A/N Well I'm back! Sorry for the delay - real life and another story have got in the way over the last few weeks but hopefully normal service has now been resumed :-)

Thank you all for the lovely reviews. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint.


Pasiphae had risen later than usual having spent part of the previous night sitting up and thinking; plotting her way out of the situation they found themselves in. The engysis must be made between Agrias of Tanagra's son and Ariadne, that much was clear, and yet the marriage itself must be prevented at all costs. Pasiphae already had several ideas for how such a thing might be achieved – ideas which she now fully intended to put into practice – but for that she needed to gain time. She had told Minos last evening to make sure that Agrias understood that the marriage could not take place until they were back within the walls of Atlantis (which should buy her all the time she really needed to achieve her ends) but it might well be that the Tanagran monarch tried to force Minos' hand even further and insist on the marriage taking place immediately. It was that prospect that had kept Pasiphae up into the night; that thing which must be prevented at all costs. Finally, at an hour far later than she would have liked, an idea had come to her. It was not one which she particularly liked, given that it would leave her in the debt of another, but it should work.

As a result of her late rising, the Queen had been mildly annoyed to find that she had missed her son. Jason had apparently risen early, had a quick breakfast and had been seen by the overseer, Alexarchos, disappearing onto the slopes behind the royal estate with his friend Pythagoras; both young men apparently wearing cloaks and carrying full satchels. Pasiphae frowned to herself as she stood in a window overlooking the central courtyard, deep in thought. She had had little time yesterday to see Jason and was a little surprised to find that she had missed him. Of course she had seen him at supper but there had been too many people present to have any real sort of conversation. She had hoped to speak with him early this morning – if only to try to prepare him for the news that Ariadne was to be betrothed. Pasiphae had the uncomfortable feeling that Jason would not take that news well at all.

Then there was the matter of his education to see to. She had instructed Pythagoras to begin the process of testing Jason to see where any deficiencies in his knowledge might lie. She suspected that the earnest young blonde would have begun yesterday and had fully expected him to continue today, and to come to her at some point with his findings. It was therefore disappointing to find that her son and his younger friend had chosen to go wandering today. Briefly, Pasiphae wondered whether she had made a mistake in appointing Pythagoras as her son's tutor. It was true that they were friends and that she truly believed that Jason would react better to a teacher he liked, but perhaps Pythagoras was not strong enough to stand his ground against her wilful son; perhaps he would simply give in to Jason's desires and allow his 'pupil' to go his own way rather than instructing him as she wanted. It was a situation that would require careful monitoring she felt, and she scarcely had time for it at present.

It had begun to rain a short time earlier. Nothing more than a heavy shower, the Queen surmised. Fat droplets of rain splattered down into the courtyard below and the servants darted back and forth across it, trying to stay as dry as possible. As Pasiphae watched, two figures dashed in through the entrance to the courtyard and under the edge of the covered walkway to the left of the gate, shaking raindrops from the folds of their cloaks and grinning like idiots at one another. Pasiphae allowed herself an indulgent smile – something that she would never have imagined herself doing just a couple of months ago. Somehow she thought she should probably be annoyed at her son and his friend leaving the house on such an unpromising day – weather wise that was – and getting caught in a shower as a result. Yet she could not. There was something very precious about watching him laughing and joking with his friend when he thought he was unobserved and his guard was completely down; it was as though he lit up inside whenever he really smiled.

Tuning out the world around her and, for the time being at least, ignoring the problems she was supposed to be thinking about, Pasiphae drew a step closer to the window, her eyes never leaving the two young men on the other side of the courtyard. Pythagoras said something with a laugh and, even at this distance, Pasiphae could see Jason roll his eyes, although he also burst out laughing – and Pasiphae could just imagine the sound of his bright giggle. Her own smile widened. Jason said something in response to his friend and then they were off again, racing across the courtyard together towards the main door, trying to avoid getting any wetter.

Pasiphae watched until they ran out of sight, presuming that they had come indoors. At least she would have the opportunity to speak with her son now, although perhaps she ought to allow him to remove his wet outer garments first. Her mind began to circle back to the problems they were all facing once again after the brief but more pleasant interlude.

"My Lady," Dion's voice was deferential enough but lacked the obsequiousness of some of the higher ranking servants both at the Palace in Atlantis and here at Pagenia.

"What is it?" Pasiphae demanded, although she did not bother to turn away from the window.

"The King has requested a brief moment of your time," the big general stated calmly.

"Of course," Pasiphae answered. "You will take me to him."

Her conversation with Jason could wait, she decided. After all, neither of them was really going anywhere. There would be plenty of time to speak with him once she had finished her conversation with her husband – and, really, Minos would only have sent for her if the matter was important and could not wait. The fact that he had sent his general rather than a servant to find her spoke volumes to her mind. Turning away from the window, she followed Dion towards one of the rooms that had been set aside for the King to use as council chambers.

At another window on the same side of the building, in a sitting room a little further down from where the Queen had been watching and unknown to Pasiphae, Ariadne had also been looking out over the courtyard and had watched Jason and Pythagoras return from wherever they had been – although the sight gave her none of the pleasure she usually associated with seeing the young hero. No, seeing Jason right now was distinctly painful – especially when she thought of the conversation she must inevitably have with him. This was news that she did not want him to hear from anyone else after all. If nothing else, Ariadne felt she owed it to Jason to tell him herself. In her experience servants liked to gossip and it would not do for him to hear anything that way. Fighting back the tears that were still threatening to fall (had been threatening to fall ever since her father had spoken to her after supper last night), Ariadne drew deeply on her reserves and forced the mask of the untouchable and serene Princess back into place as she called for a servant.

Alexarchos answered the summons, delivered by one of the soldiers detailed to protect the Princess this morning, in remarkably quick time. The man might be overseer for the entire royal estate here in Pagenia but he clearly also regarded it as his duty to serve the royal family personally while they were here; to cater to their whims and needs.

