Ch.7
"So why are we here again?" Perseus shouted.
He was shielding his face from the snow that was blowing in his face.
"We have to avoid the patrols of soldiers on the main road," Artemis said, seemingly not bothered by the snow.
Perseus cringed as some snow found it's way under his mantle. "Is via the northeast of Anatolia through the mountains during the winter really the only way?"
"Yes, now stop wasting your energy talking, you need it for walking. If I can do it so can you."
Perseus sighed. That was easy said for her: she was almost floating over the snow like she weighed nothing. The wind also seemed to curve around her. The Hunters and he were not so lucky: they trudged through the snow slowly while the wind blew mercilessly in their faces.
"I am going to do some scouting. Keep your guard up," Artemis said. She disappeared in a silver blur.
After they had left Calchedon it had been like this. Not always the snow, but not going via the main, nice road: instead going through forests and over the hills of Anatolia. Perseus didn't really mind it at first. The pleasant warmth of autumn combined with the spectacular landscape were certainly not bad. That changed when the temperature started dropping and they started nearing the mountains. First they were pounded by massive amounts of rain and as they got higher up that turned into snow.
Perseus was happy that he had brought a mantle made of pelts with him. The Hunters had their own, in silver of course and Perseus doubted that they would have given him one. Despite his mantle it was still very cold. It was a new experience for Perseus: in Hellas it had never gotten this cold that you couldn't feel your feet anymore.
Perseus held tightly onto his hairpin while he trudged further through the snow. Traveling off the main road had also brought another unpleasant surprise. They were constantly assaulted by monsters who lived in the vast lands of Anatolia where humans had not yet dared to come. Perseus swore that all the monsters came out of their hiding just to attack them.
At first Perseus cheered himself up with the thought that all this walking and fighting were good for his skills and stamina. But after being constantly attacked by a large group of monsters for seven days straight one time he too wanted a rest.
"Perseus!"
Perseus looked around him to see who had called him. He soon saw Zoe pointing forwards. Perseus looked in front of him to see what Zoe was pointing at. When he saw what it was he cursed under his breath. A narrow ravine stretched out in front of them: they would have to cross through it.
"The perfect spot for an ambush," Perseus murmered.
He tried to look for a way around but couldn't find due to the snow blocking his visibility of the surrounding area.
Perseus turned to Zoe. "There's no way around, we have to go through it!"
Zoe bit her lip slowly in thought and then nodded. "Hunters, keep your guard up! Watch out for an ambush!"
Perseus went up front of the group. He looked up, the snow blowing in his face furiously, when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He immediately grabbed his bow and aimed an arrow at the direction where he had seen the movement. There was nothing there though. Perseus slowly lowered his bow slowly. He sighed and shrugged it off as an animal. He put his bow on his back again and turned forwards again to continue walking when he heard something whizzing through the air. He automatically stepped back as a massive stone fell in front of him blocking the path.
It took Perseus's brain only microseconds to process what was going on. "Ambush!"
The Hunters looked at him and then up. Rocks suddenly started raining down from above.
"Keep your mantles up as shield!" Zoe shouted. "Grab your bows and prepare to fire back!"
The Hunters obeyed and put their mantles up. The rocks ricocheted off of it landing on harmlessly on the ground. Perseus joined their little formation also holding up his mantle as a shield. Suddenly the rocks stopped coming. Perseus lowered his mantle to see what was going on.
The ambushers were, as Perseus had expected, monsters. They had stopped throwing rocks and had started to jump down. Perseus could see a wide variety of monsters.
"Ready your bows!" Zoe shouted.
The Hunters all grabbed their bows, Perseus too.
"Fire!"
Everyone released their arrows. Multiple monsters were taken down and went up in a explosion of golden dust. Other monsters took their place as they now neared the Hunters and Perseus.
"Fire at will! Get ready for close combat!" Zoe shouted.
