Trojan War Chapter 19

 

19.

The feast was to start with the arrival of the guests on their crafts to the tower. As it was a sizeable gathering the crafts were directed to dock at the designated spaces and then the emptied crafts were directed to the hangers. The stealth fighters there were removed and held a cordon in the above space as a ring of protection on the tower. It was not a display of might but to prevent any renegades from disrupting the feast.

If that was a grand display then the decorations in the tower were held with higher awe by the guests. The Hall was laden with food and drinks on the tables that lined the Hall, and the accompanying musicians ply their best to entertain the guests. It was a great feast involving the twelve worlds and that was not to exclude the Gods and Goddess.

“Ares the God of War.”  

The God of War appeared on a hovering platform that was designed like a disc, and the God himself was dressed in the dark shade armor with the half cloak of red over his shoulders. He had on his headpiece cradled on his right hand, and his facial expression was grim with the trimmed beard.

“Oh, he looked so manly.” The whispers of his look went around the gathered guests while the men all bowed to the great God. Ares was not alone and behind was his prize bull led by Paris of Troy., The bull was kept in a metal cage and hovered in like its owner with Paris walking by its side.

“The prize bull of Ares.’

The bull in the cage snorted at the guests and was tamed by Paris with a pat on the tusks. The guests were overawed by the bull and saw Paris action as amusing.

“Oh, he can tame the bull. I do wonder if he could do to me.” A guest had uttered.

“He will ride you to your knees, Oden.” The friend of the guest replied and the other guests heard that remark and laughed. Oden had then slipped away to avoid any more overtures.

“Pack the bull to the side. We have a feast to attend.” Ares told Paris and then rejoined the others at the tables. Paris was left alone and felt out of his league.

“You are either a brave man or a cruel trainer.” Paris heard the remark and turned to defend himself on the accusation. He had to cull on his reply when he saw himself facing Artemis.

“I am not brave nor a cruel trainer, Goddess Artemis. I am just a herder of the bulls who adored and earned their trust.” Paris bowed to the Goddess.

“It’s a patronizing reply. I will accept it.” Artemis looked at Paris. She finds him amusing like how she looked at the wild creatures. She had never felt the same for anyone since Orion her friend and companion had died accidentally killed by her.

“Where are you from, Paris?”

“I am from Troy. I am…” Paris was cut off.

“Do you hunt?” Artemis pressed on.

“I don’t…”

“It’s a sad part that will be on your side. I will see you around, and if you need to learn how to hunt, I can train you.” Artemis took leave of the Trojan. Paris was without any words and then he was met by another Goddess.

“I will not take her words for it.” Paris looked to his side and found himself facing Athena. “Did you meet Ares in battle?”

“Yes, we did. In the arena and I lost.” Paris was admitted to the Goddess.

“Was it your strategy to do so, or he defeated you?” Athena asked.

“I think it was his bull…” Paris was embarrassed to admit.

“So, you lost your bull to his, and now you trained his bulls? I can see you are his lackey.” Athena turned to walk away.

“I am not his lackey. I am his trainer.” Paris defended his role.

“Whatever that maybe you are still his lackey.” Athena walked on. Paris bit his lips to comment more and was then met by Aphrodite. He was taken in by her beauty and bowed towards her.

“I am honored to meet you.” Paris had started the conversation. Aphrodite had smiled and studied the man before her. He was young, dashing, and may be of virulent to desires she was having then.

“And I am pleased to meet you. I heard you came in with Ares. You are his…”

“Bull trainer. I coached them to do their best in the arena.” Paris smiled.

“Oh, bull trainer.” Aphrodite smiled. She had looked at the bull with its huge horns and tusks and the virile display between the hind legs. “Do you … get them to mate too?”

“Oh…:” Paris had smiled then. “I don’t have to. They are on their own when faced with the other … counterparts.”

“Yes, the copulation. I take it they are … intense. “Aphrodite smiled. “Carry on, young Paris. The evening is young, and you are younger.”

It was then the late guest arrived.

“King Tyndareus of Sparta.”

Trojan War Chapter 18

 

18.

The feast held on the call by Zeus was not a regular event but there were other gatherings but not one like the one called by Zeus.

Each feast was like a test of challenges.

“Bern, I am telling you the meat must be tender and …” Gaston, the Master Chef of Olympia had frowned at the presentation of the dish then. He was the Master Chef for over several decades in the record of calendars, but in reality, he held onto it by craftiness and deceits. It was not easy for like the Gods, he was given a lot of challenges.

“Zachary, are you an imbecile to accept these herbs? I can attest that your sauces are at best on some days. Do you recall the time Zeus had your sauce thrown out of the Hall?” Gaston demanded perfection with Zeus as his patron. He then looked at the other chef that he had to comment on there.

“Tiber, I will admonish you to do well on the deserts.” Tiber was from Sparta and despite the warring nature of his people, he had taken conquest in the arena of preparing meals. His reply to them who choose to undermine his discovered ability as a Spartan; the best of the warriors still need to be fed’.

“Master Gaston, we are not the Gods. We need…” It was Tiber who had told the other. Tiber despite his nature of works held a muscularly toned physique and felt that perfection in the dessert was also in its maker.

