by James Hunter
I grinned but pushed her huge feline head away. She was awesome, but such a giant weirdo.
Asteria didn’t seem to care in the least, though. She simply nuzzled me once more, planting a wet lick across my cheek, then bolted away, loping along the trail, a dark blue cat against the pale rocks of the stone path. Below, the surf continued to pound the rocks in a never-ending rhythm.
“That is enough standing around,” Myrina barked, eyeballing the Amazons loitering at the top of the stairs. “Let us move while the sun is still with us.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Rumble in the Jungle
It was twilight by the time we arrived at the base of the southern mountain, which reared up like a hitchhiker’s thumb, surrounded by a sea of verdant green foliage and domineering trees. The trek had been long, miserable, and exhausting.
The terrain had been rugged and grueling, and we constantly encountered new pockets of hellish resistance. Three times we were forced to scuffle with small groups of nagas. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the snake men had been purposely sent up on the trail to ambush us—there was no other way to explain the regularity of their appearance. We tried to take one alive, but not even Myrina could subdue the hissing, spitting, tongue-lashing creatures of the underworld. Not a fun time, but I did manage to grind out some serious EXP, bumping me up to level eight, which granted me ten Attribute Points and one Ability Point.
The new level was also something of a milestone, since it unlocked the first active ability my War Blade had to offer: Shockwave.
I was super stoked to try the new attack, but since I could only use the ability once per day, I wanted to save it until we really needed it. Always good to have an ace in the hole. I did, however, decide to pick up a new Miracle ability, Burning Aura, which seemed like it would give some added power to the team.
After that, I divvied up my Attribute Points, dropping five into Intelligence and the other five into Willpower:
Using my new boost in Essence, I also decided to upgrade Euryleia and her mount, Buttercup. I bumped the Beastiamancer up to level three, beefing up her Strength by twelve points, her Willpower by eight, and her Intelligence by two, then dumped one Ability Point into Durability and another into Animal Summoning. Now, she and her mount could take one helluva beating while Loxo, Myrina, and Asteria ran circles around our enemies. Thinking speed would be our saving attribute on this seek and destroy mission, I also leveled up Antiope’s Burst Speed skill to level two, substantially increasing her movement rate.
The Battle Warden thanked me by giving me a fierce hug, which started out okay, but went on so long it became totally cringey. I had to kind of peel her off me in the end.
I was lost in thought—my brain dull and fuzzy with fatigue from the long trip—and didn’t notice the party had stopped until I bumped into Myrina. She whirled, glaring. She didn’t talk, but messaged me. Careful, Jacob, there are dozens of harpies, plus a Grand Crone, bathing at the pool ahead. We do not wish for them to see us. Not until we are ready to attack. Quiet now. Phoebe and Asteria used contractions and more modern language when utilizing the messaging system, but Myrina was all Ancient Greek and all business.
Following the Warden’s lead, I padded forward, right up to the edge of the tree line. Beyond was a clearing, occupied by yet another ruin—yeah, big surprise there—this one with fallen columns and lichen-covered walkways. Cracked marble steps led down to a trio of beautiful waterfalls. The falls sent spinning and spiraling water through the air as it gushed down into a large pond at the southern edge of the ruins. The pond, in turn, flowed into a burbling creek, which zigzagged down, most likely, into an underground river. Hell, it might be the same water source that fed the fountains of Lycastia City miles to the north.
Even from our less than ideal vantage point, the Thymos Crystals in the pool were visible, sparkling like jewels. Around the edges of the pond lay the soft clay we needed to fashion more Amazons. We’d just hit the fucking jackpot, though there was a minor complication: Thirteen harpies squawked and strutted around the pond. Insect-covered corpses also lay here and there. Every so often, one of the harpies would send the flies buzzing away as it scraped away rotting flesh with hooked talons or buried a human-looking face into the putrid meat.
Most of the creatures had youthful, vibrant faces, but one had a badly crooked nose, stringy gray hair, and skin like old boot leather. A Grand Crone. After watching her for a few minutes, it was abundantly clear that she called the shots in this group. She wandered around aimlessly, muttering, “Flesh is mine! Flesh is mine!” and the rest of the disgusting harpies seemed to take her words to heart. They gave her a wide berth, and whenever she stopped at a corpse to eat, every other harpy was quick to make way.
