Chapter 15

"Well hello, young man. I'm glad to see you've made it this far," Zeus said, eyeing the teen closely.

"Hey! Aren't you the guy from the docks?" Jeff asked, sensing an undercurrent in the old man's words.

"Yes. I had to be sure you were able to finish playing my little game. You've surprised me, young man. I didn't count on you making it this far. I would like to congratulate you, but I can tell you now, it only gets tougher from here," Zeus warned the teen. Jeff could sense an underlying frustration in the god's words, but he couldn't understand why.

"Why are you here? I thought this was Apollo's test," Jeff asked him, wondering what would bring Zeus here at this moment. After every test he had completed before, the god that had challenged him would show up to bestow a gift on him. This new turn of events puzzled Jeff.

"I wanted to tell you that I have Sara's father. If you win the game, I intend to kill him. You can call it your sacrifice to me," Zeus told the teen, spite dripping from his every word. Jeff's jaw dropped to his chest as he listened to the god. Jeff knew Zeus was reputed to do some vindictive things, but he never thought the lord of the gods would sink so low.

"Why would you do that?" Jeff asked, still unable to believe the mighty Zeus would kill out of spite. Even as he asked, Jeff began making plans to free Sara's father. He knew there would be no appeal to the lord of the gods; Jeff was going to have to free the father of his bride-to-be.

"Nobody has ever won the game, and I don't intend for that to change. I don't care if you pass the rest of the challenges, but you are not to win this game. I don't need to tell you again what will happen if you do," Zeus told him. When Jeff heard this, he became livid. He had come through unscathed from the previous challenges only to have Zeus tell him he couldn't win.

"Why did I do all of this if you're just going to do that? I can't believe you would kill Sara's father if I win your stupid game," Jeff raged, unable to control his emotions any longer. Lost in the fog of his emotions, Jeff failed to notice the satisfied smile on the god's face as he suddenly disappeared. Still seething, Jeff began walking back to the boat, only to be stopped once again.

"Hold on, young man. I have something for you," a booming voice said from behind Jeff. Startled, Jeff turned around and saw what could only be Apollo standing in front of him. Moving the lyre from his right hand to his left, Apollo raised his right hand in greeting to the youth.

"Hi. What kind of bad news are you going to lay on me?" Jeff asked the god, amazed at his own temerity. With a grimace, Apollo took in the young man before him. The god had overheard the last of Jeff's and Zeus's conversation and took pity on the teen.

"I'm not holding anyone captive, if that's what you're afraid of," Apollo told the youth. Looking into Apollo's face, Jeff instinctively knew this god was unaware of what had transpired with Sara's father.

"I still can't believe Zeus would do something like that. I worked so hard to get to this point and now I find out, if I win, Zeus will kill Sara's father," Jeff mumbled, shaking his head.

"Okay, from what I've seen, you don't give up easily. What do you plan to do about it?" Apollo asked the distraught teen. Puzzled, Jeff looked warily at the god.

"What do you mean? I plan on rescuing him," Jeff answered.

"Yes, I understand that, but again, what do you plan to do?" Apollo asked the teen once again.

"I don't know, but I won't let Zeus get away with it. I don't care if he is a god," Jeff answered, his frustration mounting.

"Perhaps these gifts will help you in your quest," Apollo told the youth, suddenly producing two vials filled with light blue liquid. Jeff had gotten used to different wonders on his journey, but he was still amazed by the appearance of the containers.

"What are they?" Jeff asked the imposing god of light.

"Drink this and it will render you invisible for a short time. Knowing my father, he probably has your betrothed's father on Crete. I think I know a way to get you there, but you must remember the potion only lasts for a short time. You will have to be quick if you hope to rescue him," Apollo told the youth.

"I don't know how to thank you," Jeff replied, effusive in his gratitude. Taking the vials, Jeff tucked them away in his pocket, making sure they were safe.

"That was my first gift. I also want to give you this," the god told him, producing a bright silver shield from thin air. Jeff admired the reflective surface of this newest gift.

"This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it," Jeff told him, turning the shield in various directions as he tried to get used to the weight of his newly added defense.

"Use it in good health; I would like to see you win this little game. You're the first warrior I've seen who might actually defeat... well anyway you're the only one I've seen that could win," Apollo told the teen, his smile acknowledging his near slip.

"I will. Do you have any idea who might be guarding Sara's father?" Jeff asked, hoping against hope to get some information that might aid him in his rescue attempt.

"I'm sorry, young warrior. I couldn't tell you, even if I knew," Apollo told the young man.

"I had to ask. Anyway, I really appreciate your help," Jeff replied, still unsure of how he was going to reach Crete.

"I can help you with that," Apollo spoke up, breaking into Jeff's reverie.

"Help me with what?" Jeff asked, knowing the answer even as he asked the imposing god.

"I can help you get to Crete. I will let you borrow my pet to get there. I have to warn you though, if you get in trouble, he won't be able to help you," Apollo told him, unable to completely hide a wide grin.

"Cool, what kind of pet do you have?" Jeff asked, knowing it must be a very special pet to get him all the way to Crete.

"Here he comes now. Why don't you see for yourself," Apollo replied, no longer bothering to conceal his smile. Hearing the sounds of large wings, Jeff looked into the sky to locate the disturbance. Unable to stop gazing at the sight before him, Jeff slowly moved toward the descending beast.

"Holy shit! That's Pegasus, isn't it?" Jeff asked, eyeing the flying horse. Approaching the equine, Jeff was startled when Pegasus suddenly snorted.

