GOLDEN FLEECE QUEST: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.

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