ch . 6 . swift

The priests slept in a chamber before Minos's bedroom.  Theseus kept his promise.  He stood back and watched the slaughter.  The prince screamed like a beast as he slew, and it lent the illusion that he was, indeed, the Minotaur.  Some priests struggled to fight back, but they were powerless against the prince's ferocity.  Even Theseus, who had danced with death all his life, had never seen more terrible hatred unleashed.

In the end, the prince dropped his weapon, red with the blood of holy men.  Panting, he whispered, "My father is in the next room.  His life is yours to take."

#

Theseus found Minos awake.  He stood at the end of his bed, sword lifted, shining white in the moonlight.

"So my son has come for me at last."

"Your son came for the priests.  I have come for you, paltry king.  In a nation without war, you were the fangs of the snake called peace.  I will cut out your heart for what you have denied me."

Minos touched his forehead with the tip of his blade in salute.  Theseus could see finality in his eyes.  The king knew this was his death.

Theseus thought of Lylia and Minos's broken promise.  Rage boiled in him and he waited, perfectly still.  Minos's thrust was desperate.  Theseus's reaction was instantaneous.  He smashed the blade aside to create an opening, and leapt upon the king.  He rammed his sword into Minos's sword arm so the hand went limp and dropped the blade, then placed a foot behind Minos's legs, threw him to the ground, and pinned him.  Minos gritted his teeth as he met Theseus's glare.

"Do not sever his head," the prince's voice boomed from behind.  "I am Minos upon his death, and he will be the Minotaur."

Theseus grinned as he understood.  "Legends will say the Minotaur could not be killed save by removing his heart."

The prince said nothing, and neither did Minos.

"For your son," Theseus said, and raked his blade across Minos's chest.  "For me," and he rammed his sword into the flesh over the heart.  "And for Lylia," and he began the grisly task of removing Minos's heart.  When it was over, he let the organ beat twice in his hand before casting it to the floor.  His right arm was covered in blood.

He looked through the window.

"Is there no immortal in this world?" he asked the sky in a whisper.

#

When the guards poured into the chambers, they saw the Minotaur dead upon the floor, and Minos stood above it, next to the Spartan they'd thought a blood sacrifice.  All guards fell to their knees and bowed as Minos spoke.

"The priests set the Minotaur upon me, thinking to trade a god of justice for one of violence with which they could subdue my populace," he intoned.  "I watched as Ares lent this Spartan power, and he cut out the Minotaur's heart.  Together, we slaughtered the priests.  Does anyone dare deny my right?"

Theseus joined the prince, now named Minos, in glaring upon them.  None spoke.

That night, they traveled to the mountain bearing Zeus's countenance, and buried the priests and the Minotaur as a blood offering to the gods.  "There will be no more sacrifice," Minos said, and Theseus alone could hear the heavy weight behind the words.  "This will satisfy Zeus."

#

Morning, and Theseus knelt before the throne.

The prince filled the role of Minos perfectly.  He appeared as a younger version of his father, with the same regal eyes, the perfect symmetry of face.

Theseus's heart was heavy.  He did not wish to return home.

"I thank you for your help, and for sparing my life, Theseus," Minos said.  "You will always be a friend of the Minoans."

"What now?"

"Now?  I will rebuild the priesthood, though they will not be involved in matters of state."

Theseus watched the sunlight glint on the bulky golden ring, the symbol of Minos.

"Can you make me see my wife again, with the drug?"

Minos frowned deeply, shook his head.  "You cannot live your life in a dream, my friend Theseus.  You must live well, for you are a great man."

Two tears streamed down his face.  One for Lylia, he thought, and one for himself.

"Then, you will return me to Greece?"

Minos looked solemn.  "Of course, my friend.  Each of our fates must be forged anew after last night."

Minos cut his palm on the edge of his ring and held it before Theseus, who understood.  He pulled the short sword free and cut his own, and the two clasped their hands together.

"We are now brothers," Minos said, "united by blood.  Know that life goes on, and we must always strive in the face of it, without regard for the cruelty of fate."  He gripped Theseus"s hand tightly.  "Swear to me a blood oath that you will live well!"

Theseus was silent.  I can not, he thought.

"Swear it!"

Meeting Minos's eyes, Theseus could not help but feel strength enter his heart.  The gaze was easy to read:  fierce in its belief that life was a gift not to be wasted.

"I swear," Theseus finally whispered.

"Good.  Know that it was your pride in Sparta that inspired me to live well.  Those who do not fear struggle can triumph over anything.  You taught me that, by the way you fought in spite of being weaponless, and facing a creature you thought to be a demi-god.  Why do you think I gave you a sword?  Now I will send you to Greece to start life anew, friend Theseus.  Remember, the blood of kings now runs in your veins," he said with a grin