That meant the old hag was probably powerful and dangerous—she needed to be the first to go. Instead of talking, I linked the raiding party into the messaging system. Surprisingly, Loxo, Antiope, and Euryleia all answered my request in short order and without much fuss.
Okay, I sent, so I think we need to send in Euryleia and Buttercup. You two will draw enemy fire while the rest of us launch an ambush. I shot a look at the Beastiamancer and offered her a silent, apologetic smile. Sorry, Euryleia, you’re going to take a few hits—but I’ll patch you up good as new once the fight is over and done with. As for everyone else, once Euryleia distracts the harpies, we move like greased lightning.
Loxo, you stick to the tree line and lay down suppressive arrow fire. Not sure if our enhanced arrows will pierce their flesh, but give it everything you have, and try to take out the crone. Asteria, I want you in eagle form—take them out from the sky, but most importantly, keep them from taking to the air. The last thing we need is for one of those things to get loose and come back with an assload of reinforcements. Antiope, you’re on roundup duty, too—just on the ground. Hem these suckers in. Myrina, you and I are gonna be the heavy hitters here, along with Buttercup and Euryleia. Can you guys dig it?
Loxo was the first to respond, tentatively. I do not know what we are digging. However, I understand the plan, I think. But Jacob Merely, this is a dangerous fight. Not to second-guess your battle prowess, but … She paused, and I knew in my gut she was trying to find a polite way to say I sucked in a fight. But you are too valuable to go into the heat of this fight, and you are not yet the best warrior—though you are improving?
I frowned, not totally thrilled that her last statement came out as a question. Maybe I wasn’t quite as savvy as Myrina yet, but I was definitely getting better.
Perhaps you should allow me or Antiope to go in with Myrina and Euryleia in your place, Loxo sent after a moment of hesitation.
Myrina nodded. Loxo is correct—you are improving at a surprisingly quick pace, but we cannot afford to risk you. The stakes for failure are far too grave.
I grunted and rolled my eyes. No, I replied flatly. I’m the god of war, not you and not Loxo. I can do this. I need to do this. Maybe I’m not the best in a fight—yet—but the only way I get better is through practice. So, I’m going in, but I’ll meet you halfway and let Antiope tag along as my shadow.
Myrina was silent for a time, eyes hazy, lost in thought. Very well, Jacob Merely. I will respect your decision as god of war.
Good, I said, folding my arms smugly, glad that I’d finally won a victory, even if it was a small one. Now give me a second to cast this new aura, then we can go kick some ass and take some names.
Where will we be taking these names? Loxo murmured quietly, more for herself than for me. I ignored her question as I accessed combat mode and triggered my new Burning Aura ability. The godstone burned beneath my skin as my Essence dipped by fifteen points, and comforting warmth rolled through my body, enveloping my limbs. I glanced at my arms and noticed a translucent golden sheen covering my skin. This new aura felt as light as air and didn’t seem to restrict my movement in the least, though the gentle comforting heat remained.
When I glanced at my warriors, I noticed the same golden sheen c
overed them as well. Even more interesting, though? That soft light coated their weapons. It would be interesting to see how much the added fire damage helped. Good to go. Let’s do this thing.
Very well. Myrina drew her lightning javelin. Amazons, to arms! Time to battle! Euryleia, forward.
The Beastiamancer didn’t hesitate, not for a second. Buttercup surged forward, smashing through the trees with a ground shaking roar as the creature’s immense claws tore up the earth in passing.
“Attacked are we!” came the shrill screech of the Grand Crone. “Attacked are we! Kill them, sisters, kill them dead!” The harpies took to the wing like a murder of crows, flapping and squawking. “Flesh to eat, and eat their flesh we will!” A swarm of harpies swooped down, gleaming talons ready to rend skin and muscle, but Buttercup didn’t seem impressed in the least. The colossal grizzly rose up on hind legs, front paws lashing out with the force of a rocket launcher.
Her claws carved through flesh with deadly ease, ripping through black-feathered wings and leaving charred flesh behind. It seemed Burning Aura applied to her as well.
