,” Atalanta and Heracles said together.
“You must build your own ship, Jason and find a crew.”
“If he can find a crew,” Acastus sneered.
“Very well,” said Jason.
“Now be off with you,” Pelias said.
Jason left the palace with Heracles and Atalanta. Although he didn’t buy what Pelias had said, he had one or two cunning tricks up his own sleeve.
“You should have refused, Jason,” said Atalanta.
“I know what I’m doing,” Jason said.
“Do you?” asked Heracles.
“Yes.”
“Well, I don’t believe a single word that came out of Pelias’ mouth,” Atalanta said.
“I don’t either,” said Heracles.
“Neither do I,” Jason said. “He just wants the Fleece.”
“Then why did you not refuse?” asked Atalanta.
“Because I wanted to give Pelias the impression that I believe him. I’m not backing out of this.”
“Very well,” Atalanta sighed. “But you are not to go it alone.”
“We will come too,” said Heracles. “The journey to Colchis is very long and is not to be taken lightly.”
“That’s right,” Atalanta said. “Without us, you won’t reach Colchis, let alone return.”
“Your safety is our prime concern, Jason.”
“Thank you. I’ll be most glad to have you two accompany me.”
Jason knew from what Heracles and Atalanta had told him years ago, that the voyage to Colchis was very challenging.
He knew also, that preparing for the voyage, was going to be far from straight forward and was going to take some time too.
For one, he had to build a ship and find a crew. No way was he prepared to go round asking the ship builders to help him build a sailing vessel, let alone mention the Golden Fleece.
Finding a crew, was something else.
It was most fortunate that Heracles and Atalanta were with him.
“First however, I need to build a ship,” he said. “And find a full crew.”
“Don’t concern yourself over that,” said Heracles. “I’ll build the ship. I’ve built many ships, as I’ve said
before. I’ll find other crew members too.”
That took the weight off Jason’s shoulders.
“Thank you,” he said.
“How many more sailors would you say we need?” Atalanta asked.
“Let me see,” replied Heracles. “For a voyage to Colchis, I would say forty-two. Forty to pull the oars, one to beat the drums and one to go on watch. I myself will steer the ship.”
“That sounds fine to me,” Jason said. “But I want strong, armed fighters. No laggards.”
“You can count on that,” said Heracles. “I will make sure that the sailors are worthy.”
Jason felt less burdened with worry.
“How long will it take to build the ship?” he asked.
“Several months,” replied Heracles.
“What are you and I going to do for several months Jason?” asked Atalanta. “We can’t just hang around and sleep on the beach.”
Jason lifted that worry off Atalanta’s shoulders.
“We won’t have to,” he said. “There are many people who I used to be well acquainted with to visit, if they are still there that is. We can go hunting outside Iolcos and spend nights in the open.”
That brightened Atalanta’s spirits.
“Perfect,” she said.
So that’s how it was.
Over the next six to seven months, Heracles had a vessel built by local ships carpenters. There were
plenty of trees outside Iolcos to get the wood from.
He managed to find forty-two worthy sailors, all aged from around Jason’s age to over forty. They were willing to go on the voyage.
Furthermore, he saw to it that arms were produced by the local metal workers and had all the other supplies prepared.
Atalanta and Jason, on the other hand, visited several residents, who had been present when Aeson and Medea were king and queen and became acquainted with the crew members too.
They also went outside the city for days at a time.
Then one day, the ship was finished. Heracles named her (ARGO).
A fine ship the Argo was. She had forty large oars, a crow’s nest, a white sail with a gold lion painted on it and a lion-shaped figure head.
“You’ve done a fine job, Heracles,” Jason said with admiration in his voice.
“The finest sailing vessel I’ve ever seen,” said Atalanta.
“I thank you both,” Heracles said.
“A magnificent vessel and a bunch of worthy strong-looking sailors,” said Atalanta.
The names of the ARGO members, are as follows.

Jason Lynceus Zetes Melanion
Heracles Mopsus Meleager Telamon
Atalanta Euphemus Orpheus Admetus
Pollux Idmon Peleus Ancaeus
Castor Laertes Calais Amphion
Areius Capheus Eurytus Iphiclus
Asterius Hylas Eurydamus Iphitos
Armenius Coronus Euryalas Nestor
Butes Deucalion Eurymedon Oileus
Azorus Argus Iolaus Peneleos
Phalerus Talaus Staphylus Idas
Argos

Henceforth, they would be known throughout the world, as (Jason and the Argonauts).

THE VOYAGE BEGINS

At last, everything was set for the voyage to Colchis.
The supplies were all locked up in compartments on board and the sailors were ready.
Jason started giving orders.
“Now then, let’s get the Argo in the water.”
He, along with the Argonauts, got hold of the ship’s sides and pushed her down the rollers into the sea.
“Good team work,” said Heracles.
“All aboard,” Jason said.
The Argonauts got on board, followed by Jason.
“To your places,” Jason said. “Oarsmen to the benches, up into the crow’s nest, Hylas, to the drums, Castor.
The Argonauts took their places.
“That’s fine,” said Jason.
He went with Heracles and Atalanta to the stern.
“You’re a natural,” Atalanta said.
“You’ll make a fine captain,” said Heracles, who took the helm, ready to steer.
“Thank you.”
When he was a boy, Jason had watched ships coming and going and while the Argo was being built, so he knew how to take control of things.
However, sailing was a totally different matter, seeing as he had never been to sea.
Heracles and Atalanta had told him of rough tides, mists, strong gales and storms, but he had never experienced such things.
The captain gave more orders.
“Start beating the drums, Castor.”
Castor started to beat the large drums.
“Row away.”
The oarsmen began to pull the oars with their powerful, muscular strong arms.
People on the beach looked on, as Jason and the Argonaut’s left Iolcos.
Standing in the background, were Pelias and Acastus.
“If Jason returns, then he’d better have the Golden Fleece,” Pelias said.
“Do you suppose he knows that you deceived him?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Well, I hope you’re right.”
From the Argo, Atalanta spotted Pelias and Acastus.
“Look over there, Jason,” she said.
Jason stared at his uncle and nephew.
“I might have known that Pelias and Acastus would come to watch us leave.”
Heracles glanced over at the beach in anger.
“I should have clubbed them both to death in the palace,” he fumed.
“That would not have been worthy of you in the eyes of Aeson and Medea,” said Atalanta.
“That, is why I didn’t do it. The last thing I wanted, was to give myself a bad name in the royal house of Thessaly.”
“But you are not of Thessalian royal blood, Heracles,” Jason said. “The royal laws don’t extend to you.”
“Well, there is that,” said Heracles. “But nevertheless, I would not have wanted your parents to look upon me in shame.”
“There’s no point in brooding over that,” Atalanta said.
“It’s more important to focus on the voyage,” said Jason.
Over the first six to seven days, Jason and the Argonauts made good headway into the voyage – covering a distance of up to two hundred miles.
The Argo was a fast ship.
The weather was perfect, the skies clear, the sea calm and the wind gentle.
The sailors were cheerful too. They sang sea-faring
songs, told stories of their adventures, rested, slept, played music and ate and drank, as well as rowing.
Hylas came down from the crow’s nest to join in.
So that is how it was to begin with.
Then one day, things began to change.
The wind started to blow stronger, the sea became rougher and the Argo began to rock.
“The sea is changing,” said Jason.
“The wind’s getting stronger too,” Atalanta said.
She looked up Hylas, who was clinging tightly to the mast.
“HOLD IN THERE, HYLAS.”
The rowers were no longer in high spirits.
Oars clashed as they fought against the waves. Mopsus lost control of his oar three times and had to pull it out of the water. Idas, Pollux and Lynceus had the same trouble.
“Well, I cannot give orders to the rowers,” Jason said.
“It could be a whole lot worse,” said Heracles, who was trying to steady the steering.
“I wonder how long it will last,” Jason said.
Conditions stayed the same till the end of the day, then overnight and all through the next day, before they finally settled.
Hylas was almost thrown into the sea.
“Alright, stop rowing,” Jason said.
“They need a rest after that,” said Heracles.
“That sure was some experience,” Jason said.
“Heracles and I have experienced far worse,” said Atalanta.
Heracles looked up at Hylas.
“ARE YOU ALRIGHT NOW?” he asked.
“YES, THANK YOU.”
“WE ALMOST LOST YOU,” Atalanta said.
“At least we didn’t lose the oars,” said Mopsus.
“Where would we be without those?” Orpheus said.
“It could have been worse,” said Zetes.
“A lot worse,” Phalerus said.
“No more talking,” said Jason.
“You’d better find out if we’ve been driven off course, Heracles,” Atalanta said.
“Right,” said Heracles.
He checked the compass.
“Have we?” Atalanta asked.
“Yes.”
“By how far?” asked Jason, who was concerned.
“Five miles.”
“Not bad,” Atalanta said.
“From here, we should reach the island of King Cyzicus in about five days,” said Heracles.
“We’ll rest a little longer first,” Jason said.
The sailors rested for a short while, eating and drinking. Heracles studied the chart.
“Right, time to continue,” said Jason.
Hylas climbed up into the crow’s nest, Castor stood behind the drums and the rowers grabbed the oars.
“And away we go,” Jason said.
Castor started beating the drums again and the oarsmen rowed away.
Fortunately, the weather held good from that point and the sailors were in high spirits again.
Then one day, Hylas spotted an island.

KING CYZICUS

“There it is,” said Heracles.
“The island of King Cyzicus,” Atalanta said.
The island wasn’t a large one. Only about three miles across. It had low, tree-clad hills, headlands, coves, low cliffs and a settlement partially in view.
Heracles faced the rowers.
“Now remember what I told you all,” he said. “King Cyzicus will treat us with kindness. So there will be no need to arm yourselves.”
“Queen Megara and Princess Iona are equally as friendly,” said Atalanta.
Heracles examined the coastline to find a place to land.
“That beach will do fine,” he said.
“We don’t want to go in fast,” said Atalanta.
Jason faced the rowers.
“Slow down the pace now,” he ordered.
The rowers slowed the pace as the Argo neared the island.
Closer and closer the ship went, until she finally reached the shore.
“Stop rowing,” said Jason. “And bring your oars in.”
The oarsmen did as they were ordered – allowing the Argo to drift in gently.
“Drop the Anchor stone,” Jason ordered.
Pollux, Phalerus and Lynceus seized a large boulder in a net of thick ropes and cast it over the side.
“Should we go to the palace first?” asked Jason.
“Yes,” Heracles replied.
“The settlement is less than two miles inland,” said Atalanta.
As soon as she had spoken, a man appeared on the beach. The man had shoulder-length, greyish-black hair, a large beard, a thick moustache, a prominent nose and pale-blue eyes. He wore a striped, blue and gold robe and a gold crown – studded with rubies and emeralds. He stood between five and six feet tall and was aged about fifty.
“There’s Cyzicus himself,” Heracles said.
“We’d better go ashore and meet him,” said Atalanta.
“I agree,” Jason said.
“He looks friendly enough,” said Castor.
“The rest of you stay here a moment,” Jason said.
He, along with Atalanta and Heracles, left the Argo to meet King Cyzicus.
“Greetings again, Heracles and Atalanta,” Cyzicus said
cheerfully.
“Greetings, your lordship,” Heracles and Atalanta replied in unison.
They bowed as they spoke.
“Who is this fine young man in your company?” asked the king.
“The son of Aeson and Medea of Thessaly, your lordship,” Atalanta replied. “His name is Jason.”
“He is also the captain of the Argo, which I built, your lordship”
“A fine vessel to look upon.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” said Heracles.
Cyzicus faced Jason.
“Greetings, Jason,” he said.
“Greetings, your lordship,” Jason said with a bow.
“Bring the rest of your crew ashore.”
Jason did as Cyzicus ordered.
“Here they are, your lordship.”
Cyzicus stared at the other Argonauts.
“I am very honoured to meet you all.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” the other crew members said in unison.
They all bowed together.
“My crew members are called Argonauts, your lordship,” said Jason.
“Tonight we shall feast at the palace,” Cyzicus said. “Megara and Iona will be delighted to meet you all.”
“Your lordship is most kind,” said Jason.
A royal feast, was something for Jason and the Argonauts to look forward to.
“Come now,” Cyzicus beckoned.
The king led the sailors along a pathway through the vegetation to the settlement.
The settlement resembled Iolcos, only it was smaller and in perfect condition. The streets were clean, the buildings in good shape. Stools were everywhere and the people were happy.
None of the people feared the sight of the sailors, not even Heracles, for they knew that Cyzicus would never allow any enemies into the settlement.
“Tell me, your lordship,” said Jason. “How did you know of our arrival?”
“Someone spotted the Argo and saw a man and woman on board, matching the descriptions of Heracles and Atalanta.”
Soon, King Cyzicus and the sailors reached the palace, which was roughly the same size as the one in Iolcos.
The two guards outside the gates stared in awe at Heracles. They opened the gates to let everyone into the courtyard.
Cyzicus led the sailors into the palace.
“Wait here a moment.”
He entered the throne room, where Queen Megara and Princess Iona were watching a group of young dancing women.
Megara stood slightly shorter than Cyzicus and looked younger by a few years. She had long, wavy black hair, pale skin and green eyes. She wore a red and purple gown, gold and silver rings, a pearl necklace and a gold head-piece – studded with emeralds.
Iona looked about twenty years of age and resembled her mother. She wore a pure white dress and a silver headband.
The throne room was magnificent to look upon. There were beautiful frescoes all over the walls and ceiling, burning braziers, side doors, pillars and the throne itself, was made of ornate gold.
“The sailors are here,” Cyzicus said.
“I can’t wait to meet Atalanta and Heracles again,” said Iona.
“Neither can I,” Megara said.
“I’ll bring them in along with the rest.”
Cyzicus went out of the throne room for a moment.
“You can all come in now.”
He went back in, followed by Jason and the Argonauts.
“Greetings, Heracles, greetings, Atalanta,” Megara and Iona said together.
“Greetings, Lady Megara, greetings Princess Iona,” Heracles and Atalanta said in unison.
They bowed as they spoke.
“It’s been a long time since we last saw the pair of you,” Megara said.
“It certainly has, your ladyship,” said Atalanta.
“Who might those other fine men be?” Iona asked.
“The man standing next to me, is called Jason, princess,” replied Heracles. “He is the captain of a ship, called the Argo and the rightful heir to the kingdom of Thessaly.”
“I’m most honoured to meet you, Jason,” Megara said.
“So am I,” replied Iona.
“I’m honoured to meet you too, Lady Megara and you too, Princess Iona.”
Jason bowed to them in turn.
Megara and Iona faced the other sailors.
“So they are the rest of your crew members?” Megara said.
“Yes, your ladyship. My crew members are called Argonauts.”
“I’m honoured to meet you all,” said Megara.
“I’m honoured too,” Iona said.
“Thank you, Lady Megara, thank you, Princess Iona,” the sailors said.
They all bowed together.
“Tell us why you and your crew have come to our fair island, Jason,” said Princess Iona.
“That, Iona, we shall find out, when we all feast tonight,” Cyzicus said.

A ROYAL FEAST

“A feast will be perfect,” said Megara.
Iona was most pleased too.
“In the meantime, Heracles and Atalanta will show you
all the rest of the island,” Cyzicus said.
“Thank you, your lordship,” Jason said.
“You join them too, Iona,” said Megara.
The princess was over-joyed.
“Thanks, mum.”
“Off we go then,” Heracles said.
Jason and the Argonauts left the palace, accompanied by Iona.
“We must take on food and water,” said Jason.
“There’s plenty of it,” Heracles said.
“We’d better go back to the ship then,” said Atalanta. “To fetch our empty baskets and skins.”
That sparked Iona’s interest.
“I’d love to see the ship,” she said.
“So you shall, princess,” said Heracles.
A sudden thought crossed Jason’s mind – a thought he could not ignore and didn’t want to even if he could.
“Tell me, princess,” he said. “How does it feel to be an heiress? To be the daughter of a queen?”
Iona was taken aback.
“Why do you ask that?” she asked curiously.
“I’m just interested to know, princess.”
“Well, it doesn’t make me feel privileged. There’s nothing, which I would say is special about it. Having royal blood in my veins means nothing. No, I see myself as being no more, or less important as those not born of royal blood. After all, we are only human, no matter what position we hold in life. True strength
and greatness, lies within us.”
Iona’s answer amazed everyone.
“You are very wise in your ways of thinking, princess,” Atalanta said.
“Thank you.”
“Do your parents share your views, princess?” asked Jason.
“They do.”
“I presume that royal visitors come from other kingdoms, princess?” Jason asked.
“From time to time.”
“Do they all come on good terms, princess?” asked Jason.
“Most of them.”
“Well, all kings and queens have adversaries, princess,” Jason said.
“Indeed they do,” said Iona.
Soon, everyone reached the Argo.
“What a magnificent ship,” Iona said.
“Thank you, princess,” said Heracles.
“Heracles built it himself, princess,” Atalanta said.
“Get all the empty baskets and skins,” Jason said to the other Argonauts.
The rest of the crew did as they were ordered.
“Off we go to get more food and water,” said Heracles.
So Heracles, Atalanta and Iona, showed Jason and the rest of the Argonauts around the other areas of the island.
“What a remarkable island,” said Castor.
“So peaceful,” Butes said.
“More so than many other places in the known world,” said Admetus.
“Plenty of wild fruit,” Lynceus said.
“And water,” said Idas.”
“All the supplies we need,” Argos said.
“I take it, Jason, that you and the Argonauts are on a voyage?” asked Iona.
“That is so, princess,” Jason replied. “We must take on more food and water wherever we stop.”
“Where are you all heading?”
“That, princess, you shall find out at the feast,” replied Heracles. “But first we must take on the supplies we need.”
The sailors picked berries and other kinds of wild fruit, which was most bountiful and filled the skins from a river. Iona helped too.
After that, they went back to the Argo and stored everything onboard, before returning to the palace.
The sight, which met the eyes of the sailors in the throne room, was a marvel to behold.
Several fine, rectangular tables with ornate carvings, had been laid out with chairs around them. On top of those tables, there were large gold plates and dishes, all piled up with food, including fruit, meats and vegetables and gold vessels of wine. There were empty plates and goblets, all made of gold too, waiting to be filled with food and wine.
“Time to feast,” said Cyzicus.
“What a splendid feast to lay eyes on,” said Lynceus.
“I’ve never seen one like it,” Iphitos said.
“Me neither,” said Laertes.
“Would the three of you care to sit with Iona, Megara and myself?” Cyzicus asked Jason, Heracles and Atalanta.
“With pleasure your, lordship,” replied Jason.
Atalanta and Heracles nodded in agreement.
The three of them sat with the royal family, while the rest of the Argonauts sat around the other tables.
“So, Jason, you are the heir to the kingdom of Thessaly?” Cyzicus asked as the feast began.
“Yes, your lordship,” replied Jason. “It is true.”
“Words have reached our ears over the last ten years, that the land of Thessaly has fallen into deep decline,” Megara said.
“Something to do with your parents being overthrown by King Pelias,” said Cyzicus.
“That is so, your lord and ladyship,” Jason said. “Ten years old I was, when Pelias seized the kingdom of Thessaly. My parents were imprisoned and have been ever since.
“I wasn’t there to witness it because Heracles and Atalanta took me from the palace and raised me to manhood, far away from Iolcos.”
“Very noble of them,” said Megara.
“Tell me, Jason, have you returned to Iolcus to confront Pelias?” Cyzicus asked.
“I have, your lordship.”
“Did Pelias decide to hand the kingdom back to your parents?” asked Megara.
“Only if I get him the Golden Fleece, your ladyship.”
“The Golden Fleece?” Iona asked open mouthed.
“That’s right, princess,” replied Jason. “Though I don’t believe for an instant that Pelias will keep his word and neither do Heracles and Atalanta. All he wants is the Fleece.
“Why go in search for the Fleece then?” asked Iona.
“I’m doing it to deceive Pelias into believing that I’ve fallen for his trickery, princess.”
“Very cunning of you,” said Cyzicus.
“I take it then, that you and the Argonauts are heading for Colchis?” Megara asked.
“Yes, your ladyship. We’re just stopping here along the way.”
“Are you interested in the Fleece, Jason?” asked Iona.
“No, princess and I don’t want it either.”
The other Argonauts were too busy talking and laughing to pay the slightest bit of attention to the conversation taking place between Jason and the royal family.
“Just as well,” Cyzicus said. “In my opinion, no living mortal has the right to own the Fleece. It never should have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis, to which it had truly belonged. If I had the Fleece, I would cast it into the sea, out of the reach of
mortal hands.”
“I would do the same,” said Megara. “And so would Iona.”
Jason, Heracles and Atalanta were all taken by surprise.
“However, we have no objection against your intentions, Jason,” Megara said.
“Not everyone shares our opinions,” said Cyzicus.
There was a moments silence at the table.
“So, Jason, how does it feel being a ship’s captain?” Megara asked.
“Great, your ladyship.”
“Have you experienced any rough conditions yet?” asked Cyzicus.
“A strong wind, your lordship,” Jason replied. “And a wild sea.”
“We were blown off course by five miles, your lordship,” said Atalanta.
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” Iona said.
“I’m ready to face far worse, princess,” said Jason.
Indeed Jason was ready to face far worse, for he knew there would be worse to come.
“Not tonight you won’t,” Megara said. “Tonight, you and the Argonauts will stay in the palace.”
Jason was over-joyed, as were Atalanta and Heracles.
“I thank you, your ladyship,” said Jason.
“I’ll have some of my men keep an eye on the Argo,” Cyzicus said.
So it was.
Jason and the Argonauts stayed overnight in the throne room.

