Chapter 138 - King Minos

On the far south side of the island was the Capital city of Gortyn where King Minos sat in his great hall having a feast with the nobles and Queen Pasiphae by his side, who he rarely spoke to since the incident that created the monster below for not upholding his end of the deal with Poseidon.

His father Zeus had him keep it as a guardian of a map that led to the golden fleece, a treasure that is said to be able to cure anything. This was a bait set up so the monster never went without food though later the Athenians were forced to pay sacrificial tributes to it for killing his most prized son.

It was clear Zeus had plans for the monster in the future, but for what he knew not.

King Minos at this time was in his later years, evident by his grey hair and beard, but his body still remained in its physical prime thanks to his god genes, though he was still just a mortal having gained nothing else.

Zeus, while not the most caring father who craved going around taking women by force, including his mother, he at least had the tendency to shower his offspring/sons with gifts that helped him secure the throne. Talus, a giant automaton made of bronze that circled the island three times daily protecting it from pirates and invaders. Laelaps, a Greek mythological dog who never failed to catch what he was hunting, but Minos foolishly sent it after the Teumessian fox, a fox that could never be caught. The chase went on until Zeus, perplexed by their contradictory fates, turned both to stone and cast them into the stars as the constellations Canis Major (Laelaps) and Canis Minor (the Teumessian fox).

And finally, there was the javelin that never missed, a regular looking javelin that made none the wiser to its magical ability. 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) long overall, consisting of an iron shank about 7 millimetres (0.28 in) in diameter and 60 centimetres (24 in) long with a pyramidal head.

A weapon he never went anywhere without, his ace in the hole for the unknown.

As they ate and enjoyed themselves, they were suddenly alerted by a shift on the opposite wall of the throne room. A magical mirror that changed into a tv of sorts whenever a person entered the labyrinth, so they could watch the fun as the Minotaur ripped to shreds any would-be hero or sacrifice that entered.

The nobles immediately began to chatter amongst themselves wondering what was going on.

"I didn't know you were providing us with entertainment today my king."

King Minos frowned not knowing what was going on,- "Neither did I, it seems some fool found his way into the labyrinth without me knowing."

"Is that even possible? I thought the only entrance was here."

King Minos trying to play it off, answered,- "It seems you don't know everything, this is simply the area we sacrifice, to think there were those foolish enough to willingly find a way in, since that's the case let's sit back and enjoy the unexpected entertainment," he said raising his cup which got him a small cheer as they raised their drinks.

As the nobles watched the magical mirror flip through scenes unexpectedly as if searching for the intruder, King Minos called over a guard, whispering orders- "I want a report on recent notable visitors to the island and who could possibly be in the labyrinth, go now." The guard bowed in acknowledgment before leaving.

He contemplated who it could be and if they were a threat before reminding himself that Talos would have acted if they wished him harm. Feeling a squeeze on his arm he looked to his left seeing the concern on his wife's face as she stared at the screen which made him sneer. How dare she show concern for that beast until he realized how unusual that was and snapped his eyes to the screen wondering why she would feel that way.

Eyes widening, he stood up as he looked upon a group of strangers break through the roof and land within the labyrinth,- "That shouldn't be possible." he muttered as his eyes darted between each of them before settling on the Green scaled monster.

The nobles exclaimed- "Look," "Look at that," "What is that?" "They brought a monster as big as the Minotaur." "Who are these people?"

King Mino's brows furrowed, forming black lines across his forehead- "That's a good question," he said wondering why on earth Talos wouldn't consider them a threat.

"Look the Minotaur is moving."

"Oh, those women are actually very pretty, what are they doing down there?"

"I hope they make it out, it would be a shame to lose them, I wonder who the man is to be graced by such a company."

"He must be the one who tamed the monster, I wonder which one will be stronger."

Having a bad feeling, King Minos called another guard over,- "Quickly go give me a status on Talos."

King Minos sneered,- "Scared for you precious monster?"

The queen face shot to him with a scowl but remained silent.

King Minos gave a snort as he looked back to the mirror, it wouldn't be long now, he wasn't sure who he should be rooting for even though he knew it would be best for him if the Minotaur won.

His eyes couldn't help but wander over to the women as he felt a stir he hadn't felt in a long time, not since he was last in love with his wife.

Calling another guard over he whispered,- "Gather the men and sweep the area for the entrance, I don't want them leaving without our say so, I'll be damned if I let someone walk in and destroy everything I've worked so hard for."