“That’s another view of yours that I need to admonish off. You are too proud.” Gaston despite his Macedonian descent had to counter back. He looked at the other two Chefs standing before him with Tiber.

“We have to be on our best, be it a simple meal to the grand feast.” Gaston looked at the three chefs as though he was Zeus looking at the Gods. “I have completed every task here with my best and at times above my best. The Gods are at best fickle but we will anticipate every taste.”

“And for that to happen, I need the best of the best from the three of you.” Gaston continued.

“And what will the Gods do this time? The last grand feast we had, Heracles was ridiculed and sent on a voyage of tasks.”  Bern sighed. He had like Heracles who enjoyed the roasts and ducklings.

“At worst now with the wars done, the Gods will have more to conflict on.” Zachary was an Archaeon and considered himself the cultural one. “It’s like the concoction of herbs it will bring out the revolt or calmness in the mix.”

“I hear all of you but you do know their desires. Their palate of appetites and above all, their serving amount please.” Gaston repeated himself there. “I fear that this time, it may not be Gods I am concerned of.”

“The Goddess? Oh no. The last time, I had the doe served on Artemis, she threw a tantrum and if it was not Dionysus who helped me, I would have died that feast.” Bern did not notice the serving by his staff and almost lost his life.

“She is testy when it comes to meat. After all, she may be a huntress but the creatures are of value to her.” Zachary cut in. “I had to make sure my servings does not have any morsels of meat to every time she feast.”

“Not an easy task there.” Tiber snapped in. “The Gods like meat and the Goddess …I have to say picky with their meals. Aphrodite insists that there will be nothing that will cause her to change in her beauty and yet she plow into everything on the table.”

“Please, Tiber. Aphrodite did that to come in terms with Ares and also to mock at Hera, who chooses to ear in delicate cuts.” Bern smiled. “I have been serving her for some feasts.”

“Gaston, please do enlighten us. What is the feast about? Another Zeus bastard children or was it to display Hephaestus’ latest capture of adultery.” Tiber asked.

“I had cautioned you. I know not what but there were rumors that Ares is bringing some guest to showcase his prize bulls.” Gaston glared at the chefs.

“Bulls? As in the bulls.” In Tiber mind, every creature mentioned was visualized in the servings of cuts or braised, or roasted over the fire. “Their enormous balls could e served garnished with some herbs and in that stew that you made, Bern.”

“Or I am sorry, Bern. I was to speak to Zachary.” Tiber corrected himself but he had drawn the scorn from the other.

“I will have you roasted one day.:” Bern hit back.

“Not in this feast you won’t. Am I not right, Zachary?” Tiber looked to his companion for compliance. “Are you not?”

“I …” Zachary had wanted to keep their personal lives apart from work.

“That’s enough of it from the three of you. I will not have …the mentions of your sides in my kitchen. I have enough of the Gods and Goddess to plague me with their own.” Gaston was upset. He dismissed them all and was to face Bern who stood there.

“I did admonish him. It was not that I…” Gaston pleaded with Bern.

“Well, you can admonish yourself tonight. I am moving to my quarters alone.” Bern left fuming with anger.

Arthur II Book II Chapter 17

 

17.

 

“Must you rush me, druid?” Artorius took to follow the druid at his own pace behind. He was walking towards the lake dressed in the full armor of the Prime and held his gladius inside the scabbard on his waist belt... When he reached the lake, he stood there to look at the lake surface while the druid stepped into the lake waters. The druid stood knee-deep and then called out for the ladies.

“Step forth, the lady of the Lake. The King is here to meet you.” The druid called out. Artorius looked at the lake surface and saw nothing happened.

“I call upon thee, Vivianne of the ladies. Come forth.” The druid called out and a streak of lake water lashed out to strike at the druid. The druid was drenched and turned to look at Artorius.

“Arthur, she can be temperamental.” The druid spoke to Artorius by his name.

“Artorius…” Artorius reminded the other but then his attention was diverted to the lake. There was a spot on the lake surface where a sprout of water was seen, and it rose with a lady in white appearing on it. He was awed by the sight of the lady, and by instinct, he went down on one knee.

“I will speak to Arthur and only him alone.” The lady voiced out. “None others may hear.”

The white lady waved her hands and the scream of Lady Morgause was heard on the stretch to the right of Artorius. Lancelot was seen on the left with Arondight stuck into the sands there.

“Only Arthur will be heard, and told.” The lady in white spoke up. “Be away, all of you.”

With that, the three including the druid found themselves in the forest. They were surrounded by the huge tree trunks and the thick undergrowth. Lancelot drew his sword to slash at the undergrowth but for each root he cut, another took its place. He gave up after several attempts.

“It’s not of use. This is the forest of Broceliande. Its enchanted nature protects the trees and the creatures. More so when it’s reinforced by the spells.” Morgause voiced out. “Even I am powerless here.”

“An admission by you is rare, Morgause.” The druid snapped at the witch.

“I am being honest. The vibration of the blade brought me there. However, my sister Vivianne has empowered her with stronger spells that I am powerless to counter.” Lady Morgause admitted. “She may be paying a price for it.”

“No…” The druid sighed. “She can’t ….”