THE STORM

The following morning, after a big royal breakfast, the sailors went down to the Argo, accompanied by Cyzicus, Megara and Iona.
“What a magnificent ship,” said Megara.
“Thank you, your ladyship,” Heracles said.
“The finest one Heracles has ever built, your ladyship,” said Atalanta.
There was silence for a moment.
“This is goodbye then,” Cyzicus said.
“It is, your lordship,” said Heracles.
“Thank you for everything, your lordship,” Jason said. “We’ve all had a most wonderful time.”
Jason wished that he and the Argonauts were able to stay longer, but he knew that the voyage had to go on.
“You and the Argonauts will pay us a return visit, won’t you, Jason?” asked Megara.
“If we succeed in our quest and make it back, your ladyship, then yes, we will visit again.”
“We’ll be waiting,” Iona said.
With that, Jason and the Argonauts exchanged present farewells with the royal family. They then got back on board the Argo and left the island.
“That was a most pleasant stay,” said Jason. “Such wonderful hospitality.”
“There aren’t many royal families in the known world, that are as loyal,” Atalanta said.
“You were most fortunate to have met one of them,” said Heracles.
Indeed Jason was very fortunate and he felt so too. However, Heracles and Atalanta had told him, not to expect a warm welcome at every stop.
“I wish we could have stayed longer,” Mopsus said.
“And me,” said Orpheus.
“So do I,” Butes said.
“And me,” said Meleager.
The rest of the oarsmen nodded and spoke in agreement among themselves. Hylas agreed too.
Jason couldn’t argue.
“I do too,” he said. “But we will visit again, if we succeed in our quest and more importantly, if we survive what is to come.”
Jason’s concerns on that matter were very strong and he had need to be concerned.
“From now on, we must focus on what lies ahead,” said Heracles.
“Yes,” Jason said. “And remember that we won’t receive a warm welcome at our next stop.”
“Not from King Amycus,” said Atalanta.
Heracles and Atalanta had told Jason of a king, called Amycus, when he was younger and it hadn’t sounded at all good.
“That bridge, we shall cross when, or if we come to it,” Heracles said.
“For the time being, we shall focus only on getting to the island,” said Atalanta.
“And show a little spirit too,” Jason said.
So the sailors got back into the rhythm of things again. They sang sea-faring songs, shared stories, ate, drank, rested and slept, as well as rowing.
Fortunately, no trouble arose during those days, but on the eighth day, things changed weather-wise.
“The wind’s starting to get stronger again,” said Heracles.
“The sea’s changing too,” said Jason.
That wasn’t all, because a blanket of thick grey clouds was approaching along with the sounds of rolling thunder and flashing lightning. The Argo was starting to rock too.
“A storm is on its way,” Atalanta said.
Jason looked up at Hylas, who was clinging to the mast in fear.
“HOLD IN THERE, HYLAS,” he said.
“IF IT’S ALRIGHT WITH YOU, JASON, I’D RATHER COME DOWN.”
“OKAY, BUT BE CAREFUL.”
Jason watched Hylas climb out of the crow’s nest and down to the deck.
“It’s best if you stay down here,” said Heracles. “This storm I feel, is going to get very rough.”
“I feel it too,” Atalanta said.
They were right too.
The grey clouds came nearer and nearer and the sounds of thunder and lightning grew louder and louder.
Then it was upon the Argo – a ferocious storm.
Torrential rain cascaded, lightning flashed, thunder rolled louder still and the wind increased.
The sea became wilder and wilder. Mighty waves crashed onto the deck, sending spray everywhere.
As for the sailors, they were having an awful time.
The oarsmen fell off their seats and rolled about all over the place. Mopsus, Castor, Atalanta, Pollux and Jason, all nearly ended up overboard. Heracles lost control of the steering and half the oars ended up in the sea.
For three days and nights the storm raged – three long days and nights, of turmoil and dread.
The sailors lived in mortal fear of their lives.
In the end however, the calamity ended.
The sailors were no longer in high spirits though. They were hungry, thirsty and most had received, not to severe wounds.
Fortunately, they had all survived. No one had been hurled overboard.
Most of all, the Argo was still in good shape.
“Well, Jason,” said Heracles. “That was a sea storm for you.”
“It sure was terrifying,” Jason said.
“Many times, Heracles and I have ended up in storms
like that,” said Atalanta.
“Unfortunately, we lost half the oars,” Mopsus said.
“At least we didn’t lose any arms,” said Pollux.
“Or food,” Lynceus said.
“Or water,” said Orpheus.
“Where would we be without food or water?” Butes said.
“Not in a good situation,” said Mopsus.
Hercules, who was getting annoyed, lost his temper.
“SILENCE!” he roared. “I know we’re in a bit of a mess, but just be grateful that we’re all still here.”
The oarsmen fell silent. Not one of them dared utter another word, while Heracles was in an angry mood.
“Now I don’t want to hear another word out of any of you,” Heracles said angrily to the oarsmen.
Atalanta and Jason had their own concerns.
“I wonder where we are,” said Atalanta.
“We may be way off course,” Jason said.
Heracles was thinking along the same lines.
“It’s too dark to look at the compass now,” he said.
Atalanta thought that it was just as well.
“It’s best if we stay where we are until the night is out,” she said.
Jason agreed, as did Heracles, who was too worn and spent to steer.
“We’ll stay here until first light,” he said.
Conditions were perfect the following day.
“Let’s find out where we are,” said Jason.
Heracles checked the compass.
“Are we off course?” Atalanta asked.
“Yes, by twenty miles.”
“That sure is some way,” said Castor.
“Not to worry,” Heracles said. “We’ll still reach the next stop.”
“First, we’ll have to sort this mess out,” said Jason.
Indeed there was a mess to fix. There were forty rowers and only twenty oars. Most of all, it had to be decided who was going to row and who wasn’t. Jason had an idea about that.
“The oarsmen will have to take it in turns to row,” he said.
“Take it in turns?” asked Atalanta.
“Yes. With only twenty oars, they won’t all be able to row at once. We’ll have to split them into two teams. That way, they can take it in turns to row.”
“Good thinking,” Heracles said.
Jason faced the oarsmen.
“Now listen up,” he said. “We’ve lost half the oars, so you’ll have to row in two separate teams. That way you can take it in turns to row.”
“How long do you expect us to do that?” asked Mopsus.
“Until we reach the island,” Jason replied.
“Until we reach the island?” groaned Idas.
“You expect us to take it in turns all that way?” asked Admetus, who was far from impressed.
“Give us strength,” Meleager moaned.
Atalanta was not impressed with the way the rowers were behaving and neither was Jason.
“This is appalling,” she said.
Heracles on the other hand, was fuming.
“ENOUGH OF THIS COMPLAINING,” he bellowed. “CALL YOURSELVES SAILORS.”
The oarsmen fell silent at once.
“Now then, let me sort this out,” Jason said to the rowers.
He divided the oarsmen into two teams, then ordered Hylas to climb back into the crow’s nest.
“Now let’s get underway,” he said crossly. “And no more complaining.”
Everything went according to plan.
The conditions held good and the two teams took it in turns rowing on a daily basis.
Then finally, Jason and the Argonauts reached another island.
“There it is,” said Atalanta. “The island of King Amycus.”

KING AMYCUS

The island was very similar to the last one in appearance, but slightly larger. It had gentle, tree-covered hills, low cliffs, headlands and beaches. One beach had a row of ships on it and a settlement was
partially in view over half a mile inland.
The thought of meeting King Amycus, filled Jason with dread.
“I very much doubt that Amycus will allow us to take on food and water, or make new oars,” he said.
“He won’t even allow us to land,” said Atalanta.
“I’ll see to it that he does,” Heracles said.
“The question is,” said Jason. “Where are we going to land?”
He certainly did not want to bring the Argo to the beach where the other ships were.
“That deserted beach to the left will do,” Heracles replied.
“Looks fine to me,” said Atalanta.
Jason faced the oarsmen.
“Slow down the pace and bring her in.”
The rowers did as they were ordered.
When the Argo was less than half a mile from the island, a group of six to seven dozen figures came down to the beach from a low headland.
One of the figures was dressed in, what appeared to be, a grey and black gown. A golden object on his head, gleamed in the sunlight.
The others wore grey chitons and black armour.
“There’s Amycus himself,” Atalanta said.
“I don’t like the look of this,” said Castor.
“Me neither,” Jason said.
Closer and closer the Argo went, until it was no more
than a hundred feet from the beach.
From there, Jason could see that Amycus had black hair going grey.
The shiny object on his head, was a golden crown.
“HALT RIGHT THERE,” the king shouted angrily.
“WE WILL LAND ON THE SHORE OF THIS ISLAND,” said Jason.
“I FORBID IT.”
Heracles grabbed his club and strode to the prow.
“WE WILL SET FOOT HERE,” he said, pointing his club at Amycus.
There was a moments silence.
“ON SECOND THOUGHT, WHY NOT,” Amycus said more calmly. “SEEING AS YOU AND ATALANTA ARE HERE.”
“Alright, bring her in,” Jason said to the oarsmen.
The oarsmen rowed a few metres, before letting the Argo drift in. The anchor stone was cast overboard by Pollux, Phalerus and Argos.
“All ashore,” said Jason.
The sailors left the Argo.
“So, Heracles, what brings you and Atalanta and those other sailors to my island?” Amycus asked in a much calmer voice.
The king had steely grey eyes and looked around fifty years of age.
“We are on a voyage to the land of Colchis and are stopping off here along the way.”
“But a storm came upon us,” said Atalanta. “And we
lost twenty oars.”
“We were driven off course by twenty miles,” Jason said.
Amycus eyed Jason for a moment.
“Who might you be?” he asked curiously.
“I am Jason, the captain of this fine vessel.”
Jason decided not to reveal everything about himself, not to mention that he was the son of Aeson and Medea.
“But why have you come to my island?”
“To take on food and water,” replied Jason. “And to make new oars from these trees.”
“Have you now?” Amycus asked with an edge of sarcasm to his voice.
Jason was far from happy about it.
“Yes,” he replied solemnly.
“Well, you’re not taking anything from here,” Amycus sneered.
A big mistake.
“We will take what we need,” said Heracles, who was starting to get angry with Amycus.
For a moment, the King had forgotten that Heracles was present. He had been so focused on Jason.
“No, you won’t,” he said.
At that point, Amycus had gone too far.
Heracles marched forwards in rage, sending a wave of fear through the soldiers, all of whom were too afraid to stand up to him.
Even Amycus felt on edge. He tried to make a break for it, but fell over. By then, it was too late.
Heracles grabbed the king with his free hand and lifted
him up off the ground by his right leg.
“Put me down, put me down,” Amycus said in vain.
It was no use.
Heracles raised his club, ready to strike.
“Alright, alright,” the king said. “Take what you need. Just put me down.”
Heracles dropped the king on his head.
“Castor, Pollux, Phalerus, take this lout onboard,” he said. “And tie him to the mast.”
The three Argonauts seized Amycus and dragged him cursing and squirming onboard the Argo. They then tied him to the mast.
The soldiers didn’t so much as dare to prevent it.
“Now what do we need?” asked Jason.
“Wood for making the oars,” Heracles replied. “We can get that from these trees.”
“Food and water too,” said Atalanta.
Amycus was far from pleased.
“DON’T JUST STAND THERE,” he yelled at his soldiers. KILL THEM! KILL THEM! KILL THEM!”
The soldiers drew their weapons and clashed in battle against the sailors. Sword against sword, shield against shield. Heracles fought easily – killing many soldiers with his club.
In the end, the soldiers were all defeated. Their bodies
lay strewn all over the beach.
The sailors had survived with no more than a few wounds.
As for Amycus, well, he was totally shocked. He stared at his dead soldiers in disbelief.
“What do we do now?” Atalanta asked.
“You and Jason will go off with twenty-five of the other Argonauts,” replied Heracles. “I’ll stay here and see to it that the rest start making the oars.”
“Very good,” Jason said.
He and Atalanta went off with twenty-five of the others to get food and water, which there happened to be plenty of – wild fruit especially. They avoided the settlement, so as not to attract attention.
When they returned to the beach, they found the others chopping away at trees, under the watchful eye of Heracles.
“Keep it up,” said Heracles. “Keep it up.”
One of the trees suddenly fell.
“Good work,” Heracles said.
“They’re working well,” said Atalanta.
“They certainly are,” Jason said.
He turned to the other Argonauts.
“Get the food and water onboard.”
The sailors did as they were told.
“How long do you think this will take?” Atalanta asked.
“About five to six days,” replied Heracles. “Maybe seven.”
Indeed it did take seven days to make the oars. Chopping the wood and shaping it into oars, was no fast job.
They had to have food and water too.
When the work was done, Atalanta and Jason went off with over half the crew members to get more food and water.
After that, it was time to sail on.
“Back on board everyone,” Jason said.
The sailors got back onboard to their places.
“Next stop, is the island of Phineas,” said Atalanta.
“What about me?” asked Amycus, who was desperate to go ashore.
“What about you?” Heracles replied.
“Can someone please untie me, so that I can go ashore?”
“No,” replied Heracles. “You’re going somewhere, where you won’t be able to cause any more mischief.”
The king gave up. He didn’t want to push Heracles too far again.
He had no choice, but to watch his homeland disappear over the horizon, as Jason and the Argonauts sailed away.

TO THE ISLAND OF PHINEAS

The homeland of King Amycus was far behind.
“Tell me, Jason, why are you heading to Colchis?” asked the king, who had barely said a word.
Jason had no objection in replying. In fact, he saw no reason now to keep anything from Amycus.
“To get the Golden Fleece.”
“The Golden Fleece?” the king asked in surprise.
“Yes.”
“I’ve always wanted to lay my hands on the Golden Fleece.”
The sailors found that very amusing.
“Well, you’re not exactly in a position to get it,” scoffed Heracles.
“Why do you want the Fleece, Jason?”
“I don’t want it, but my uncle, King Pelias does.”
“I’ve met Pelias,” Amycus said. “He told me that he was going to overthrow the kingdom of Thessaly.”
“Succeeded he did too,” said Atalanta.
“Aeson and Medea are my parents. They were imprisoned, but I was taken from the palace and raised to manhood, by Heracles and Atalanta.”
Amycus wasn’t at all surprised to learn that Jason was a prince. He didn’t even care.
“What does the Golden Fleece have to do with it?” he asked.
“Well, Pelias told me, that he will only hand the kingdom of Thessaly back to my parents, if I get the Fleece for him. I’m not at all convinced and neither are Atalanta and Heracles. Pelias only wants the Fleece.”
“If you don’t believe Pelias, then why bother getting the Fleece?” Amycus asked.
“I’m doing it, to give Pelias the impression that I believe him.”
“A clever move, Jason.”
“Thank you.”
“However, I have no interest in the matter. I don’t care what happens in Thessaly. It’s not my kingdom.”
The sailors were far from impressed by what Amycus had just said.
“You’re right,” Heracles said icily. “It’s not your kingdom. Now shut up. I don’t want to hear another word out of you.”
By nightfall, the sailors stopped for a rest.
Jason had something to take care of.
“Let’s get rid of him here,” he said.
“Yes let’s,” said Heracles.
“Phalerus, Pollux, untie Amycus,” Jason said.
Phalerus and Pollux untied Amycus, who knew that something was amiss.
“I have a very bad feeling about this,” the king said fearfully.
“Now cast him overboard,” said Heracles.
The king’s worst fears had been realized.
Phalerus and Pollux seized the king by the arms and dragged him squirming and cursing over to the side of the Argo. They then cast him into the sea.
After that, the sailors continued onwards and onwards, until they reached a passage opening along the ocean shore line.
“The shores of Colchis lie far away beyond there,” Atalanta said.
“We must go slower while going through there,” said Heracles.
Jason faced the oarsmen.
“Slow the pace,” he ordered.
The oarsmen slowed the pace and rowed the Argo into the passage.
The passage was no short one. It ran for six to seven miles, before opening into another body of water.
“Well done all of you,” Jason said to the oarsmen.
“We should give them a break,” said Atalanta.
“Alright, stop rowing,” Jason said. “Rest yourselves.”
The rowers did as they were ordered.
“Next stop from here, is the island of Phineas,” said Atalanta.
“After that, it’s Colchis,” Heracles said.
“How long will it take to reach the island?” asked Castor.
“About eight to nine days,” Atalanta replied.
“That is if the weather holds good,” said Heracles.
“We still have plenty of food and water,” Jason said.
After a short while longer, the oarsmen got back to work. They had a long way to row to the next stop.
Reaching the next stop, did as Atalanta said, take eight to nine days.
Within those eight to nine days, the sailors faced patches of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas, but nothing powerful enough to drive the Argo off course.
They were relieved when an island appeared on the horizon.
“There it is,” Atalanta said. “The island of Phineas.”
The island was smaller than the first two. It had steep-sided hills, covered with trees, dark cliffs, headlands and one beach in sight.
“Phineas lives in a cave up in those hills,” said Heracles.
“I cannot imagine Phineas living on that island all alone,” Jason said. “With no one to talk to.”
“Well he has been, for a very long time,” said Atalanta.
“He’s sure to remember you and I Atalanta,” Heracles said.
“Undoubtedly, he will remember us. He’ll remember that club of yours.”
“And your fiery red hair.”
Atalanta faced the oarsmen.
“Now, remember what Heracles and I told you all,” she said. “Phineas, is a very kind and friendly man. So we won’t need to arm ourselves.”
“Bring her in slowly,” ordered Jason.
The oarsmen rowed the Argo slowly to the shore, then let her drift the last few metres.
Pollux and Orpheus cast over the anchor stone.
“All ashore,” said Jason.
The sailors left the Argo. Most of them carried empty food containers and skins.
Before Jason could say anything further, a man came onto the beach.
The man had long grey hair, turning white, a moustache, a beard and pale blue eyes. He wore torn grey robes, old boots and was holding a long, twisted
staff with a lion’s head carved on the end.

