– Chapter One –

Circa 5000 BCE

The land was dusty this time of year. Tumble weeds rolled across the path of the horses, interrupting their gallop. The men were silent, riding towards the town cresting in the horizon. They were hoping to reach it before nightfall. It would be imperative to reach it by nightfall. For these two men were followed closely by four horsemen. Four devils which they could not hope to face alone.

Lykos slowed first as they reached the towns' outskirts, looking up to the large archways before them.

"What do you think?" Lykos asked his companion. "You can't possibly believe that you will find help here?"

The second man pulled his horse to a stop and looked up at the colourful marble statues and metopes lining the gateway into the village.

"This is the town with two sister priestesses?" he asked. "The ones with great power?"

"Yes," replied Lykos. "But, really, they are rumoured to have power… but it's also said if someone were to touch them – a handshake – a brush of the shoulder – they would loose their power. Magic does not work like that," Lykos paused and looked back at the gateway. "If they were truly magical, they would not need to be so aloft."

"Perhaps they just don't know that," his companion replied. "It is a remote village, maybe they've never seen a wizard before."

"And revere it where it does not belong," Lykos said. "I've heard a lot of these sisters. One is very smart, always reading and bettering her mind, and the other is – although, very beautiful, also very fierce and proud. Neither is likely to take an audience with you."

A wind whistled behind them and both men turned to look.

"And yet, we must try, for if we don't, the answer will always be no," the man said. "Unless you fancy facing those four by yourself, Lykos?"

"No, I don't, Perseus," Lykos replied, and turned his horse into the town.

Andromeda sat in silence, eyes closed facing the altar of Apollo. Her mind was absolutely silent today. No thoughts would tumble through, and nothing would be able to give her the answers that she needed.

She could see the four riding ever closer, and could feel the evil that they brought with them, and yet there was still nothing but silence.

"Romi, any news from father?" asked a voice behind her.

Andromeda opened her eyes and looked behind her. Diomeda Odessa stood watching her, books encased in her arms.

"No," Andromeda replied. "He is silent today. I don't understand! I've seen the fire and the horsemen, but why won't he help us?!"

"You shouldn't let your anger get away from you," Diomeda Odessa replied, evenly, keeping her shoulders square. "You are always too quick to anger."

"Enough of my faults, Di," Andromeda answered bitterly. "You talk about them too often."

"Then perhaps check yourself, sister," Diomeda Odessa replied. "You are the most important–"

"Shut up, I know," Andromeda interrupted. "A child does not easily forget the reason why she's never been allowed to have physical contact."

"Oh, you're not going on about that again," answered Diomeda Odessa. "You're a Priestess, you have gods in place of touch. You aren't missing anything."

"How do you know?" replied Andromeda grumpily. "You've never touched anyone."

"And you don't hear me complaining about it," answered Diomeda Odessa. "Get up, your prayers are obviously too distracted today."

Andromeda stayed seated a moment longer, too stubborn to give into her older sister, but then finally got to her feet, and turned around.

"And what have you been doing when you should have been praying?" Andromeda asked, walking towards her sister.

"I have been trying to find answers about these fiery horsemen you keep seeing," answered Diomeda Odessa.

"And what have you found?" Andromeda asked.

"Not much," she replied. "They are led by the False Prophet. There is nothing more on that person and the Horsemen, once defeated, can be sealed into hellfires again. However, there is no mention as to how to defeat them aside from a single sentence; 'Four that ride will be defeated by four that stand firm through love.'"

"That's helpful," said Andromeda sarcastically.

"Neither is sarcasm," scolded Diomeda Odessa. She turned and walked through the temple. Andromeda followed, her bare feet padding softly on the marble floor. There was the voice of a lesser priestess near the front door.

"I am sorry, sir," said the delicate voice of the youngest priestess. "The High Priestesses are in solitude today, if you please, I will deliver a message on your behalf."

Andromeda glanced down to the front door as they passed. There were two young men, looking like they had just been on a very hard journey. One was taller, with brown hair and eyes, and seemed to be speaking to the youngest priestess. He glanced up and for a moment caught Andromeda's eye.

Her heart fluttered for a moment, and she watched the man. He smiled slightly, and spoke to the priestess in front of him.