“Love works wonder for some, and its peril to others.” Lady Morgause reminded the other. “Just be there for her.”

At the lake, Artorius stood up and faced the lady in white.

“You are named Arthur and your calling had been heard by Excalibur.” The lady in white spoke. “I am Lady Vivianne and am the custodian of the blade named Excalibur.”

“I am Artorius…. Yes, I am named Arthur by the druid.” Artorius acknowledged the Lady.

“Do you know the significance of the name Arthur?” Lady Vivianne posed the question towards the other.

“I will explain.” Lady Vivianne continued. “In the ancient elements, there is a word named Artois which spoke of the ‘bear’ and when combined with the other word, ‘viros’ which stands for man, or ‘rigos’ which stands for King. That two names combined held the element of the courage of Man or the King. The bear is a formidable beast and yet you conquered it alone. The druid spoke of your destiny with the stars as the Huge Bear. Hence your new namesake.”

“Arthur?” Artorius muttered to himself.

“Your given name Artorius has a deeper meaning. In Latin, it may mean ‘patronym’ which spoke of the Son of the Bear or Warrior King.” Lady Vivianne explained. “Another common link to the name is Arcturus; which is the star near the Great Bear. It also was said to mean the guardian of the Bear.”

“Merlin did not merely pick you the name. It’s your name but spoken in another way.” Lady Vivianne continued. “Your exploits on this adopted land if you want to call it, but it’s your destiny to rule the land here not as a Roman Legionnaire but as its King. You have repeatedly denied that claim either you disbelieved in it or Merlin was a nuisance in his way.”

“He may have been…” Artorius muttered under his breath.

“Hear me out, Arthur of the Knights. Your destiny awaits you but you must accept its consequences. To be King, you need Excalibur and peace will reign on your land. The rule of King Arthur will be known by far and wide and deep into the minds of the people here, but as King, there will be tribulations to your rule.”

“Betrayals and deceits will yours to be tormented but there will be moments of achievements to your calls. Knights and warriors will bow and serve for you, and yet some may battle you. There will be battles where you may lose friends and to some, you may gain others back as friends.” Lady Vivianne looked at the one she was addressing. “You may think that these are trivial to your current role, but caution you will have for the weight of the new ones may overwhelm you.”

“Now, speak your mind and he blade named Excalibur will judge.” Lady Vivianne waved her hands and a new sprout of the lake water appeared. Inside the sprout of water was seen the image of a sword.

“I…I don’t have … If I may be forgiven, my words are lost on my tongue.” Artorius sighed. “I felt unworthy of the task.”

“Do you claim defeat…? Or fear of destiny?” Lady Vivianne looked at him.

“I am… unsure. I have served me…. Most of my life to pursue service in the Legion to fight for Rome and its allies, to spare the woes of its people…”

“Enough of yourself, Arthur. Do you stand to champion for the people on this land?” Lady Vivianne looked at the figure standing there.

“I…” Artorius looked away and saw at a distance the sight of Guinevere. She stood there by the uncompleted path from Camelot to the lake. It was the wishes of him to build the castle extension to the lake with its marbled stone walk path. He came to that idea on his walks with Guinevere who liked to walk the lake area.

“I…” Artorius looked at the lady there. She was dressed in a green gown with the plaited designs on the bodice. He has given him a note by his aide just before his walking with the druid to the lake.

“It’s the note from Lady Guinevere.” The aide told him it read that she had to leave soon for her own home at the seaside.

“Artorius, I will miss our walks. The call to go back to my home ails my heart but I am in need there to see my friends and those who were also their friends. We are the people of this land, and we need to be united. I will be away from Camelot but I hoped not from you.”

Artorius turned to look at the lady in white.

“I will champion the people of this land. I will fight their war and be their …. King.” Artorius declared. “I will take the name of Arthur for myself.”

“You have taken the vow, King…. Arthur. With that vow, you will be bestowed the blade named Excalibur to your use. The blade will give you power and influence on the land, and knights shall fight alongside you in your battles.” Lady Vivianne replied.

“Stand to receive thy gift.” Lady Vivianne told the other. The blade then appeared from the sprout of water to appear on it. It reaches out like a stream of water towards Artorius. Excalibur was presented in its scabbard which was sewn with the hard leather and inlaid with jewels.

“Receive the Excalibur now.” Excalibur was handed hilt towards Artorius. He held out his right hand to hold the sword, but it won’t dislodge from the water.

“Heed my words once more, Arthur. When you have completed your destiny as King, Excalibur will be returned to the lake. It shall never be handed to another. He who is not you holds the blade will be punished till its return to the lake.” Lady Vivianne spoke of the last condition.

Arthur nodded to the request.

“Excalibur, be with your new guardian now.” With the command from the lady, Artorius felt the sword released of its watery hold. He pulled the sword out of the scabbard and pointed it upwards. He went down to one knee and bowed his head.

“Hail Excalibur!” Lady Vivianne called out. “Hail King Arthur.”

 

 

Trojan War Chapter 17

 

17.

Aphrodite had tossed the gown she was trying and stepped to the mirror to watch her beauty displayed. She was in her chamber in the tower with six of her designers.

“Could you not find me a gown that will outshine the others?” Aphrodite self-marveled at her beauty. “I am without a match to the concept of beauty.”