THE EXILED ONE

“There’s Phineas,” Atalanta said.
She and Heracles approached Phineas.
“Heracles, Atalanta, you’ve both returned,” Phineas said in a friendly, calm voice, which sounded a little faint.
“Yes, Phineas,” said Atalanta. “We have returned.”
“I’m very pleased to see you both.”
“Likewise,” Heracles and Atalanta said in unison.”
Phineas stared at the other sailors, then at the Argo.
“A fine vessel to look upon,” he said.
“Thank you,” said Heracles.
“Heracles built her. He named her, the Argo.”
“I take it that Heracles is the captain?”
“No, he’s not the captain of this vessel and neither am I.”
“Who is the captain?”
Jason moved forwards.
“I, am the captain.”
“Tell me your name.”
“My name is Jason.”
“I am very honoured to meet you, Jason.”
“Likewise, Phineas.”
“I was admiring the Argo.”
“She is indeed a fine vessel,” Jason said.
“The other members of your crew are a fine-looking bunch.”
“My crew members are known as Argonauts.”
Jason had taken a liking to Phineas.
“Tell me, Jason, are you and the Argonauts on a voyage?”
“We certainly are.”
“Where too?”
“The land of Colchis.”
A chill went down Phineas spine.
“The kingdom of the ruthless tyrant, Aeetes.”
“That’s the one.”
“If you and the Argonauts are stopping off here to take on food and water, then feel free. There’s plenty of it.”
“Thank you.”
Jason turned to Heracles and Atalanta.
“Let’s see now,” said Heracles. “You and Jason stay on the beach, Atalanta. Would you care to stay with them, Phineas?”
“Certainly, I’d be delighted.”
Jason and Atalanta were both equally as delighted.
“Good. I will go off with the others to get food and water.”
So it was agreed.
Phineas stayed on the beach with Jason and Atalanta, while Heracles went off with the other Argonauts to get food and water.
“Now, Jason, suppose you tell me all about yourself,” said Phineas. “I rarely get visitors these days.”
Jason began.
“Well, I will start off by saying, that I am a member of the royal family of Thessaly.”
That took Phineas by surprise. He was almost seldom visited by members of royalty.
“I’ve heard of Thessaly,” he said. “A far-off land, ruled by the vile tyrant Pelias.”
“You can say that again,” said Atalanta.
“Pelias happens to be my uncle. He seized the kingdom when I was ten and imprisoned my parents, Aeson and Medea. Heracles and Atalanta took me from the palace and raised me to manhood.”
“Have you returned to the palace to confront Pelias?”
“I have, yes. But he said that he will only hand the kingdom back to my parents, if I get him the Golden Fleece.”
Phineas wasn’t surprised to hear that. He knew all too well, that many kings and queens of the known world, craved the Fleece.
“So I take it then, that you and the Argonauts are going to Colchis to get the Fleece?”
“Indeed we are. However, I don’t believe a word that Pelias said and neither do Heracles and Atalanta.”
“So why go to Colchis to get the Fleece?” Phineas asked. “What do you intend to gain from it?”
“I don’t intend to gain anything from it. I don’t even want the Fleece. I’m only doing this to make Pelias believe that I have fallen for his trickery. He deceived
me, so I deceived him.”
“Pelias does want the Fleece though,” said Atalanta.
“That’s all he wants,” Jason said.
Phineas thought Jason to be a very clever and cunning man. He admired him for it.
“Now, tell me about the voyage so far,” he said.
Jason had a lot to reveal. However, he wasn’t sure how Phineas would view his actions, against Amycus.
“Well, to start off with, we journeyed to the island where King Cyzicus, Queen Megara and Princess Iona live. Along the way we were driven off course by five miles.”
“King Cyzicus and his family were most welcoming,” said Atalanta. “We feasted and stayed overnight in the palace.”
“I knew Cyzicus and Megara when they were younger. Iona was a small girl.”
“She’s all grown up now,” Atalanta said.
“What happened next?”
“We sailed on to the island of King Amycus,” Jason replied.
“That wretched scoundrel,” said Phineas. “I met him once and his ways did not please me at all.”
“A terrible storm sprung up along the way and we lost twenty oars,” Heracles said. “The oarsmen had to take it in turns to row after that.”
“The storm blew us off course, by twenty miles,” said Atalanta.
“That’s some distance,” Phineas said.
“Still, we reached the island,” said Jason. “Though we didn’t receive a warm welcome from Amycus.”
“He came to the shore with dozens of soldiers, to prevent us from landing,” Atalanta said. “But Heracles saw to it that he did and had him tied to the mast.”
“Good for him.”
“After that, we fought and killed all the soldiers,” said Jason. “Then took on food and water and had new oars made, before leaving the island.”
“What became of Amycus? Did you let him go?”
Jason wondered what Phineus would say.
“Well, no. I er – I had him cast overboard.”
“Good for you Jason,” said Phineas, who wasn’t the least bit disappointed. “Good riddance to rulers like that, I say.”
“After that, we made our way through the channel to reach this ocean,” Atalanta said. “Then onto here. The sea was rough again and the wind stronger, but not powerful enough to blow us off course.”
“So now, it’s onto Colchis,” said Jason.
With that, Jason and Atalanta finished telling their shared story with Phineas, who had been most inspired. Hardly ever did he hear ones like it from passing sailors.
“Before you go on,” Phineas said. “You must hear my story.”
“Heracles and I have told Jason all about you.”
“I never doubted it, but it’s fitting that Jason should hear it from me also.”
“Go ahead,” Jason said.
This was Phineas’ story.
“Many, many years ago, I don’t know how many to be exact, there was a time when I ruled a faraway kingdom.
“A fair king I was. I saw to it that everyone had shares – food, drink, housing and so on. The farmers had their equal share of land for growing crops and raising animals. I was very proud of it all.
“However, there were a few people, who were not on the same level as everyone else. They were very greedy and wanted things, which I forbade by law. In the end they became over-materialistic and violent.
“I tried to bring an end to it, but to no avail. So I had no choice in the end, but to banish them from the kingdom. Unfortunately, that was a big mistake.
“The banished ones returned with a mighty army, in order to revenge themselves against me. Succeeded they did too.
“I was over-thrown and cast into prison for a year. Within that year, a new leader, called Proteus, was placed on the throne. A vile, ruthless king, Proteus turned out to be, totally against the ways of peace.
“Proteus reigned terror over the kingdom – bringing in slavery, poverty and torture.
“When I was released, I was brought here, to live all alone in exile. So there you have it.”
Jason was moved to sadness and horror by Phineas’s story.
“That must have been a devastating experience.” he said.
“It was indeed,” said Phineas. “Still, kingdoms rise and
fall all the time. There are many vile rulers in the known world. Proteus, Pelias and Aeetes, are but a few.
“Peace comes at a price at times and those who are greedy and violent, do everything in their power, to snuff it out.”
Heracles and Atalanta had told Jason as much.
Jason wondered for a moment whether Phineas missed being a king.
“Do you miss being in the position of royalty?” he asked.
“Not at all. Ruling a kingdom is not the most important thing in the world. In reality, we are all kings and queens of our own inner kingdoms.”
Jason knew that to be very true.
“Would you leave this place if someone gave you the opportunity?” he asked. “Would you settle down in a more civilized place?”
“Never.”
“Why not?” asked Jason.
“Because I have all I need here. Mother Earth provides me with nourishment. I have my cave and there are many lifeforms around to admire and communicate with. So I shall stay here until the end of my days, in peace.”
“Good for you,” Jason said.
Suddenly, the other Argonauts returned with containers and skins, full of food and water. Heracles brought up the rear.
“All done, Jason,” he said.
“Good work,” said Jason.
“Well, Phineas, it is time for us to move on,” Atalanta said.
“Yes, time to continue with the voyage,” said Heracles.
Phineas felt a little sad. He wished the sailors could stay longer, like others had when visiting the island. Yet he knew that they had to move on.
Jason had it in mind to visit Phineas again, as did Heracles and Atalanta.
“If we succeed in our quest, then we’ll visit you again,” he said.
“You can be sure of that,” said Atalanta.
That was enough to lift Phineas’s spirits.
“Please do,” he said.
“Well, it’s been good seeing you again, Phineas,” said Heracles.
“Yes, it’s been good to see you,” Atalanta said.
“Likewise to the pair of you.”
Jason turned his attention to the rest of the crew.
“Right, let’s get everything onboard,” he ordered.
So the sailors carried the food and water onboard and took their places.
Then finally, they left the island.
Phineas looked on as the Argo disappeared round a headland.
Every day from that moment, he was going to gaze towards the horizon on the other side of the island, waiting in hope for Jason and the Argonauts to appear.

REACHING COLCHIS

Spending time with Phineas, had been a great pleasure for Jason.
He and the Argonauts had received a warm welcome from the exiled one, unlike the cold one they had received from King Amycus.
The island of the exiled one was about four days behind and the sailors were heading for Colchis.
The sailors tried to keep in high spirits, but the thought of meeting Aeetes hung over them, like a dark cloud. Well, over all but Heracles and Atalanta.
Furthermore, the weather was starting to change again.
“The wind’s picking up,” said Atalanta.
“The sea’s getting rougher too,” Jason said.
“I hope we’re not in for another storm,” said Heracles.
As the wind became stronger, the waves enlarged. The Argo rocked from side to side.
Jason looked up at Hylas.
“YOU’D BETTER COME DOWN FROM THERE,” he said.
“I’M COMING RIGHT AWAY.”
Hylas climbed down to the deck and clung to the mast.
The moment he did so, a huge blanket of grey clouds appeared on the horizon, accompanied by the sounds of thunder and lightning.
The storm came closer and closer and there was nothing the sailors could do to prevent it. In no time at
all, it was upon them.
“This is going to be another big one,” said Heracles.
“It’s bound to blow us off course,” Atalanta said.
“We’ll just have to hold in there,” said Jason.
“Let’s hope we all survive it,” Atalanta said.
The storm raged wildly, for what seemed an eternity. Waves crashed on the deck of the ship, rain cascaded, lightning flashed menacingly and thunder rumbled.
The sailors had a terrible time. Jason almost went overboard with Atalanta, Heracles lost control of the steering, the oarsmen fell off their seats and rolled all over the place and Hylas almost ended up in the sea. Many oars were lost too.
The storm was no short one. It lasted for three, long days and nights, before finally subsiding.
Fortunately, the Argo was in good shape and all of the sailors survived with no more than several wounds. None were too seriously injured.
“That was another real big one,” said Heracles.
“It sure was,” Jason said.
“We lost eighteen oars,” said Atalanta. “But at least we’re all alive.”
“Well, we can make some more oars when we reach Colchis,” Heracles said. “We’ll find a beach somewhere along the coast where there are trees.”
“You’d better see if we’ve been blown off course first,” said Castor, who was holding a piece of cloth against a cut on his forehead.
“We must have been,” Jason said.
Heracles checked the compass.
“We’re off course by fifteen miles.”
Hylas and the oarsmen started groaning.
“Come now,” said Jason. “It could have been far worse.”
“If we get back on course, then we should reach Colchis in no more than four or five days,” Heracles said.
“The oarsmen will have to take it in turns rowing again,” said Atalanta.
“We must split them into groups,” Jason said.
So that was that.
Heracles steered the Argo back on course, while the rowers took it in turns to pull the remaining oars.
Fortunately, there were no more storms and the sailors reached Colchis in under five days.
Along the coastline, there were beaches, headlands, valleys and areas of high cliffs. Mountainous, tree-clad hills rose up over two thousand feet.
“There it is Jason,” Atalanta said. “The land of Colchis.”
“We’ll have to pull in somewhere,” said Jason.
One of the beaches was nestled at the bottom of a valley, where the vegetation came right down to the sea.
“We’ll stop at that beach to make the oars,” Heracles said.
“How long do you suppose it will take?” asked Jason.
“About six to seven days,” Atalanta replied.
“Some of the others will have to go off to get food and water,” said Heracles. “I’m sure there are wild fruit bushes up in those hills and game to hunt. After all, we don’t want to run out of food and water before we reach Aea.”
“Jason and I will take care of that,” Atalanta said.
So it was agreed.
The sailors went in slowly and set foot on the shores of Colchis.
After a very long storm, followed by over four-days of rowing, the oarsmen were spent.
“I’m all worn out,” said Pollux.
“I could do with a rest,” Admetus said.
“And me,” said Orpheus.
“Me too,” Idas said.
“At least we won’t have to row for several days,” said Mopsus.
“You can say that again,” Melanion said.
Heracles was not impressed with the attitude of the oarsmen and neither were Jason and Atalanta.
“QUIET!” Heracles roared. “Now I know you’re all tired, but we have work to do. Oars have to be made, food and water must be found.”
Mopsus had reached breaking point.
“Oh come on man,” he snapped. “Can’t you let us have a little rest?”
Heracles was fuming inside, but he restrained his fury, until he eventually calmed down. He then gave in and changed his mind.
“Very well,” he said in a calmer voice. “All of you may rest until tomorrow, but after that, it’s work.”
The oarsmen sighed with relief.
They relaxed throughout the rest of the day and slept overnight, while Jason, Heracles and Atalanta kept watch over the Argo. Hylas sat up in the crow’s nest to watch out for other ships, though there was little chance of the Argo being spotted in the shadows after dark.
After a relaxing rest, it was six days of solid work.
Heracles oversaw the oar making, while Hylas stayed on watch in the crow’s nest.
Jason and Atalanta went off with other crew members, to get food and water. There was plenty of game to hunt and fruit bushes were dotted everywhere. Water was drawn from a small pool.
A few vessels passed, but they didn’t approach the beach.
When the oars had been made, the sailors got back onboard and took their positions.
“Final stop, is the city of Aea,” Atalanta said.
“How long will it take to reach the city?” asked Jason.
“Roughly three days at the most,” Heracles replied.
“That’s not far,” said Jason.
The captain faced the oarsmen.
“We should reach Aea in about three days,” he said. “Now row away.”
With that, Jason and the Argonauts sailed onwards.

AEA

For over two days and nights the sailors continued along the coast, until they reached a wide river mouth.
Ships of different kinds were either making their way up river, or heading out to sea. Others weren’t moving.
A pair of ships heading up river, appeared to be war galleys. The sight of them filled everyone, except Heracles and Atalanta with dread.
“Those war galleys belong to Aeetes,” said Atalanta.
“He has many more too,” Heracles said.
The feeling of dread rose.
“How far up river is Aea?” asked Jason.
“About twenty miles,” Atalanta replied.
As the Argo made its way up-river, the sailors stared at the banks. All along them, there were houses and other buildings, either grouped in small clusters, or dotted about. There were many trees and on-lookers too.
At one point, a very large building came into view, high up on a bend. The building had high stone walls, dark windows and was surrounded by a wall.
“What is that building?” asked Jason.
“The palace of Aeetes himself,” Atalanta replied.
It looked totally impregnable.
“The Golden Fleece is located in the very grounds of the palace,” said Heracles. “And in plain view of the king.”
He soon wished he hadn’t mentioned that.
“You’re not serious?” asked Mopsus.
“I am. Why, do you doubt my word?”
“No, but the question is, how are we going to get the Fleece? Aeetes will be right there.”
“That’s right,” Pollux said.
“We can’t just go in there and steal it,” said Idmon.
“We’ll be caught for sure,” Orpheus said.
“How are we going to get the Fleece then?” asked Telamon.
“Yes, how are we going to get the Fleece?” Iphitos asked.
Jason and Atalanta were starting to get annoyed with the rowers.
“I’ll work something out,” Heracles said with a tone of annoyance in his voice.
He was starting to lose his temper very fast.
“You don’t even have a plan?” Mopsus asked sarcastically. “How very disappointing.”
“I agree with you on that,” said Coronus.
“So do I,” Argos said.
“Me too,” said Talaus.
“You should have thought things through Heracles?” Mopsus said. “You should have told us where the Fleece is.”
That was the very last straw for Heracles.
“ENOUGH!” he roared. “ENOUGH OF THIS COMPLAINING. ONE MORE WORD OUT OF YOU MOPSUS AND I’LL THROW YOU OVERBOARD.”
“Are you going to stand for that, Jason?” asked Nestor.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. If I had the strength, I’d hurl Mopsus overboard.”
“So would I,” said Atalanta, who felt no better.
Heracles suddenly thought better of it and with good reason.
“On the other-hand, maybe it wouldn’t be such a good idea to throw him overboard,” he said quietly.
“Why not?” asked Atalanta.
“Because he might get onboard another ship heading up river and expose our mission. If it’s a Colchian ship, especially.”
Jason and Atalanta agreed.
“You have a point,” said Atalanta. “The last thing we need, is for Mopsus to blow everything.”
“I agree,” Jason said.
When the Argo had rounded the bend, a settlement came into view, no more than two miles away. The settlement was built up in tiers on the riverbank, like a fishing village. Along the water-front, there was a long line of ships, including twelve galleys.
“There it is, Jason,” said Heracles. “The city of Aea.”
“Just out of a matter of interest,” Orpheus said. “When are we going to get the Fleece?”
“Tonight,” replied Jason. “And we’ll get away tomorrow, as soon as we’ve taken on food and water.”
Jason, Heracles and Atalanta, had all thought it through.
“Are we going armed?” asked Pollux.
“Of course,” Heracles replied. “Without weapons, we could find ourselves in very deep trouble.”
“But Aeetes might think that we’re just another band of common enemies,” said Butes.
“And have us put to death,” Idas said.
Jason was concerned too, but he knew that the chances had to be taken.
“He won’t while I’m present,” said Heracles.
The rowers didn’t exactly agree with Heracles that time.
“I don’t see how Heracles can possibly know that,” Melanion said.
“He may be strong,” said Butes. “But Aeetes might be stronger and larger too.”
“His army may be greater than Amycus’s,” Talaus said.
“If that is so, then what good will Heracles possibly be able to do if we get caught?” asked Telamon.
“Nothing, I say,” Admetus replied.
Jason knew where this was going and he didn’t like it one bit. Neither did Atalanta and especially not Heracles, who was fuming.
“Aeetes will sentence Heracles to death,” said Mopsus. “He will have him tortured on the rack, peeled like an orange, ground to a pulp, burned on the stake, drawn and quartered, cast –“
Mopsus got no further than that.
Heracles exploded with fury.
“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS,” he bellowed.
He let go of the steering, jumped off the stern and
went for Mopsus.
“What are you going to do to me?” Mopsus asked in fear.
“I’m going to throw you overboard.”
Heracles grabbed Mopsus and there was nothing any of the other oarsmen could do to prevent it.
“Let me go, let me go.”
It was no use and Mopsus knew it. Heracles lifted him up and hurled him into the sea.
Everyone watched, as Mopsus began to swim towards a nearby ship, heading for Aea.
“I’m afraid to say this, Heracles, but I er – I don’t think you should have done that,” Jason said quietly. “If Mopsus exposes us to Aeetes, then it will all be over.”
“I agree,” said Atalanta.
That dreaded thought, suddenly entered Heracles’ mind again. He was so driven by anger, that his actions got the better of him.
“I let my rage get the better of me,” said Heracles. “A grave error I made in casting Mopsus overboard – an error, which may bring disastrous consequences.”