"I wish to speak with Jason," Ariadne informed the man softly but firmly, leaving no doubt that her desire was actually an order. "Bring him to me."

As Alexarchos murmured his assent and hurried off, Ariadne turned back to the window. What exactly was she going to say? No matter what words she chose she knew that she would be breaking the heart of the person she loved most in the world – the man she had dreamed of spending her life with – just as hers had been broken by her conversation with her father.

All too soon Jason was there. He came towards her with a soft smile turning his mouth up at the corners and his love plainly written in his eyes. Ariadne found that she had to turn away to save herself from bursting into tears on the spot. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jason's smile falter slightly.

"Ariadne?" he said gently. "Is something the matter?"

Ariadne swallowed a sob, forcing herself to appear calm. She turned to look imperiously at the still hovering Alexarchos, channelling every bit of the cold aloofness she had learned from watching Pasiphae over the years into her expression.

"Leave us," she demanded.

"My Lady," Alexarchos began.

Ariadne did not bother to speak again. She simply raised one eyebrow as she had seen her stepmother do ever since she was a little girl, regarding the servant with a cold expression that brooked no disagreement. Much as she knew that her father had insisted that she and Jason were chaperoned at all times back when they were in the Palace in Atlantis (and was it really only a month or so ago?), she also knew that he was aware of her intention today and would not insist upon an outsider being present for this particular conversation – as much for Jason's sake as her own, she felt.

Alexarchos was as suitably cowed by her expression as the servants back in the Palace had been whenever Pasiphae had looked at them that way, and left with a bow and some murmured platitudes. For a brief moment Ariadne felt a little surge of triumph before the reality of her situation hit her again. From the corner of her eye she spotted Jason blink in surprise and realised that this was probably the first time he had seen her in her full role of Princess.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, taking a step towards her but not actually touching her – something that Ariadne was grateful for. This would be hard enough as it was. He joined her in looking out across the courtyard.

"So many lives have been lost since Anaxandros invaded," she answered sadly. "There has been so much death and destruction."

"I know," Jason replied. "But most of them died defending what they loved… their homes… their city. They fought because they believed in your father." He looked at Ariadne, his concern written on his face. "What is it?" he asked. "What's wrong?"

Ariadne choked back a sob.

"My father once told me that as heir to the throne the day might come when I had to sacrifice everything I held dearest. It's only now that I understand what he meant." Ariadne swallowed hard, still fighting back tears. She turned to face Jason. "We can never be together," she said.

Jason's frown deepened.

"Ariadne," he began. "What…"

"We can never be together," Ariadne repeated with more strength in her voice than she felt inside, "because I am to marry another."

Jason stared at her.

"You can't be serious," he said.

"My father is to make the agreement this morning," Ariadne answered. "I am told that my husband-to-be is a suitable match; that he is dutiful and worthy. He is also the son of King Agrias of Tanagra. King Agrias has agreed to lend us the full weight of his army if I marry his son."

"How can your father ask this of you?" Jason demanded, his expression darkening angrily.

"I have always known that my marriage must be about more than love," Ariadne replied. "I am Princess of Atlantis… daughter of the King… and my marriage must be for the benefit of the city. I have a duty to my people. A duty to Poseidon himself. Understand, please, that this is how it must be… and do not make this any harder than it has to be."

Jason reached towards her but allowed his hand to fall helplessly as Ariadne took a step back from him.

"You told me once that you loved me with all your heart," he murmured hoarsely. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that your feelings have changed and I'll never speak of it again."

Ariadne drew a shuddering breath. Tears ran down her cheeks but her head remained high.

"My feelings towards you have not changed in the slightest," she said, her voice low, "as I think you are well aware… but that does not alter the position that we are in. My feelings do not come into this at all. Were the choice mine alone I would not leave you for an instant… but I am not free. Neither one of us is truly free."

"We could be," Jason responded urgently, desperation colouring his tone. "You don't have to do this. We could leave together… leave today…"

"And go where?" Ariadne retorted. "With Anaxandros and his Amphigeneians hunting for us both, where could we ever go that was safe? My father would search to the ends of the earth to find us and nowhere would be safe. And if I left I would be abandoning my people… abandoning my father… I could never do that."

"Can't you see that what he's forcing you to do is just plain wrong?" Jason demanded.

"My father is not forcing me to do anything," Ariadne answered. "He came to me after supper last night and explained the price King Agrias was demanding for his help… and it is help that Atlantis desperately needs. Can you not see that everything we do must be for the good of the people? I have agreed to marry King Agrias' son of my own free will and accord."

"You've agreed to this?" Jason asked numbly.

"I have agreed," Ariadne confirmed. She drew another shuddering breath and looked straight into Jason's eyes, knowing that she was seeing his heart break in front of her. "Now more than ever everything I do must serve to protect Atlantis and its people."

She watched the light go out of Jason's eyes as though a door was closing, as he schooled his features into as impassive an expression as he could manage and shoved his feelings out of sight behind a hastily constructed defensive wall. How could he do that so quickly, she wondered. How could he hide his feelings so easily?

"Then we can be united in that… if nothing else," he answered, his voice remarkably steady – although Ariadne could still detect a note of underlying devastation in it.

He backed away from her slowly and turned to leave.

"Jason," Ariadne called after him, unable to keep her voice from breaking.

Jason paused and half turned his head, his back to her.

"I'm sorry," the Princess said.

Jason didn't reply, although Ariadne heard the shuddering breath he let out clearly. He paced away from her with his back straight and head held high, leaving the room as quickly as he could.

Ariadne turned back towards the window, unable to supress her sobs any longer.

"Ariadne?" Pasiphae's voice was soft, questioning.

Ariadne fought to control herself. The last person she wanted to see her falling apart was her stepmother. Pasiphae must have entered the room via the other door, at the opposite end of the room from the one Jason had used, Ariadne thought somewhat randomly. Otherwise she would surely have stopped to speak with her son.

"Your father tells me he has spoken with you about King Agrias' demands," the Queen went on, an unexpected note of pity in her tone. "He tells me that you have accepted your betrothal to King Agrias' son."