 None of the assembled designers replied to and it drew her irate response towards them.

“If none of you believe in me, then tell me why my waistline is more pronounced compared to the previous moon.” The Goddess raised concern.

“Who dares to say my mother is undesirable?” The voices of Phobos and the other twin, Deimos had visited their mother. “I will have that person killed.”

“My sons” Aphrodite held out her arms to greet her sons, borne with Ares. “How have you fared?”

“Boring for there are no wars to be fought. We are just bored spectators to the Games. I wished we have wars. The real conflicts are to be fought between worlds. Or can we do ours against the Frontier?” Phobos groaned on the condition then.

“Yes, even with the Frontier was endless negotiations and n real results,” Deimos added to the misery.

“So, you back to …” Aphrodite was cut off.

“We are back for the feast. Ares felt that our outlook needed to be refined with the others. Other young Gods or Goddesses are vying to upstage the older Gods and Goddess. And even to challenge Zeus if they could.”

“Behold your words, Phobos. Zeus is not to challenge unless they have the edge over his might.” Deimos cut in. “ However I do dread that we are to drink and smile even though we don’t like them.”

“It’s called diplomacy, my boys. The prelude to most times war may not be by physical strength but the show of itself in strength. Not everybody has to be like Heracles.” Aphrodite replied. “Or even to the likes of Zeus.”

“Like your beauty Aphrodite. Attest to it or be prepared to be challenged.” Phobos creamed his reply towards his mother. “Ain't we all a happy family of miscreants.”

“Snarling nasty but I liked it.” Aphrodite laughed. “You are as cunning as your father as he is at war.”

“Ares is the best there is to the ways of war,” Deimos added in. “Even Athena need to bow towards him.”

“Do not discard Athena, my boys. She may be more than you can handle.” Aphrodite cautioned the two young ones. “Heed my words I have contested with her many times.”

 At that moment, Athena was in anger at the demise of Medusa the Gorgon by Perseus. She had attended the grand funeral for Medusa by her clan the Gorgon.  It was an event that was to have the warrior of Gorgon kept at the mausoleum for over some time before it was released into the deep cavity in the subterranean.

Athena was there to send the casket holding Medusa to the core of the planet. She had created Medusa with the hair braids that were serpents in design, and her stare that will turn anyone to become stone. She recalled Medusa asking her for mercy when the latter voiced the broadcast on Athena’s communications.

“Help me on the injustice inflicted upon me by Poseidon.” Medusa had pleaded. “He violated my sanctuary.”

Athena had known Medusa to be a faithful follower of her’ and confronted Poseidon. They met before Zeus in the Great Hall. The Hall was devoid of the others except one had joined in was Hera.

“How dare you called on me to compensate the Gorgon? I am Poseidon.” The elderly God had rebuked on the request. “She is a woman. And the Gorgons are weaklings. Their men are pathetic warriors while their women command their army.”

“She may be another woman to you but to me, a faithful follower of mine. I have an obligation to them.” Athena had protested.

“Bah! Women have no standing with us.” Poseidon had arrogantly replied. He then looked at Zeus. “Do your ruling, Zeus. Am I to waste my time listening to her?”

Zeus had sat there silent throughout the discussion. He had not even looked at Hera then. He then spoke.

“The woman held no demands on Poseidon.” Zeus had made his wise ruling. “She may have not been violated but on her accord, given it willingly. And now chose to make demands upon us.”

“I stand to …” Athena was cut off then. Not by Zeus but by Hera.

“The woman held no claims on Poseidon. We held no rank on the men.” Hera had spoken then and Zeus avoided her. “If every other woman will be claimed us, then the whole Olympia will be at threat.”

“Those are wise words, Hera.” Poseidon had thanked the other. The discussion was closed but Athena was not pleased with the outcome. She had met Medusa later and offered her assistance.

“You will be the warrior for the Gorgon. You will possess the power to turn men into stones.” Athena handed the power goggles to Medusa. “Let no man creep on you for your headpiece will be a multitude of droids that resembled the serpents with it a sight to aid you and its venom in its sting that will immobilize them.”

Hence the birth of Medusa but her reign was cut short by Perseus.

“My warrior demise by the hands of Man, and the weapon that countered her was by Ares. I am not to be denied my anger.” Athena had called out. She was the rival of Ares when it came to the challenge of the war strategies. “Ares will feel my wrath once more. I will meet you at the next feast and roast your soul there.”

 

Weekend Special; Short Tales; California Series 2.1 Chapter 4

4.

Sean Cannes had not moved from the spot where he had lain there when he saw the army personnel marched into the path he had planned the ambush. He was to provide the fire cover as the sniper but chose to remain out of it. He saw the ambush was sprung too early and the Columbian squad had taken cover. He watched the battle and saw the grenade explosion. He knew then that his ambush had failed. He picked up the binoculars and magnified his view.

“An outsider,” Sean muttered to himself. He magnified the view and saw the uniform. “You could not stay away huh, Master Gunner. I knew it was when you will come here.”

