RETURN to the ISLAND of KING CYZICUS
By hercules
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.
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