This is my attempt at a "porn parody" (for lack of a better description) of Ancient Greek mythology. It is not a direct adaptation of any one story, but an original tale made of bits and pieces pulled from several Greek myths. The intention was not only to create a work of erotic fantasy, but an epic saga that paid loving tribute to the poets and playwrights of antiquity.
Thank you for reading. Please enjoy.
Chapter 3
As swift Hermes guided Tythoros to the palace of Thebes, an enlightening dream flew from the top of Mount Olympus to the bed of slumbering Ammochrusios. Hovering at his head rose the vision of a handsome young man with oak-brown hair and vaguely familiar blue eyes.
"Listen to me, quickly!" the dream cried out. "I bring you a message sent by Zeus, a world away. Let no loss of memory overcome you when the sweet grip of slumber sets you free, for you must remember this face. The man you see now will appear to you again tomorrow. He must be shown every courtesy of your house, or the thunderbolt's powerful wielder will bring his wrath upon you!"
***
Ammochrusios was left to ponder this dream through every waking moment of the next day. His mind raced with questions: Who was this man? Why was he so important to Zeus? Could this be the trick of some malicious spirit?
"Father?" said a voice.
Ammochrusios was so distracted mulling over his options that he failed to notice the approach of his own son. The young man's blonde hair and surprisingly tall stature made him all the more difficult to miss.
"What is it, Sidrophus? Has Xalchon returned?"
"Not Xalchon, my lord," said Sidrophus, "but a stranger who appeared at our door. He insists on meeting with you, though he rambles with delirium about being sent by the gods on a quest of redemption. Shall I send him away?"
"Bring him to me first," replied the old king.
Mere moments later, Tythoros was carried into the central court by two royal guards, one under each arm. Alas, Tythoros had been left by his immortal guide outside the city gates. Without the god to grant him strength, and with no rest or food over the course of his journey, Tythoros was quickly bereft of energy.
Still, as tired and filthy as Tythoros was, Ammochrusios had no difficulty recognizing the face that haunted him all day.
"I pray you," whispered Tythoros. "Let me speak."
Though the king was cautious of his own nightly vision, this sight compelled him to obey it.
"Speak?" he asked. "Young man, you can barely speak at all in your state. Sidrophus, take him to a bath. Let our guest be washed and rested with fresh garments to wear when he tells his story over supper tonight."
"I admire your charity, Father," Sidrophus replied, "but do you think it wise? Do you know this man? Are you sure he can be trusted?"
"First of all, boy, do not dare to question me" said Ammochrusios. "Secondly, I am placing this guest in your charge. You will ensure that his needs are tended to and you will be responsible for watching his conduct. Is that clear?"
Sidrophus bowed. "Yes, my lord." At a wave of the king's hand, Sidrophus walked away, followed by the royal guards carrying Tythoros.
"My lord is most generous," croaked Tythoros as he was led away.
Ammochrusios found his concern slightly diminished, but he was given something else to worry about shortly after. The doors to the central court had admitted still more visitors to welcome.
"Hail, Ammochrusios!" Xalchon's voice rang throughout the court.
"Xalchon," said Ammochrusios with audible relief. "Well met. How went the journey to Delphi?"
"Uneventful," Xalchon answered as they clasped hands. "The journey back was far easier."
Indeed, though Xalchon's entourage appeared tired from the long trek, no one seemed too much worse for the wear. What's more, Ammochrusios had little doubt that their travels home were far easier without the treasures brought to offer the oracle.
"Were you successful?" asked Ammochrusios. "Did you ask the oracle about the fate of our next military campaign?"
"We did," Xalchon lied, though his next statement was true. "The oracle would only say 'Beware of a weary stranger who comes to seek redemption.'"
The old king immediately turned pale upon hearing these words. "You must be mistaken!" gasped Ammochrusios. "A weary stranger came to the palace not two hours ago!"
"Did he speak of redemption?"
"I was told that he rambled on at the gates about being sent by the gods for absolution. Xalchon, if the gods themselves protect this man, then we cannot harm him without risking their punishment. Our enterprise is doomed to fail!"
Xalchon retained his nerves. "Patience, Highness," he said. "Let us walk together and plan how we might turn this to our advantage."
***
"Your story is a most unbelievable one," said Sidrophus. The sentiment was shared by Ammochrusios and the rest of the king's family, though they all listened with rapt attention as Tythoros told his story over dinner that night.
"I know it," admitted Tythoros. "Even so, I swear by Hermes' golden wand that every word is true. Yet whether or not the gods led me here, my lord, my beloved wife still lays dead and I am still responsible."
"You feel guilt for defending your own life?" Cleia inquired. It was Xalchon who answered.
"Even in self-defense, sweet Cleia, murder is an offense punishable by exile."
"That is true," said Tythoros. "Even so, I have no desire to return to that city."