Sean then backed out of his hideout when he saw Master Gunner and the other officer had taken the trail towards the hacienda. He picked up his rifle and camouflage netting. He held the M30A5 rifle adopted by the later preferred rifle by the Marines. The bolt action rifle held the ten rounds in the removable magazine and its barrel was twenty-four inches in length. He used Leupold Telescopic Scope for better accuracy. On the waist belt was the holster GLOCK 17 with nine rounds.

Sean took off on the parallel trail with the two soldiers. He moved in stealth with the pace maintained as taught to him by his trainers before. The way to move in the jungle was not to go against the obstacles there.

“Every blade of grass, every twig you stepped on, the stone you had upturned will leave your trail to be seen by the pursuers,” Sean recalled those words. He had ‘planned his trail with each step he took was the same ones he took. When he reached the small stream, he was careful to step on the stones at the bank and then into the water without moving the pebbles. He took to upriver for a distance and then he stepped out to rejoin the trail.

“The softer the ground, the lighter your steps.”

Sean avoided the exposed ground and tried to use the tree roots to step on.

It was not the same for Master Gunner and the Lieutenant. They ran past the trees leaving a trail for they had a limited time to reach their objective. As Master Gunner had said to the Lieutenant that their presence was known and it makes no difference if there are spotted.

“It’s the last hundred yards when we go incognito.”

At the hacienda named Hotel California; it was a three levels curved structure with about fifty rooms, a dance hall, and dining area for fifty guests, a lobby with the reception table, and the basement where the armory and storage of supplies. The ground in the rear of the hotel was the Olympic pool, the sauna and mini zoo with the assorted reptiles kept there. The front was the ten vehicles garage and the mini-golf circuit. The structure was situated on flat terrain. At the outer boundary were the spaced-out ten guard towers with the manned machine guns and missile launchers.

At a distance of two hundred yards to the left of the structure was the subterranean cocaine lab below the layer of thin soil and grass. The lab was rectangular in design which measured over ten thousand feet where thirty lab technicians were named. They were working on the long tables with the equipment to convert the raw coca leaves into fine cocaine. The subterranean lab was ventilated by the chimneys that were seen protruding from the ground to ventilate the air inside. It was mechanically controlled by the generator housed at the side of the main structure. The coca farm was a distance of five hundred yards to the left of the lab. It covered the area of ten acres.

 “Have you raised the ambush team?” Michael ‘Pancho’ Teja stood by the window proof at the room on the third level. The room was furnished to be the office of the head of the Cartel there, with the carved wooden desk and the huge thirty feet length aquarium with the reinforced glass to house the twenty feet anaconda in the half-submerged tank.

“I have no new confirmation, Jefe.” The operator seated at the console was adjusting the bands to get the ambush team on the band. The operator was trained by the military and besides the communication skill was a marksman with the rifle.

“Get me the gringo.” Michael called out. He was dressed in the colored shirt with the top buttons opened, and the loose white pants with the sandals on his feet.

“Jefe, the gringo does not answer when he is in the jungle. It’s his nature to remain radio dead.”    

“Puta..” Michael disliked being left out of the situation. He paced the room with glances towards the jungle. It could be seen a distance away from the elevation he was on.

“Shall I call on the other Guerreros?” Michael had with him the hired guards and mercenaries of over thirty men. He had added on Sean a month ago, and the latter had proven his worth with the notched kills.

“Michael Teja, you are a marked man by the DEA. Their last attempt on you had failed when I thwart their officers with the cover fire while you escaped.” Sean had met Michael after the shootout at the nearby town. Michael was ambushed and barely with his life. His five bodyguards from the two vehicles had covered for him before they were shot by the enforcement officers. He had thought the end was imminent but the sniper shots diverted the enforcement officers. He sneaked off during the diversion.

“This should explain it all.” Michael was shown the video on the shootout from an elevated angle. “I was there.”

It was a week later that Sean showed his skills with a headshot on the Colonel who called the attack on Michael and sealed the contract of works for the Cartel.

“Michael, the word is out that they are sending in the units to get you here,” Sean told him that a week ago. “I would suggest you reinforced your hotel.”                    

Three attempts by the gringo’ have failed then  Sean took care of it.

“Once failed and twice shy but three was not giving up. If there was a three, there will be a fourth.” Sean told Michael. That fourth intel came with the confirmation.

“The fourth team is on the route. The Head of the gringo is in there.”

  

Weekend Special; Short Tales; California Series 2.1 Chapter 3

 

3.

The jungle can be unkind when you are not prepared for it. The training does help but every time, you trek in, it will still intimidate you. Gunner Master Stark was in the middle of the seven men dressed in the army fatigue and lugging the duffle bag in addition to his standard complement of the M4 Carbine and the holster was 1911 which was his own. He had on the bush hat and kept his pace with the Colombian squad under Lieutenant Diego. The squad carried M4 Carbine attached to the M203 grenade launcher with the Beretta 92.

“Master Gunner, my squad will be your protection unit. You make sure you hit the sniper and then we will withdraw. It’s a recce task for us.” Lieutenant Diego was a short guy with wide shoulders in the crew-cut hairstyle.

“Get me there and leave me to the task,” Stark replied. That was before they were taken by the riverboat upriver on a ride that took an hour and from there they took the trek into the jungle for over two hours before the Lieutenant called for the rest. It was another spot where the trees loomed above you, and the canopies of leaves hid the sunlight.

