The twelve labors of a hiccup
4:Capture the Erymanthian boar
Hiccups POV:
It's been two days since I got back to Athens from my little chase from the hind and nothing much had changed after this little adventure. The only thing that really changed was I seemed to have better luck when it came to hunting and by luck I mean I can just shoot my arrow up in the air and when it comes down it kills an animal I could sell at the market. I kept making a good profit working as a blacksmith for Aetes who would listen to my stories about my trip with great interest and said that it might have been the Goddess Artemis since the hind was said to be her pet. He kept saying that if it was she then I must have had one of the other gods watching over me if I was able to dodge her arrows since she wasn't known as the Goddess of the hunt for nothing. I figured he was just messing with me when he said it was a Goddess trying to kill me for touching her pet. Other than his joking about what happened to me not much else changed. I still helped him out in the forge, people looked at me with respect and girls kept trying to get a date with me. The last thing did make me wonder if I should find myself a girlfriend but I traveled a lot and it would be a strain on any relationship.
Presently it was the evening and I was helping Aetes close up the forge while we talked about what we've got planned for the future. I was putting away some swords when Aetes said.
"By the way Heracles I'm going to be closing shop for two weeks after tomorrow." I pulled my attention away from the swords to look at him.
"Why you closing up shop?"
"Well thanks to those weapons we sold together I was able to finish paying for the house my family wanted and now I have enough put away that I'm going to take my family on vacation to see my brother. We haven't seen each other in years since we've both been so busy with our work."
"Well I hope you and your family have a good time."
"We will. Hey since you like exploring so much why don't you go to Mount Erymanthos? You can explore the forests while enjoying the snowy peaks of the mountains."
"That does sound nice." It was then he snapped his fingers.
"If you do go then beware of the Erymanthian boar." I looked at him confused before I chuckled.
"I hunt boars where I come from. There's no need to worry." He shook his head and looked at me with concern.
"Not like this boar my friend. This one has a diet of nothing but meat a and has said to come crashing down from its lair on the mountain, attacking men and animals all over the countryside, gouging them with its tusks, and destroying everything in its path. Many have gone after it only to become its meal and I don't want you to suffer the same fate as them."
"Thanks for your concern my friend but you seem to have forgotten something. I took on a lion whose skin was like armor and took down a dragon who's heads kept growing back so an overgrown boar should be a piece of baklava. Besides it won't be a proper trip without a wild beast for me to fight." He let out a small chuckle.
"If that's the case then I wish you good luck my friend." After that I helped him close up so I could go back to my ship so I could get to work.
Morning
As the sun rose over the ocean creating a beautiful reflection of light over the ocean I was on the beach making myself some breakfast over a fire. I planned for Toothless to fly him and me to Mount Erymanthos after having Scaulder drop us off in a small cove in Filiatra. The trip should take us four days to get to the cove with Scaulder pulling the ship and three days of flying to get to the mountain itself so it would take us a week to get there. I had spent most of my night after a lap around the island going over the maps and notes on the region so I could get a feel for the area. From what I could tell the areas got snowy when you reached the mountains so I knew I would need to bring my winter armor along with my regular armor. Fortunately I had designed my suits of armor to be easy to dismantle so I could fold them up without trouble when it came to carrying them around on my back. As soon as breakfast was done I turned to Scaulder and Toothless before I said.
"Well guys we best get going now so we can make good time." They growled before I helped Scaulder get hooked up to the ship as I gave him a rub on the head. "I appreciate you pulling the ship all this time pal."
He just growled as if saying it was nothing before he nuzzled my torso as I chuckled and rubbed his head. When he pulled away me and Toothless boarded the ship and we took off.
Four days later
We finally arrived at the cove where we could hide Scaulder and the ship while Toothless and me were exploring the mountain and possibly dealing with the boar. I looked around the cove with Toothless at my side and it was perfect to hide in. High mountains and thick forest surrounded the area so it would be very difficult for anyone to find us in this cove. After a quick fly around the area to check for any settlements that may have been made nearby and I was pleased to see that there weren't any settlements, camp sites or anyone whatsoever in the area. My best guess is it's because of the dense forest and high mountains making it difficult for people to get through the land so they can only get access by ship. These things make this cove the perfect place to keep Scaulder and my ship while Toothless and me were off in the mountains. After one more quick flight around the area and making sure it was clear I turned to Toothless and said.
"We'll start our flight to the mountains an hour after we're packed okay bud?"
