The Fellowship of Thylea was running out of time to figure out a way to save Anora from Sydon's scheme. Many of the heroes gathered in the Dragon's Tooth researched past sacrifices and demands of the Twin Titans in order to figure out some sort of loophole they can use. Although they took up most of the tables, the innkeeper, an elderly man by the name of Delphion, was aware of their purpose and had no objections to their stay. They kept him at work by requesting different drinks, and later, meals.
As their research continued, Korax and Yesleth returned with their groups, although it quickly became known that they had failed. It came as no surprise that their negotiations with Sydon's followers failed. Gaius and Baenor knew that at this point, they had all of the power in their hands. They didn't need to reason or compromise with the Fellowship of Thylea when the heroes had nothing worthwhile to offer but their deaths. Unfortunately, fighting their enemies wasn't an option either, leaving them with little options.
It didn't help that some of the Fellowship of Thylea weren't actively contributing to the research. Argades decided to give in to the Order of Sydon's new demands, reasoning that if the Oracle saw their futures, they wouldn't die to the sacrifice. Although Semestra tried to remind him that the Oracle's vision wasn't perfectly certain, he managed to convince Halius and Mantes to join him as the heroes to be sacrificed. The three sat by the bar, having a brief discussion of their plans. Valros joined them, having offered to talk them out of throwing their lives away, but it soon became apparent that it was all for a break.
Of course, Phoebe had no interest in saving her half-sister and made sure Zyfon wasn't around to help either. The rest of the group didn't know where the two were.
Thella did what she could to help but was unaware of how sacrifices were conducted. Even during her brief time spent in the modern era of Thylea, she didn't learn much as she didn't care for such rituals. She struggled to wrap her mind around her distant relative causing such pain to the people of the land. Thylea wouldn't want for her children to rule as tyrants, but would she want her family to fight to begin with? Thella wasn't sure of her destiny but had to do what she could to help.
To Thella's side at her table, Duris sighed. "We're getting nowhere with this. I don't see any way to save Anora."
"There has to be something we can do," Thella said. "We can't give up."
"I know we can't," Duris said with a nod. "We can't bow to Sydon's demands, especially now that it may cost our friends their lives."
Thella glanced toward the bar. "They can't join in the sacrifice."
"I agree but they won't listen to reason."
"That's not what I meant," Thella said, standing up from her chair.
"Huh?" Duris blinked in surprise.
Thella walked up to the bar with Duris quickly joining her. "Argades, you do know that you can't sacrifice yourself. That goes for both Halius and Mantes too."
"Thella, Duris," Argades greeted the two respectfully. "We've made our choice."
"That's right," Halius nodded in agreement. "I already swore an oath that I would join him."
"You swore an oath to be sacrificed?" Duris asked in shock.
"I'll have you know that I have a plan," Halius told Duris. "It's the creatures in the river that kill anyone who's sacrificed on the Rock of Estor. However, there are no rules that say that you can't bring a weapon with you to be sacrificed, just that you're chained to the rock. So, the way I see it, there's nothing stopping me from killing those beasts when they come to eat me."
Duris took a deep breath. "Since you know so much about the ritual, then you know that you're fighting basilisks, and that to strike them during the sacrifice is in violation of Sydon's demands, meaning that it isn't a sacrifice."
"Huh?" Halius gasped. "But I swore an oath! You can't be serious!"
"You all put too much faith in oaths," Valros chuckled although he wasn't that interested in the conversation. "They're just words, you know."
"Words with binding powers," Duris glanced over his shoulder. "To break an oath is to call upon the forces of Thylea to hunt you down."
"I need to get out of this world," Valros said, turning back to his drink.
"There's little to be done about it now," Mantes said with a shrug. "Delphion, a round of your finest wine for my friend, who now realizes that he is likely to die."
"You can't stop us," Argades told Thella and Duris. "We've volunteered for this. We're going through with our plan."
"Just because you've volunteered doesn't mean that the sacrifice will happen," Thella said. "Or have you forgotten that Gaius demanded three heroes along with the princess, who we haven't heard from at all."
Argades remained silent in thought, thinking over Thella's argument. Everyone was so busy with their own plans that they have yet to consider what Anora thought to do. It was her that Sydon originally demanded and it was her that saw what happened to Estoria if the demands of the titan weren't met. Argades was so eager to prove his worth that he had yet to consider what Anora wanted. Perhaps Pythor's daughter wouldn't want the Fellowship of Thylea to sacrifice their lives for her.
"You're right," Argades admitted. "I need to talk to her."
"I feel like I shouldn't have to tell someone not to ask someone else to sacrifice themselves," Duris sighed and shook his head.
"I'm coming with you," Thella said when Argades stood up. "I want to hear what she has to say for myself."