“Lieutenant, who gave you the intel?” Stark asked.

“I don’t ask. I just do as told.” Diego gave him the standard reply.

“Well, if you were to take cover.  We are to be hit soon.” Stark then leaned back on the tree trunk to hid his frame.

“Refugiarse! (Take cover.)” Diego called out and the shots rang out. The squad sought cover at the trees but two went down at the start of the firefight. Diego had found his cover behind the tree trunk while he returned fire with his rifle.

“We are pinned down,” Stark called out. He peeked from his spot to check the shooters. He had seen them a few clicks away and knew these were not the everyday bandits but trained army personnel turned mercenaries. The ones that ambushed him were the better of the lots.

“Diego, I got two on my six o’clock. You have one on your two o’clock and the last one is at three o’clock.” Stark called out and then fired the grenade at his rear. He needed the distraction to move from the six o’clock duo’s sight. He rolled to the left side with the M4 lined up. He did the three shots bursts at the ones on the left. He got the one at three o’clock and ran out to the next cover. His run was to distract the other shooter which was at two o’clock which Diego shot with the continuous burst of the carbine.

Master Gunner had then taken three short bursts at the remainder two mercenaries and was backed by the Lieutenant and his remaining men. They did not last long.

“We are busted.” Master Gunner said. “They had us soon after we landed.”

“I will radio the Camp.” The Lieutenant replied. “They need…”

“You not do that. The Camp may be compromised. You will move to the rendezvous point. That should be one click away. Stay there and be ready for the evacuation.”

“I don’t understand. You ..” The Lieutenant was cut off.

“I have the coordinates in my communication unit. You will move there and give me six hours. If I am not thereby then call in the chopper. Go back and bring the heavy firepower. Call in the drones or the choppers then.”  

“You are in my jungle. I will go with you.” The Lieutenant called on the other men to take the wounded back. “We will signal you. We shall be there in an hour.”

“Okay, I could do with a spotter.” Master Gunner reached into his duffle bag. He drew out the laser sight scope. “You know how to use that?”

“I was taught the Slight High zero method and the wind speed on the trajectory deflection.” Diego smiled. “I was in the Sniping Team before.”

“Why did you leave?”

“They told me I was hopeless at it.” Diego smiled. “The truth was I fragging the Instructor’s ex-wife. I got my scores toward perfection.”

“Fuck you. Get your gear. We are moving ahead.” Master Gunner then moved to check the dead. He had to know who they were. He was not surprised by the identities of the dead. And their rifles.

“My own which had left to work for money.” Master Gunner had heard of the many nationalities who had offered their services. These were known to him; once trained by him to serve in the Army. They did not make the grade but they had the basic training.

“Mexican and that one are American. I knew them from the training some years back. Their rifles had my insignia on the butt.”

“It does not matter to me. Those three are from my Division. They are trained to be snipers on our side. They had gone AWOL some time back.”

“There are always bad ones. It’s that we have to be more than bad compared to them.” Master Gunner then looked at the jungle. “Let us move.”

Trojan War Chapter 16

 

Judgment and Justification

 

16.

Paris was a brave man but he was not brash to rush into conflicts which he had not considered the outcome or its consequences to his well-being. Unlike the Spartans, he was cautious as a Trojan of Troy. The nation of Troy made up of a few Houses from the nobility and diplomats to the warmongers and the brash renegades.

Paris was the renegade for his birth but had stayed with King Priam. With the association of him with Ares, Paris was to become more of the diplomat then. He had met Ares after the prize bulls race and since then, Ares had him appointed as the breeder of his bulls.

“It’s an honor to be with me.” Ares had told Paris. “Value it and one day you may replace King Priam.”

Paris had acknowledged the association. He was to be elevated among the Trojans and was then invited to the feasts with the nobles. His fame was to be seen with Ares.

“There is a feast at Zeus Tower on the next moon. You are to come there.” Ares extended the call towards Paris. “Dress well for you will get to see the Goddess. If they liked you or one of them do so onto you, then you may be elevated to ranks.”

“Like you, Lord Ares.” Paris had asked.

“Paris, you are … not to be the same as mine. Remember that now and forever.” Ares had reprimanded Paris. “I am still the God, ranked with the almighty Zeus.”

Paris had remained quiet and then Ares gave out a loud laugh.

“I was pulling your leg, Paris. Yes, if you do wed a Goddess, you will rank with me.”

“Be there for the feast,” Ares told Paris. “I look forward to you being there.”

Paris had never been invited to a feast of that magnitude. Despite his birth later with King Priam, he was never treated as an equal. His feasts were with the bull breeders or the taverns with the harlots. It was a rare treat to be invited then for him.

How do you dress at such a feast, or what do you say there? Those were the questions in the mind of Paris's mind. He was unsure.

Paris thought of asking King Priam but the latter had told him to get away from Ares.

“Ares is a mad God. He used to wage war before the Games was created to replace it. Ares will corrupt your thoughts and he is a harbinger of bad events.” King Priam cautioned the other.

“I hear you, my King.” Paris had replied but in his mind was who was he to defy his King. Or to the Gods. Paris made up his mind and shied from King Priam.