"I have," the girl answered shortly, her voice hitching.

"You have done what is best for Atlantis," Pasiphae replied softly. "And I can see how difficult this decision has been."

"I have spoken with Jason," Ariadne said through shuddering breaths. "I owed him the truth."

Pasiphae sighed softly to herself. If Ariadne had informed Jason of her impending betrothal (a little precipitately as far as the Queen was concerned), then there were potentially two broken hearts to deal with. If Agrias was to be stopped from achieving his desire and the engysis was to be broken, Pasiphae could not afford to be distracted by the emotions of her son and stepdaughter.

She looked at Ariadne and felt a surge of emotion that could best be described as pity. No one – not even Ariadne – truly deserved this. It was true that if Pasiphae's machinations had come to fruition all those months ago Ariadne would be married to Heptarian – a man she had clearly despised – with little thought for the girl's own feelings, and yet somehow the thought of marrying her to a complete stranger was worse.

You are becoming too soft, a cynical little voice in Pasiphae's head said sharply. What does it matter how Ariadne feels? It has never mattered before so why should it matter now?

Because I was once where she is now, another part of her responded. I remember all too well how lonely it was… and because if she gives in and marries Agrias' son everything I have worked for will be lost.

"I could not bear Jason to hear that I am to be betrothed from anyone else," Ariadne went on. "He deserves better than to hear the news from gossip."

She put her hand up over her mouth and hunched in on herself, trying to contain her sobs. Pasiphae's face softened even further and she opened her arms to the girl.

"Oh now come," she murmured, reaching out. "Come here."

Without even seeming to think about it Ariadne flew into her stepmother's arms, sobbing into the woman's shoulder with her arms around the Queen's back, as Pasiphae hugged her almost fiercely.

"You have done the right thing," Pasiphae murmured soothingly into her stepdaughter's hair. "I know how hard this has been for you but we had no choice. It will get better… it will."

Ariadne allowed herself to be held and consoled, unable for the moment to stop her tears from flowing or her devastation from showing.

"I promise you it will get better Ariadne," Pasiphae went on. "We will find a way out of this situation… but for now we had to lose a battle to win the war." She drew back slightly from the girl, holding her at arm's length. "I promise you that I will find a way to stop this marriage," she murmured. "You will not have to marry this boy if you do not wish to."

"Why would you help me?" Ariadne choked out.

Pasiphae sighed.

"Because I remember what it is to be a young princess forced into marriage with a man I had not even met," Pasiphae answered. "I told you once that I was not so very different from you when I was young and, whether you chose to believe it or not, it was the truth… and I will help you because I would see my son happy. The engysis must go ahead but you know better than anyone that it can be broken if it is the will of the Gods."

She looked significantly at Ariadne, remembering the girl's own manipulation of the situation to ensure she had not had to marry Heptarian – something which had been deeply galling to Pasiphae at the time.

Ariadne shook her head, still sobbing softly.

"To break a betrothal to the son of another king would bring dishonour on my father and endanger Atlantis," she said tearfully. "I will never do that – even if it means that I must give up that which I hold most dear. I have a duty which must be fulfilled and I will not shirk it no matter what the cost might be to me."

To Ariadne's surprise, Pasiphae pulled her in close again, one hand on the girl's back and the other stroking her thick black hair. In spite of Ariadne's brave words, she found herself crying into the woman's shoulder once again.

The irony of the fact that the last time she had hugged her stepdaughter had been when the girl had been forced to give up Jason just as she was being forced to now, was not lost on Pasiphae – although her own intentions and feelings in the matter had changed even if her underlying motivation had not. Then she had promoted an unwanted marriage (unwanted by Ariadne at least) in order to maintain her own grip on power; now she was actively trying to prevent one for the same reasons.

"I promise you that I will find a way to prevent this marriage," Pasiphae repeated, "without any harm coming to your father or Atlantis. I am not your enemy in this Ariadne… I am your ally. Atlantis is a great city and I would see it strong again, and not made a vassal state to Tanagra or left in the hands of the Amphigeneians. You are a dutiful daughter to your father and a faithful servant of Poseidon but this is a situation that will require strength and cunning rather than devotion to duty. For the sake of Atlantis, we must work together."

Ariadne drew back again, her tears slowing, and looked at her stepmother with suspicion. Past experience had taught her that Pasiphae was not to be trusted and yet recent events had forced her to re-evaluate some of her stepmother's actions and her own relationship with the woman. Whilst they would never be friends, were they still implacable enemies now that they had a mutual interest in common? Jason was important to them both it seemed. Much as it went against her instincts, the Princess had recently been forced to accept the fact that Pasiphae was all too human after all. Over the past few weeks she had seen the softer, maternal side of the woman appearing with increasing frequency as her relationship with her son and her love for him grew. Ariadne had also been forced into the uncomfortable realisation that perhaps she was not quite as blameless as she had always believed herself to be in the animosity that had grown up between herself and the Queen over the years. But could she trust Pasiphae now?

"What is it that you want of me?" She silently cursed the hitch in her own voice.

"I simply wish you to be the dutiful daughter that your father needs," Pasiphae answered smoothly. "I wish no more than for you to act as your conscience dictates. You are a Princess of Atlantis; a Goddess on Earth; you are the equal of anyone; superior to most. I would have you act with the grace and decorum you have always shown and to offer the same welcome to King Agrias' son that you would show to a visiting member of any royal family. That is all. I will seek a way to break this engysis if it is at all possible… you may be sure of that."


Jason slammed in through the doorway of his room and let the door bang shut behind him with a satisfying thud. How had a good day managed to turn so bad so quickly? Spending yesterday with Pythagoras having his knowledge tested and educational levels assessed had actually been far more pleasant than he had been anticipating. Pythagoras, it turned out, was a natural born teacher as well as a scholar. The mathematician was clearly fascinated to learn about the education his dark haired friend had received. Jason had got up this morning knowing that, although today the "testing" would continue in order to satisfy the Queen's expectations, he could at least expect his friend to make it as enjoyable as possible.

