Chapter Three: Task One- A Nemean Lion
A/N: Let the games begin! Each task will take multiple chapters, so bear with me. Also, a quick mythology byte: the first of the Labors was slaying the Nemean Lion, armed with skin as tough as steel. The mighty Flynn Rider's lion is more…metaphorical.
Alas, I don't own Tangled or any of Disney's characters.
Eugene Fitzherbert could not comprehend the word "sunrise." In his mind, "rise" implied a gradual upward motion; the great yellow star had exploded into the sky, its ostentatious rays erasing whatever precious remnants of sleep he had hoped to savor.
Great, my first day as Corona's workhorse, and I'm running on empty.
The residual worry from the previous night's discussion did not completely dissipate with Eugene's meager shut-eye. If anything, the new day was a testament to the reality that lay before him, an assignment still unknown. Well, mostly unknown- Eugene was not foolish enough to think that his task to do that, he would likely have to lift mountains.
Summoning a deep breath to grasp at his faltering courage, Eugene opened the doors into the designated meeting room. As he came to the end of the entrance corridor, he visibly froze.
Whoa.
Seated around an elliptical table was the most intimidating group of men Eugene had ever laid eyes on, and he was no stranger to soldiers, guards, and thugs of all varieties. No, these men carried out their visual assault not through bulging muscles or sharpened blades but through haughty stares and clothing too expensive and formal for any casual gathering. Eugene stifled a gasp as he locked eyes with the captain of the guard, the man who had chased and caught the notorious Flynn Rider. To make matters infinitely worse, he was seated at the butt end of the table. Rapunzel, in her finest regaling form, had told him with the biggest smile on her face about her lessons in etiquette. One of the few facts that he now recalled was that at a formal meeting people were seated in order of their political ranking, with royalty at the elevated head of the table. If the captain of the royal guard, for crying out loud, was one of the least important people here, who were the others?
"Many of my advisors have called for greater punishment; a few have gone as far as advocating your execution." The memory of the king's disclosure last night caused beads of sweat to emerge from his now clammy skin. These were not friends of his; some were enemies ready to be made, and the rest were already hell bent.
The swirling panic in Eugene's head stopped for a moment as the delegation stood and immediately bowed. As he turned, the majestic sight of the king in full royal attire enveloped him. Even the wealthiest and most visually imposing officials emanated deference, out of love, admiration, respect, fear, or a combination thereof.
The tension in the air peaked as the king reached his rightful seat at the head of the conference table. With bated breath, ex-thief and nobleman alike waited. Finally, the king spoke.
"This meeting of the Corona High Council is called to order. As many of you know, difficult times lie ahead, and today's agenda may prove the most contentious and difficult yet. First of all…" The king paused, and Eugene could have sworn that royal blue eyes met his wide brown ones. "We have with us today one Eugene Fitzherbert, formerly the thief Flynn Rider. The assignment of this man's penance is of paramount importance, and it is where we start today. After much consideration, with the assistance of some of my loyal advisors, I have chosen a task both conspicuous and monumental. Eugene Fitzherbert, in this, the second month of summer, you are to serve as Corona's ambassador of welfare to the port city of Horizon Point."
Hushed noises scattered across the room. Just in the vicinity of his poor seating, he could discern a variety of sounds- outraged exclamations, satisfied grunts, and concerned whispers. Concerned for the kingdom or for their own fortunes, not for the likes of me, he bitterly mused.
Eugene knew the reason behind the hubbub; the significance of his labor lay not in the what but in the where.
The only resemblance the location bore to the capital city was its proximity to the sea. Unlike the inland Corona City, Horizon Point was an island port at the end of the Luminous Sea, founded long before the kingdom itself. It was common knowledge that the city swore allegiance to Corona only for the security that the royal military provided- and for good reason. As a lucrative trading site, the island had long ago become a shining beacon for pirates and grand criminals from kingdoms beyond, swarming from the open ocean beyond into the rich narrow sea. Worst of all, as the furthest and most independent of Corona's territories, rebellion would reach Horizon Point first. And, Eugene knew, loyalty bought by sword and shield was the most fickle of all.
In his travels, the thief Flynn Rider had learned many important sayings about Horizon Point, but only one came to mind: The hearts and minds of our lovely citizens are as hard and cold as the coins in their coffers.