Until then.

“I cautioned you before. Ares is mad. Now he will invite you to the feast with the Gods.” King Priam looked away in despair.

“Maybe I was wrong to tell you. You have never invited me to your feasts although I am your son.” Paris looked at King Priam. “Have you even for invited before?”

It was a challenge to King Priam.

“Leave me, Paris. I will not have anything to do with you.” King Priam had dejected Paris. The exchange of words was not theirs alone but heard by the others who had planted listening devices.

“Paris of Troy is given an invite to the feast of Gods.” The rumor mills through the channels from Archaeon to Cretan. Not many took an interest but some did.

“Paris must not go, He can be elevated to the ranks of God. It will be an insult to us all, the Archaeon. He is a herdsman to outrank us? This is outrageous.” Agamemnon was the Supreme Leader of the Army of Archaeon. His command included all three divisions in Archaeon. The warrior of Archaeon stood tall square shoulders and held a thick beard on his chin.

“Why are we concerned if he was to go there? It does not mean that he is to given the rank.” The one who replied was Ajax of Greece, another leader in the Archaeon Army. “He may be there as the herder of the bulls. Ares likes to show his prize bulls.”

“Nevertheless, Paris is there. His presence will be boosted by the Trojans and we will put to shame by that claim.” Agamemnon had said in agitation. “The pride of the Archaeon will be tarnished.”

“If it does matter, we will crush them as we once did.” Ajax had cut in. “Archaeon had declared war on Troy for generations, ever since we discovered interstellar travel. What is it to do the same?”

“Fool! Have you forgotten the treaty with the other worlds decided by the Olympians? We are obliged to adhere to it. We can only battle those who are not in the twelve worlds. The Frontier is our enemy now.” Agamemnon roared back. “And how have you fared with that? I heard we make a landing at Selva V but your army was fought to a standstill and then retreated when the Amazons arrived as reinforcement.”

“Me? In retreat? I am Ajax; stronger than dirt.” Ajax called upon his name given to him by the Archaeon for he was huge in the frame of his body and carried great strength. Many had claimed that he was the equal of Heracles who was spoken of great strength.

“And you are half Trojan by birth.” Agamemnon reminded him. “Your brother Teucer served the Trojan Army.”

“And yet I fought for Archaeon in wars.” Ajax reminded the other. “I am not a traitor to Troy but bound by oath to serve the Archaeon in one of the treaties agreed between the two worlds. I will fight for Troy should there be war with the Archaeon.”

“We have no wars, Ajax.” Agamemnon smiled. He was relieved that he had not to battle Ajax for both worlds were rivals then.

“Yes, there are none but should I fight for Troy, it has to be justly and not against my principle.”

“Let us hope that we will not come to that soon. I liked you, Ajax.”

“And so do me, my Archaeon friend.” Both men cheered at the declaration.

Heracles himself was at doubts to attend the feast. He was not the favorite of the Gods being the bastard son of Zeus. They have always found tasks that he was to complete and when he does it, they just added on more.

“I am not welcome at the feasts. Hera disliked me most.” Heracles told his other friend and also a God.

“Why do you care whether they do or not?” Dionysius replied before taking a sip of the wine to be served at the feast. He was placed in the management of the events then and it included the wine and food.

“This is … bad wine. Have it been replaced?” The God of feasts told his aide. “It tasted like bad Spartan steel.”

“Dionysius! Did you hear me?” Heracles looked at the other.

“And I did and replied to you. You do not like to come but who cares if you do or don’t.” Dionysius replied. “I would like you to come. Maybe this round, Zeus will wed you to one of the goddesses. Imagine yourself with Artemis; what a wonderful match?”

“Artemis does not value me as a companion. She is  …” Heracles was cut off by Dionysius.

“Handful or paws off? I don’t care for without you, the feast will be boring when none can match your drinking capacity. Do come, Heracles.”  Dionysius smiled. “Make Hera miserable for the rest of the day.”

 

Arthur II Book II Chapter 16

 

16.

 

Hengist stepped from the campfire to walk towards the trees. There he raised the hem of his tunic to ease himself. He was in a lengthy discussion with some Chiefs who had lent their ears to him. They knew of his conflict with Cedric the Big. They also have their respect for both but they feared Cedric more.

“Aye, Hengist. Cedric has been the Chiefs of the Chiefs. He had provided us shelter and food whenever we needed it. We can’t rebel against him.”

“Rebellion? I ask for none of that. I ask for it that you get the Romans here. We will settle the war here at Mount Badon” Hengist looked at them.

“Mount Badon? You must ail with madness.”  The one that cried out was Chief Madden. “You are mad to bring them here.”

“What can a Cohort do against us who are triple their strength?” Hengist replied. “Cedric is getting soft with age. If we lose this war, we are forever …. Lost to the land.”

“Okay, tell us what we need to do>,” The Chiefs asked Hengist.

“Here is the plan.” Hengist shared his plan with them.

It was not the same as Artorius. He needed was one audience and got it. They met in the Hall with the round table as the centerpiece.