In fact Pythagoras had suggested that they should go out onto the sheltered slopes of the hill that rose up behind the royal estate, where the grape vines that the local wine was produced from clung. Clearly he was taking Jason's comment that he hadn't liked to be cooped up in a classroom as a child in school seriously. The sharp shower had caught them both off guard (although Jason supposed that it shouldn't have really, given how cloudy the day was) and they had ended up shoving bits of parchment back into the satchels they were carrying and running back to the house to try and stop from getting too wet, laughing and joking all the way.

The summons from Ariadne had come as a surprise, just as Jason was removing his wet cloak and hanging it up (mainly because he didn't think his mother would take too kindly to him leaving it in a damp heap on the floor). Pythagoras had tactfully suggested that he would be in his own room whenever Jason had finished with Ariadne and that he should come and find him there when he was ready. Jason snorted and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He was certainly finished with Ariadne but he was far from ready to see anyone else – even one of his two closest friends. No, he decided, it would be better to put off any conversation with anyone until he was a little more in control of himself.

Somehow he didn't fancy staying here though. There was a little too much chance of someone (his mother being the prime suspect given that she seemed to believe that she had the right to enter his chambers whenever she felt like it) walking in on him before he was ready to see anyone for a start. Actually a large part of Jason was longing to find a bolt hole where he could lick his wounds in peace and quiet – preferably as far away from Pagenia and Ariadne as possible. His feelings were a tangled mess of pain, anger and sorrow, and he hadn't even begun to sort them out; needed time to get his head straight in the wake of Ariadne's decision. The only thing that kept him from shoving a few bits into a bag and taking off was the thought that actually his friends and his mother (and, he was beginning to suspect, the King) would be worried. Still he needed to go somewhere – to get out and away even if it was only for a few hours.

The training grounds that had been set up for the troops alongside the military camp beyond the town walls would be perfect, Jason decided. There he would be able to happily batter one of the training dummies into the ground to his heart's content until he was a little calmer at least.

Without really thinking about it he grabbed his breastplate from where he had left it and threw it on over his head, tying the sides with practiced ease. Grabbing his sword and a couple of throwing knives, he paused to consider what else he might want to take with him. It would be good to get some target practice in with a bow, he decided. As he didn't have one to hand immediately there would hopefully be someone at the practice grounds he could borrow one off – and if not it wouldn't be the end of the world. Should he take food? Because he really couldn't see himself wanting to come back for lunch. The thought of eating made his stomach lurch though. Jason shuddered. He really couldn't see himself being hungry anytime soon to be honest.

At the door he paused and grabbed his cloak. He wouldn't wear it to practice fighting in – wouldn't want his arms bound up by it – but the weather was more than a little unpredictable and the walk to his destination would take the best part of half an hour by his estimate.

Slamming the door to his room provided a certain amount of satisfaction – even if it was a little childish, Jason decided. He turned and hurried off down the corridor towards one of the exits (a less used servant's entrance that he had discovered on his third day here that allowed him to come and go from the house in relative obscurity), walking as quickly as he dared without drawing attention to himself by breaking into an outright run.

Near the door to the chamber where Minos had set himself up to work, Jason paused. Nisos was guarding the King today it seemed. That was perfect. Jason jogged over to him.

"Hi," he said swiftly. "I'm just heading on out to the training grounds and I thought I'd better let someone know where I've gone – just in case anyone's looking for me, you know? If anyone asks could you let them know where I am?"

Nisos grinned at him.

"Of course," he replied. He looked around conspiratorially. "I wish I could join you. Guard duty isn't one of my favourite activities to be honest," he confessed.

"Thanks," Jason answered shortly, not wanting to prolong the conversation any further.

He turned and trotted off down the corridor again, completely missing the startled look that Nisos threw in his direction at his sharp tone.

The air was brisk as Jason made his way towards the training grounds and the weather remained fine, although the grey clouds overhead promised the possibility of more showers later on. Still, it was still better than the storms that had been lashing the coast on some days, Jason thought reflectively as he skirted the edge of the town, using the less trodden paths on the lower part of the slopes surrounding the settlement. There was a quicker route to his destination but that would mean going through the centre of town itself and for now Jason wanted to avoid seeing as many people as possible; had a feeling that in his present mood he wouldn't be able to keep his fragile grip on his temper if anyone annoyed him.

As he walked along the conversation he had had with Ariadne circled round and round in his head, the hurt bubbling up inside him.

You knew it was an impossible dream, an unhelpful part of his mind supplied. You knew she was out of your league. This isn't a fairy tale after all.

No, another part of his mind responded bitterly. More like a bloody nightmare.

He clung to his anger like an anchor. Far better to be angry at the world than to allow the devastation he was feeling drive him to his knees. In his head Jason began to list all the people and things he was angry at, stoking the flames as much as possible. Yes, far better to be angry and take it out on a harmless dummy at the training grounds than anything else. At least this way, by the time he had finished the first stabs of pain would hopefully have numbed. Numbness would be a distinct improvement on how he was feeling right now.

The training grounds appeared before him and beyond them the camp of the rapidly assembling Atlantian troops. Jason paused for a moment to look and reflect. It was remarkable really how quickly and efficiently everything was falling into place, as though Poseidon himself was guiding everyone to a successful conclusion. Jason snorted to himself. The existence and power of the Gods was still something he struggled with even after all these months – somehow he just couldn't bring himself to have the blind faith that most of the populous had. There were definitely days when he acknowledged the fact that perhaps the Gods did exist in some form or another but at the same time he still couldn't quite accept the idea that they were all powerful or that he should simply acquiesce to the fate they seemed to have decided for him.

And what fate did the Gods have in store for him? In the past few weeks he had begun to hope that it would involve marriage to the girl he loved, particularly after her declaration in the Palace garden a few days before the city had fallen, but Ariadne had squashed that hope (Don't think about that. Don't think about Ariadne. Really don't go there). Jason felt his emotions begin to bubble up again and shoved them back down inside as hard as he could.