KING AEETES

Heracles’ actions against Mopsus, had sent a wave of fear through most of the Argonauts. No way, were the rest of the oarsmen going to stir things up again – not after that.
Worst of all, the dreadful thought of Mopsus exposing the mission to Aeetes, over-hung everyone’s head, like an infamous cloud of darkness.
The thing was, there was no going back.
The sailors had to go on with their quest and live in hope, that their worst fears would never be realized.
When the sailors reached Aea, they pulled in alongside a pontoon and went ashore armed. Heracles moored the Argo.
The waterfront was rather busy.
People were going in and out of buildings, walking through alleys, looking at stools, fighting, drinking. Others were working onboard ships.
Mopsus wasn’t to be seen anywhere.
“We’ll head straight for the palace,” said Heracles.
“And if Mopsus is there?” Jason asked fearfully.
“We’ll cross that bridge when, or if we come to it,” replied Heracles.
The sailors headed for a path leading to the palace and began to make their way up it.
“Have you thought about how we’re going to get the Fleece, Heracles?” Atalanta asked.
“I have.”
“Go on,” said Jason.
“I’m going to try and gain some inside help, from one of the servants maybe.”
Atalanta and Jason had concerns about that.
“Are you sure that’s such a good idea?” Atalanta asked.
“No, but it’s the only idea I can think of.”
“The thing is, the servants might be loyal to Aeetes,” said Jason. “We might get betrayed.”
That thought had occurred to Heracles and Atalanta.
“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it,” Heracles said.
Meanwhile, the two guards standing outside the courtyard gates, were staring at Jason and the Argonauts coming up the path. They wore grey chitons, black armour and had bronze swords.
“I don’t like the look of that,” the right-hand guard said, with an edge of fear in his voice.
“Look at that man with the club,” the left-handed one said open-mouthed.
“We’d better tell the king.”
The guards went through the gates, rushed across the courtyard, which was rather spacious and entered the palace.
Meanwhile, king Aeetes was in the throne room with a gathering of people including slaves, guards and musicians, watching a group of young dancing women.
The throne room itself, wasn’t a very pleasant sight for the eye to behold.
There were pillars, two pairs of side doors and braziers, but no beautiful frescoes like in the throne room of king Cyzicus.
Instead, there were paintings and tapestries all over the walls, showing bloody battle scenes.
The throne, on the other-hand, was a majestic sight to behold. It was all gold with legs shaped like those of a lion, arms shaped like the front legs of a lion and a
back shaped like the folded wings of an eagle.
Aeetes, on the other hand, painted a different picture entirely.
He looked about fifty years of age with a bald head, large pointy ears, slanting black, owl-like eyebrows and menacing, dark eyes.
He wore an embroider less black robe, rings of gold and silver on every finger, but no crown.
He certainly did not look like the kind of king to get on the wrong side of.
Suddenly, the throne room doors burst open and in came the guards.
“What is the meaning of this?” Aeetes asked in a cold voice.
“My lord, there are over three dozen men and one woman approaching the palace,” one of the guards said fearfully.
“All of them are armed, my lord,” said the other guard.
The entertainment stopped and a wave of silence fell.
“Armed did you say?” Aeetes asked.
“Yes, my lord,”
“One of them stands about eight feet tall and carries a huge club, my lord.”
Aeetes calmed down a little.
“What are you thinking, my lord?” one of the throne room guards asked with an edge of fear in his voice.
“I am thinking about the man with the club. There is only one man in the known world, who I know of, that fits that description.”
“Who, my lord?” another throne room guard asked fearfully.
“Heracles.”
People started muttering to one another.
“Should we gather our forces and fight, my lord?” one of the guards asked.
That, was the last thing Aeetes wanted.
“No,” he replied firmly. “I want them all to come in.”
“You’re crazy, my lord,” said another guard.
“To you I may be, but I want Heracles and all those with him in here. Heracles paid me a visit before and we were on good terms. I want to find out why he has come again.”
“Well, if you’re sure my lord?” the guard asked.
“I am.”
The king turned to the guards, who had entered the throne room.
“Let them in when they arrive.”
“Yes, my lord,” the two guards said in unison.
They returned to their stations outside the courtyard and waited for the approaching sailors.
When the latter reached the palace, they halted before the nervous guards.
“We’ve come to see the king,” Heracles said firmly.
“A good thing too,” said the left-hand guard.
“The king wishes to see you all at once.”
“Please enter.”
The guards opened the gates – allowing Jason and the
Argonauts through.
The sailors strode across the courtyard, led by Heracles and entered the palace. They then made their way through into the throne room, where Aeetes was waiting impatiently.
People started whispering again as Heracles approached Aeetes. The sheer size of the former filled them with awe.
“Greetings to you, Heracles,” the king said kindly. “And to you Atalanta.”
“Greetings, your lordship,” Atalanta and Heracles said kindly, in unison.
They bowed together.
“It’s been a long time,” said Aeetes. “About fourteen years.”
“A long time indeed, your lordship,” Atalanta said.
Aeetes focused his attention on the other sailors and wondered why they were all armed too. He didn’t suspect an attack, seeing as Heracles and Atalanta were present.
“Tell me who the others are,” he asked.
Heracles beckoned the rest forwards.
Jason went first and stood by Heracles and Atalanta.
“This, is Jason, your lordship,” said Heracles. “He is the captain of a ship, which I built, called the Argo. We sailed in the Argo to Colchis.”
“Then I take it, Heracles, that you, Atalanta and those others, are members of the crew?”
“We are, your lordship.”
Aeetes faced Jason.
“Welcome to Colchis, Jason.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” Jason said with a bow.
The king faced the other crew members.
“The same to all of you.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” the rest of the Argonauts said in unison.
They all bowed together.
Aeetes was showing an attitude of kindness, but the sailors were a little on edge. They all wondered whether Mopsus had reached the palace first and betrayed them. If so, then was the king putting his act of kindness on?
Jason was on edge the most, for he had no idea what questions the king might ask him.
“Tell me, Jason, why have you all come armed?”
Jason was waiting for that.
“That’s simple enough, your lordship. We arm ourselves wherever we go, should any trouble befall upon us.”
That was the only answer Jason could come up with. It was however, only a half-truth. He and the Argonauts had no reason to arm themselves when visiting king Cyzicus and his family, or the exiled Phineus.
“That sounds reasonable enough,” said Aeetes.
“One must be on guard, your lordship,” Heracles said.
“Well, I want to hear all about the voyage,” said Aeetes. “When we feast later.”

HELIOS

Things seemed to be going fine, well for the present. The sailors still felt on edge, but not as much as before. After all, Mopsus hadn’t appeared.
“That sounds fine, your lordship,” Jason said.
“For the time being, the entertainment shall continue,” said Aeetes. “I want to get to know you more, Jason.”
Jason, now felt exceedingly troubled. He knew only too well, that he would have to come up with falsehoods to hide his true identity and anything else Aeetes had in mind to find out. He had to think fast too.
The Argonauts were equally as concerned about the matter.
“That suits me fine, your lordship,” Jason lied.
“Come and join us, Heracles,” said Aeetes. “You too, Atalanta.”
Heracles had other intentions.
“Not me, your lordship,” he said. “I want to talk with some of the other Colchians here.”
“As you wish.”
So Heracles went off, while Atalanta and Jason joined Aeetes.
He engaged in conversations with many of the people watching the entertainment, in hope of gaining inside assistance, to seize the Golden Fleece. He didn’t dare mention that presently.
At one point, he came across a man around Jason’s
age, standing apart from everyone else.
“Who might you be?” he asked.
“My name is Helios.”
“Do you live in the palace?”
“I do, but I’d rather get away though.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not happy with the king’s cruel and vile ways.”
Heracles didn’t blame Helios.
“Where would you go?” he asked.
“Away from Colchis, if I had the opportunity. I would jump onboard a ship, bound for a faraway shore.”
That aroused Heracles’ curiosity.
“Do you know much about the sea?” he asked.
“I sure do, but I’ve never been out there.”
Heracles knew of a way to help Helios.
“Well, I could ask Jason if he will be willing to take you with us when we leave tomorrow.”
That brightened things up for Helios.
“Are you serious?” he asked.
“I sure am, but I’ll have to put it past the king first.”
“Will you do it now?”
“Certainly.”
Heracles and Helios went over to Aeetes, who was deep in conversation with Jason and Atalanta.
“Ah, Heracles,” the King said. “Have you come to join us?”
“I have, your lordship.”
Aeetes stared at Helios.
“Why is he with you?”
“Well, your lordship, Helios wishes to leave Colchis. If it’s okay with you, Jason and with, your lordship, then he can sail with us.”
Jason agreed at once. He needed a spare crew member to replace Mopsus.
“He may come, if, his lordship allows it?”
“I agree too,” Atalanta said.
“Well, your lordship?” Heracles asked.
Aeetes looked at Helios again for a moment, then turned back to face Heracles.
“Very well,” he said with no objection in his voice. “Helios may go when you all leave. After all, he has no family here and he’s no servant either.”
Helios couldn’t believe his luck.
“Thank you, your lordship,” said Heracles.
“When are you going to sail on, Jason?” Aeetes asked.
“Tomorrow, your lordship. After we’ve taken on food and water.”
“Tonight, you and the Argonauts will stay in the palace,” said Aeetes.
Jason was most pleased to hear that and so were Heracles and Atalanta. They all thought that stealing the fleece and fleeing in the night, would arouse suspicion.
He felt disturbed enough as it was, for he had told many half-truths and complete falsehoods while talking with Aeetes.
“I thank you, your lordship,” he said.
“And now I must see to it, that the feast prepared,” said Aeetes.
He got up and left through one of the pairs of side doors.
Helios turned to Heracles.
“Thanks for what you did to help me,” he said.
“You’re welcome.”
“We need a spare crew member anyway,” said Jason.
“You know something, Jason, something tells me, that you and the Argonauts didn’t come here just to visit the king,” Helios said quietly.
Heracles, Jason and Atalanta exchanged glances with one another. They wondered whether Helios had a sense of intuition.
“May I speak with you a moment where we won’t be overheard, Helios,” Atalanta whispered.
“Sure.”
Atalanta and Helios went and stood out of earshot.
“You’re right. There is more to our visit.”
Helios suspected as much.
“Please, tell me.”
There was nothing for it. Atalanta had to tell Helios the truth, but she knew not how he would take it.
“Well, we’ve come for the Golden Fleece,” she said very quietly.
She waited with baited breath.
“The Golden Fleece?” Helios asked open-mouthed.
“Yes, the Golden Fleece.”
“The Fleece won’t be easy to get hold of.”
“Heracles and I saw the Fleece, when we first came here. It was well guarded and still is now, we suspect.”
“It is guarded, yes. More than once, I have been tempted to steal the Fleece and escape with it. Now that I come to think of it, I can help you get the Fleece.”
That took a great weight off Atalanta’s shoulders.
“Tell me how,” she said.
“Well, I can see to it that one of the servants gets the guards drugged after the feast.”
“That sounds fine.”
“I’ll have things arranged now.”
Helios went off through the other side door, while Atalanta went back to join Jason and Heracles.
“Helios is going to help us,” she said.
Heracles and Jason were relieved.
“How?” asked Jason.
“He’s going to see to it that one of the servants gets the guards drugged after the feast.”
“That’s fine,” Heracles said.
Helios returned soon.
“It’s all been arranged,” he said.

ANOTHER ROYAL FEAST

Later on Aeetes returned to the throne room. The dancers, musicians and other Colchians, except Helios, left the throne room, to make way for the coming feast.
Chairs and rectangular tables were brought in by servants and set down.
More servants came in with empty plates and goblets of gold, followed by golden vessels of wine and plates of gold piled up with food, including a variety of meats and fruit.
Once everything had been laid out, the servants left the throne room.
“A fine-looking feast, your lordship,” said Jason.
“You, Heracles and Atalanta will sit with me, Jason,” Aeetes said. “I want to hear all about this voyage.”
Again Jason felt on edge, but he didn’t dare show it. He knew that he would have to tell more lies and half-truths.
There was unrest among the Argonauts too, though they didn’t dare show it either.
“Nothing would please me better, your lordship,” Jason lied.
“I’ll join in too,” said Helios, who was just as enthusiastic to hear about the voyage.
“Very well,” Jason said.
He, along with Atalanta, Heracles and Helios sat at a table with Aeetes, while the other Argonauts sat elsewhere.
“Now then, tell me about the voyage,” the king said, as the feast started. “You join in too Heracles and you Atalanta.”
“Well, we started out from the faraway land of Thessaly,” Jason began.
“I know of Thessaly and king Pelias,” said Aeetes. “Word reached me long ago, that Pelias overthrew the former rulers, Aeson and Medea and seized the kingdom.”
“He still rules there,” Atalanta said.
“After leaving Thessaly, we visited King Cyzicus, Queen Megara and Princess Iona,” said Jason. “The sea was very rough, the wind strong and we were blown off course by five miles.
“But we reached the island of Cyzicus and his family in one piece. There we feasted and took on food and water.”
“After visiting king Cyzicus and his family, we headed for the island of King Amycus,” Heracles said. “Along the way, there came upon us, a terrifying storm. Twenty oars were lost and we were blown twenty miles off course.”
“That didn’t stop us though,” said Atalanta. “Heracles steered us back on course again. Though with half the oars gone, the oarsmen had to take it in turns to row the rest of the way to the island.”
“When we reached the island, we were given a most unwarm welcome by King Amycus,” Jason said. “He came to the shore with dozens of soldiers, to prevent us from landing.”
“Heracles settled the matter though,” said Atalanta. “He saw to it that Aeetes allowed us to go ashore to take
what we needed.”
“How did you manage to settle the matter, Hercules? Did you threaten him with that club of yours?”
“I sure did, your lordship.”
“When Amycus gave in, Heracles had him tied to the mast, your lordship,” Jason said.
Aeetes found that rather amusing.
“Most cunning of you,” he said. “But tell me what the soldiers did. Did they attack?”
“At Amycus’ command they did, your lordship,” Heracles replied. “But we defeated them all.”
Aeetes was very impressed.
“What happened after all the soldiers were killed?”
“We took on food and water, made new oars and sailed on, your lordship,” replied Atalanta.
“What became of King Amycus? Did you release him?”
“No, your lordship,” Jason replied. “Heracles had him cast overboard.”
Aeetes thought that was very amusing. He laughed about it too.
Helios on the other-hand was shocked, but he continued to remain silent.
“After travelling on, we went through the passage leading to this sea, your lordship,” said Atalanta. “Then on to the island of the exiled Phineus. Along the way we faced rough conditions, but nothing powerful enough to blow us off course.”
“Phineus told me all about the devastating decline of his kingdom and his exile, your lordship,” Jason said.
“He said that peace comes at a price.”
Helios understood that, all too well.
“After visiting Phineus, we came to Colchis, your lordship,” said Heracles. “Along the way we got caught in another storm and were blown off course. Fifteen oars we lost too.
“However, I managed to get us here, your lordship. We had to stop off at a beach to make new oars. Then we sailed on, until we finally reached Aea.”
Neither Heracles, Atalanta, or Jason, dared to mention Mopsus.
There was a moments silence at the table.
“A fascinating story,” Aeetes said. “Worthy in the history of sea-faring.”
“I thank you, your lordship,” said Jason, who like Heracles and Atalanta, was relieved to get it over with.
“Now I shall retire for the night,” Aeetes said. “You, Jason, will sleep in the throne room, along with the Argonauts.”
“I thank you again, your lordship.”
So it was.
Aeetes summoned his servants to remove everything, but the chairs from the throne room. He then followed them.