Arrows started raining on the monsters in quick succesion. As the monsters neared in melee range the Hunters put their bows away and grabbed their hunting knives. Perseus followed their example and also put his bow on his back. He grabbed Riptide and turned the hairpin into a sword while he ran at an approaching Cyclops who was swinging his club wildly around. Perseus ducked under the strike of the Cyclops and put Riptide through the Cyclops's neck from behind. He pulled it out just in time to block a strike from another Cyclops, who was wielding a greatsword.
Perseus pushed the greatsword back and kicked the Cyclops in the stomach while the monster didn't have his guard up. The Cyclops stumbled back giving Perseus the chance to stab him through the liver. Perseus quickly ducked as a Hellhound flew over him who had tried to bite his throat out. The Hellhound landed clumsily on the ground not expecting to miss Perseus; Perseus grabbed the knife that Artemis had gifted him and threw it at the Hellhound. The knife embedded itself in the throat of the Hellhound making the creature explode into dust.
A Laistrygonian Giant spotted Perseus without weapons and started walking over towards Perseus grinning in anticipation of his kill. Perseus quickly went over his knowledge of Laistygonian Giants. They were big, about eight feet (about 2.5 meters) and incredibly strong. They were good in combat and often wielded iron clubs, such as this one. They were not particularly smart, but at least smarter than your average Cyclops. They also ate human flesh. Perseus shuddered: he didn't want to end up in a disgusting human stew.
He looked around him for a weapon but the Laistrygonian Giant was already in front of him swinging his club in a downwards arc towards Perseus. Perseus jumped out of the way. The Laistrygonian Giant had expected this and swung his club immediately towards Perseus. He couldn't dodge so he blocked it with his arm guard. Perseus felt his arm numb from the massive force of the blow behind it. Perseus ignored the pain though and hit the Giant's arm with his elbow. Perseus felt the bone cracking. The Giant yelped in surprise and dropped his iron club.
Perseus jumped back as the Giant swung his other arm in a fit of rage. The Giant was really pissed. He screamed madly and then charged Perseus recklessly. Perseus finally saw his opening. He also charged the Giant. The Giant tried to hit Perseus with a blow of his massive fist but Perseus slid last minute under it and through the legs of the Giant. Perseus held his hand out to his hunting knife. It glowed silver and then flew back to Perseus. Perseus caught it in an ice pick grip and quickly turned around. He sliced the heel of the Giant forcing the Giant into a sitting position while he grabbed his heel. Perseus jumped up on the back of the Laistrygonian Giant and slit his throat. Perseus jumped back as the Laistrygonian collapsed, blood pouring out of the wound on his neck.
"I'm going to have to thank Artemis again for this knife," Perseus said in himself catching his breath.
He then ran over to the body of the Cyclops he had killed earlier and pulled his sword out of the Cyclops's body, finally ending the monster's suffering and turning it into golden dust.
Perseus looked around him and saw that a Hunter was in trouble: she was fighting three Cyclopses on her own. Perseus ran to her. He saw her expertly taking out two using her hunting knives. The third one swung his sword towards her: she put her mantle as shield in front of her. It stopped the blow but she was knocked on the ground by the force behind the blow. The Cyclops grinned and let his sword come down on her.
Just in time Perseus put Riptide between the Hunter's head and the sword of the Cyclops. This gave the Hunter the chance to grab a spare knife and ram it into the Cyclops's leg. It screamed out in pain and retracted his sword. Perseus chopped the head of the Cyclops with one fell swoop.
"Come," Perseus said extending his hand to the Hunter.
She grabbed it and Perseus pulled her up. He then assessed the surrounding situation: all the Hunters had taken out a lot of monsters but there were still so many left. They would not survive this much longer. Something needed to happen. A miracle.
A massive explosion was suddenly heard over the battlefield. Everyone stopped fighting for a minute and looked up. Even the wind and snow had died down. Then another explosion was heard and the stone that had blocked the ravine suddenly burst into a thousand pieces. Behind it stood Artemis and a whole lot of female warriors.
Arrows started raining on the monsters from above: on the top sides of the ravine more female warriors armed with bows appeared. Everyone recovered from their shock and started fighting again. The monsters had no chance; they were mowed down by the arrows and sliced up by swords and daggers. Soon only a big pile of monster dust remained.