In front of him was a row of training dummies (really no more than a series of wooden posts with hay stuffed sacks hanging from them). Swallowing hard against the lump that didn't seem to want to leave his throat (a hard knot that seemed to extend down into his chest), Jason unclasped his cloak from around his neck and dropped it in a heap on the edge of the area. Stepping forwards, he forced himself to focus on what was in front of him, sword coming almost unbidden into his hand. The hilt felt natural against his palm; the grip moulded to the shape of his hand through months of use. Shoving all other thoughts away, Jason stepped up to the target and slashed at it with his blade, quickly losing himself as he began to train.


Pythagoras frowned. Where on earth had Jason got to? When he had gone to answer Ariadne's summons, neither of them had anticipated it taking much more than a few minutes. Pythagoras had settled down in his own chambers (shared of course with Hercules) to wait for his friend and had started to work on his mathematics while he had waited. The young mathematician wasn't entirely sure how much time had passed since then because he had once again lost himself in his studies and lost track of time but it must be – he consulted the water clock in the corner – yes, at least two hours had passed since Jason had gone to see his beloved Ariadne.

Pythagoras rolled his eyes and shook his head ruefully. Do doubt Jason was off somewhere spending every moment he could with the beauteous Princess. Pythagoras couldn't really find it in himself to begrudge his friend a few moments of happiness. After all Jason and Ariadne got precious little time together so it made sense that they would want to make the most of the time they did manage to get.

Still, Pythagoras knew he would have to go and find Jason and drag him away. Pasiphae was expecting to hear his assessments of Jason's level of education and the Queen would neither be amused nor put off by any prevarication on either her son's or Pythagoras' part. With that thought in mind the young genius stood up and started to make his way towards the door. As he drew near, the door opened. Pythagoras smiled, thinking that Jason was finally coming back to start their study session, only to frown slightly when he realised that it was Hercules coming in.

"Have you seen Jason?" he demanded.

Hercules raised an eyebrow.

"No 'Hello Hercules. It's good to see you?'" he groused lightly. "I should have expected as much."

"Hercules," Pythagoras replied with some irritation. "Have you seen Jason?"

"I thought you were supposed to be educating him?" Hercules answered with a frown. "Don't tell me he's managed to give you the slip already!"

"We were supposed to be studying this morning, yes," Pythagoras said. "But Jason was summoned to a meeting with Princess Ariadne and I have not seen him since… and that was some time ago."

Hercules frowned.

"I just saw the Princess heading off to the Temple," he said. "Jason definitely wasn't with her."

"He must have gone back to his chambers then," Pythagoras remarked. "I thought we had agreed that we would meet here once he was finished with the Princess but perhaps I was mistaken."

Hercules' frown deepened.

"You don't normally make mistakes like that," he pointed out. "I know you can be a bit absent minded at times but you're always careful about keeping to agreements that you've made with friends."

"I certainly try," Pythagoras admitted. "Perhaps on this occasion there has been a miscommunication though. I will go and fetch him."

Jason's chambers were a little further on down the corridor and around the corner from his friends. Minos had requested that they be close to one another and Alexarchos had been most apologetic that this was the nearest he could place them. Since the party had arrived with no warning and the overseer had been put to unexpected trouble seeing to their needs, neither Jason nor either one of his friends had seen fit to complain.

At the door Pythagoras stopped and tapped, noting almost absently that Hercules was on his shoulder. He tapped the door softly. There was no response. Pythagoras frowned and rapped a little more firmly. When no reply came that time he stuck his head around the door. Pulling back, he looked at Hercules with a deep frown.

"Jason is not there," he said.

"Well maybe he's gone for a walk or something," Hercules answered. "You know what he gets like when he wanders off to think."

"A walk?" Pythagoras asked incredulously. "When we had arranged that he would come and find me once he was finished with Ariadne? Hercules, even Jason isn't that absent minded. He knows better than I do what the Queen's expectations are and that she is most anxious that we should begin. I cannot see that he would so openly defy her on such a relatively unimportant matter… especially as this is something he has agreed to and actually seemed to be enjoying both yesterday and first thing this morning."

"Well what other explanation is there?" Hercules demanded.

"I do not know," Pythagoras admitted. "I can only think that perhaps something has happened and that Jason has been unexpectedly detained. In any case I think we should try to find out where he is before the Queen learns he is not where he is supposed to be."

Hercules grunted his assent, mildly annoyed that the foray into the town in search of the nearest pie shop that he had planned in his head (and which he had returned to his and Pythagoras' room to fetch his cloak for) would have to be postponed until later.

As they moved back through the corridors, peering into the open doorways of any public rooms (not bedrooms of course – neither of them relished the idea of having to explain to the King what they were doing if they got caught looking into one of the ladies bedrooms after all) to see if they could spot their absent friend, Alexarchos came hurrying in the opposite direction, barking orders at the young serving girl at his side who was almost having to run to keep up with him. Before he reached them, the overseer sent the girl scurrying off with one curt wave of his hand.

Pythagoras exchanged a brief look with Hercules and stepped forwards to intercept the man. Alexarchos frowned deeply at the interruption. He really didn't have time for this but equally did not want to offend guests of the King – no matter how lowly they might seem to his eyes. He really wasn't sure how he should treat this pair, in actual fact. They looked to be no more than peasants and yet he had been instructed to find room for them in the guest quarters; had been told that they were companions to Jason – a young man who he had been informed was of noble birth and had now learned was related in some way to the King and Queen. That meant that at the very least he needed to be polite to the pair.

"May I help you?" he enquired.

"I wondered if perhaps you had seen Jason recently?" Pythagoras asked.

"Not since I conveyed him to meet with the Princess Ariadne this morning," Alexarchos said shortly. "You must forgive me but my time is short and I have much yet to arrange for tonight's feast."

"Another feast?" Hercules rumbled, his mind automatically drawn to the thought of food and the dishes that might grace the table at a royal feast.