He just growled and nodded before he went to roll around in the sand. I chuckled at his antics before I went to help Scaulder take his harness off.
Three days later
Me and Toothless were now up in the sky and were now flying high above the forests while looking at the snowy peak of Mount Erymanthos in the distance. I decided we should take the afternoon off and just relax a bit in the shade that the trees that made up the forest. We landed in a clearing where we set up camp for the night but as we set up I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. Once we were fully set up I decided it best I start scouting the area for any potential threats and fortunately I had my arrows that had been dipped in hydras blood and my sword with speed stinger venom. I looked at Toothless and said.
"Keep an eye on camp bud and if anyone comes by who isn't me or with me send out a blast and I'll come."
He gave a croon of understanding before I entered the forest with my bow with an arrow drawn in case since I still couldn't help the feeling I was being watched. I looked around trying to find who was watching me but I didn't see anything until I heard the sound of a branch snapping behind me. I immediately turned around and pointed my bow in the direction the sound came from as I yelled.
"WHO'S THERE?" I kept the arrow ready to be released as I pointed at the bush before a tall shirtless man with black hair rose up from the bush holding up his hands saying.
"Easy there I don't want any trouble." He was hiding behind a bush so I couldn't see his lower body but I kept my guard up.
"Who are you and what do you want?" He kept his eyes on me.
"I am Pholus and I live in a cave close to where you set up camp with that strange mount. I was just curious to know who you were and what you were doing in my herd's forest. I mean you no harm but I hope you'll answer some of my questions." I lowered my bow.
"Fine but we talk at my campsite with my mount as you put it present."
He nodded before he walked out from behind the bush but the second he did I felt as if my eyes were going to pop out of my head and I felt my jaw fall open. When he came out I expected him to have the two legs like any human being but he had the lower body of a horse. He probably noticed me staring because he said.
"What's wrong? Haven't you ever seen a centaur before?" I closed my mouth.
"Never in my entire life." He looked at me shocked.
"I'll explain when we get to my campsite."
He nodded before we began to walk back to the campsite but as we did I couldn't help but keep looking at Pholus since I had never seen anything like him before. I admit I heard about the centaurs but I thought they were made up.
3 hours later
Me, Toothless and Pholus were sitting around a fire that was lit by Toothless in a cave, which belonged to Pholus. Shortly after we arrived back to the campsite I began to explain to Pholus that I wasn't from Greece but a faraway island and how I had come to Greece. Soon after telling him about me catching the hind he offered to let us stay in his cave for the night and I gladly accepted his offer. When we were settled down in the cave he asked me what life was like back on my home island and how I came to have Toothless as my companion. We ended up spending the past few hours talking about my life since whenever I answered one question more came up. Presently we were enjoying dinner, which consisted of cooked meat for me but raw meat for Toothless and Pholus. It was as we were eating I asked Pholus.
"Do you have anything to drink?"
"I do have some wine but I'm afraid to open it .It belongs to all the centaurs in common."
I shrugged sinceI wasn't that big a drinker but knew if he was afraid he must have a reason but I had my own wine I picked up from a traveling trader a day after I left. I was planning to open it when I caught the boar in celebration but I figured I could have some now and share it with a new friend so I said.
"Don't worry I picked up a amphore on my travels here. We can share it."
He nodded before I took it out of Toothless saddlebag and poured some into two goblets I had. I admit I did enjoy the feeling of the wine going down my throat. Unfortunately, the enjoyment didn't last long before I heard angry yelling outside about wine being stolen. Pholus stood up and said.
"Oh no the herds back and they don't like sharing the wine." I looked at him confused.
"I'm sure they won't mind since it was my wine."
Before he could reply two centaurs walked in. One was holding a rock getting ready to strike me while the other one was holding a fir tree branch. I grabbed my sword to defend myself since it didn't look like I would be able to talk to these angry centaurs. The one with the branch took a swing at me with the branch but I struck at the branch severing it leaving just the bit in the centaurs' hand. While he was looking at the small stick in his hand I gave a quick small cut to his arm, which immediately caused him to freeze up in a paralyzed state as the venom took effect. As the venom took affect the other centaur tried to bash my head in with the rock, which I was able to dodge while he continued to go down, I gave him a cut on the arm. When I was done I went outside to face the other centaurs but they must have seen what happened to their two comrades since they began to run in fear of me. Once the last one had left my sight I returned to the cave and past the two centaurs who were paralyzed before I began packing my things as I said to Pholus.