"Tell the Priestesses," the man spoke, "that Perseus, son of Zeus, wishes to have an audience with them, and that he will return everyday, two hours past midday, until he sees them."

"I will inform them," the young priestess replied, bowing slightly. Diomeda Odessa made a noise in her throat and Andromeda forced herself to walk away, still staring at the man in the foyer.

"I hope he was not serious," Diomeda Odessa said, once they were out of ear shot. "We do not have time for world-weary travellers who think they bring spiritual advice from the great city-states."

"You think he was a traveller?" Andromeda said quietly, thinking.

"Really, Romi? Did you see him?" Diomeda replied. "The state of his dress and countenance?"

Andromeda smiled softly thinking about the man.

"Oh, don't start that again," said Diomeda Odessa, stopping suddenly and staring at her sister.

"Start what… and what do you mean, again?"

"You've got that look. That man intrigues you… you have prayers to attend to. Stop thinking about him. I daresay he will not come back tomorrow like he promised."

Andromeda followed her sister into the library where Diomeda Odessa disappeared into the stacks. Andromeda stood for a while longer, and then looked behind her. She paused, glanced back to where her sister was settling among the books, and then quietly walked back to the front passageway.

The young priestess who had greeted the men was walking back into the temple. She paused when she saw Andromeda.

"Ismene," Andromeda spoke first, "who was that man at the gate?"

"Forgive me for interrupting your solitude," Ismene said, bowing. "He called himself Perseus, son of Zeus, he said he had something important to speak with you about. He will call again tomorrow."

Andromeda was quiet for a moment.

"Did he elaborate on what he wished to speak about?" Andromeda asked.

"No, he did not," replied Ismene. "Would you like me to deter him tomorrow, should he appear?"

Andromeda thought for a moment, and looked back at the library, thinking.

"Yes," she said finally, "ask him what is so important that he has to speak to us about, and then tell him to return the next day."

"Very good," Ismene said.

She bowed and left Andromeda to herself. Andromeda walked towards her prayer room again, slowly went to look out the window. It afforded very little view of the town; mostly stretched out onto the wilderness.

Andromeda leaned out carefully and looked into the village. She could just see the receding backs of the two men that had visited. She leaned back and wondered why they had come, and why she seemed so interested in them. She looked to the altar of Apollo and kneeling down in front of it she closed her eyes.

It was nearly an hour of silence before something occurred to her. The man had called himself Perseus, Son of Zeus, and being a 'demigod' was only a new modern way for saying one was a wizard.

Andromeda could not pray the next day. Diomeda Odessa had reprimanded her fiercely for it. But still, though she sat at the altar, all of her mind of was occupied with listening for the front gate. She glanced at the sky, judging by the sundial on the windowsill that it was passing midday.

Diomeda Odessa had already forgotten about the men at the door yesterday, her books had quickly consumed her again.

Andromeda watched the sundial and it seemed to move increasingly slower. She was trying very hard to focus on her prayers to Apollo. However, at the sound of voices at the door, her attention was suddenly theirs. She strained to hear what was being said, but it was just mumbles from where she sat.

It was agonizing just waiting, but finally they left. Andromeda sat there and waited, hoping that Ismene was about the walk through that door.

Finally, after what seemed like an age, she did.

"Forgive my disturbance, Priestess," said Ismene, kneeling before the altar, behind Andromeda.

"What did he say?" Andromeda asked, keeping her eyes closed.

"Perseus, son of Zeus, would not explain his reason for wishing to see you. He said by fire and the four that ride, he would meet with you."

Andromeda opened her eyes, staring at the altar in front of her.

"He said, 'by fire and the four that ride'?" she clarified, feeling her heart beating fast in her chest.

"Yes, those words exactly," replied Ismene. "He repeated his intention of returning tomorrow at the same time. If he is continually insistent, I cannot turn him away without suspicions."

"Let him tomorrow," Andromeda said. She turned so that she was looking at Ismene. "But make sure that my sister doesn't know. She would not approve."

Ismene nodded, and got up. She would not question the High Priestess' orders. Andromeda faced the altar again and took a deep breath closing her eyes. She could see in her minds' eye the four riding in hellfire closer and closer.

"I don't think it's worth it going again," Lykos said, running a sharpening stone down his sword. "They obviously don't want to see you, Perseus."