"I'll join you two," Duris added after a moment of thought. "It's not like we're getting anywhere with our research."
"You're free to join me," Argades told the two. "I just ask that you two let me talk to her. It is not my intention to ask her but rather to update her on what has changed. She has the right to know that much."
"That's something I can agree to," Thella nodded. "Please, lead the way for us."
Mantes waved as the group left with Halius too busy chugging down the glass of wine offered by Delphion to notice the three leaving. Argades had made plenty of progress with getting to know the others outside of Ranri and Semestra, but even then, Thella couldn't shake the feeling that he thought that he didn't fit in. Phoebe cutting him off after learning of his ancestry certainly had a part to play in that. Thella realized that although this was something she saw, it's not like she made an effort to get to know the half-orc. She hadn't even talked to him over the realization that they're distant relatives.
Thella would have to wait to get to know her distant cousin better another time. Argades walked with purpose towards the palace with his two companions doing their best to keep up with him. It was clear that he wasn't going to stand by and do nothing when faced with Sydon's demands of sacrifice. The half-orc was going to do his part, even if it meant sacrificing himself to his grandfather. The three eventually arrived at the palace, but when they asked for Anora's location, they were shocked to hear what the princess was.
"The dungeons?!" Argades repeated, his voice cracking in anger.
"Princess Anora was imprisoned at her father's command," the guard said, stepping back. "He hasn't forbidden any visitors if you wish to see her."
"Take us to her," Argades said, calming down a little.
The guard led the group toward the dungeons, taking a set of stairs that lead down below the palace. Thella thought about why Pythor would imprison his daughter when the realization came upon her. Although the God of Battle wanted to keep Anora safe, the princess was ready to give her life up if it meant that her people and city would be safe. If this was true, she realized that Anora was likely to join Argades and that the half-orc was likely more than willing to attempt breaking her out of prison. Thella stepped closer to Duris, and although she wanted to tell him to ensure they had the same plan in case of trouble, didn't want to give Argades any ideas.
The guard led the way to a cell towards the end of the dungeon and knocked on the bars before stepping aside. Although Argades stood at the center of the formation, both Thella and Duris were able to see past him and into the cell. Within was a young woman with blue eyes and brown hair like her father although her hair was considerably longer. However, that's where the similarities ended as she lacked the muscles that marked Pythor and even Phoebe as a warrior and was rather slim instead. Although she was imprisoned, she wore a fine white dress that marked her as a warrior. Anora watched the trio silently and slowly crossed her arms. Duris and Thella both remembered what Argades told them and waited for him to speak
"Do I know you?" Anora finally asked.
"Sorry," Argades said, as though he was taken aback by something. "You actually don't. My name is Argades."
"Argades. How were you able to convince my father to visit me?"
"We've actually been given free reign of the palace," Argades explained. "It's a long story."
Anora smirked. "It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"Right," Argades nodded. "My companions and I are in Estoria to complete a series of labors given to us by the Oracle. We are to face the Twin Titans and defeat them in battle."
Anora's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"
"I wouldn't lie," Argades told her. "Pythor saw our value and thought that we could help with the dilemma we faced."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Anora asked.
"We tried to negotiate with the Order of Sydon but they changed their demands so that three of us were sacrificed alongside you," Argades told Anora. "Don't worry though. I've talked to some of my companions and we've agreed to join you when the time comes."
"Why would you do that?" Anora gasped.
"Because I want to do what I can to help," Argades said.
"You're a fool," Anora said, her tone suddenly turning harsh.
This time, it was Argades who was surprised. "What?"
"You've heard me," Anora shook her head in disappointment. "Why throw your life away when you're destined to face Sydon and Lutheria? That's what you need to do. You shouldn't have bothered trying to negotiate with them."
"But we were trying to save you!" Argades argued with a hint of desperation.
"What is one life to that of a city? While I hate the thought of submitting to the titans, I know better than to sacrifice my city for that."
"What are four lives to Estoria then?"
"Perhaps you and your friends should realize that you would save Estoria from future sacrifices if you actually went through with your destiny!"
Argades, seeing the logic, slowly nodded in defeat. "For what it's worth, we didn't offer our lives as part of the deal. Their commander changed the deal on us."
"I see," Anora said, stepping away from the bars. "I take it he did it because you've damaged his pride?"
"I may have let a few insults slip," Argades admitted.
Anora couldn't help herself and chuckled. "He had it coming. Now, although I'm thankful for the talk, unless you're here to tell me that I am allowed to leave, I think that your time would be better spent on something else."
"Very well," Argades said. "It was good to meet you. You're a lot nicer than your sister."
"That really doesn't narrow down who you're talking about."