"A supper to celebrate the union of the royal houses of Atlantis and Tanagra," Alexarchos confirmed absently, eyes skimming over the parchment that he was holding. "It is, of course, a great honour for Pagenia that the Princess' betrothal should take place here," he added reflectively, "but it would have been better if we had been given a little more time to prepare."

Pythagoras blinked at him in surprise.

"Betrothal?" he enquired with confusion.

"Between the Princess Ariadne and the younger son of King Agrias of Tanagra," Alexarchos answered. "Now if there is nothing further you must excuse me. I have much to do."

As the overseer hurried off Pythagoras turned to Hercules, his blue eyes wide and worried.

"That must be why Ariadne wanted to see Jason so urgently," he said. "Hercules we must find him."

"He'll be devastated," Hercules agreed.

"Indeed," Pythagoras murmured. "I do not know where Jason would go," he admitted. "If we were at home I could make an educated guess, but here…"

"He could be anywhere," Hercules finished. "And with his history of running off on his own when he's upset…"

Pythagoras sighed and nodded his head slowly. Then he straightened his shoulders.

"Come on," he said much more decisively. "We have had to try to find Jason in far worse circumstances than these and at a time when I was truly afraid for him and of what he might do. For all I know he will be upset now I am not really afraid."

He started to walk down the corridor again, continuing to peer into the main family rooms as he passed. Hercules hurried to catch him up.

"Where are you going?" he demanded. "You said that you didn't know where Jason would go."

"Yes," Pythagoras agreed, "but we must start somewhere and we should at least check that he is not in the house."

As they rounded another corner they saw Nisos ahead of them, guarding to door to a chamber. Obviously the King was inside, Pythagoras thought. The young soldier spotted them coming and smiled. Their journey from Dodona to Pagenia had induced a camaraderie between the three men.

"It is good to see you my friends," Nisos said. "We have all been busy over the last few days."

"Indeed," Pythagoras answered. He hesitated. "We are looking for Jason," he admitted. "I do not suppose you have seen him." He did not hold out too much hope – Jason was generally just a little too good at avoiding people when he wanted to be alone.

"Actually I have," Nisos replied.

Hercules and Pythagoras exchanged a surprised look.

"When? Where?" the burly wrestler demanded urgently.

Nisos frowned at their reactions.

"Right here," he answered. "It was at least a couple of hours ago though… before the other kings came to join His Majesty in the council chamber." He jerked his thumb back over his shoulder to point to the room behind him. "Is Jason alright?" he added a little more suspiciously.

"Why do you ask?" Pythagoras hedged. In all honesty he wasn't entirely sure whether his friend was alright or not – which was why he wanted to find him.

"He seemed a little off," Nisos answered. "A little curt. So I ask again, is Jason alright?"

"Perhaps his thoughts were elsewhere," Pythagoras said evasively. "We are trying to find him because he is late for something… and as it is something that was arranged by the Queen…"

"I understand," Nisos replied. "The Queen is fearsome indeed when she is roused. I would not wish to get on her bad side."

"Quite," Pythagoras said. "You can see then why we are searching for him before Her Majesty realises he is not where he is supposed to be."

Nisos grinned.

"Well that's something I can help you with," he said. "Jason saw me before he went out and asked me to tell anyone that asked that he was going to the training grounds. He seemed to want to make sure that there was someone who knew where he was."

Internally, Hercules heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed as if it had finally managed to get through Jason's thick skull that his friends (and family) would worry less if he actually let someone know where he was going rather than simply running off on his own.

"Thank you. We will catch up with him there then." Hercules couldn't miss the note of relief in Pythagoras' voice as he thanked the young soldier.

"No problem," Nisos replied. "I might head over there myself as soon as my duty is finished."

Having bid farewell to the helpful young soldier, the two friends swiftly made their way outside. Hercules turned to Pythagoras.

"Training grounds?" he asked.

"Training grounds," confirmed Pythagoras firmly.

No further discussion was necessary as they set off, taking the shorter (and therefore quicker) path through the town itself.

Pagenia was certainly no Atlantis, Pythagoras reflected as they walked briskly towards their destination. Far from the large and bustling city he was used to, with its dusty and noisy streets, this was a sleepy little backwater, the playground for retired courtiers who wished to escape the pace of life in Atlantis itself. The recent influx of soldiers had massively increased the population and most of the townsfolk still bore a startled look at the sudden incursion into their quiet lives, although the market traders were rapidly becoming extremely wealthy.

"Pythagoras."

The young mathematician swore under his breath. He begrudged any delay in his mission to find his younger friend but his good manners would not allow him to walk on without at least acknowledging the fact that he was being hailed. Alongside him he heard Hercules cursing more audibly and knew his older friend felt much the same way about the interruption.

They waited for Dion to catch up with them with barely restrained impatience. The burly general walked with the straight back and measured pace that would have instantly marked him out as a career soldier even if he had not been wearing his armour and Atlantian blue cloak.

"The King has decided to end the day's negotiations early," he rumbled as he joined them. "He has decided to take a light lunch and work alone this afternoon. As my presence will not be required I had thought to visit the camps and check on the needs of the army; to consult with the officers. There is much to be done before we are prepared to retake Atlantis. As you seem to be heading in the same direction I would appreciate the company."

"We were going to the training grounds," Hercules answered shortly, his tone almost bordering on rude and leaving no doubt that he did not appreciate the delay.

"But we would be happy to walk with you until our paths diverge," Pythagoras added with a sharp look at his friend.

"I will go with you that far," Dion decided. "I must check on the supplies at the training grounds too."

"Excellent," Hercules muttered, clearly not best pleased. It wasn't that he disliked Dion in any way – the general had proved to be a good ally in the few weeks they had known him – but the burly wrestler wasn't entirely sure what mood they would find Jason in when they did eventually meet up with him and felt that it would probably be dealt with best just between the three of them without any outsiders.