"I'm going tomorrow," answered Perseus. "She'll see me tomorrow."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Lykos. "She seems like she's stuck up to me."

"She's absolutely beautiful," Perseus said.

"There are a lot better qualities that beauty," Lykos offered.

"Don't let anyone else hear you say that. No wonder they made her a High Priestess," Perseus said. "I would too."

"Enough pining," interrupted Lykos. "Just because one glance has caused you to fall in love with her doesn't mean she'll see you tomorrow," he teased.

"She will. The girl will tell her what I said, and either the Priestess will see me tomorrow or she is not any use to us. If she knows of the Four, then she has possession of some kind of magic."

"And if she doesn't see you tomorrow?" asked Lykos, looking down his sword.

"She does not have magic, and we will move on," answered Perseus. There was a gust of wind that rushed through their room from the open window.

"And leave this village to burn under their footsteps?" said Lykos softly.

"We cannot fight them alone," Perseus replied swiftly. "Get some sleep."

Perseus watched the temple before walking up towards it. Lykos was standing warily behind him.

"Are you sure, Perseus?" Lykos asked.

"Yes," he answered. "You can wait here."

"I think I'll go to the edge of town, watch for any riders coming," Lykos replied. "You go and commune with your priestess."

Lykos turned and left. Perseus took a moment and then walked up to the gate and entered. There was no one in the marble foyer, and the light summer breeze was flowing gently in. He did not stand alone for very long. Almost immediately the young priestess, Ismene, came out from the temple.

"Sir," she said bowing slightly. Perseus opened his mouth to continue talking, however, Ismene spoke again. "If you please, walk this way."

Ismene turned and retreated into the temple. Perseus took a second and then followed her. The hallways were silent, and there were no slaves or priestesses to be seen. Ismene walked carefully, glancing around as though she was doing something very wrong.

Finally she arrived at a door and turn.

"High Priestess Andromeda is inside," she said. "I must ask you to remember never to touch her, lest her Sight become tarnished."

Ismene bowed again and disappeared down the corridor.

Perseus paused for a moment and then walked in the door. Andromeda sat in front of an altar decorated to, it seemed, Apollo. Her long brown hair was down and cascading over her shoulders, her white dress spread out over her knees as she knelt. She was not facing him, and he did not know what to say, he did not want to interrupt her prayers.

"You told Ismene that you would meet me – by fire and the four the ride."

Even her voice sounded beautiful to him.

"I did," replied Perseus.

Andromeda turned to look at him, her dark eyes watching him carefully. "Why did you say the 'four that ride'?"

"I believe you already know the answer to that," he said, walking a few steps closer to her.

She watched him for a long time, and then gracefully stood up.

"Why do you call yourself son of Zeus?" she asked, changing tactic.

"Because Zeus is my father," Perseus replied. "Just because I have not accomplished any great deeds yet does not mean I am not the son of a god."

"And what special ability do you claim to have from your father?" Andromeda asked, walking around him.

"Why so many questions?" continued Perseus. "I am here to talk about the four horsemen riding closer every day. If you have seen them, perhaps we should work together?"

"Perhaps I have not seen them," Andromeda replied, her beautiful, dark eyes staring into his.

"I think you have," answered Perseus. "What magic you possess is powerful, and I believe that you are stronger than you even know."

"You used the word magic this time," said Andromeda.

"I think you know what it is," replied Perseus. "I think that you hid the secret yourself, that you possess the same magic."

"I think you presume too much," Andromeda replied, and she started to turn away. Perseus' heart jumped, if this priestess knew about the horsemen, then she was exactly what he was looking for; he couldn't let her leave now.

"Wait!" he said and without thinking reached forward and grabbed her hand to stall her.

It worked. Andromeda stopped and turning, looking at him with an expression of astonishment and fear. Perseus released exactly what he had just done and dropped her hand.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, bowing. "I did not mean…" he trailed off and looked up at her. She was still staring at him in wonder. He could not imagine the feelings she must have. Ismene told him at the beginning that she was one of those Priestesses that had not had physical human contact since infancy.

Somehow though, he couldn't help but constantly think about how her hand felt in his; which while he should feel guilty and terrible, he felt his heart jump up and down.