"Thanks for the kindness Pholus but I don't want to get you in trouble with the other centaurs. Don't worry about the two paralyzed ones. The venom will wear off in an hour or two." He nodded but as I turned to leave with Toothless he grabbed my shoulder.
"If you're planning on killing the boar then you should talk to Chiron. He is a wise centaur and he might be able to help you with some advice. He lives on Mount Pelion but he is visiting the forest so you might run into him." I nodded in thanks before I left with Toothless.
As we trekked through the forest to find a good place that wasn't blocked by tree branches I got the feeling we were being followed if the sound of hooves on the ground behind us was any distinction. I turned around and signaled Toothless to keep his guard up as I said.
"I know you're there. Show yourself or I will consider you a threat."
At that moment a centaur walked out but this one was different. His forelegs were human and hind-legs were horse. His face is an image of strength and classical beauty and he didn't have the pointed ears and wild hair like other centaurs. His dark brown hair was well kept but still long and he had a small beard. He held up his hands as he smiled and said.
"Easy there now I'm not here to fight. Pholus said you might be looking for me. I am Chiron." I signaled Toothless to stand down as I walked up to Chiron.
"Hello Chiron. It's nice to meet you. I am Heracles and my scaled companion is Toothless." He nodded.
"I understand you are planning to go after the Erymanthian boar and judging by the pelt you're wearing I would say it isn't the first beast you've killed and I admit after seeing you make two of my brethren freeze like statues you peaked my interest." I shrugged.
"I can understand that. I'd love to chat but I find a place to set up camp without causing trouble." He nodded.
"I can help you with that Heracles. I know a good clearing nearby where you can set up camp and we can talk." I nodded before stepping aside and letting him lead the way.
Along the way Chiron told me a bit about himself and his interests. I learnt that he's a hunter, musician, oracle, and healer but the thing he loves being the most is a teacher. He's helped a lot of men become great heroes in the past by helping them with their training and their lessons. As we reached the middle of a clearing he offered to teach me a bit of astrology and give me a reading on the stars to decipher a bit of my future and possibly my destiny. Once we had settled down and I had camp set up and a fire roaring in the small pit I made Chiron had me lay on my back so I'd have an easier time looking up at the stars before he began pointing out the constellations to me. It was then I realized how truly beautiful the stars were. I admit I had always found the stars at night beautiful but I'd never seen them take forms like Chiron was showing me and it was truly amazing. The way the stars just suddenly took new forms turning them from just shining little dots in the sky to true pieces of art that took so many forms. It was at this time that I realized that on all my travels I never really took time to just sit back and enjoy the simpler things in life like star gazing. I don't how long I just lay there staring up at the stars but before I knew it I had fallen asleep in the grass.
Morning
Shortly after I woke up I found Chiron sitting down under the shade of a tree with his eyes closed and his arms crossed as if he was thinking about something. As I stood up he looked at me and smiled before he said.
"Good morning Heracles. Did you sleep well?" I nodded to him before I stood up and stretched my arms out along with my back to rid me of my morning stiffness. When I finished my morning stretches I asked.
"May I ask why you're up so early?" He turned to me.
"Well I've been thinking about how you could defeat the boar and I think I may have an idea." I looked at him with a cocked eyebrow.
"Really? What is it?"
"Well the boar lives in a heavily snowed area so maybe you could use that to your advantage. The boar is fast but it can be slowed down if it were caught in the snow." I slapped my hand to forehead.
"Of course that way I can easily kill it. Thankyou Chiron." He smiled as he stood up and walked up to me before placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Think nothing of it my boy. You'll be doing all of us in Greece a great service by slaying the beast."
I nodded to him before Toothless woke up and made us a fire to have breakfast. I had some cooked meat while Chiron had his raw. Once breakfast was done I began to mount Toothless but before I could Chiron put a hand on my shoulder to stop me. When I turned to look at him he said.
"Remember Hiccup there are times when you must kill a beast but there are also times when you must make the beast your ally. There will also be times when it is the master you must defeat to set the beasts free but never change who you are. I let you leave with these words of wisdom." I nodded before fully mounting Toothless and looking at Chiron.
"If there's any way I can thank you just ask."
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble I would like one of your arrows that was dipped in hydras blood for study." I nodded and took one out and handed it to him knowing he would never use it to hurt anyone. He thanked me for it before I gave him one final goodbye before we took off.