Argades laughed. Thella and Duris remained silent as promised, and although she doubted that it was his intention, he had struck a bond with the princess. It made sense to Thella why Argades was silent when he first saw Anora now. While the circumstances were dire, she was quite happy at the prospect of her relative finding Anora attractive. Even with their disagreements, the princess must have seen something in her visitor even after the mistake he made. If she wasn't to be sacrificed, the two might have a chance for something more serious.
With the conversation over, the guard led the way toward the palace's exit. While Duris and Thella followed behind Argades, there was no reason to keep silent, especially now that Anora was out of sight.
"I'll admit that I wasn't expecting that from Anora," Duris said. "What did you think, Argades?"
"She's smart," Argades commented. "I hadn't considered that she was willing to make a hard decision like that. Anora is someone I can respect."
"Just respect?" Thella asked in a teasing tone.
Argades' cheeks turned a darker shade of green. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You know," Thella laughed.
Before Argades could get another word in, the three were outside the palace and saw a familiar face. The half-orc's mood turned sour when he saw Phoebe casually leaning against the exterior wall of the palace. The demigod remained silent as the two glanced at each other. Finally, with a grunt, Argades walked off, heading back to the Dragon's Tooth. Although tempted to follow, Thella wondered why Phoebe would be at Pythor's palace despite her feelings for her father. She stayed alongside Duris, who crossed his arms with a frown.
"Phoebe," Duris greeted in a cold tone. "Are you ready to help or shall you do nothing?"
"Duris, I don't think we need to be so blunt," Thella told her friend.
"You're wrong," Phoebe shook her head and walked toward the two. "I think it's better for people to say what they mean rather than avoid what's on their mind."
"And what's on your mind?" Thella asked. "Why are you here?"
"Sydon demanded for Anora to be chained to the Rock of Estor and left there overnight," Phoebe said. "You remember that, right?"
"Of course I do," Duris sighed. "I was there. What's your point?"
"All Sydon wants is for Anora to be chained to the Rock of Estor overnight," Phoebe repeated. "I thought you two were the smart ones."
Thella tapped her chin in thought. "There's nothing that says Anora has to die as part of Sydon's demands."
"That's right," Phoebe said with a nod. "Took you long enough."
"How long have you realized that was the case?" Duris asked.
"A few minutes after I left the palace this morning," Phoebe answered.
"And you just now thought to tell us?" Duris questioned.
"It seemed obvious to me," Phoebe shrugged. "I just needed a moment to calm down. Maybe I was wrong about you two being the smart ones."
Thella didn't address the insult. "Be that as it may, we're not allowed to attack the basilisks during the sacrifice."
"I know that," Phoebe said. "Still seems obvious to me."
Duris snapped his fingers. "Of course! If the basilisks were killed beforehand, nothing would happen."
"That is if the Twin Titans don't do anything," Phoebe corrected Duris. "I'd keep a small group on standby in case something happens. I doubt the centaur can get to the basilisks since it involves swimming to a cave."
"I can stay with him and maybe invite Cyrene as well," Duris planned out loud. "There's still some sunlight left, enough time to arrange the sacrifice while everyone kills the basilisks. I'll tell Pythor of our plan and arrange the meetings. Thella, can you head back to the Dragon's Tooth and get the others ready?"
"Actually, I'd like to join you in meeting Pythor," Thella told Duris. "I have a plan that may soothe his worries of losing Anora if the others fail."
"Right," Duris said, and after a few seconds of thought, turned to Phoebe. "Are you ready to work with us?"
"I'll let the others know and join the fight against the basilisks," Phoebe said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'd like to say that I am doing this because I want to fight. I couldn't care less about Anora."
"Of course," Thella said with a smile. "Enjoy the battle. Oh, and if you haven't heard, Argades and some of the others will need to join Anora for the sacrifice. They won't be able to join you."
"They would just hold me back," Phoebe said with a grunt.
The demigod didn't bother to wait around with that said and walked away, heading in the same direction as Argades stormed off to. Thella couldn't help but feel hopeful for the survival of her friends, Anora, and the city of Estoria now that they had a plan. She would have to be sure to thank Phoebe for coming up with the plan tomorrow, after the sacrifice had failed and the basilisks were killed. Duris watched as the warrior walked away then turned to face Thella.
"That's one way to get Phoebe's help," Duris said. "I'm not sure if it's good that she's only interested in the fight."
"So interested that she realized what we needed to do and tracked down where the basilisks were," Thella pointed out. "She is right that you need to do a better job of seeing past what someone says."
"You think she actually wants to help Anora?" Duris asked.
"I think so," Thella nodded with a smile. "Let's not keep Pythor waiting. We have a sacrifice to sabotage."
A/N: Another chapter, and once again, I stand by my decision to split this and the previous chapter in half. If they were combined, the two chapters would total about seven thousand words. I think that this makes the story as a whole flow a lot better. Now, I'm back to my scheduled notes and chapter plans.
Until next time.