TREASURE STEALING

“So, Helios, tell us why you wish to leave Colchis,” Jason said.
“To get away from Aeetes. A vile, ruthless king is Aeetes. Most of those who get on the wrong side of him, are brutally tortured to death, in the most devastating ways.
“He has them tortured on the rack, beaten all over with spiked metal balls on chains, roasted on stakes, cast into pits of fire, impaled on poles, thrown onto beds of spikes and peeled like oranges.”
The sailors felt like throwing up.
“That’s outrageous,” Heracles said.
“Aeetes never revealed any of this to me when Heracles and I first came here,” said Atalanta.
“If I had the opportunity, I would take a sword and plunge it, right into his foul, black heart,” Helios said.
No one said anything in protest.
“I would do the same,” said Castor.
“And me,” Pollux said.
“Me too,” said Admetus.
“I would tear him apart with my bare hands,” Argus said.
“I would set a pack of hounds on him,” said Butes.
“I would have him drawn and quartered,” Orpheus said.
“I would have him ground to a pulp,” said Idas.
“Alright, alright,” Heracles said. “You’ve said your pieces.”
Heracles was too appalled by Helios’ revelation to be annoyed and so were Jason and Atalanta.
“I think we should tell Helios why we’ve come for the Fleece,” said Atalanta.
“I think so too,” Jason said.
Helios was ready for anything.
“Tell me everything,” he said with deep enthusiasm.
“Well, Helios, the first thing you should know, is that we didn’t tell Aeetes the full story,” said Jason. “Not the whole truth in fact.
“The point is, I am no ordinary ship’s captain. In reality, I am the son of Aeson and Medea of Thessaly.”
Helios was taken right by surprise.
“You’ve got royal blood in your veins?” he asked open-mouthed.
“Indeed I have. When I was ten, King Pelias, who happens to be my uncle, seized the kingdom and had my parents imprisoned.
“I wasn’t around to witness it, because Heracles and Atalanta took me from the palace and raised me to adulthood. I learned how to fight and hunt.”
Helios was most fascinated.
“Have you returned to the palace yet to confront Pelias?” he asked.
“I have, but he refused to hand back the kingdom, unless I get him the Golden Fleece.”
“Are you under your uncle’s orders then?”
“Not in the least. I don’t believe a word he said and neither do Heracles and Atalanta. We believe that Pelias only wants the Fleece.
“However, I decided to come here to try and get the Fleece, in order to fool Pelias into believing that I fell for his deception.”
Helios thought that was as a very clever and cunning move. Most impressed he was too. At the same time, he envied Jason.
“A very cunning man you are, Jason,” he said. “Yet I envy you. My whole life I’ve wanted to be a king, to rule a kingdom peacefully.”
Jason thought that Helios had every right to be envious.
“In all our travels, Atalanta and I have heard many men, women and children say as much,” said Heracles. “We don’t want to be rulers though.”
“Speaking of travelling, when do you and the Argonauts intend to return to Thessaly, Jason?” Helios asked.
“After we’ve taken on food and water tomorrow. That is if Aeetes doesn’t suspect our deception beforehand, or find out about it even.”
“I sure can’t wait to go with you all,” said Helios. “Though I know nothing about rowing, so I’ll need to practice.”
Jason set Helios’ mind at rest on that matter.
“You won’t need to row,” he said.
“I won’t?”
“No, you won’t. I’ll put you on watch up in the crow’s nest.”
Helios was familiar with that, for he had seen many ships coming into Aea and vice versa. Taking up position of watchman sounded perfect to him.
“Fine by me,” he said.
“Now the other Argonauts will introduce themselves to you,” said Heracles.
One by one, the other crew members introduced themselves to Helios.
“Now you are an Argonaut, Helios,” Jason said.
“You’re one of us now,” said Heracles.
“Welcome to the crew,” Atalanta said.
Never had Helios felt better in his life. Now he was part of something special – something, which Aeetes had no rule over.
As soon as he thought that, a man carrying a large sack, came into the throne room. The man was around his age and was wearing old sandals and worn-out clothes.
“Here is the servant, which I told you about, Atalanta,” said Helios.
“Which one of you is Jason?” the servant asked.
Jason faced the servant.
“I am.”
“Well, Jason, it is done. I drugged the guard’s drinks. They won’t wake up until tomorrow morning.”
“Well done,” Jason said. “Whoever you are?”
“Apsyrtus is my name,” said the servant, who handed the sack to Jason. “Hide the Fleece inside it.”
“Thank you for your help, Apsyrtus,” Jason said,
“You’re welcome.”
Apsyrtus left the throne room.
So the moment had finally arrived – the moment,
which Jason and the Argonauts had been waiting for.
It was time to seize the Golden Fleece.
“Time to get this over with,” said Heracles.
He exited the throne room, through the pair of side doors, which Apsyrtus had come through.
He then made his way stealthily through some of the ground level areas of the palace. Along the way, he saw guards, either slumped against walls, or sprawled out.
At one point, he went through a pair of doors, leading to an area of Moonlit gardens round the back of the palace. The guards by the doors lay flat out.
The gardens were formal to look at with fruit bushes, flowers, an arbour, fountains, paths and trees.
In the centre, there was a tree, which stood up to thirty feet tall. Hanging over one of its branches, was a large woolly object.
It was none other than, the Golden Fleece.
The two guards protecting it lay sprawled out.
For Hercules, it was easy to get the Fleece. He silently approached the tree, pulled the treasure off the branch and went back into the palace.
“I have the Fleece,” he said when he entered the throne room.
“Well done, Heracles,” said Atalanta.
Neither Jason, nor any of the other Argonauts said anything at first, for they were so inspired by the Fleece.
The treasure was a marvel to behold. Unlike any ordinary fleece, it was pure gold in colour.
“You have done well, Heracles,” Jason said.
“Thank you.”
Heracles handed the Fleece to Jason, who put it in the sack.
“Do you suppose Aeetes will suspect us, when he discovers the Fleece has been stolen?” asked Jason.
“Possibly,” Heracles replied. “But I’m sure we’ll get out of it somehow.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he bursts in here to question us tomorrow before we leave,” said Atalanta.

A STOLEN TREASURE

When Aeetes looked out into the gardens from his bedroom window the following morning, he discovered that the Fleece was gone. The two guards still lay on the ground.
“I don’t believe it,” the king said frantically. “I don’t believe it.”
Fuming inside, the king stormed out of his bedroom and down through the palace, passing the drugged guards along the way, before heading out into the gardens.
He then approached the tree where the Fleece had been hanging, to have words with the guards, both of whom were coming to.
“My lord,” one of the guards said sleepily.
“Get up clod-heads,” Aeetes raged.
“What’s the matter, my lord?” asked the other guard.
“The Fleece is gone.”
The guards looked at one another in surprise.
“Gone, my lord?” they asked in unison.
“See for yourselves fools.”
The guards stared up at the branch.
“I cannot believe it,” one of them said.
“Neither can I.”
“Do either of you know anything about this?”
“No, my lord,” the guards said together.
“We never fall asleep on duty, my lord,” said one of the guards.
For a brief moment, Aeetes calmed down a little. He knew all too well, that none of his guards ever slept on duty.
“You’re right,” he said. “Someone must have drugged the pair of you and several other guards too, if not all of them. Now, can either of you remember who was here last?”
The guards shook their heads with honest looks on their faces.
“Very well. I’ll get to the bottom of this and I know just where to begin.”
Aeetes stormed back into the palace and made for the throne room.
Meanwhile, Jason and the Argonauts were discussing their departure from Colchis.
“Hopefully, we’ll be on our way soon,” said Jason.
“We’ll have to get food and water from the city,” Castor said.
“Aeetes might provide it,” said Atalanta.
“A fat chance that will be,” Idas said.
“Well, we’ll see,” said Heracles.
Before anyone else could speak, Aeetes burst furiously through one of the side doors.
“Is something the matter, your lordship?” asked Jason.
“Yes,” Aeetes replied angrily. “The Fleece has been stolen.
Jason and the Argonauts pretended to act surprised.
“Stolen?” Atalanta asked open-mouthed.
“That’s too bad,” said Castor.
“Who would do a thing like that?” Orpheus asked.
“Do you suspect us, your lordship?” asked Lynceus.
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Well, your lordship, we had nothing to do with it,” Heracles said.
“We’ve been here the whole time, your lordship,” said Atalanta.
“We’d be too afraid to steal the Fleece from your lordship,” Jason said.
For a moment there was silence.
Jason and his crew waited with baited breath, while Aeetes thought the matter over.
“Very well,” the king said. “Someone else must have stolen the Fleece and I will not rest, until I have found the culprit.
“But first, I will see to it, Jason, that you and the Argonauts are supplied with food and water.”
“Thank you, your lordship.”
“I will return when all is ready.”
With that, Aeetes left the throne room.
Everyone sighed with relief.
“Well, we got away with it, Heracles said.
“At least the king didn’t pay any attention to the sack,” said Atalanta.
“Let’s just hope he doesn’t question what’s in it when we leave,” Argos said.
“If he does, then the game will be up,” said Melanion.
“It will indeed,” Idas said.
“Then this whole quest will have been in vain,” said Butes.
“Execution for us all.”
Most of the other Argonauts murmured and nodded in agreement. Heracles was rather irked about it, as were Jason and Atalanta.
“Please don’t start this now,” Heracles said with irritation in his voice.
“Think about Apsyrtus,” Atalanta said firmly.
“He’ll be in very deep trouble if Aeetes discovers that he helped us,” Jason said severely.
The thought of it made Helios’ blood boil.
“His death will be very slow, brutal and ghastly,” he said.
“We could see to it that he makes a break for it,” said Zetes.
“Chances of that would be very slim,” Atalanta said.
“Especially if guards are present.”
“That, I don’t doubt,” said Heracles.
“We could sneak him onboard and take him with us,” Calais said.
“That, does not sound like a good idea,” said Meleager.
“Why not?” Telemachus asked.
“Because suspicions may spread and fast.”
“I agree,” said Iphitus.
“Enough!” Heracles snapped.
“It’s more important to keep the Fleece hidden,” said Atalanta.
Fortunately, she had spoken just in time, because Aeetes entered the throne room, the very next moment.
“All is ready now,” the king said.
“Thank you, your lordship,” said Jason, who like the Argonauts, was relieved that the king hadn’t overheard the conversation.
“I will have all my servants bring the food and water down to your ship,” Aeetes said. “I will come too. I want to see the vessel myself.”
“Very well, your lordship,” said Jason.
So it was.
Jason and the Argonauts left the palace and headed down to the Argo, accompanied by Aeetes, two dozen soldiers and three dozen servants carrying containers full of food and water.
At one point, the king glanced at the sack, which was being carried by Heracles, but he didn’t question what was in it. It didn’t occur to him that the Fleece was
inside.
Eventually, everyone reached the Argo. The slaves placed the containers on the pontoon.
“There she is, your lordship,” Jason said. “The Argo.”
Aeetes stared in admiration at the vessel. The soldiers did too and the slaves even.
“She’s a magnificent vessel,” said the king.
“Thank you, your lordship,” Jason said.
“Heracles built her, your lordship,” said Atalanta.
“A fine work of craftmanship,” Aeetes said.
“Thank you, your lordship,” said Heracles.
Jason turned to face the rest of the Argonauts.
“Get everything onboard,” he ordered.
The other crew members carried the food and water onboard and filled their own skins and containers. They then went back onto the pontoon.
“So where will you and the Argonauts sail now, Jason?” asked Aeetes.
“Wherever the tide carries us, your lordship,” Jason lied.
“Well, you’re all welcome to come here again,” said Aeetes. “It’s very rare that I receive trustworthy visitors. And now, I must return to my palace. I have to find out, who stole the Golden Fleece.”
Neither Jason, nor any of the Argonauts were concerned over that matter anymore.
They all exchanged farewells with Aeetes, before getting on board to their positions. Helios took Hylas’s place in the crow’s nest.
Then finally, Jason and the Argonauts left Aea.

BETRAYAL

Jason and the Argonauts had left the city of Aea far behind.
They had sailed back down the river and were heading out into the open sea to safety, well, so they hoped.
Young Helios was told all about the former Argonaut, Mopsus.
In the palace, it was a totally different story.
Aeetes sat fuming on the throne. Determined he was, to discover who had stolen the Golden Fleece.
“I want everyone in the throne room, at once” the king said angrily to three present guards.
“At once, my lord?” asked one of the guards.
“At once. I will not rest, until I find out who stole the Golden Fleece.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
Aeetes watched the guards leave the throne room.
Before long, they returned with everyone else in the palace.
The other residents could tell by the furious look on the king’s face that something terrible was amiss. A wave of dread spread through their hearts.
“I have summoned you all here, because a most outrageous crime has been committed,” he said angrily. “The Golden Fleece has been stolen.”
Murmurs spread fast among the residents.
Apsyrtus was petrified.
“I will not rest until I find the guilty one. Maybe more than one of you had a hand in it. Rest assured, I will know, once the palace has been searched. No one, is to leave the throne room, until the Fleece has been found.”
Meanwhile, a man was making his way up to the courtyard gates – a man who had been known to everyone onboard the Argo, except Helios. The man was none other, than Mopsus.
When the former Argonaut reached the gates, the guards moved together in front of him.
“Stop right there, stranger,” said the right-hand guard. “And state your business.”
“I have come to see the king, on very urgent business.”
“Why is your business so urgent?” the left-hand guard asked.
“It concerns the Golden Fleece.”
The guards nodded at one another, then turned back to Mopsus, who was waiting impatiently.
“In that case, you’d better see the king,” said the right-hand guard.
Mopsus sighed with relief as the guards parted and opened the gates.
“I’ll take you to the king,” the left-hand guard said.
Mopsus followed the guard fearfully across the courtyard and into the palace.
“Be warned, the king is in a very angry mood,” the guard said when they reached the main throne room
doors.
“I’ll face what comes.”
The guard opened the doors and led Mopsus in to face Aeetes, who still looked furious.
When the king set eyes on them, he became even more annoyed.
“What is it?” he asked very crossly. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“There is a stranger here who wishes to speak with my lord,” the guard replied nervously.
“I have no time for strangers right now. Take him away.”
“His business concerns the Fleece, my lord.”
People started muttering to one another.
“Leave us to it,” Aeetes said in a calmer voice.
The guard exited the throne room, leaving a terrified Mopsus to his fate.
“Tell me everything you know.”
“I know who stole the Fleece, your lordship.”
“Tell me.”
“It was Jason and the Argonauts, your lordship.”
Mopsus held his breath, as people murmured.
“SILENCE!” Aeetes roared.
The murmurs stopped at once.
“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely, your lordship. I was down near the Argo,
when your lordship spoke of the Fleece.”
There was another brief moment of silence. The king’s thoughts were all over the place and Mopsus was waiting for the worst.
“Tell me, do you know Jason and the Argonauts?”
The game was starting to look up for the former Argonaut. He saw no point in denying his involvement to steal the Fleece.
“Yes, your lordship. I sailed with them to Colchis.”
“You sailed with them?”
“Up until I was cast overboard by Heracles, your lordship.”
“Was it your intention to help steal the Fleece?”
“It was before I was cast overboard, your lordship. After that, I grew to hate Jason and the Argonauts – Heracles especially. So I came here, to betray them to your lordship.”
Mopsus baited his breath and awaited his fate.
“I should have you executed,” Aeetes said furiously. “I should have you burned on the stake, cast into a pit of fire, tortured on the rack, beaten with spiked metal balls, impaled on a pole, thrown onto a bed of spikes, peeled as an orange, hunted down and eaten alive by my hounds.”
Mopsus, was in a devastating predicament – a predicament, which he saw no way out of.
“Indeed you should, your lordship,” he said.
“However, I will spare your life, if you help me get the Golden Fleece back.”
Mopsus couldn’t believe it.
“That, I am most willing to do, your lordship.”
“The thing is, I have no idea where Jason and the Argonauts are heading. Jason told me that he and his crew are sailing wherever the tide carries them.”
“HAH! The only place Jason and the Argonauts are going, is back to Thessaly, your lordship.”
Aeetes was taken aback.
“That’s not what Jason told me,” he said angrily.
“I bet there are many things, which he did not tell your lordship.”
“Go on,” Aeetes said with a tone of curiosity in his voice.
“Jason, so happens to be the son of Aeson and Medea of Thessaly, your lordship.”
“Is he now?”
“Yes, your lordship. Jason is a member of the royal family of Thessaly.”
Aeetes was getting more and more curious. More curious than angry in fact.
“Interesting,” he said. “Tell me more.”
“Well, your lordship, Jason went to confront Pelias, who happens to be his uncle, but without success. The thing is, Pelias refused to hand the kingdom back to Aeson and Medea, unless Jason gets him the Fleece. Jason isn’t convinced though. He believes that Pelias only wants the Fleece.”
“Why did Pelias not kill him?”
“Because it is forbidden by the royal laws of Thessaly.”
“I see,” Aeetes sneered. “Well, the laws here are different. If Pelias cannot kill Jason, then I will have him killed, if I have too.”
“What will you do?”
“I will chase down the Argo with a fleet of war galleys and force Jason to hand the Fleece back. If he refuses, I will order my fleet to send the Argo to the depths with everyone onboard. If he does hand the Fleece back, I will let them go.”
Mopsus was disappointed to hear the latter.
“By the way, I do not know your name,” said Aeetes.
“My name is Mopsus, your lordship.”
“Well, Mopsus, you will come and join me.”
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure, your lordship,” Mopsus sneered.
He wanted no more, than to witness the downfall, of his former companions.
“I take it that Jason and the Argonauts will be stopping off at places along the way?” asked Aeetes.
“Yes, your lordship. First, they will head for the island of Phineus.”

TRAITOR

The shores of Colchis were far behind Jason and the Argonauts.
In three days, they had covered many miles and in fine weather.
They knew nothing however, that Mopsus had betrayed them to Aeetes, or that a fleet of Colchian war galleys was chasing after them fast.
It was only when Helios spotted the approaching vessels, that the unrest began.
“I SEE A FLEET OF TWELVE WAR GALLEYS COMING TOWARDS US, JASON,” he said with concern in his voice.
The sailors started to feel disturbed.
“WAR GALLEYS DID YOU SAY?” asked Heracles.
“COLCHIAN WAR GALLEYS,” Helios replied.
There was only one possible explanation, which anyone could think of.
“Aeetes must have found out we have the Fleece,” said Atalanta.
“How, I wonder?” Jason asked.
“That servant, Apsyrtus, must have double-crossed us,” replied Castor.
“Someone, must have double-crossed us,” Atalanta said.
The oarsmen nodded at one another in agreement.
Heracles had a darker thought on his mind.
“Unless, it was Mopsus who betrayed us,” he said.
“I don’t see how,” said Atalanta, who was unconvinced.
“Neither do I,” Orpheus said.
“He wasn’t at the palace when we were there,” said Zetes.
“And he certainly could not have reached it before us,” Lynceus said.
“We even moored the Argo before he set foot on land,” said Argus.
Even Jason wasn’t convinced. He suspected that it was someone living at the palace. But that was the least of his concerns, because he could now see the approaching fleet.
“AEETES IS ONBOARD THE NEAREST GALLEY,” Helios said. “AND THERE’S ANOTHER MAN WITH HIM.”
“ANOTHER MAN?” asked Jason.
“YES. HE’S ARMED AND APPEARS TO BE WEARING THESSALIAN ARMOUR.”
“THESSALIAN ARMOUR?” Heracles asked curiously.
“YES. LIKE THE ARMOUR ONBOARD THE ARGO.”
At that, the others began to doubt their thoughts, about Mopsus not having a hand in their betrayal. But how he had been involved, they had no idea.
However, there were far worse things for them to be concerned about. Facing a furious Aeetes and a fleet of twelve war galleys with prows like battering rams.
“Aeetes has obviously come for the Fleece,” said Atalanta.
“It looks like we have no choice, but to give it to him,” Heracles said.
“We may be strong warriors, but that’s nothing against Aeetes and his army,” said Castor.
“He must have over a thousand warriors,” Heracles said.
“There’s nothing for it then,” said Atalanta. “We have to give the Fleece back.”
Jason had no intention to give the Fleece back to the king, but he didn’t intend to keep it either. He had something else in mind.
“There is one way to prevent Aeetes from getting the Fleece,” he said.
“How?” asked Heracles.
“By doing the same thing that king Cyzicus would do if he had the Fleece.”
Everyone, except Helios, who had never met king Cyzicus, thought that Jason had suddenly lost his senses.
“You don’t mean –“ Atalanta began.
“I do.”
“Are you seriously telling us, that you’re going to cast the Fleece into the sea?” asked Castor.
“Yes, I am.”
“You’re mad,” Pollux said.
“Yes, mad,” said Orpheus.
Even Heracles and Atalanta thought so.
“I may be mad, but king Cyzicus was right in saying that no mortal has the right to possess the Fleece. He was also right in saying that the Fleece never should have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis.”
For a moment there was silence.
“So, Jason, you’re starting to think along the same lines as king Cyzicus?" Heracles asked.
“I am. If I cast the Fleece into the sea, then no mortal will be able to lay hands on it, including Aeetes and Pelias too.”
“I think it will be a foolish move to make,” said Idas.
“So do I,” Admetus said.
“And I,” said Butes.
“Even if you do cast the Fleece overboard, we won’t escape our fate,” Telamon said.
“Aeetes will still bring about our doom,” said Argos.
For once, Jason didn’t get annoyed with the oarsmen, for he could see no way out of what was to come.
“There’s only one thing for it,” said Heracles, who wasn’t annoyed either.
“What’s that?” Jason asked.
“We must stop and face the fleet.
“I agree,” said Atalanta.
“Me too,” Jason said.
He faced the oarsmen.
“Stop rowing. There’s no point in running any further.”
The oarsmen stopped rowing without the slightest bit of hesitation. All of them were of the same mind as Jason.
There was only one choice and that was to face the fleet, which was drawing nearer.
Closer and closer those galleys came, until they caught up with the Argo. The nearest galley came right up alongside the Argo.
King Aeetes was onboard with Mopsus by his side. Both of them had menacing looks of victory on their faces.
“The game’s over, Jason,” Aeetes said. “You cannot outrun us.”
“I see that Mopsus is with your lordship,” Jason said coldly.
“Mopsus betrayed you all, Jason. He told me about your position in the royal family of Thessaly.”
“We never saw him at the palace, your lordship,” said Jason.
“Mopsus came to the palace, after you and the Argonauts left Aea. He was present by the waterfront when the Argo departed.”
Jason, was taken by surprise. Never once had it occurred to him that Mopsus may have been present, when he and the Argonauts were preparing to leave Colchis. Nor had it occurred to him, that the former Argonaut had betrayed them, after the Argo had set sail.
Heracles, who was fuming, like most of the Argonauts, lost his temper.
“IF I WERE ON THAT SHIP, I’D CLUB YOU TO A PULP, MOPSUS,” he roared.
“So would I if I had Heracles’ strength,” said Castor.
“And I,” Orpheus said.
“Me too,” said Meleager.
Everyone else felt the same, including Jason and Atalanta. They all wanted to get back at the former Argonaut.
“ENOUGH!” Aeetes bellowed. “I want the Fleece back.”
Silence fell onboard the Argo.
“Give me the Fleece and I’ll spare your lives. If you refuse, then my fleet will send you all to the bottom of the sea.”
Everyone onboard, was terrified – most of all Jason.
The captain knew not what would happen when he cast
the Fleece overboard.
“Very well,” he said in a voice of hysterical calmness.
The Argonauts thought that Jason had finally lost it, but not one of them dared say a word in the presence of Aeetes.
“I knew he would,” Mopsus said to Aeetes.
The latter watched as Jason pulled the Fleece out of a secret compartment and for some reason, tied it to his shield.
“If you want the Fleece back, go and fetch it,” said Jason.
He hurled the treasure into the sea.
“There, go and fetch it.”
Aeetes was stunned by Jason’s move. He watched as the Fleece sank beneath the waves.
Mopsus was equally as stunned as were the warriors onboard the galleys.
“I don’t have the Fleece, your lordship doesn’t have the Fleece,” Jason said.
He and the Argonauts waited fearfully with baited breaths. How was Aeetes going to react?
A wicked smile appeared on the king’s face.
“You’re a very clever, cunning man, Jason,” he said with a laugh.
“What are you going to do, your lordship?” asked Mopsus. “Are you going to destroy them?”
The king was totally at a loss, for he hadn’t expected Jason to cast the Fleece into the sea. In fact he admired the young captain’s craftiness. Therefore, he
decided not to strike.
“Well, your lordship?” Mopsus asked again with impatience in his voice.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I see no point, now that the Fleece is gone.”
Mopsus seethed furiously as Aeetes turned his fleet back towards Colchis.