Perseus flicked his Riptide back into a harmless hairpin.
He walked over to Artemis. 'Nice of you to turn up, although you were a bit late."
"It was because I ran into them," Artemis said pointing to all the female warriors.
"And who are they?" Perseus asked.
"The Amazons."
"This sucks," Perseus said.
He was walking at the back of the group together with Zoe.
Zoe smiled. "What sucks?"
Perseus sighed. "That we had to meet the Amazons?"
"They did save our lives, Perseus," Zoe said.
"Yeah and that's cool and all but what I don't need in my life is more man-hating women," Perseus explained.
"They don't hate men," Zoe said.
Perseus raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yes, they have a bunch of men in their home."
"Wow, I didn't expect that," Perseus said.
"They do have to wear collars though and are only there to do the hard work and to make sure the Amazons don't die out," Zoe explained.
Perseus shuddered. "They are even worse than you Hunters. The worst you do is kick someone in the cross."
Zoe laughed. "True."
"Zoe! Come here!"
Artemis had called Zoe.
"I have to report to Artemis," Zoe said walking to Artemis.
Perseus nodded; he was now walking alone. Not for long tough: one of the Amazon warriors suddenly was walking next to him. It was silent for a moment. Perseus examined here out of the corner of his eye. She was really pretty: she had long black hair and blue, kind eyes. She looked about his age. Something about her... aura seemed to draw Perseus in. Still, Perseus felt kind of uncomfortable with an Amazon walking next to him after what Zoe had just told him.
"Errm, hello?" Perseus said when he couldn't take the silence anymore.
The Amazon giggled. "Greetings, who?"
"Perseus."
"Perseus, I saw you fighting just back there. You were really quite something," the Amazon said.
Perseus relaxed a bit. "Thank you. What's your name?" She was clearly not going to slap a collar on him.
"Selene."
"Well, it's nice to meet you Selene," Perseus said. "You aren't so bad yourself."
"So, do the Hunters also have male 'friends' now?" Selene asked.
Perseus shook his head. "No, I'm just a temporary member for one mission."
"What mission?" Selene asked curiously.
"I can't say that, Artemis would crucify me," Perseus said.
Selene frowned. "Weird that you are on so good terms with the Hunters and her."
Perseus raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean? Only Zoe and Artemis talk to me."
"Trust me: with that you are already the Hunt's most beloved member," Selene remarked.
Perseus thought about that for a second. What Selene said was kind of true: that he was even accepted as an asset was a big achievement.
"Do you also have to swear off women?" Selene suddenly asked.
Perseus frowned at her. "What? No, of course not. Why do you need to know that?"
"Nothing..." Selene said innocently looking forward again.
"All Amazons!" Perseus heard. "Come to the front of the group!"
"Well Perseus, it seems I have to go now," Selene said. "We should spar together some time. I'm sure I could learn you a few... moves."
She looked at Perseus in a licking her lips a little before she ran off to her fellow Amazons.
"Yeah, sure..." he mumbled his mouth a little open in shock.
"If it was a bit warmer I would say you were about to catch some flies, Perseus."
Zoe had finished her report to Artemis and had joined Perseus in the back of the group again.
Perseus slowly closed his mouth but kept staring at Selene a bit dreamily.
She saw him and smiled and waved. Perseus slowly waved back.
Zoe snickered. "Be careful Perseus: before you know it you will wear a collar and do her bidding."
Perseus nodded slowly. "She sure is beautiful..."
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Perseus! Focus!"
Perseus shook his head and turned his head to Zoe. "Right. What did Artmemis say to you?"
"We are going to stay with the Amazons until the winter is over. Or at least until the snowstorms stop," Zoe said.
"That's a relief. I could really use some rest," Perseus said.
Zoe nodded. "It has been a rough few weeks."
"Have you ever been to the Amazons' home before?"
Zoe nodded. "Yes, one time."
"What's it like?" Perseus asked.