Andromeda was breathing heavily, clearly too stunned to say anything for a moment. Perseus looked up to her, expecting to see anger coursing across her expression. However, it wasn't there. She was still looking at him with amazement.

"I'm sorry," he said again. "I should leave now."

He took a step towards the door.

"The four horsemen ride closer every day," Andromeda said quietly. "I have seen them steadily growing for two moons now. Di believes they can be defeated and sealed in Hellfire again."

Perseus turned. "You know how to defeat them?"

"It written that the four that ride will only be defeated by the four that stand firm in love," Andromeda replied.

"What does that mean?" Perseus asked.

"I am unsure," answered Andromeda. "At least, I believe, that should be four that stand against them."

"Does your sister fight?" questioned Perseus.

"Yes, she would stand against them," Andromeda replied.

"And you?"

Andromeda was silent for a moment. Perseus couldn't help noticing that she was holding her hand in her other, the exact same way that Perseus had taken it.

"Yes," she said finally.

"Then I have the fourth, my companion, Lykos," Perseus said walking back up to her. "He has pledged to stand against them. And myself of course."

Andromeda nodded, staring up at him. Perseus felt his heart surging even in this dreadful hour.

"I do not know how yet to defeat them," Andromeda replied.

Perseus nodded, "the use of Magic."

"Of course," she said. "But it will take a little more time."

Perseus smiled. It was clearly time for him to go. He had to tell Lykos, and prepare himself, however he couldn't tear his eyes away from this priestess. Suddenly, on a whim, he took both her hands.

"Meet us tonight?" he asked. "At the tree beyond the sacred ground, at midnight."

He did not wait for her to reply, and just let go of her hands and departed immediately, feeling like that may have ruined everything. Yet, he did not regret it, and he hoped she and her sister would show up tonight. They would need it.

"Will they help us?" Lykos asked as Perseus found him on the outskirts of town. Perseus didn't answer right away. "Well?" Lykos pressed. "They had better agreed to help, we can't move onto another village now. They will be here soon."

"They will help, I'm sure," Perseus replied.

"But they didn't say?"

"She will come," insisted Perseus. "She will come."

The night came fast, and Lykos was sitting, his back against the tree, staring out at the rolling black clouds, looking anxious. Perseus paced back and forth, trying to figure out what to do if Andromeda did not show up.

The thunder rolling across the skies sounded like hooves running closer and closer to them. Lightening flashed, but there was no rain. A cloud like a cyclone appeared on the horizon, travelling quickly towards them.

"They're here early," muttered Lykos, standing up. He ensured his bow was strung tight. "I guess there is no running anymore. We must rely on our own magic."

Perseus looked towards the temple but there was no sign of movement. He turned and stood beside Lykos and pulled out his sling, should there be a chance of using it before his sword.

"Do you know how to defeat these creatures?" Perseus asked quickly.

"No," Lykos replied.

"I do," said a voice on the other side of Perseus. He turned quickly.

Andromeda stood there, staring into the horizon, the winds whipping her hair back from her face. A long sword was hanging at her waist.

"You came?" Perseus said softly. "Even after…" he trailed off.

Andromeda looked up at him and smiled. "You are a son of a god?"

"Yes?" replied Perseus.

"That's just another way of saying you have magic," Andromeda said, looking towards the rapidly approaching cloud. "You know just as well as I do, that a touch cannot draw out magic from a person."

"You are a witch?" Lykos said looking around at her.

"We are White Witches," said Diomeda Odessa walking up beside her sister. "And you'd better be grateful for that," she added looking angrily at Lykos and Perseus. Perseus looked back to Andromeda, she smiled at him.

"I am," he said to her, "I am so grateful that I met you."

He looked back to approaching cloud. The four stood in silence watching it approach.

"They are powerful," Diomeda Odessa said, the wind catching at her words, she adjusted her gown so her throwing daggers were within easy grasp. "You must be prepared to fight until the very end."

"We will, sister," Andromeda said.

"Each will have his own," added Lykos, "there is four of them and four of us. Famine, Pestilence, War and Death."

"The world won't end tonight," Perseus said. He paused for a moment, and then, without looking, slipped his hand into Andromeda's and squeezed. She returned the pressure, and held on as the cyclone approached.