MEETING PHINEUS AGAIN

The Argonauts owed their lives to Jason.
“A very clever move you made, Jason,” said Heracles.
“You saved us all,” Atalanta said.
“I’m sure King Cyzicus will be impressed,” said Castor.
“And Megara and Iona,” Atalanta said.
Even Helios was impressed by Jason’s actions.
“Phineus will be surprised,” said Orpheus.
“If the weather holds good, then we’ll reach the island in about seven to eight days,” Heracles said.
The weather did indeed stay perfect over a period of seven to eight days.
When the sailors reached the island, they made for a beach at the foot of a valley, between two tree-covered hills. As they did so, a familiar figure came into view at the foot of the valley.
“There’s Phineus,” said Atalanta.
At Jason’s command, the oarsmen stopped rowing and let the Argo drift in. The anchor stone was then cast overboard by Pollux and Phalerus.
“All ashore,” Jason ordered.
The sailors left the Argo, approached Phineus and exchanged greetings with him.
As the exiled one stared at the sailors, he set eyes on Helios. He also noticed that Mopsus was absent.
“I see that one of the Argonauts is missing,” he said.
“That, I will explain,” said Heracles.
“And who might this new crew member be?”
“Helios, is his name,” replied Atalanta.
“He used to live in the palace of Aeetes,” Heracles said. “But he wanted to get away from Colchis.”
“Fortunately, the king allowed him to leave,” said Atalanta. “So we gave him a place onboard the Argo.”
Phineus was most pleased to hear that.
“Well, Jason, I want to hear everything that happened after you and the Argonauts left here.”
“So you shall, just after I’ve sorted out a couple of things.”
One of those things, was seeing to it that Helios learned how to fight. Unless he already knew how to that is.
It was most important to Jason, that Helios learned how to fight, to be prepared for the coming battle against Pelias and his soldiers.
“You and Atalanta stay here, Heracles,” he said. “The three of us should share this story.”
The captain turned to the rest of his crew.
“Castor, Pollux, stay on the beach and start teaching Helios how to fight. The rest of you go and get food and water.”
Jason, Heracles and Atalanta, sat on some rocks with Phineus, while the others got to work.
Castor and Pollux stayed on the beach to start training Helios how to do battle. Helios was most enthusiastic about it.
The others went off to get food and water supplies.
“Now then, tell me everything.”
“Well, Phineus, after we left you, another storm sprang up,” Jason began. “It was just as bad as the first one we faced.”
“We lost eighteen oars and were driven off course,” said Atalanta. “But Heracles managed to get us to Colchis. We stopped off at a beach to make new oars, before heading for the city of Aea.”
“Unfortunately, we had some trouble as we were reaching the city,” Heracles said.
That aroused Phineus’ curiosity.
“Was it pirates?” he asked.
“No,” replied Jason. “Several of the oarsmen started playing up and one went too far.”
“I’d better explain that, Jason” Heracles said.
“Sure, go ahead.”
“Well, one of the oarsmen whose name was Mopsus, started getting over-cocky. I lost my rag with him and cast him overboard.”
Phineus wasn’t the least bit surprised. In fact, he didn’t blame Heracles.
“What became of Mopsus after that?”
“He got onboard another ship heading for the city,” replied Atalanta. “Unfortunately, we crossed paths with him again, but we’ll come to that.”
“When we reached the city, we went straight to the palace,” Jason said.
“Fortunately, we were admitted,” said Heracles.
“So how did Aeetes take things?”
“With a little deception from us, he suspected nothing,” Atalanta replied.
“We feasted too,” said Jason.
“Before the feast, we got to know Helios,” Heracles said.” He agreed to help us get the Fleece, by seeing to it that one of the servants drugged the guards.”
“Played his part well he did too,” said Atalanta.
“After the king had retired for the night, we put our plans into action,” Jason said. “The guards were drugged.”
“And I seized the Fleece,” said Heracles.
Phineus, was most impressed.
“As expected, Aeetes questioned us about the missing treasure the following morning,” Jason said. “But we convinced him that we had nothing to do with it.”
“So we left the palace and went back to the Argo,” said Atalanta. “Aeetes came too, along with several soldiers and his servants brought us food and water.”
“Then we just sailed away from Colchis,” Heracles said.
“Although, we ended up in more trouble on the way here.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Aeetes found us out after we left Colchis and chased us down with a fleet of twelve war galleys,” replied Jason.
“How did he find out?”
“Mopsus went to the palace and betrayed us, after we left Colchis,” Atalanta replied.
That angered Phineus.
“The scoundrel,” he said.
“He was with the king when the fleet caught up with us,” said Heracles.
“And what of the Fleece?”
“Aeetes threatened to send us to the bottom of the sea, unless I handed the Fleece back to him,” Jason replied.
“Did you hand it back?”
“No. I did what King Cyzicus would have done. I cast it into the sea.”
Phineus, was most taken aback.
“You cast it into the sea?” he asked with an edge of surprise in his voice.
“Yes. King Cyzicus said that no mortal has the right to own the Fleece, that it never should have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis. Now the Fleece is out of human reach.”
“What did Aeetes do?”
“He turned his fleet around and headed back to
Colchis,” replied Atalanta.
“My guess, is that with the Fleece gone, the king saw no reason to attack,” Heracles said.
For a moment there was silence. It was a lot for Phineus to take in.
“You’re a very clever man, Jason,” he said. “Clever and cunning. But I think you did the right thing.”
“He saved us all by doing it,” Atalanta said.
“I doubt Pelias will be happy about it,” said Heracles.
“I hope he will be furious,” Jason said with sarcasm.
“We’ll have to fight his soldiers, in order to help Aeson and Medea reclaim the kingdom of Thessaly,” said Atalanta.
“That’s why Helios is learning how to fight,” Heracles said.
Heracles was most impressed by how quickly Helios was learning. He could see the young man becoming a great warrior. Jason and Atalanta were equally as impressed. So were Castor and Pollux and Phineus even.
“He’s getting the hang of it already,” said Atalanta.
“He must have witnessed lots of battles at the palace,” Jason said.
Suddenly, the rest of the sailors appeared on the beach with food and water supplies.
“Well done,” Jason said.
He got up and walked over to Castor, Pollux and Helios.
“Helios is a natural,” said Castor.
“We’re most impressed,” Pollux said.
“So am I,” said Jason.
“I’ve witnessed countless fights at the palace, so I know every move.”
“Well, you’ll be practicing again before we reach Thessaly,” Castor said.
“And now it’s time to sail on,” said Jason.
A feeling of sadness came over Phineus. Part of him wished that the sailors had decided to stay longer, but he knew that they had to push on.
“So this is goodbye,” he said sadly.
“Yes, it is,” Atalanta said sadly too.
“Not for the last time though,” said Heracles, who was equally as sad.
“We’ll come again,” Atalanta said.
“Well, it’s been a pleasure to see the pair of you again,” said Phineus. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Jason and the other Argonauts too.”
“Likewise,” Jason said.
With that, Phineus exchanged farewells with Jason and the Argonauts.
He watched in sadness, as the sailors carried the supplies onboard and left the island.

RETURN TO THE ISLAND OF KING CYZICUS

After travelling for nine days and nights, Jason and the Argonauts reached the passage, leading to the first ocean, which they had sailed across.
Along the way they were rained upon and had faced strong winds, but nothing powerful enough to blow the Argo off course. Now however, it was raining very heavily.
“Well, there’s the channel again,” said Atalanta.
“We’ll have to go through it slower than the last time,” Heracles said.
“Especially in this rain,” said Atalanta.
Jason turned to the oarsmen, who weren’t in the best of moods.
“Slow the pace right down,” he said.
The oarsmen did as they were ordered and rowed gently into the channel. It was rather challenging because the walls were barely visible, but Heracles managed to steer the Argo through. When the vessel came out the other end, the rain stopped.
“We made it,” said Jason.
“We may as well let them rest,” Atalanta said.
“I agree,” said Heracles.
“Alright, stop rowing,” Jason said.
The oarsmen had some food and water and rested a while. Jason had his share too, as did Heracles and Atalanta. Even Helios joined in.
After that, the sailors continued for about six perfect days and nights, until the island of the one-time King Amycus came into view.
“We’d better stop a moment and think about where we’re going to land,” said Heracles.
“Right,” Atalanta said.
“Stop rowing,” ordered Jason.
The oarsmen did as they were ordered.
“Now then, I don’t think we should land where we did before,” Heracles said. “Not in plain view of the settlement.”
“I agree,” said Atalanta. “By now, the islanders may have a new king.”
“If so, then he may be no different in nature to Amycus,” Heracles said.
“Worse even,” said Jason.
He dreaded the thought of coming face to face with yet another ruthless king. Especially one like Aeetes, or even more vile.
“That is why we should stay clear of where we landed before,” Atalanta said.
“If we’re spotted from the palace, we may end up in very serious trouble,” said Heracles.
“Then we must land on this side of the island,” Jason said.
“I agree,” said Heracles.
“So do I,” Atalanta said.
“We’ll head for the cove straight ahead,” said Heracles.
“That’s fine,” Jason said. “There we will take on food and water and rest a little.”
“Let’s go for it,” said Atalanta.
So the sailors headed for the cove and set foot on the island again.
“We’ll get the food and water first,” said Jason.
“I’ll stay here with Castor, Pollux and Helios,” Heracles said. “You and Atalanta go off with the others to get the food and water.”
It was agreed.
Heracles stayed on the beach to keep watch over the Argo and to over-see Helios’ training.
Jason and Atalanta went off with the other Argonauts to get food and water, which there was plenty of.
When they returned to the beach, they found Helios fighting, like a true warrior.
“Helios truly is a natural,” said Heracles. “Every move perfect.”
“You can say that again,” Atalanta said.
“How do you think I’m doing, Jason?” asked Helios.
“Very well.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, we shall rest a while,” Jason said. “You too, Helios.”
So the sailors rested a few hours, then journeyed on.
Over the next three to four days, the sea was a little rough. There were several showers and strong winds too. But there was no stormy weather and the Argo stayed on course.
When it all passed, a thick blanket of fog rolled in and engulfed the Argo. The oarsmen were not happy.
“This is bad,” said Idas.
“We can’t row in this,” Orpheus said.
“We can’t even see our hands in front of our faces,” said Lynceus.
“Let alone each other,” Pollux said.
“We’ll have to stop,” said Zetes.
“We might end up off course,” Phalerus said.
“Or getting lost,” said Euphemus.
“It’ll be even worse if we collide with another vessel,” Laertes said.
“Especially a pirate vessel,” said Azorus.
Indeed the oarsmen were not happy, but neither Jason, Heracles, nor Atalanta, had anything to say to them. They too were annoyed with the conditions.
“Stop rowing,” Jason said.
“This may last some while,” said Atalanta.
“We’ll just have to sit it out,” Heracles said.
Indeed the fog did last some while. All the sailors could do, was eat, drink, talk and sleep. Helios came down to join in too. He saw no point in sitting up in the crow’s nest, while there was nothing to see.
Everyone had concerns about the situation. Running out of food and water and being run into by other vessels, were their main worries.
However, after two long days and nights, the fog disappeared and the sailors were able to continue.
From that point on, it was a mixture of sunny spells, showers, strong winds and rough waters, but Heracles managed to keep the Argo on course.
Then, after five days and nights, the island of King Cyzicus, appeared on the horizon.

JASON’S REVELATION

“There it is again,” said Atalanta. “The island of King Cyzicus.”
“I hope the king comes to the shore to meet us,” Castor said.
“He might do,” said Jason, who hoped so too.
“If not, then we’ll go to the palace,” Heracles said.
“We sure will have a story to tell,” said Atalanta.
The sailors headed slowly round to the other side of the island and landed in the same spot, that they landed in on the outward journey.
The moment they left the Argo, King Cyzicus came onto the beach.
“There he is,” Heracles said.
He, along with Atalanta and Jason approached Cyzicus and exchanged greetings.
The king then exchanged greetings with the rest of the Argonauts.
“I want to hear about everything that’s happened, when we feast later, Jason. Megara and Iona are equally as excited.”
“Thank you, your lordship.”
“First, we must get food and water, your lordship,” said Atalanta.
“And take care of another matter, your lordship,” Heracles said.
“That’s fine,” said Cyzicus. “I’ll send Iona to bring you
all to the palace later.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” Jason said.
With that, King Cyzicus left the beach.
“Now then, let’s see,” said Jason. “Castor, Pollux, continue training Helios. I’ll remain too.”
“Atalanta and I will also stay,” Heracles said.
“The rest of them know where to find the food and water,” said Atalanta.
“That’s fine,” Jason said.
So it was agreed.
Heracles, Atalanta and Jason stayed on the beach to oversee Helios’ training and to keep an eye on the Argo, while the others went off to get food and water supplies.
“This is the last time we take on food and water,” said Atalanta.
“No more stops between here and Thessaly,” Heracles said.
“And no more training after this for Helios,” said Jason.
“I bet you’ll be glad to get back to Thessaly, Jason,” Heracles said.
“Glad to get back to your homeland,” said Atalanta.
“For a short while.”
Heracles and Atalanta glanced at one another briefly.
“What do you mean, for a short while?” Heracles asked curiously.
“Well – “
“Is there something you wish to tell us?” Atalanta
asked curiously too.
“Yes.”
“Go on,” said Heracles.
“It’s – it’s about my position in the royal family of Thessaly. My position as heir.”
“What about it?” asked Atalanta.
“What I mean to say, is that I no longer want to be my parent’s heir.”
Heracles and Atalanta were taken aback with shock. They couldn’t believe what Jason had just said.
“You’re not being serious?” Heracles asked.
“I’m being very serious.”
“But why?” asked Atalanta. “You have royal blood in your veins.”
“You’ll be a king,” Heracles said. “With a whole kingdom to rule.”
Jason knew that Heracles and Atalanta were right, but it’s not what he wanted anymore.
“That’s the point of all this,” he said. “I no longer want to be a king. I don’t want to rule over other people. A king has duties. A king has no true freedom. I wish to live the rest of my life in freedom.”
There was a moments silence. It was a lot for Atalanta and Heracles to take in.
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” asked Atalanta.
“More than you and Heracles realise.”
“The thing is, if you step down as heir, there will be no one to rule in your place,” Heracles said. “Your parents have no other offspring.”
“I’ll take care of that matter.”
“How?” asked Atalanta.
“By handing my position over to Helios.”
Again Heracles and Atalanta were taken aback.
“Seriously?” Heracles asked.
“Most seriously. Helios did say that he’s always wanted to be a king, to rule peacefully. So I want to give him that opportunity and besides, an heir doesn’t have to be born of royal blood. My parents told me as much.”
Helios wasn’t near enough to listen in on the conversation.
“You have a point there,” said Atalanta. “But what will your parents say? They might not share all of your points of view.”
“I’ll have to reason with them. However, I still intend to overthrow Pelias and restore the kingdom to my parents. After that, I’ll see to it that my parents are made king and queen again and persuade them to make Helios their heir.”
There was another moment of silence.
“Well, if that is what you want?” asked Atalanta.
“It is.”
“What do you intend to do then?” Heracles asked.
“To travel the known world, go on other voyages, visit other kingdoms, seek adventure. But I will visit Iolcos from time to time.”
“Surely you don’t intend to go it alone?” Atalanta asked with concern in her voice.
Atalanta and Heracles admired Jason’s decisions, but
they were worried. They were worried that Jason was planning on going it all alone. They feared that if he went unaccompanied, he may end up with the wrong kind of people.
“Not at all. There are only two people, who I wish to travel with and that is you and Heracles.”
That took Heracles and Atalanta completely by surprise.
“Are you serious?” asked Heracles.
“I certainly am.”
“You say that now, but you may change your mind,” Atalanta said.
“Change my mind, never. My parents told me that not every heir or heiress, choses to become a king or queen.”
“Atalanta and I have met many princes and princesses, who thought as you do now.”
“I just wouldn’t be able to face having to sit on a throne day after day, all dressed in royal garments. I would be cut off from the natural world, cut off from freedom.”
Atalanta and Heracles were starting to realise the true seriousness of Jason’s decisions, but they weren’t prepared for what was coming next.
“There is another reason why I’ve made these decisions.”
“Go on,” said Atalanta.
“I feel bound to you and Heracles.”
Heracles and Atalanta were taken by surprise again.
“Bound to us?” Heracles asked.
“Yes. You and Atalanta took me from the palace and raised me to adulthood, made me into the man I am today. I regard you, Heracles, as a second father and you as an older sister, Atalanta. Therefore, I am bound by love and friendship to the pair of you. Destiny, I believe.”
“So you believe in destiny then?” asked Atalanta.
“Just like my parents, yes. In my heart, I don’t feel destined to rule.”
“Will you reveal what you have told us to King Cyzicus?” Heracles asked.
“No. He doesn’t need to know and neither do Iona and Megara.”
“Very well.”
With that, the conversation ended.
A short while later, the rest of the Argonauts returned with food and water.
“Well done,” said Jason. “Now get everything onboard.”
The captain approached Castor, Pollux and Helios.
“Well, Jason, Helios has been practicing exceedingly well,” Castor said.
“First rate fighting,” said Pollux.
“Well done, Helios,” Jason said.
“Thank you.”
Suddenly, Princess Iona came onto the beach.
“Greetings everyone,” she said.
“Greetings, princess Iona,” Jason and the Argonauts said in unison.
They all bowed together.
“It’s time to come to the palace. The feast will soon be ready.”