"Just imagine paradise. Pair that together with a militaristic society of female warriors and some male slaves and you got yourself Themiscyra."
Perseus shrugged. "Sounds pretty cool."
It was silent for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts.
Perseus broke the silence. "Hey, Zoe..."
"What is it?" Zoe asked.
"I kind of want to ask you a question but it may be a little inappropriate," Perseus said.
"Just spit it out."
"Okay, how old are you?"
Zoe looked thoughtful. "Hmm, I don't know exactly. Probably a few centuries or something like that? I don't keep track anymore."
"Damn, you are really old," Perseus blurted out.
Zoe glared at him threateningly
Perseus didn't notice. "Like, wow. I am genuienly impressed. Should I call you lady or something? You are an elder after all and you know what they say, you have to be respectful for your elders..."
"Perseus, if you say one more word I will gut you like a fish."
Perseus nodded slowly.
Zoe sighed and shook her head at Perseus's antics.
"When will we arrive there?" Perseus asked. "I am tired of walking."
"In about an hour I guess," Zoe said.
Perseus sighed dramatically.
"You really need to complain less Perseus," Zoe said a little annoyed.
Perseus's face slowly morphed into a smirk. "If you say so... grandma."
Perseus ran away as Zoe tried to catch him laughing all the way.
It turned out that Zoe's description of Themiscyra had been an accurate one.
The town Themiscyra and it's surroundings were beautiful. It was a comfortable temperature and the sky was heavenly blue. Apparently the weather of the outside world didn't affect Themiscyra at all. The town was situated behind the mountains of Pontus and lay next to the Black Sea. The surrounding area of the city consisted of mysterious forests, big, luscious fields both full of all kinds of animals and a coastline with a nice sandy beach that bordered the sea which was so clear you could see the fish swimming. To summarise, it was a paradise.
The town itself, Themiscyra, wasn't that big. To Perseus it looked more like a military camp with it's many tents and wooden wall made of logs that surrounded it. Amazons were training all around the camp sparring and practicing with their weapons. When their group passed them they stopped fighting to look at them. Perseus felt uncomfortable with all the stares that were directed at him. They weren't glares like the Hunters always send his way but it was more curiosity. Apparently not a lot of men from the outside world came here.
The Hunters and he were told to set up their camp outside the walls. Perseus had to set his camp a respectable distance away from the main camp and was done pretty quick. So instead of hanging around and doing nothing Perseus decided to take a look around the camp. He came across some men. When Perseus tried to say hello they looked at him weirdly before scurrying off to do some work.
After wandering around for some time Perseus came across a familiar face.
"Hello Perseus."
Perseus turned around and stared right into face of Selene.
He subconsciously took a step back. "Oh, hey Selene, nice to see you."
Selene smiled at him. "So, what do you think of our home?"
"It is a very beautiful place," Perseus said honestly.
Selene nodded. "It is indeed."
"I get the feeling not a lot of men from the outside world have seen this place," Perseus remarked.
"No, definitely not. You are the first man of the outside world to come here in centuries."
Perseus whistled. "Then I'm happy that I'm allowed to be here."
They walked through the camp and ended up at a training field.
"Do you guys practice here?" Perseus asked. He picked up a javelin that was lying on the ground.
Selene nodded.
Perseus aimed the javelin at a target and then threw it right into the bullseye.
"Where did you learn that?" Selene asked.
Perseus turned around. "What?"
"The way you fight and such."
Perseus suddenly looked up at the sky. "From my father. He was a monster hunter."
Selene didn't pry more: she knew she had hit a touchy subject.
"Perseus?"
"Yes?"
"Want to fulfill your promise?"
"What promise?"
"You promised you would spar with me," Selene said.
"Now? I have just fought a massive battle; my arm is still numb from that," Perseus whined.
Selene rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on Perseus, you aren't scared of me are you?"
"To be honest, I kind of am," Perseus said.
"Are we going to spar or not?"
Perseus sighed not being able to refuse her even though he couldn't feel his left arm. "Fine. Swords and armor only, no lethal wounds."