Impossibly, Euryleia managed to stay in the saddle, gripping her mount with powerful thighs as she fired a trio of arrows from her longbow. One shot went wide, but the other two found their mark, taking one harpy out of the fight for good. Silently I cheered—not only had the upgraded arrows done the trick, but I could see black smoke rising from the arrow wound. Euryleia nocked three more arrows at once as Buttercup dropped back down onto all fours and lumbered forward like a furry battering ram of meat and teeth. Those two were doing a damn fine job, but more harpies joined by the second.
Soon, the Beastiamancer and her mount would be overwhelmed no matter how deadly they were.
Time for us to move, I sent, drawing my sword with a spark of Divine power, then charging into the fray, praying the other Amazons followed my lead. Despite being an officer, I’d never really led people before—and I sure as hell hadn’t led a battle charge.
But follow me, they did.
Myrina flung her magical javelin. Thunder rolled across the clearing, and lightning flashed, bringing down a harpy swooping overhead.
Antiope flung her spear with a roar; the weapon punched into the feather-covered thigh of the Grand Crone. A clean shot, but nonlethal. The Crone shrieked in fury and pain, then hurled herself at the Amazon, claws first. Both went down in a sprawl of limbs, Amazonian blood spraying into the air as steel flashed furiously in reply.
Loxo bolted from the tree line, taking cover by a marble column. The Huntress lurked in thick shadow, her form obscured as she fired an arrow into the harpy mauling the crap out of poor Antiope. The arrow lodged itself deep in the harpy’s neck, and the Crone fell away, blood leaking from her gaping mouth.
Another harpy, lurking near the ruins, let out a shriek of warning. “Among the columns. Among the columns. More of our foes. More of the flesh we will shove in our maws!”
Four of the harpies broke away from harassing the bear and fluttered up into the air, circling back toward the temple where Loxo hid. But Asteria was on them in a heartbeat. She dove down in the form of a giant blue eagle, her razor-sharp talons ripping into one of the harpies as her beak gouged out chunks of rancid meat. As with Buttercup, Asteria’s claws and beak left black scorch marks on her victims—a sure sign of fire damage. Black and blue feathers rained from the sky as the shifter tangled with all four harpies at once.
I raised a hand, ready to unleash a Lightning Lance, when Loxo rushed in front of me, firing a pair of arrows.
Her shots were precise, methodical, and absolutely perfect—each one found a home.
One harpy fell, then another.
One of the two remaining harpies broke away from Asteria and streaked toward us, her face screwed up in a grimace of utter loathing. Dammit, I needed to get in front of my huntress. I was so close to leveling up, but I had to take out one of the monsters! But before I could launch my attack, the Huntress sent another arrow through the belly of the charging monster—fetid blood exploded from the wound. At the same moment, Asteria drove her beak into the neck of the last harpy, snapping her head clean off.
The sack of lifeless feathers plummeted to the ground with a wet slapping sound.
Asteria drifted to the ground, landed beside the fresh corpse, then shredded the body with her beak, slurping down blood and gore and guts. Then, it struck me. Asteria was hungry all the time because shape-shifting probably required a buttload of calories. She needed to eat to feed her metabolism. I did wonder why she was pausing to eat during the middle of our battle, but then I saw the reason: The battle was over. All thirteen harpies had been killed, including the Grand Crone.
Thirteen powerful enemies dead, and I hadn’t done a damned thing.
Loxo gave me a side glance. “I do apologize, War God, for intervening. I lost my senses, fearing you might be killed.” She paused, genuine concern flashing across her face. “We cannot afford to lose you.”
I shrugged, playing it off like it was all okay. “Don’t worry, Loxo,” I said, “we killed the bad guys, right? I’m sure there will be other battles.” Deep down, though, I was peeved. Borderline furious. Sure, I wasn’t like the god of war they used to know, but I didn’t need to be coddled. I knew they had good intentions, but I was getting sick of being treated like a fragile vase that might shatter if dropped. I took a deep breath. It would be fine. I just needed to give it more time—at some point, I’d convince these women I wasn’t some weak ass punk pretending to be Ares.