"Here, easy boy. He's just trying to get to know you, and yes that is Pegasus," Apollo told Jeff, laughing at the teen's discomfiture. Tentatively Jeff reached out to stroke the broad head and was surprised when the winged horse stepped closer to him, seemingly wanting more contact with the young man.

"Wow, cool! I can't believe I'm actually getting to ride the legendary Pegasus," Jeff murmured in awe. Knowing it would add even more pressure to the teen, Apollo didn't tell Jeff he would be considered legendary if he won the game.

"I don't mean to rush you, but you need to hurry if you intend to rescue him before Zeus discovers your plans," Apollo warned him. With a wave, Jeff hopped onto the back of Pegasus and then held on for dear life as the winged horse began his ascent.

"Thanks again," Jeff called out, desperately holding on to Pegasus' mane. Feeling unsure of himself, Jeff struggled to remain atop the bounding horse. When the pair finally reached the Aegean Sea, Jeff was beginning to feel comfortable aboard the airborne beast. As they continued on their journey, Jeff suddenly realized he had forgotten to let anyone know where he was going. Hoping he would be back before they missed him, Jeff began trying to formulate a plan to free the father of his betrothed.

As he continued to plan, Jeff discovered he didn't actually know where Sara's father was being held. He could only hope his winged companion would be able to take him where he needed to go.

<Don't worry, my young friend, Pegasus knows where he's going, > Apollo told the teen mentally. Upon hearing these words, Jeff relaxed, trusting the flying steed to deliver him safely. Relaxing, Jeff began to study his surroundings, figuring he wouldn't be given the opportunity to view them again. As he continued to look around, Jeff saw dolphins playing in the briny sea below him. Leaning over to get a better look, Jeff suddenly felt himself plummeting to the water below.

As he neared the water, Jeff regretted even more not telling Sara where he was going. He could picture her in his mind, her eyes comforting him as he prepared for the cold shock of the water. Resigning himself to this bitter end, Jeff was surprised when he landed on Pegasus' back.

"Thanks, boy. I thought that was the end for sure," Jeff said to the winged steed. When Pegasus looked back, Jeff could have sworn the horse was laughing at him. Feeling abashed, Jeff tried to forget his near death and to concentrate on the task at hand. As they neared Crete, Jeff began feeling nervous, not because of any dangers he might face, but from the thought of meeting Sara's father for the first time.

<It's time to take the potion> Apollo told Jeff mentally, breaking into the teen's thoughts. Drinking the light blue liquid, Jeff noticed he didn't feel any different. As he began wondering if it even worked, Jeff looked down and discovered he was casting no shadow.

Wow, this stuff is great, he thought as Pegasus lightly touched down outside of a dark eerie looking building, the moss growing on its side giving it an ominous appearance. Upon seeing a gaping door, Jeff walked cautiously toward it, wondering if it could be a trap. Not seeing anyone, Jeff quietly stepped into the building, trying not to alert anyone to his presence. Looking around, Jeff saw a door leading into a dungeon.

Damn, so far it's too easy, Jeff thought as he saw a key hanging on the wall by the door. Taking the key, Jeff inserted it into the lock. Turning it slowly to avoid making any noise, Jeff heard the tumblers in the lock click. Looking around to make sure nobody came to check out the sound; Jeff carefully made his way down the steps, stopping and listening several times before he finally made his way to the bottom. Once he was there, Jeff spotted another door that was slightly ajar. Opening it, Jeff saw a lone figure in one of the cells. Forgetting to be cautious, Jeff rushed to the cell.

"Mister Farrell?" Jeff asked the man residing in the cell. Startled the man looked around, trying to figure out where the disembodied voice had come from.

"I'm Dean Farrell. Who are you? For that matter, where are you?" the man asked, wondering if he might finally be going insane from his captivity.

"I know this is a bad way to find this out, but I'm Sara's fiancée. I'm here to rescue you. First, let me find a key for the cell so we can get you out of there," Jeff told him. With a sigh, the older man leaned back on his cot, not wanting to draw any attention to himself in case a guard were to check on him.

"Doesn't look like I have much choice, does it?" Dean chuckled. Walking back to the room he had just left, Jeff spotted a desk in the corner. After looking in all of the drawers, Jeff felt his frustration grow until he saw the keys lying on the floor under the massive wooden desk. Retrieving the keys, Jeff hurried back to the cell, wanting to get the older man out of there as quickly as possible. Upon reaching his goal, Jeff slipped the key into the lock, finally releasing the father of his girlfriend. Opening the door, Jeff stepped in; wanting to make sure Dean was able to travel. Satisfied that he was, Jeff produced the second flask and held it out to the older man.

"Follow the sound of my voice, and you will feel a flask in front of you. Now when you drink this, it will make you invisible and allow us to sneak you out of here," Jeff told him as he watched the man drink the potion. Once he had drained the flask, Dean began fading out of sight. Satisfied, Jeff began leading the man out to freedom, holding onto his hand to keep from losing him. Silently, the pair headed up the stairs, not wanting to encounter any guards that might stumble in on them. After they reached the top, Jeff let out a sigh of relief. Only a few more minutes and they would be safely on their way aboard Pegasus.

"I can see why my daughter likes you," Dean suddenly spoke up, startling the teen. Looking down, Jeff could see that the potion had worn off.

"Oh shit! Well, let's see if we can get out of here. Our transportation is just outside the door," Jeff told the older man. Wanting to avoid any more bad luck, Jeff walked stealthily toward the door only to be stopped by an unearthly sound coming from behind them.