7 hours later
We had been flying for a while now and as we flew Chirons words kept ringing in my ears as to what he meant by that. I knew that he said he could read the future in the stars but what did he mean when he said that it is the master I must defeat. Did the boar have a master I had to take down to defeat it or was the boar a wild beast I must defeat for there be peace. These were the questions that were going through my mind as the landscape turned from lush green forests to snow covered mountains. As I flew over them my mind traveled back to the mountains of Berk and their beauty. I was thinking of maybe building myself a small shelter up in those mountains for when I'm training for snowy areas but decided I'd worry about that later. I saw small village near the mountains and decided I'd land near there for the night so I could hopefully pick up some food. We landed in a small clearing in the forest that surrounded the village where I was hoping to be able to buy some food. Once we had a fire pit going and Toothless was comfortable I took my travel bag with some drachmas to buy food and began heading to the village.
When I arrived at the village all thoughts of any food left me because from the looks of things some of these people hadn't eaten for days. Many were laying in the streets sick and begging me for food as I passed by them including children. It was heart breaking but then an elderly man with a walking stick wearing black robes with his grey hair stroked back against his head approached me. He was about my height but he was slouching so he only reached my chest in height as he looked up at me and asked.
"Greetings traveler what brings you to our village?" I heard the weakness in his voice which made him sound like he gasping for air so I offered him my water canteen.
"Here have some water. You sound like you haven't drunk anything for days." He smiled at me in gratitude before taking my canteen and taking three large gulps of water before pulling it away from his mouth as he wiped his mouth.
"Thank you kind sir. Hardly any of us have had anything to drink for days now. The our well recently dried up a few days ago and the nearest clean water source is up in the mountains but nobody dares go there in fear of the Erymanthian boar, which also drives away the other wild life and destroys our crops when it comes and rampages through our small town so some of us haven't eaten in a while as well." I frowned hearing this but it just increased my desire to get the boar. I looked at the elderly man.
"The boar is actually my reason for coming here. I've come to kill it." The elderly man gasped at this.
"Are you sure you wish to face the beast. Many have tried but all have been killed." I turned around to show him the lions pelt I wore over my regular armor. When I turned back to him his mouth was gaping open. "Are you the one who slain the Nemean lion?" I nodded. "Then you might stand a chance but please, should you find the boar capture it alive and restrain it. Years ago I lost my only child to the beast and wish to kill it in return."
"I'll do my best to bring it back alive but I cannot make any promises." He just gave me a smile and nod before he walked away. After that I left the town more determined than ever to stop that boar from causing any more pain to the people.
Morning
The second I got up me and Toothless had a small breakfast before we were off to the mountain where we could find the boar. When we landed on the mountains I switched Toothless' tail settings so he could fly on his own before I told him to fly around and see if he could spot the boar and to cover me from the air but not to blast or pick it up since we wanted it alive. The forest on the mountain was really dense, especially in the grassy area where the grass grew up to my waist but the more snowy area was higher up in the mountain where I would have to lead the boar to get it into the snow so it would be easier to subdue. It was as I hiked deeper into the thick grass that I heard an angry snort to my right. I turned towards the sound and jumped in fright at the sight in front of me knowing at that moment I hadn't found the boar, it had found me and it was huge. It was about twice the size of a fully grown gronkle, with huge tusks, sharp fangs and blood red eyes which were glaring at me. Before I could reach for my sword it let out a roar that resembled an angry whispering death before it charged right at me at a speed so fast I was barely able to jump out of the way. I turned to see it had run right into a tree which proceeded to slightly up root after the boar hit it showing how strong it was. As was pulling away from the tree I made a run for the less dense areas so Toothless could help me lead the boar to the snowy areas. When I broke into a clearing I saw Toothless flying above me and the boar was right on my tail. I used some hand signals to signal Toothless to pick me up but stay low so the boar could keep following us. Once Toothless grabbed me I was able to get on his back and saw the boar was still following us.