“I hear you, druid. Tell me how I am proving myself to the sword that you mentioned.” Artorius relented to the druid’s persistent request. “Assuming you are right. And I am to be King…”

“A King need not be  ... I mean to say as King, you may rule over the land and its people. As you did not inherit the crown, but given the role, you …” Merlin was cut off by Artorius.

“Do you want me to be King …? Or not?” Artorius raised his voice. “If I needed a lesson on Kingship, I would have submitted myself for the Senate. They are all King’s desired but they cannot decide who to be King beside themselves.”

“Yes, Arthur. Your quest to be King however hindered …”

“Without the sword or…. The queen?” Artorius found himself uttering at the last word. It was shameful of him to think of a Queen when he was minion in the ranks below the Legatus and the whole assembly of Senators and who else before them.

“Queen? Yes, that will be ….” Merlin has to bite his tongue to find the word to appease the other. “Perhaps the sword first to unite the kingdom… I meant the people in the land.”

“What is so unique of this sword?” Artorius asked.

“Excalibur is the blade that is above all the others. Even the Gods feared it.” Merlin explained.

“Bellona, the Goddess of War and mother to Mars hold one.” Artorius worshipped Mars, and the mother of God was Bellona. She was an ancient Roman goddess of war. Her main attribute is the military helmet worn on her head; she often holds a sword, spear, or shield, and brandishes a torch or whip as she rides into battle in a four-horse chariot.

“Aye, but she is not Celt.” Merlin again bit his tongue and waited for the fiery retort but there was none.

“You may be right. Mars may be invoked in Rome but not here.” Artorius then looked at Merlin. “Have you heard of Lugh? He held a fiery spear. He is said to be Mercury among the ancient Gods.”

“Lugh? Lugus? Or even Lieu Llaw Gyffes? They are all prominent …. Godlings and they held a weapon each.” Merlin looked at Artorius. “You cannot rival them but you could stand beside them if you hold Excalibur.”

“Again, the sword. Or blade you insist I hold.” Artorius stepped to the wall opening. He looked to the lake. “What am I to do there?”

“Speak your request and your mind. Show your ambition to unite the people.” Merlin told him.

“No dancing ceremony with musicians and the long table of the feast? No ritual baths or wailing to the Gods?” Artorius asked.

“I had wished it was but that will be entertaining the mule here,” Merlin mumbled to himself far from Artorius's ears.

“Did you say something, druid?”

No, just an old man’s rambling if I had missed out anything. Nothing, Arthur. We can do the deed now.” Merlin smiled at Artorius.

“It’s Artorius, druid. Not Arthur.” Artorius reminded the druid. “My name is …”

“Yes, Artorius. You will be but they will remember you as Arthur.” Merlin snapped back. “Shall we proceed? It’s not the time for lunch but we should be done before then.”

A few persons felt the magical vibrations then across the land.

Lancelot had retrieved the Black Knight armor soon after he buried the knight in the ground. He stood there over the mound of ground covered with maple leaves.

“I know not your name, Sir Knight but that will name be etched onto the stone here. Here lays a great Knight unnamed but known to all.” Lancelot said his final piece and then looked to the dead Lord Pendragon slumped across the horse.

“Take the Lord back to his castle. They will know what to do with him.” The horse was not of the Lord’s but it seems to understand the request. It rode off towards the castle.

It was then Lancelot felt Arondight in the scabbard vibrating. He drew it and out saw the blade was turning to fierce red and humming a low tone. It was unseen before by him. He turned around with the sword leveled out but saw no foes to fight with. He placed back Arondight and rode to Camelot.

“I got to find the druid.”

It was the same thought on the mind of Vivianne.  She was in the chamber studying the ancient scrolls on the dark spells. It was not her area of concern but Nimue who was assigned it had not to master control over it. It was Morgause's expertise but with her banishment, the other ladies have been coping with the tasks.

Vivianne recalled her last encounter with Morgause at the lakeside. She was lucky to have mastered the spell that dispels the other. It was not entirely dispelled for when she returned to the lake, she had to get Vivian to get the aid of the elves. The elves have given her the needed potions to eject the last remaining dark influence in her. There was no time to wait for Vivianne was back at the studies on the dark arts. She heard the calling from the other chamber.

“Excalibur…” Vivianne rushed over to see the sword was in midair and humming a low tone. She was then accompanied by the other ladies.

“The sword is called upon.”

It also alerted Morgause who was then in the Roman Bath House at Lancaster. The Roman Bath House held a huge pool of water heated by the slow wood fire beneath the pool and the water was scented with the flowers and herbs of the continent. 

“Excalibur!” Morgause rose from the water to mid-air while the water droplets dripped back to the pool.

“The druid had done it. He will present the King.” Morgause waved her hands and the gown hung at the side flew towards her. It slipped onto her from the neck down.

“Are you leaving so soon?” It was the voice of the mostly silent Morgan Le Fay. The silent one was still in the water with only head seen.

“You should remain silent, Sister. Of late you have spoken far too many words.” Morgause glared at her sister.

“My concern is your pre-occupation with the sword. Or was it Merlin? Perhaps Arthur?” Morgan slipped into the water.

“I must see this.” Morgause took the steps in her walk-in mid-air towards the water culvert. Her physical form then reverts to the formless spirit and flowed with the water to the drains and into the river and from there to the sea and then towards the North.