I let out a deep sigh of frustration as we walked down to the pools.
Myrina and Antiope were already loading up Buttercup with Thymos Crystals. Both women were soaked from splashing into the pools to retrieve the invaluable gems from the clear water. Needless to say, either could’ve taken home first prize in any wet T-shirt contest on the planet.
Wandering over to a corpse, I sent a cloud of flies buzzing away. I wanted to see what the harpies had been eating. Turns out, the meat of choice was naga. I checked the wounds and saw javelin puncture wounds, and I realized that these were likely the sons of Cecrops we’d killed in Stheno’s lair. Gross. These things were supposed to be on the same side, but here the harpies were, chowing down on their teammates. Worse, deep down I knew harpies would’ve been just as happy to eat other dead harpies as well. These things were just fucking monsters. They needed to be wiped out. Obliterated.
I turned away from the disgusting naga corpse just as Asteria transformed back into her human form. Her face was smeared with harpy blood, and she didn’t seem to care a lick. Here I was bashing on the harpies for eating nagas, but was my own Beastiamancer any better? As I watched her retrieve a cloak from Antiope and slip it over her shoulders, I decided she was definitely better. She wasn’t eating dead Amazons, she was eating our enemies—monsters that would murder all of humanity given half a chance.
Besides, though Asteria looked human now, it was important to remind myself she wasn’t human. She was an animal, a predator, and for a creature like her, protein was protein. She was also sexy as hell and into me, so that might’ve weighed into the decision, too.
Loxo ran up to the shifter. “Asteria, you poached my kill. I had another arrow knocked to bring that last harpy down.”
Asteria shrugged, grinning. “Sister, if you were quicker, you would have feathered the beast with your deadly shafts. If your aim was better, you might have pierced the monster’s eye. You must learn to be faster. Stronger. Then the kill will be yours.”
Both women smiled, so I knew the conflict wasn’t real. But Asteria’s words hit me hard, like a hammer blow to the gut. Here I was, mad at Loxo for taking my kill, but she’d been faster than me. Better than me. They were coddling me, but only because I allowed them to. If I wanted to earn their respect, I couldn’t expect them to hand it to me. I needed to take it. Mythical monsters or not, this was a fucking war zone and being a nice guy wasn’t going to get me far. It was time to man up and handle busines
s.
“I am very quick, sister,” Loxo countered as I thought. “And as for aim, I am the master of accuracy.” Quick as a flash, Loxo snatched an arrow from her quiver, nocked it, and fired at the Beastiamancer.
Asteria’s eyes widened in shock, but the arrow never came close to hitting her. The shifter sidestepped faster than my eye could follow, one hand darting out, grabbing the arrow by the shaft. “I cannot believe you would be so rash, Loxo,” Asteria scolded, cocking a playful eyebrow, a small smile lingering on her lips. “I will admit, your aim is very good, but as for your speed? I am faster.”
“A fluke,” Loxo replied, though the words were light and teasing.
“Fire another arrow then, sister,” Asteria replied, shedding the cloak she’d put on just moments before. “In my other shapes, I am even faster.” The Beastiamancer turned into a panther as Loxo fired three arrows. In rapid succession. Asteria caught the first in her teeth, transformed into an eagle and caught the second in her talons, then swooped down like a bolt of lightning, snagging the third from the air with her beak. Gracefully, she wheeled about, dropping the arrows on Loxo, who laughed, a goofy grin spreading across her face.
Loxo’s laughter died a moment later, as the crack of a whip resonated in the idyllic glade and blue feathers drifted down as Asteria plummeted from the air, smashing hard into the ground with a thud.
Oh shit, Praxidike had come to play …
TWENTY-FIVE
Sneak Attack
Praxidike—bat wings extended—floated down over the pond, whip unfurled. The snake around her waist hissed and spat at us, fangs gleaming with venom. Aside from the whip, the Fury also had a new weapon. An atlatl, otherwise known as a javelin thrower. The atlatl was a short club with a notch in back where you put a slender javelin. Her atlatl, however, was also studded with jagged shark teeth, so she could also use it as a mace. On her back was a quiver full of jet-black javelins, ready to be hurled.