We flew with the boar on our tail for five minutes before we reached the area where there was snow and I decided it was time I took this boar down myself since I didn't want to endanger Toothless. As soon as we were just a few feet off the ground I hopped off and landed softly in the snow before I began to run for the deeper snow with the boar right behind me. As I ran deeper into the snow I realized it was getting harder for me to run and when I turned around to look at the boar I saw it was having the same problem only worse since it ran on all fours. As soon as I was knee deep in the snow I turned around completely to look at the boar who was now struggling and practically unable to move in the snow. I smiled at the sight before I drew my sword with speed stinger venom. When the boar saw me approaching it began to struggle more and more trying to get out of the snow but to no avail. As I reached the boar it kept snorting and grunting at me as if it was threatening me but I just glared before I pulled my sword back and swung at the boar leaving a large cut that wasn't deep enough to cause any real damage but enough to paralyze it. When stopped moving and froze up I knew the boar was fully paralyzed and the venom had taken full effect. Once that was done I signaled Toothless down so I could get the thick rope I had in my saddlebag to restrain the beast. I secured both its hind and back legs tightly making sure there was no way for it to break free or slip out of them. I put the boar on Toothless' back for him to carry it close to the village so we could allow it to be killed by those who it had made suffer.
As we got closer to the village the venom seemed to be wearing off since the boar began to snort and slightly struggle on Toothless' back but I had tied it to the saddle to make sure it wouldn't fall off. When we were close enough I had Toothless take us down before anyone could see us. Once we had landed I untied the boar from the saddle before putting over my shoulders after kneeling from its great weight which was as heavy as a gronkle. As I made my way into the village those who were out stopped what they were doing before they stared and pointed at me in shock. When I reached the town center I saw the elderly man who asked me to capture the boar alive sitting in the shade of one of the houses. When he saw me with the boar he stood up with his mouth gaping open as I dropped the boar on the ground while he advanced towards me slowly his eyes never leaving the boar. When he reached me he finally took his eyes off the boar and looked at me before asking.
"You captured the boar alive?"
"It's yours to kill now."
Before I pulled out my regular dagger which had no venom in it and handed it to the elderly man. He took the dagger and stared at the boar which was laying on the ground struggling as it snorted in anger at those around it as a crowd began to gather around us. I saw the anger in the elderly man's eyes as he looked at the boar when he yelled out.
"YOU TOOK THE LIFE OF THE ONLY FAMILY I HAD LEFT BEAST AND NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO LOSE YOUR LIFE!"
Right before he plunged the knife into the heart of the beast killing it. Seconds after the boar let out its last breath everyone in the crowd cheered in joy seeing the beast that had plagued them for so long had finally reached its end. Most of them even walked up to me and shook my hand since I was the one who caught the beast and brought it here. It was after a few more pats on the back that the elderly man walked up to me with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. He looked at me and put his hand on my shoulder and said.
"I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to you for what you've done for both me and my village great hero. We will always remember this but I just realized that I never got your name nor did I give you mine."
"My name is Heracles good sir. May I ask what your name is?" He smiled and said. "It's Jason." After that people kept chanting
"HAIL HERACLES!" Continuously for twenty minutes before a it was declared to have a small feast to celebrate.
The feast that was held was alright and enjoyable since it did involve roasting the boar over a fire which was delicious and so big that everyone was able to get a plate of meat. I did have some problems with the people though like how some of them asked me to tell them how I was able to capture the boar and when I did they asked to examine my sword or if they could have some of the venom it contained. I had turned the venom down since I didn't have any on me except on my ship but besides that there was also the problem I seem to run into no matter where I go and that problem is the local girls. The girls of the village wouldn't leave me alone saying how incredible it was that I was able to take down the boar and bring it back to the village. Their pining for my attention mostly consisted of them sitting so close to me on the benches I sat on while I ate that they we were literally shoulder against shoulder, some would scooch up next to me and caress my chest as they went on about how impressive I am, a few asked me what my next great adventure would be and if it would bring me past their village again. These were the young girls who were either my age or up to three years younger than me.
Then there were some of the girls who were a little older than me and a bit more developed who tried to get my attention by wearing togas with low necklines and high hems which showed their more feminine parts along with putting a bit of swing into their hips when they walked by me or away from me, they also 'tripped' so they'd fall on top of me giving me a good view of their busts, sometimes they would also put my chin in their hands and lift my face to look at them while caressing it with their thumb before saying how handsome I was and some said how an incredible man like me needed a beautiful woman to show the power he has. It wasn't that none of these weren't attractive since I honestly thought they were all beautiful but I wasn't looking for a relationship right now especially since I'd be leaving tomorrow. After the feast was over people stuck around to socialize while the elderly man walked up to me and asked.
"What will you do now Heracles?"
"Return to Athens and continue with my life and see what other adventures await me on my travels." He smiled and patted my back.