Selene smiled at him as she pulled out her sword.
Perseus sighed and grabbed his now familiar hairpin. He flicked it slightly and into the three foot (about 1 meter) celestial bronze sword Riptide.
They circled each other for a while, daring the other to make the first move. Eventually Perseus did just that. He charged forward but feinted a strike to the left and did a forward kick. Selene didn't fall for it though and dodged Perseus's kick.
She then retaliated with a sidewards slash. Perseus blocked it with his left arm brace and pushed back. Selene did not lose her balance though and countered with a forwards kick which hit Perseus and pushed him back a bit.
Selene charged him immediately to try to get the upper hand. She send a series of slashes his way but Perseus blocked them all with Riptide in a display of masterful skill. Immediately after his defensive work Perseus countered with a flurry of sword strikes. To his surprise Selene actually held her ground very well.
They went back and forth for tens of minutes neither of them being able to gain the upper hand. Perseus crossed swords with Selene for what felt like the hundred time after he had tried a sidewards slash.
They were both breathing heavily from the effort of fighting each other.
"Let's call it draw, okay?" Perseus asked.
Selene slowly nodded and lowered her sword. Perseus did the same lowering Riptide.
"You are really skilled with a sword, Perseus. Not many can stand their own against me," Selene said with admiration in her voice.
Perseus nodded his thanks. "I can say the same for you."
"Come on, let's both go back to our tents: it's already turning dark," Selene said.
Perseus nodded. "Until later, I guess."
Selene smiled. "More like this evening."
"What do you mean?"
"You will be attending diner with Lady Artemis, Zoe, the Queen of the Amazons and me," Selene explained.
"Okay, awesome then. See you tonight," Perseus said.
Selene smiled that dazzling smile at him. "See you tonight."
"Don't say anything stupid or insulting Perseus," Artemis said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Perseus said waving her warnings away. "I'm sure it's going to be fine."
Artemis, Zoe and he were sitting in the tent of the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta waiting for her to arrive. Perseus had already spotted Selene who was sitting at the other side of the table. She smiled and waved at him.
Suddenly the tent flap went open and Queen Hippolyta entered. She radiated an aura of leadership but also of beauty. She had long, black hair and blue eyes. Perseus seemed to recognize that look... and then it clicked. He looked over to Selene and then over to Hippolyta again. They did look very similar.
"Greetings, Lady Artemis," Hippolyta began bowing at Artemis who nodded back.
"Also greetings, Lieutenant of the Hunt, Zoe," Hippolyta then said nodding to Zoe who in turn bowed back.
Then Hippolyta's eyes fell to Perseus. "And who do we have here? Perseus isn't it?"
Perseus nodded and bowed. "At your service, Queen Hippolyta."
Hippolyta nodded. "You are the first man of the outside world to come here in centuries."
"I'm honored that I am allowed to be here," Perseus said.
"I wasn't originally going to let you into Themiscyra," the Queen said. "But for some reason my daughter insisted that you had to come here too."
Perseus looked over at Selene who just innocently looked back at him.
"Now, if the introductions are over, let us start with the diner..."
"Excuse me Queen, but I have a question," Perseus said.
"Ask away."
"I don't mean to be rude but weren't you stabbed by Herakl..."
Perseus couldn't even finish his sentence as two Amazon warriors rushed into the tent, their weapons at the ready. Artemis and Zoe, who both had been in the process of mentally face palming looked up.
"Queen! Queen! The belt of the Amazons has been stolen!"
Author's Note: Sorry that I haven't updated this story in a while. School just got in the way as always. I'm not going to promise an exact day that I will update again (because you guys saw how that worked out last time lol) but it won't be too long I hope. So, this is part one in an arc about Perseus with the Amazons. This will probably be the style I will be going for, making an arc consisting of a few chapters. BTW, for those wondering why Artemis hasn't really been present in this story is because Artemis still is that unreachable goddess for a mortal like Perseus. Don't worry though, she will be more in the next chapter and over time will become more down to earth and really involved with everything. Review if you want, it keeps me going. X