The sight that greeted them at the training grounds made Hercules wince. Clearly Jason had already worked himself up into a state. His friend was attacking one of the training dummies with almost frightening ferocity, breathing hard and with his dark curls drenched with sweat – visible signs of the effort he was putting in and the energy he was expending. Viewed dispassionately, the burly wrestler would have to admit that the young man was very, very good; moving with stunning speed and remarkable grace; every movement precise and every sword cut or thrust perfectly aimed. The friend in Hercules, however, couldn't help but worry at the turmoil he could see bubbling below the surface and written in Jason's every movement.

"How long has he been here?" Hercules heard Dion murmur, and turned to see the big general talking to the soldier who had been appointed to oversee the training grounds.

"For the last couple of hours," the soldier, a grizzled old veteran, replied promptly.

"And he has kept up that pace for the whole time?" Dion was frowning deeply.

"Yes Sir," the soldier responded. He hesitated for a moment. "That's his fourth dummy," he admitted. "He's already broken three."

Hercules winced again.

"Jason." Pythagoras had drawn up near his friend – although he had made sure to place himself within his friend's sight and just beyond the reach of his swinging sword.

Jason ignored him.

"Jason," Pythagoras said again. "Talk to me. Please."

Jason paused. The sack of hay hanging from the stake before him had nearly been obliterated and the stake itself listed at a crazy angle. He lowered his sword and turned to his friend, shoulders heaving with exertion and ran his free hand through his hair to stop the sweat from dripping into his eyes.

"About what?" he asked quietly. "There's nothing to say. The decision has been made… and it's nothing to do with me now."

"Jason," Pythagoras began again.

"Leave me alone Pythagoras," Jason said in the same soft voice. "I'm busy."

It would almost have been better if he'd been shouting, Hercules decided; raging against the injustice of the world. As it was, that quiet, almost numb tone reminded the burly wrestler uncomfortably of the way Jason had been in the few days after he had been attacked by Alektryon whenever anyone had brought the subject up – and they all knew where that had led. The thought that his young friend might be trying to separate himself from his feelings once again – might be trying to retreat into a sort of cocoon to protect himself from everything – worried Hercules a great deal. Whilst he didn't really think that Jason was anywhere near as close to the edge or as emotionally fragile as he had been back then, it was still something that Hercules felt should be avoided if possible.

Jason turned away from Pythagoras and raised his sword again, bringing it down toward the target in a widely arcing slash. At the last moment it was turned aside with a resounding clash as metal met metal. Jason looked up, startled.

At one side of the training dummy Dion stared back at him, his stern face expressionless and his drawn sword held loosely in his hand.

"Perhaps if you do not wish to talk you would prefer to spar?" the big general said. "I would… enjoy the practice."

At Jason's curt nod Dion turned away and unclasped his cloak, handing it to the wide-eyed Pythagoras. In the background Hercules glowered slightly. Although he understood what Dion was about to do (and largely agreed with it) he would still have preferred it if the general hadn't been here; if it could have been handled between the three of them alone without anyone from outside seeing.

Dion turned back and raised his sword in salute to his opponent. Jason copied him, eyes intently on the soldier.

The fight was short, sharp and brutal – and perhaps far more evenly matched than anyone would have expected. Jason had youth, speed and agility on his side but he was also tired from the last couple of hours of hard practicing. Dion, on the other hand, might not have been as quick or as agile but he had a wealth of experience on his side that his younger sparring partner did not possess. Neither one of them went easy upon the other in any way.

Dion couldn't help the smile that came to his face as Jason danced away from a slashing cut. As general it was not often that he got the chance to engage in this sort of sparring session, although he kept himself in practice with the training dummies at whichever garrison he was based at. To face an opponent across the training ground had become a luxury and was something that still set his blood pumping.

It helped that the young man was a talented opponent as well. As they sparred though, Dion began to detect the flaws in Jason's technique; the fundamental errors that could make the difference between winning and losing in a fight. He stepped back as the lad lunged at him, flicking the sword thrust away with the edge of his blade and considered the matter thoughtfully.

"Not bad," he grunted, "but not quite good enough."

He was rewarded by seeing anger flare briefly in Jason's hazel eyes – just as he had expected. The young man surged forwards again, his emotions briefly getting the better of him. Dion fainted to the left and then sidestepped, swatting his young opponent across the back of the trousers with the flat of his blade; a move that he remembered from his own days as a young soldier would sting briefly but cause no injury – being almost more like a hard smack than anything. Jason growled, span around faster that Dion would have thought possible and lunged again

The big general was forced back a few steps, defending hard. He knew that neither one of them was truly trying to wound the other but it had to be said that this was by far the hardest training fight he had been in for years. Finally though he saw the opportunity he was looking for. As Jason came forwards, Dion sidestepped once more and, thrusting out his foot, swept the young man's feet out from under him, bringing the point of his sword to rest against the hollow of the lad's throat as he lay on his back on the ground, the air momentarily knocked out of him.

"And in a real fight you would be dead now," he said softly, reaching down with his free hand to pull Jason to his feet. He looked appraisingly at the lad. "You are good. You are very good… but you could be even better."

Jason snorted.

"How?" he asked, all his frazzled emotions roiling just beneath the surface.

"Two things," Dion answered, ramming his sword back into its sheath. "Firstly you allowed your emotions to rule you. You fight with passion and that's a good thing, but you need to learn to fight with your head as well as your heart. You lost just then because you stopped thinking and started listening to your own anger and frustration." He looked away for a moment, eyes lost in thought. "Most warriors fight with either their head or their heart. If you can fight with both… then you will be great."

"You said there were two things," Jason said.

"Yes," Dion replied with a smile. "Don't ever agree to spar with someone when you've been training so hard that you have utterly exhausted yourself. In fact, do not train that hard in the first place. You are faster and more agile than I am. If you had been less tired at the start you could have beaten me easily."

He looked at Jason sideways, noting the way the young man's chest still heaved with exertion, and smiled as he saw Jason nod his acceptance of Dion's assessment.