"Then why not spend the night in the village with one of the ladies to keep you company in a bed. I'm sure we can arrange for you to stay in one of the houses and from what I've seen tonight any of the unmarried girls will jump at the opportunity to spend the night with you." I sighed and shook my head.
"As much as I appreciate the offer I'm not really one for one night stands and I'm more comfortable in my camp so I have to turn down your offer."
"I understand but remember my dear boy. Life's short so enjoy it while you can. Oh and before you leave tomorrow just come back to the village for a little sign of our appreciation."
Before I could reply to tell him it wasn't necessary he walked back to socialize with some other people. Seeing this I knew I wouldn't be able to change his mind so I decided to call it a night and head back before returning tomorrow to see what he wanted the village to offer me. After I got back to camp I gave Toothless some fish before going to bed wondering what the village wanted to give me.
Morning
When I arrived at the village most of the villagers were waiting along with Jason who was holding a package wrapped in leather. When they saw me they all began to applaud as Jason walked forward with the package. Once he was right in front of me he said.
"Heracles you have truly helped our village by ridding us of that boar and allowing us the meat to help replenish our strength. We will now be able to return our crops and our land to their former glory and for this we will always remember you. To show our gratitude and to mark this amazing feat we give you this gift." He then handed me the object he had and once I removed the leather I saw a the skull of a boar.
"It's the skull of the Erymanthian boar. Take it as a trophy or souvenir of your time here to remember what you were able to do for us."
"Thank you Jason. I'll try to visit sometime in the future."
"Do try but until then. Goodbye my friend."
"Good bye Jason." Before I turned around and left so I could get back to Toothless and return to Athens.
7 days later
We had arrived back at the cove we called home here in Greece yesterday and now I was preparing to return to Athens to see Aetes since he's probably going to want to know what I've been up to on Mount Erymanthos while he was seeing his brother. The skull of the boar was mounted on my bedroom wall till I could hang it in my trophy room back at home with the pelt. I was looking forward to going back to Berk but it was like there was someone right next to me who was whispering that my work here wasn't done yet and that is what kept me here for now. Once I had docked my ship I went to Aetes shop so I could get back to helping him and so we could talk about our trips. When I saw the shop I saw it was open with smoke coming out of the chimney as Aetes pounded a piece of hot metal on his anvil. I smiled at the sight of my friend as I made my way towards his shop when he took notice of me and let out a chuckle before he said.
"Well there's my favorite traveler and coworker. How was your trip?"
"Oh you know just the regular type of trip. Ended up saving a nearby village by capturing a beast and bringing it back to the village to be killed." He stopped hammering the metal and turned to me.
"You captured the Erymanthian boar?"
"An elderly man named Jason who lived in the village it terrorized asked me to capture it instead of killing it so he could avenge the death of his only son. They did give me the boars skull to thank me though after a small feast using the body of the boar for food." He chuckled.
"Well nobody can say you aren't a good man Heracles." It was then he snapped his fingers.
"Oh I almost forgot." Before he walked over to his desk after putting his hammer and tongs down. He took a parchment off his desk and handed it to me. "While I was away I found this and figured it might interest you."
I looked at the parchment and saw it was an offer fromKing Augeas' to clean out his stables in a single day and the reward would be a tenth of his cattle. I looked at Aetes with a cocked eyebrow before he said.
"The man cattle consists of one thousand cattle and each are said to be immortal along with always healthy. Also the stables haven't been cleaned in thirty years from what I've heard. It sounds impossible I know but from what I know about you is you always have a way to make the impossible possible."
I nodded as I figured I could always use more cattle and see if I could buy another ship to help transport the ones I couldn't fit on my current ship which will happen if I complete this task since a tenth of one thousand is one hundred. I shrugged and said.
"You got a map of the area? It might be able to help me figure out an idea." He shook his head.
"Sorry but I think they have one in the market. You should go check it out."
"Thank you my friend but I get the feeling that the king is just using this idea to get someone to clean out all the muck in his stables for free." Aetes just chuckled.
"I'm guessing the same but if anyone could beat him at this game it's you."
"Your confidence in me is touching my friend. I better go get the map now so I'll see you later." He nodded before I left wondering about what I could do to clean out those stables if I do accept the challenge.
AN: Hey guys sorry it took so long to update but I've been trying to get back into my Alpha and Omega stories which I've left hanging but having trouble doing it. Also I've been preparing to start job shadowing and eventually getting a job so you can see how I've been busy. Also there will be two new polls up soon so please vote and give me your thoughts on my new chapters. Have a nice day.