FEASTING WITH KING CYZICUS AGAIN

When Jason and the Argonauts entered the throne room with Princess Iona, they found King Cyzicus sitting on the throne with Queen Megara by his side.
Another magnificent feast was all laid out on tables, surrounded by chairs.
“Greetings all,” Queen Megara said.
“Greetings, your ladyship,” the sailors said together.
They all bowed.
“Now we shall feast,” said King Cyzicus.
“Would you three care to sit with Cyzicus, Iona and myself again?” Megara asked Jason, Heracles and Atalanta.
“I’d love to, your ladyship,” Jason said.
“So would I, your ladyship,” said Heracles.
“And me, your ladyship,” Atalanta said.
The three of them sat with the royal family, while the others sat elsewhere.
“Now then, tell us everything that happened since you were all here last,” said Megara.
Jason started off first.
“Well, your ladyship, after we left, we sailed on to the
island of King Amycus. Along the way, a treacherous storm sprang up and drove us twenty miles off course. We lost twenty oars.”
“That does sound bad,” said Megara.
“It was awful, your ladyship,” Heracles said. “But we managed to reach the island.”
“King Amycus, did not give us a warm welcome, your ladyship,” said Atalanta. “He came to the shore with dozens of soldiers, to prevent us from landing.”
“I’m not surprised,” Cyzicus said.
“However, Heracles settled the matter, your lordship,” said Jason. “He saw to it that our needs were met and had Cyzicus tied to the mast.”
Cyzicus, Megara and Iona, all found that most amusing.
“HAH!” Cyzicus said. “Serves him right.”
“So, your lordship, we defeated the soldiers, took on food and water and made new oars,” said Atalanta.
“Then we sailed on, your lordship,” Jason said.
“What became of King Amycus?” asked Iona. “Did you put him ashore?”
“Well, no, princess,” Atalanta replied.
“Jason and I had him thrown into the sea, princess,”
said Heracles.
“HAH! Good riddance,” said Cyzicus, who like Megara and Iona, did not disapprove of Heracles’ and Jason’s actions.
“After dealing with Amycus, your lordship, we sailed onto the island of Phineas,” Atalanta said. “We faced rough conditions along the way, but nothing very serious.”
Jason reflected on Phineus’ story for a moment. It moved him to sadness.
“Phineus told me about the decline of his kingdom, your lordship,” he said. “How he was overthrown and taken into exile. It was a sad story to hear.”
“Megara and I knew Phineus,” said Cyzicus. “Iona was a little girl then.”
“Phineus was a very good king,” Megara said.
“Unlike many others,” said Cyzicus.
“Tell us what happened next,” Iona said.
“We sailed onto Colchis, princess,” said Heracles.
“Along the way, another storm sprang upon us, princess,” Atalanta said. “We lost eighteen oars and were driven off course by fifteen miles. It didn’t stop us from reaching Colchis though.”
“When we reached Colchis, we stopped off to make some new oars, princess,” said Jason. “Then we headed for the city of Aea.”
Heracles felt a little awkward about revealing what happened near the city.
“Unfortunately, we had a spot of bother while approaching Aea, princess,” he said.
“What kind of bother?” Megara asked.
“One of the Argonauts started getting very troublesome, your ladyship,” replied Atalanta.
“He’s no longer with us, your ladyship,” Jason said.
“What became of him?” asked Cyzicus.
“I’d better answer that, your lordship,” Heracles said.
“Go on.”
“I er – I cast him overboard, your lordship.”
“I don’t blame you,” said Cyzicus, who wasn’t the least bit surprised.
He certainly didn’t think it unworthy of Heracles and neither did Megara and Iona.
“Unfortunately, we crossed his path again, your lordship,” Jason said. “But we’ll come to that.”
“So when did you go to the palace?” asked Iona.
“As soon as we reached Aea, princess,” Atalanta replied. “King Aeetes saw us right away.”
“Was Aeetes suspicious about anything?” asked Megara. “Your intentions so to speak?”
“No, your ladyship,” Heracles replied. “We pulled the wool right over the king’s eyes. Feasted we did too.”
“Managed to get the Fleece, did you?” Cyzicus asked.
Although he had no interest in the Fleece, Cyzicus longed to know if the mission had been a success. So did Megara and Iona.
“Indeed we did, your lordship,” replied Jason.
“Well done,” Cyzicus said.
“The credit, I hand to Heracles, your lordship. He’s the one who seized the Fleece.”
Heracles was taken aback.
“Thank you, Jason,” he said.
“How did you manage to get it without being caught?” asked Iona.
“With a little inside help, princess,” Heracles replied. “One of the servants drugged the guards after the king had gone to bed.”
“What happened then?” asked Megara.
“We stayed in the palace overnight, your ladyship,” Atalanta replied.
“I bet Aeetes wasn’t pleased, when he discovered that the Fleece was gone,” said Cyzicus.
“Indeed he was not, your lordship,” Jason said. “Wanted to know if we had anything to do with it, but we pulled the wool right over his eyes again.”
“I take it that you all left after that?” asked Megara.
“Indeed we did, your ladyship,” Atalanta replied. “One of the Colchians came too.”
“One of the Colchians?” asked Cyzicus, who like Iona and Megara, was most surprised.
“That’s right, your lordship,” Heracles replied. “Wanted to get far away from Colchis he did.”
“He’s an Argonaut now, your lordship,” said Jason.
“Interesting,” Iona said.
“Now then, tell us where the Fleece is,” said Cyzicus. “Is it onboard the Argo?”
Jason had been waiting for that moment, waiting to tell the royal family what he had done with the Fleece and the events leading up to it, about Mopsus’ betrayal. It made him feel a little awkward.
“No, your lordship,” he replied. “To tell you the truth, we don’t have it anymore.”
“You don’t, have it?” Megara replied in surprise.
Iona and Cyzicus were equally as surprised.
“The thing is, your ladyship, Aeetes found us out,” replied Atalanta.
“Found out?” Cyzicus asked. “How?”
“The one-time Argonaut that I cast overboard betrayed us after we left, your lordship” replied Heracles. “After finding out the truth, Aeetes came after us with a fleet of twelve war galleys. He threatened to have us sunk to the sea floor by his fleet, if Jason didn’t hand the Fleece back.”
“And did you?” Iona asked.
“No, princess. I cast it into the sea.”
“You cast it into the sea?” asked Cyzicus, who like Megara and Iona, was stunned.
“Yes, your lordship. Right you were about the Fleece. No living mortal has the right to possess it. Now it is out of human reach.”
“What did Aeetes do?” Iona asked.
“He let us go and headed back to Colchis, your ladyship” replied Atalanta. “With the Fleece gone, he had nothing to fight for.”
“You’re a very clever man, Jason,” Cyzicus said. “Clever and cunning. You did exactly what I would have done.”
The king was most impressed, as were Iona and Megara.
“So what happened next?” asked Megara.
“We visited Phineus again, your ladyship,” Heracles replied. “While we were there, Helios was trained a little how to fight.”
“Picked it up real fast he did too, your ladyship,” said
Atalanta. “After all, he witnessed countless fights at the palace, so he knows every move.”
“Fight with us he will, when we return to Thessaly, your ladyship,” Jason said. “Fight with us he will, when we overthrow Pelias and hand back the kingdom to my parents.”
“After visiting Phineus again, we stopped off at the island of the one-time King Amycus, then came here, your ladyship,” said Atalanta.
“Conditions weren’t always perfect along the way, your ladyship,” Heracles said. “We were engulfed in fog and had to stop for two days. But we made it without being driven off course. Now here we are, dining again in this magnificent throne room.”
With that, Jason, Heracles and Atalanta, finished their story.
All three members of the royal family, were very impressed. It was the greatest story they had ever heard.
“A most fascinating story,” said Iona.
“We’ve never heard any other like it,” Megara said.
“It shall be passed down from generation to generation in this kingdom,” said Cyzicus.
“You, Jason, shall be known as the captain, who saved his ship and crew from a Colchian fleet,” Iona said.
“By casting the Golden Fleece into the sea,” said Megara.
“I thank your lord and ladyship and you, princess,” Jason said.
The feast was finished by the time Jason, Atalanta and
Heracles had finished their story.
“And now, Jason, you and the Argonauts will stay here for the night,” said Cyzicus.

RETURN TO THESSALY

The following day, Jason and the Argonauts returned to the Argo, accompanied by Cyzicus, Megara and Iona.
Jason was given a shield by the king to replace the one he had used to tie the Fleece to. Helios was given a sword, a shield and a coat of armour.
Jason and the Argonauts felt sad about parting with the royal family, most of all Heracles and Atalanta.
“Well, this is it,” Jason sighed.
“Yes, this is it,” Atalanta sighed too.
“Time to head back to Thessaly,” said Heracles.
“I wonder how long we’ve been away,” Jason said.
“Several months I imagine,” said Heracles.
The three of them turned to face the royal family.
“So this is goodbye?” the king asked.
“It is, your lordship,” replied Jason.
“It’s been a great honour to know you, Jason,” Megara said.
“It’s been an honour for me too,” said Cyzicus.
“And for me,” Iona said.
“I thank your lord and ladyship and you, princess.”
The royal family turned to Heracles and Atalanta.
“This is goodbye to you two as well,” said Cyzicus.
“It is indeed, your lordship,” Heracles replied.
“I hope that you’ll both come again,” said Megara.
“We will, your ladyship,” Atalanta said.
“We’ll be waiting,” said Iona.
That sounded perfect to Jason, for he too wanted to see Cyzicus, Megara and Iona again. But he didn’t let on.
So the sailors got back onboard the Argo and left the island. No more stops were there now before Thessaly.
“Another ten to twelve days and it will all be over,” Heracles said.
“Yes,” said Castor. “We’ll be back on the shores of Thessaly.”
“If the weather holds good,” Atalanta said.
The last thing, the sailors wanted, was for the weather to take a bad turn against their favour. Not on the final stretch of open sea.
For the first four days and nights, things went calmly, but after that, it all changed again.
“The wind’s starting to pick up,” said Atalanta.
“The sea’s getting rougher too,” Heracles said.
“I hope we’re not in for another storm,” said Jason.
All of the sailors were concerned and they had need to be.
The sea became wilder and the wind stronger. The Argo started rocking from side to side.
Helios, who was afraid of being thrown into the sea,
tried to cling to the mast.
“I think it’s best if Helios comes down,” Atalanta said.
“I think so too,” said Heracles.
“We certainly don’t want him ending up in the sea,” Jason said.
“YOU’D BETTER COME DOWN FROM THERE, HELIOS,” said Heracles.
“ON MY WAY.”
Helios fearfully descended from the crow’s nest.
“Hold on to the mast again,” Heracles said to him.
“This could get worse,” said Atalanta.
The moment she said that, a huge mass of grey clouds came over the horizon. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed.
“Look at that storm coming,” Idas said.
“That’s all we need,” said Phalerus.
“Too bad,” Orpheus said.
“Too bad indeed,” said Admetus.
“Especially at a time like this,” Pollux said.
“And we’re just days from home,” said Butes.
Heracles didn’t get annoyed this time and neither did Jason and Atalanta. They too were just as disturbed as the other sailors.
Helios, who had never faced a storm at sea, was most fearful.
Closer and closer the storm came, until finally, it engulfed the Argo.
Torrential rain cascaded, thunder clapped, lightning struck the water and the wind picked up.
The sea grew wilder too. Large waves crashed onto the deck – sending spray everywhere.
It was too bad for the oarsmen. They fell off the benches and were being tossed about this way and that.
Heracles lost control of the steering and almost ended up in the sea. Helios lost his grip on the mast and nearly ended up overboard.
Twenty-two oars were lost and the sail was struck by lightning.
For four long restless days and nights the mayhem lasted, before subsiding. None of the sailors had been severely wounded.
“That, was the worst storm so far,” said Heracles.
“I’m glad it’s over,” Atalanta said.
“Too bad about the sail,” said Jason.
“Too bad indeed,” Heracles said. “Still, it won’t stop us.”
“The oarsmen will have to row harder,” said Atalanta.
“With the oars we have left,” Jason said.
“The oarsmen will have to take turns again to row,” said Castor.
“They must rest first, Heracles said.
“See if we’ve been driven off course,” said Atalanta.
Heracles checked the compass. He didn’t like what it read.
“We’ve been driven off course, by forty miles.”
“That is too bad,” Castor said.
Losing twenty-two oars and being steered off course by forty miles was bad enough, but there were far worse problems. The ruined sail was the biggest one.
“It will take longer to get back to Thessaly,” said Heracles.
“Why?” Jason asked.
“Because the wind won’t be able to blow the Argo, not now that the sail is ruined.”
“How much longer will it take?” asked Castor.
“Right now, I have no idea,” Heracles replied.
There was another problem, which the sailors had to face and that was how much food and water to have on a daily basis.
“We’ll have to cut down on the food and water we have each day,” said Atalanta. “We certainly don’t want to run out before we reach Thessaly.”
“I agree,” Jason said.
“I bet the rest of the crew will be relieved when this is all over,” said Heracles.
After a few hours of rest, the sailors got ready to continue.
“We’ve stayed here long enough,” Atalanta said.
“Let’s get back to it,” said Heracles.
“Right,” Jason said.
The captain turned to the oarsmen.
“Now listen up. We’ve lost many oars, so you’ll have to take it in turns again to row. It will take longer to reach Thessaly, now that the sail is ruined. The wind is no longer on our side. We’ll have to cut down on our daily amount of food and water too. We don’t want to run out before we reach Thessaly, whenever that will be.”
The oarsmen were far from pleased, but they knew better than to start complaining.
“Now let’s get moving,” Jason said. “Back into the crow’s nest, Helios.”
Helios did as he was ordered.
“Helios must be really shaken up,” said Atalanta.
“I bet he’ll be glad when it’s all over,” said Heracles, who prepared to steer.
“I will too,” Castor said.
“Now row away,” Jason said to the first group of oarsmen.
“And no complaining,” Heracles said firmly.
He turned the Argo and the oarsmen pulled away.
The rowers started slowly, to get back into the rhythm, before picking up the pace. Soon they were rowing, faster than ever before.
Later on, the other group took over.
So that’s how things continued from then onwards.
Rowing faster was the only option and having less food and water on a daily basis didn’t make things easier.
Conditions weren’t always perfect either. There were showers, strong winds, rough waters, but no more
storms.
Heracles managed to keep the Argo on course, though not without difficulty.
Then after thirteen long days and nights, the shores of Thessaly finally came into view.
The city of Iolcos was directly ahead.
“We’ve made it,” Jason said.