Hercules and Pythagoras, having moved to the edge of the small arena while Jason and Dion were sparring, re-joined them now.

"Are you alright?" Pythagoras asked.

"I'm fine," Jason answered.

"You need food," Hercules interjected. "We all do. It's past time for the midday meal."

"No," Jason said flatly.

"Come on," Hercules entreated proffering an apple that he seemed to have conjured up from somewhere. "You must be hungry. It's a long time since breakfast."

"No thanks," Jason replied. "I'm not hungry."

He went to move away but was stopped by a firm hand resting flat against the centre of his chest. Dion held him there but did not look directly at him.

"A good warrior learns to look after all his weapons," the burly general rumbled. "I would not prevent my horse from eating nor would I allow my sword to stay blunt and tarnished. Likewise, I would not starve my body of food or rest." He looked at his younger companion out of the corner of his eyes.

Jason flushed slightly; the only outward sign that he had understood what Dion was saying to him. For a long moment they stood there until Jason took the apple Hercules was still offering with an embarrassed half-smile and a nod of thanks and took a small bite.

"I must go to inspect the camp," Dion said. He looked at Jason. "I would very much like the chance to spar again at a time when we are both on better form if you would be willing."

"Of course," Jason answered.

"Very well," Dion said. "No doubt we will see each other soon."

As soon as Dion had gone, Jason found himself at the receiving end of a scrutinising look from both his friends. He sighed and made his way over to where he had left his cloak, knowing that now he was no longer expending so much energy he would cool down quickly.

"We'd better be getting back I suppose," he said, throwing the cloak around his shoulders and fastening the clasp.

"Jason," Pythagoras began.

"Not here," Jason said, flicking a glance at the soldier who maintained the training grounds and who had been watching proceedings with some interest.

Hercules followed his glance, his own eyes narrowing, and grunted his assent. As soon as they were on their way back though, taking the longer path that skirted the town so that they had less chance of meeting anyone and more chance to talk privately, he grabbed his dark haired friend by the shoulder and forced him to stop.

"Alright," he growled. "We're on our own here. Now talk."

"I guess you heard the news," Jason said without any preamble.

"Yes," Pythagoras answered. "I am presuming that that is what Ariadne wished to speak to you about."

"Mmm," Jason agreed. He huffed. "She made absolutely certain that I knew she was to marry the son of King Agrias and that there could be no future for us." He looked away from his friends quickly.

Pythagoras looked at him sympathetically.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Honestly?" Jason replied. "I don't know. I'm hurt and I'm angry… and right now it feels like someone's ripped my heart out of my chest and is stamping all over it… but I'll survive. I always do."

"Perhaps it is better to learn this now than to go on hoping indefinitely," Pythagoras ventured softly. "At least this way you can move on… get on with your life."

"Perhaps," Jason acknowledged. "The only problem is that I don't really want to move on and get on with my life. I mean I always knew that Ariadne was beyond me really. That there wasn't much chance… but that's never changed anything."

Hercules sniffed.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again… just say the word and we'll leave whenever you want. There's lots of places we could go. Pathmos is supposed to have beautiful women and he's always wanted to see Athens," he nodded at Pythagoras.

Jason attempted a smile.

"Thanks but no," he said. "I don't think my mother would be happy if we just left. Besides, I can't leave while Atlantis is still in danger… in enemy hands. We still have friends there. I couldn't abandon them… couldn't abandon the city like that. Maybe once Atlantis is safe and the Amphigeneians are gone it might be time to think of moving on then."

"You won't be able to win Ariadne's hand that way," Hercules groused. "Once Minos makes the engysis that is that."

"I'm not doing it for Ariadne," Jason answered. "She's made it perfectly clear that we will never be together… and that she has agreed to this betrothal freely. I'm doing it for Atlantis and the people."

"As long as you are living in the same house as the King you will have to see Ariadne and the man she is to marry every day," Pythagoras pointed out.

"You think I don't know that?" Jason flared briefly. "Guys I know what this is going to entail and I can handle it."

"Really?" Pythagoras asked. "Because it will not be like Ariadne's betrothal to Heptarian. There will be no contest that you can fight in to try to win her back."

"I know," Jason answered.

"And you believe that you will be able to stand aside and watch her being courted by another? Marrying another?"

"I have to," Jason said. "I have no choice." He looked at the path ahead of them. "Come on," he said. "We'd better be getting back." He looked back at Pythagoras. "I'm sorry I ran out on you this morning."

"It is alright my friend," Pythagoras replied. "I understood as soon as I learned of the Princess' betrothal."

"We're supposed to be looking at geography next aren't we?" Jason asked as they set off again.

"Yes," Pythagoras answered. "But I think that can wait for now. I am sure that under the circumstances the Queen will have other things on her mind and that we can afford to postpone until tomorrow."

"No," Jason said sharply, catching hold of Pythagoras' arm. "Once we're back I want to get on with it."

Pythagoras sighed.

"Jason I am not sure that is such a good idea," he murmured. "I hardly think your mind will be on the subject matter. I cannot help thinking that any tests I might administer will not reflect a true depiction of your current knowledge and abilities if your thoughts are focussed elsewhere."

"Please," Jason answered quietly. "I need something else to think about. If not, I'm likely to get stuck in my own stupid head again… and we all know that's not a very good idea."

Pythagoras sighed.

"Very well," he acquiesced. "If, however, I feel that carrying on today will be to your disadvantage I still reserve the right to call a halt to proceedings."

"You can talk about this after we've eaten," Hercules growled. "I for one need to eat something."

"And who are we to get in between Hercules and his meal?" Jason responded with another attempt at a smile. "The world might come to an end if you didn't get to eat on time."

Hercules smacked his friend lightly on the shoulder.

"Don't be so cheeky," he said.

Jason looked at his sideways.

"Thanks guys," he murmured, not bothering to explain what he was thanking his friends for; knowing that they would understand his meaning anyway.

"You're welcome," Hercules answered solemnly. "Come on let's go."