Chapter 7: Jason

For the third time in a few days Jason found himself on a plane. After escaping Mount Etna the Argo III raced towards Crete. Leo had managed to detect a sizable source of Styx water near the ancient city of Knossos. Jason was mentally preparing himself; more often than not these trips ended with a fight against some monster. Jason felt a funny feeling as the plane began to descend through the clouds. Beneath the plane Jason could see the rolling hills and dusty roads of Crete.

The Argo III had landed in the bay just off the coast, forcing the group to swim to shore. Jason hated swimming. The beach was a clear white sand paradise. Shrubbery clung to the cliffs. The sun was setting, bathing the coastline in a warm red glow. Above the beach stood the ruins of Knossos. Despite its largely collapsed structure the palace imposed itself on the surroundings. Jason flew up the cliff, his feet planting on the grass. Whilst waiting for the others to catch up he managed to gaze at the remains of the palace.

By the time the others had reached the summit night had fallen.

"You know," said Leo through deep breaths, "sometimes I really hate you Jason."

"Agreed." concurred Annabeth. Before she could continue a dim light came from the structure. The group walked towards the light. At a closer glance the light displaced a door. Jason pushed the door open. An ornate throne room greeted him. Beautiful frescos decorated the walls. In the centre of the room was a fountain spewing a grey, smoky liquid. Jason instantly recognised it as Styx water. A grand throne was situated towards the end of the room. On it sat a man clad in silver armour. On his head was a silver helmet adorned with two horns. "Greetings," The man said, "welcome to my home. I am Minos, King of all Crete." Jason began to reach for his lightning bolt, only being stopped by Tyson's hand on his arm. Annabeth stepped forward.

"Your majesty. We request supplies and some of your Styx water, if possible." She said.

"Hmmm. I could be tempted." Replied Minos.

"How could we persuade you your excellency?" continued Jason. He could see Minos thinking under the helmet. The King rose to his feet.

"I will make a bargain with you, heroes, if you complete my challenge." Jason grimaced. He hated challenges from ancient kings; his previous encounter with King Midas in Nebraska had been anything but enjoyable.
"What challenge?" asked Leo, clearly forgetting the decorum Jason and Annabeth had been attempting. Minos smiled, revealing his yellow, slimy teeth.

"Defeat my champion. Defeat the Minotaur."