OVERTHROWING KING PELIAS

The return voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, was finally over.
The sight of the Argo with her torn sail, hadn’t exactly gone unnoticed.
Many people came to the shore to watch the ship come in. Very few had expected her to return, yet there she was.
The guards outside the courtyard gates were astonished.
“I can’t believe my eyes,” said the right-hand one.
“It’s Jason and the Argonauts,” the left-hand one said.
“I’ll inform the king.”
The guard went inside the palace to tell Pelias the news.
Pelias and Acastus were in the throne room with a group of guests, when the guard burst in.
“What is it?” Pelias asked.
“Jason and the Argonauts have returned, my lord,” the guard replied fearfully.
Silence fell in the throne room.
Neither Pelias, nor Acastus could believe what they had just heard.
“Are you serious?” the king asked.
“Yes, my lord. The Argo is coming in as we speak.”
“We should take action,” Acastus said.
“Too right we should,” said Pelias.
The king faced the guards by the door.
“Round up all the men and wait in the courtyard for Jason and the Argonauts. When they arrive, kill them.”
“Yes, my lord,” the guards said in unison.
They left hastily to carry out the king’s orders.
“You lot had better leave too,” Pelias said to the guests.
The visitors left at once.
“You, get back to your post,” Pelias said to the guard from outside the courtyard. “And don’t hesitate to let Jason and the Argonauts in.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
The guard exited the throne room, leaving Pelias and Acastus to be alone with their thoughts. There was only one thing, which put them on edge.
“The trouble is, Heracles might be with them,” said Acastus.
“That thought had occurred to me.”
“If he is, then our men may not stand a chance.”
“Let us hope it won’t come to that.”
Shortly, Jason and the Argonauts left the beach and headed straight for the palace. They were all armed and ready for the coming battle. Even Helios, who had
never taken part in a battle, was ready to do his share.
Jason suspected that Pelias had got wind of their arrival and that his men were waiting in the courtyard. So did Heracles and Atalanta and the rest of the Argonauts too. After all, the beach was in plain view of the palace.
When they reached the palace, Heracles confronted the terrified guards by the gates.
“We have come to see Pelias,” he growled.
“The king demands that we admit you all at once,” said the right-hand guard.
Heracles growled again.
“Undoubtedly his men are waiting for us inside the courtyard.”
The guards didn’t know what to say.
“We’ll take these two first,” said Atalanta.
“Please don’t kill us,” the right-hand guard said in panic.
“We only do what the king tells us,” the left-hand one said more fearfully.
It was no good.
“Castor, Pollux, deal with them,” said Heracles.
Castor and Pollux defeated the guards easily.
“Well done,” Jason said.
“Now let’s get this over and done with,” said Heracles. “On the count of three, we push those gates open. One – two – three – charge.”
Hercules forced open the gates and charged through into the courtyard, followed by everyone else.
Waiting for them, were six dozen soldiers, all ready to fight.
And come the fight did.
It was sword against sword, shield against shield.
The king’s men tried to gain the upper hand, but it was no good. With Heracles present, they stood no chance.
One by one they fell, until they were all dead.
Neither Jason, nor any of the Argonauts had fallen. Most of them were wounded, but nothing too serious.
Helios was proud of himself. Amazed he was that he had survived.
“To the throne room,” Heracles said.
He strode swiftly into the palace, followed by the others.
When Pelias and Acastus heard the coming warriors, they became afraid.
The approaching footsteps, did not sound like those of their men.
“I fear that our men have failed,” said Acastus.
“I fear it too.”
“Let us hope that Jason has the Fleece.”
“That, is all I want.”
“The thing is, you may have to hand the kingdom back to Aeson and Medea. After all, we won’t be in a position to prevent it, not if all our men are dead.”
Before Pelias could say anything further, the throne
room doors burst open.
Jason and the Argonauts entered the throne room with
Heracles in the lead.
The reality of the situation dawned on Pelias and Acastus, both of whom had realized their worst fears.
“So, Jason, you have returned,” the king said in a voice with an edge of panic to it.
“I bet you half expected never to see me again, Uncle,” scoffed Jason. “Yet here I am.”
“Did you and the Argonauts sail to Colchis?” Acastus asked.
“We did.”
“Where’s the Golden Fleece?” asked Acastus.
“Yes, where is the Fleece?”
“Somewhere where no living mortal will ever lay hands on it,” replied Jason.
“Tell us where it is,” Acastus said.
“It’s at the bottom of the sea,” Jason replied humorously.
Neither Pelias, nor Acastus could believe what they had just heard. They were not the least bit happy about it.
“You’re having us on – right?” Acastus asked curiously.
“No, I am not. I cast the Fleece into the sea myself.”
“And why may I ask?” Pelias asked angrily.
“Because no living mortal has the right to own the Fleece. It never should have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis. King Cyzicus said as much and he would have done the same as what I did.”
There was a moments silence.
Jason and the Argonauts expected Pelias to explode
with rage, but he didn’t. Instead, he started shaking his head and laughing.
“You’re a very cunning man, Jason.”
“What are you going to do, Father?” asked Acastus, who was stunned by Jason’s revelation.
“There’s nothing I can do.”
“Oh yes there is,” Heracles snarled.
Pelias and Acastus jumped out of their skins. The pair of them were so taken aback by Jason’s revelation, that they had forgotten that Heracles was present.
“And what is that?” Pelias asked as bravely as he could.
“You can hand the kingdom back to Aeson and Medea,” Heracles snarled more angrily.
He strode forwards, raised his club and pointed it inches from the Pelias’ face.
The king was too afraid to speak. He saw the hopelessness of the situation. His men were dead, a band of armed warriors was in the throne room and a huge club was being pointed at him, by an eight-foot-tall man. There was no way out of it.
“You’d better do as Heracles says, Father,” Acastus said fearfully.
Like the king, he knew that there was no way out of the situation.
Pelias gave a genuine sigh of resignation.
“Very well. I admit defeat.”
The king got off the throne reluctantly. He then
removed the crown and placed it hard on the throne.
“What is to become of me now, Heracles?” the king
asked with panic in his voice. “And what is to become of Acastus?”
“That decision, is for Jason and his parents to make,” Heracles growled.
“I agree,” said Jason, who couldn’t be more pleased. “Castor, Pollux, Orpheus, go and see to it that my parents are released and all the other prisoners too. Acastus will take you to the cells.”
“With great pleasure,” Castor said.
He, along with Pollux and Orpheus, went for Acastus, who didn’t dare to make a break for it.
“Come on you little wretch,” Pollux said.
“Take us to the cells,” said Orpheus.
The three Argonauts drew their swords and forced Acastus through one of the side doors.
Pelias could do nothing.
A short while later, a group of twenty-five men and women of all ages, came through the right-hand doors.
They were all thin and pale and most untidy-looking. Their clothes and footwear were all faded and torn. Worst of all, they looked almost completely starved.
The sight of those zombie-like people walking slowly out of the throne room, filled Jason with mixed feelings of sadness and rage. He had the strong urge to draw his sword and plunge it right through the king’s foul, black heart.
At the same time, he felt relieved because those people now had the chance to return to their homes, friends and families.
When the parade of one-time prisoners had left, Pollux,
Castor and Orpheus, returned with two more unfortunate prisoners. One was a man, the other a woman. They looked just as ghoulish as the rest of the freed people, yet Jason recognized them a little. So did Heracles and Atalanta.

THE REUNION

“It’s all over and done with,” Castor said.
“We released all the prisoners and locked up Acastus,” said Pollux.
“And the jailor too,” Orpheus said.
Pelias was far from happy about that, but he didn’t dare protest.
“That, is what your parents wanted, Jason,” said Castor.
“And here are your parents,” Orpheus said.
The former king and queen, were in very bad shape. Like all the other one-time prisoners, they were pale skin and bone. Their hair was all long and tangled and their eyes stared lifelessly out of their sockets. Medea’s hair was turning grey, now that she was older and Aeson’s was fully grey.
No longer were they wearing fine royal garments. Instead, they were dressed in no more than worn out rags and footwear.
“It – it really is you, Heracles,” Aeson said faintly.
“That’s right, Aeson, my old friend.”
“I’m here too,” said Atalanta.
“And here is Jason,” Heracles said.
A deep silence fell, as Aeson and Medea looked at Jason. Neither of them totally recognized him, now that he was older.
“Is it really you, Jason?” Aeson asked.
“Yes, father, it is me.”
“Oh, Jason, our dear son,” Medea sighed faintly.
“Come here, son,” Aeson said faintly too.
Jason approached his parents and hugged them gently – first his mother, then his father.
“Oh, how we’ve suffered,” said Medea.
“We thought we’d never see you again.”
“It’s all over now,” Jason said.
The Argonauts looked on with mixed feelings of sadness, relief and happiness in their hearts. They were happy because Jason was reunited at last with his parents.
Pelias, on the other hand, was not pleased with how things had turned out, but there was nothing he could do about it. He just stood there speechless, awaiting his fate.
“Now then, what shall we do with Pelias?” Jason asked his parents.
“We shall have him imprisoned, for life,” replied Aeson.
Medea nodded in agreement.
“Then it is settled,” Jason said.
He faced the Argonauts.
“Castor, Pollux, Phalerus, have Pelias imprisoned in a
separate cell,” he said. “And dressed as he is.”
“With pleasure,” Castor said.
The three Argonauts seized Pelias, who didn’t move and dragged him cursing out of the throne room.
“Tell us what has been happening over the years,” said Aeson.
“Well, after I was taken from the palace, Heracles and Atalanta raised me to manhood, far away in mountains. They taught me how to wield the sword, fire the arrow, throw the spear and to hunt. It was truly wonderful living out in nature.
“Then one day, I returned to Iolcos with Heracles and Atalanta, to confront Pelias. He refused to hand the kingdom back, unless I brought him the Golden Fleece.”
Aeson and Medea were taken aback with shock, though they were too weak to express it in their voices, or show it on their faces.
“The Golden Fleece?” Medea asked.
“I didn’t believe a word of it and neither did Heracles and Atalanta. All Pelias wanted was the Fleece.
“But I sailed to Colchis with all but one of these sailors, to get the Golden Fleece, just to fool Pelias into believing that I had fallen for his trickery.
“Heracles built a magnificent ship, called the Argo and found a crew, now known as the Argonauts. He joined the crew as well, along with Atalanta, Castor, Pollux and Phalerus. I myself, was the captain.
“One of the Colchians, whose name is Helios, joined the crew on the return journey.”
“Tell us about the voyage, Jason,” Medea said.
“As you wish.”
Jason was just about to begin, when Castor, Pollux and Phalerus came back into the throne room.
“It’s all over and done with,” Castor said.
“Pelias is locked up for life,” said Pollux.
“He won’t be causing any more trouble,” Phalerus said.
“Well done,” said Jason, who like everyone else, was most pleased.
“Jason will now tell Aeson and myself all about the voyage,” Medea said.
So Jason finally began.
“Well, it all began several months ago, I don’t know how many to be exact. The Argonauts and I left the shores of Thessaly and sailed far out to sea.
“Heracles steered the ship, Castor beat the drums, forty men pulled the oars and one sat on watch in the crow’s nest. I stood at the stern with Atalanta and Heracles.
“Our first stop, was the island of King Cyzicus. Conditions were rough along the way and we got blown off course by five miles.
“When we reached the island, we received very warm welcomes from King Cyzicus, Queen Megara and Princess Iona. We all had a fine feast and stayed overnight in the palace.
“The following day, we departed and sailed towards the island of King Amycus. Along the way, a ferocious storm sprung upon us. Heracles lost control of the steering, twenty oars were lost and the Argo was blown
off course by twenty miles.
“But we reached the island, although we weren’t given a warm welcome by King Amycus. The king came to the shore with dozens of soldiers, to prevent us from landing. Fortunately, Heracles took control of things. He saw to it that we landed and had Amycus tied to the mast.”
Aeson and Medea found that amusing, but they were too weak to laugh.
“After that, we defeated the soldiers, took on food and water and made new oars. Then we sailed on.”
“What became of King Amycus?” Medea asked.
Jason decided not to reveal the truth of the matter concerning the fate of Amycus. The last thing he wanted, was for his parents to look upon him and the Argonauts in shame and in the royal house of Thessaly.
The Argonauts hoped that Jason wouldn’t reveal the truth, for they were all in the same frame of mind.
“We released him,” Jason lied, to the relief of the Argonauts.
“That’s good to know,” Aeson said. “Now continue.”
“After leaving the island of King Amycus, we sailed on to the island of Phineus. Conditions were a little rough, but we reached the island without being blown off course.
“Phineus told me all about the devastating decline of his kingdom and how he ended up in exile. A very sad story it was. Heracles and Atalanta told me of it years ago, but to hear it from Phineus himself, that was something.
“However, Phineus doesn’t miss being king. He’s just
happy with what he has now.”
Jason paused for a moment.
“After visiting Phineus, the Argonauts and I sailed the final leg of the journey to Colchis. Along the way, we got caught in another storm and were blown off course, by fifteen miles. Eighteen oars were lost too. However, we reached Colchis in the end.
“First of all, we stopped to make some oars and to rest, before heading for the city of Aea.”
Jason decided not to tell his parents about Heracles casting Mopsus overboard. The last thing he wanted, was to put Heracles in a bad light in their eyes.
“When we reached the city, we went straight to the palace of King Aeetes, which is where the Golden Fleece happened to be.
“Fortunately, we were allowed in by Aeetes, who treated us with kindness. We feasted with the king and stayed overnight in the palace.
“During the night, Heracles seized the Fleece with a little inside help from Helios and one of the servants.
“When Aeetes discovered that the treasure was missing, he questioned us, but we managed to convince him that we had nothing to do with it.
“After that, we set out on the return voyage, taking Helios with us. Though things didn’t go as planned at first.”
“What went wrong?” Medea asked.
“Aeetes found us out and came after us with a fleet of
twelve war galleys. He threatened to sink us to the bottom of the sea if I didn’t hand the Fleece back.”
“Did you give it back?” asked Medea, who didn’t like the way the story was going.
“No.”
“What did you do with it?” asked Aeson, who was a little on edge.
Jason had been waiting for that moment. Managed he had to avoid telling his parents about Mopsus, but he had to tell them about what he did with the Fleece. There was no way out of it.
“I cast it into the sea.”
Aeson and Medea were taken shocked.
“You never?” Medea asked.
“I did.”
“Why, Jason?” asked Aeson.
“Because it’s what King Cyzicus would have done. Cyzicus said that no living mortal has the right to own the Fleece, that it never should have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis. Now no one can lay their hands on the Fleece.”
“What did Aeetes do?” Medea asked.
“He turned his fleet round and headed back to Colchis. With the Fleece gone, he would have had no reason to attack. That is what I believe.”
Aeson and Medea were relieved to hear that.
“Jason saved us all,” said Atalanta.
“It pleases me to hear that,” said Aeson, who like Medea, was most proud of Jason.
“What happened next, Jason?” Medea asked.
“For eight days and nights, we sailed in perfect
conditions, until we reached the island of Phineus again.
“After spending a little time with Phineus, we sailed on to the island of King Amycus. Conditions were rough at times, but we reached the island without being blown off course. We landed on the other side of the island, to avoid the king.
“Then we sailed onto the island of King Cyzicus. Conditions were rough from time to time along the way. For two days and nights we were engulfed in thick fog and had to stop. Still, we reached the island without being driven off course.
“Again we feasted with Cyzicus, Megara and Iona and stayed in the palace overnight.
“After that, we sailed back here to Thessaly. Unfortunately, a very bad storm came upon us. Twenty- two oars were lost, the sail was struck by lightning and we were driven off course by forty miles. Yet we made it, in spite of everything.
“And so, the adventure of Jason and the Argonauts ends,” said Atalanta.
For a moment, there was silence. It was a lot for Aeson and Medea to take in.
“That, is the most fascinating story, I have ever heard,” Aeson said.
“It shall be handed down, from generation to generation in Thessaly,” said Medea.
“Thank you,” Jason said.
He and the Argonauts, were very pleased to hear what
Aeson and Medea had just said.
“As soon as we arrived here, we defeated Pelias’ men,” Jason said. “Heracles forced Pelias to hand back the kingdom and throne and saw to it that the pair of you were released.”
“Well done, all of you,” said Aeson.
“Yes, well done,” Medea said.
At last, it was all over.

A KINGDOM RESTORED

“Now it is time to restore the kingdom of Thessaly,” said Heracles.
“Soon you will be king again, father and you queen, mother.”
Aeson and Medea stared at one another for a moment, then turned back to Jason and shook their heads.
“No, Jason, we shall not rule again,” Aeson said.
Jason and the Argonauts were shocked by Aeson’s revelation. They just couldn’t believe it. Never once had it occurred to them, that the former king and queen didn’t want to rule again.
“You’re not being serious?” asked Jason.
“I’m afraid so, Son.”
“I don’t understand,” Heracles said.
“Neither do I,” said Atalanta.”
The other Argonauts started muttering among themselves and shaking their heads.
“We have our own reasons,” Medea said.
“Please, tell us,” said Heracles.
“For fifteen, long years, we have languished day and night in a dark prison cell,” Aeson said. “Like animals in a cage.”
“Ten, long years, of misery, torment and
half-starvation,” said Medea.
“Now we are weak and weary.”
“Too weak and tired, to rule again.”
“We no longer have the heart in it.”
As Jason listened to his parents, he began to realise just how serious the matter was. So did the Argonauts.
They all felt sad and angry at the same time. Not angry with Aeson and Medea, but with Pelias and Acastus. Heracles felt like beating them to pulps.”
The former king and queen faced Jason.
“Now, it is your turn to rule, Son,” Medea said.
“You will be the king of Thessaly,” said Aeson.
Jason didn’t know what to say. He knew that he had to reveal what he told Heracles and Atalanta. There was no way of getting out of it.
“What is it, Son?” Medea asked.
She could sense that something was on Jason’s mind and so could Aeson.
“Tell us, Son,” said Aeson.
“It’s rather difficult to break this, but I don’t want to be king.”
A moment of deep silence fell. Aeson and Medea, simply could not believe what Jason had just told them.
Neither could anyone else, except Heracles and Atalanta.
“You – you don’t want to be king?” Medea asked.
“I don’t want to be king.”
“But you are our son and heir,” Aeson said.
“We have no other heirs.”
“I know, but my reasons are strong.”
“Go on,” Aeson said.
“Well, for one, I do not believe that I am destined to be king. In other words, I do not believe that it is my destiny to rule Thessaly.”
“So, you believe in destiny like your mum and I?” asked Aeson.
“I do, yes, but I do not believe that it is my destiny to rule. I believe that my destiny lies elsewhere.”
There was another moments silence.
“Well, if that is how you feel, then neither your mum and I can hold it against you,” Aeson said. “One must follow their destiny.”
“Where do you believe your destiny lies?” asked Medea.
“With Heracles and Atalanta.”
Neither Heracles, nor Atalanta were surprised to hear that, unlike everyone else. Jason’s parents could make no sense of it.
“I don’t understand,” said Aeson.
“Neither do I,” Medea said.
The other Argonauts started muttering and shaking their heads.
“Over the years, I have come to regard Heracles and Atalanta as family. Heracles has been like a second father and Atalanta, an older sister. They raised me to manhood and accompanied me to Colchis and back. Never have they left my side. Therefore, I feel bound by love, friendship and destiny to them. Where they go, I go – whether it be to other kingdoms, on other voyages.”
“Jason told us as much on the return journey,” said Atalanta.
“He did?” Aeson asked.
“Yes,” replied Heracles.
There was a deeper moment of silence. It was a lot for Medea and Aeson to take in.
“Well, if that is how things are to be,” Medea said.
“The point still stands, we have no other heirs,” said Aeson.
Jason had no need to worry about that.
“That, will be taken of,” he said. “I know just the person to rule in my place.”
A surprise that came to everyone, but Heracles and Atalanta.
“You do?” asked Medea.
“Yes, Helios shall rule in my place, as future king.”
Helios could not believe what he had just heard.
“Is this Helios present now?” Aeson asked.
“He is,” replied Jason.
“Bring him forwards,” Medea said.
Jason beckoned Helios forwards.
The Argonaut bravely approached Aeson and Medea.
“So, you’re Helios?” asked Aeson.
“Yes, I am Helios.”
Aeson and Medea looked at one another for a moment, then faced Helios again.
“Tell us, Helios, why did you sail with Jason on the return voyage?” Medea asked.
“Because I wanted to leave Colchis, to get away from King Aeetes. I used to live in the palace. I have no family and I was no slave either.
“A vile, ruthless king is Aeetes. Those who get on the wrong side of him in any way, are tortured to death in the most brutal, ghastly ways imaginable. I wanted to plunge a sword straight into the king’s evil, black heart.”
Aeson and Medea, were moved to very deep sadness and sympathy for Helios, as he spoke.
“If it hadn’t been for Jason and the other Argonauts, I would never have been able to get away. I may not have been a slave, but Aeetes has an iron grasp on everyone living in the palace. Heracles saw to it that the king let me go. Then I sailed onboard the Argo and here I am.”
There was a deep moments silence.
“You tell a sad story, Helios,” Aeson said. “It moves me to deep sympathy.
“It moves me too,” said Medea.
“Tell me, Jason, why have you chosen Helios to rule in your place?” Aeson asked.
“Because he has always wanted to be a king, to rule
peacefully.”
“Helios said as much in Colchis,” said Atalanta.
“That, is what I want for Helios,” Jason said. “Henceforth, the kingdom of Thessaly, shall be his.”
Aeson and Medea looked at Helios for a moment and nodded, before turning back to Jason.
“He looks trustworthy enough,” Medea said.
“I agree,” said Aeson.
“Very well, Son. If that is what you truly want?”
“It is.”
“So it shall be then,” Aeson said.
“Helios, will be the future king of Thessaly,” said Medea.
Jason, could not be more pleased. Helios on the other hand, was over-joyed. He was going to be a king with a fine kingdom to rule.
So it was to be.
When Aeson and Medea were recovered, Jason crowned Helios king of Thessaly.
After that, Jason went off with Heracles and Atalanta. Though he did promise to visit Iolcos, from time to time.

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