chapter 39

Today, King Aeëtes of Colchis was extremely agitated. The infamous Jason and his band of heroes had arrived in his kingdom. After spending most of the day listening to Jason's grandiose promises and flattery, Aeëtes felt sleepy and irritated. Jason had talked endlessly about offering countless treasures and eternal friendship in exchange for the Golden Fleece if he succeeded in becoming king.

Nonsense! Aeëtes knew better. What would happen if Jason succeeded, took the fleece, and then sailed away, breaking all his promises? Aeëtes was fully aware that Jason's uncle would never willingly give up the throne. This impossible quest was proof enough that Aeëtes had no intention of handing over the Golden Fleece.

"So, you claim to be a hero. Show me your qualifications," Aeëtes said, tapping his fingers on the armrest.

"How should I prove myself?" Jason asked eagerly, relieved that Aeëtes hadn't dismissed him outright.

"You must control my two fire-breathing bulls and plow a field with dragon's tooth warriors," Aeëtes replied with a shrug. "Bare-handed would be preferable."

Jason's face fell. If he were Hercules, he would have leapt at the challenge, but Jason was not Hercules.

"Great King of Colchis, may I have a few days to prepare?" Jason asked reluctantly.

"You may, but only you," Aeëtes replied with a disdainful curl of his lip. He doubted Jason would succeed and was confident the fire-breathing bulls would kill him.

Jason returned to the Argo with a heavy heart. Aeëtes rubbed his temples, contemplating how to deal with the other heroes who might attempt the trials.

"Medea?" Aeëtes called to a guard.

"Princess Medea is in her room," the guard replied.

Medusa, hiding in Medea's bedding, enjoyed a peaceful sleep.

"Good. If she were involved, it would complicate things," Aeëtes sighed, worried that Jason and his crew might find a way to cheat.

Jason, meanwhile, was indeed scheming. He snuck away from the Argo to the temple of the God of Love, seeking divine assistance. But before he could enter, a sharp blow to the back of his head knocked him out.

"You were easily ambushed," Cyd said, dressed in a black robe, as he hit Jason with a stick.

"He's bleeding," Medea, hiding under Cyd's robe, said as she poured a healing potion on Jason's head. White smoke rose, and she smiled. "All better now."

"Let's drag him away," Cyd said, pulling Jason into an alley.

Once they reached a safe spot, Cyd threw Jason against the wall and slapped him awake.

"Ouch!" Jason cried, covering his face.

"You were nearly ambushed by Aeëtes," Cyd said, shaking his head. "Your wound is healed."

Jason touched the back of his head, feeling no wound. "Thanks, Cyd. I guess I misjudged you."

Medea, hidden behind Cyd, glared at him. It wasn't her father who attacked Jason!

"You need to be careful," Cyd said. "Aeëtes knows you're trying to use divine help. You'll be attacked if you go to any temple in Colchis."

"What should I do? I can't complete the trial alone," Jason said, panicking.

"If you could, you wouldn't need the Golden Fleece," Cyd replied. "Relax. Eat, drink, and rest. Leave the rest to me."

"Why are you helping me?" Jason asked, puzzled. "I thought you disliked me."

"I dislike so-called heroes who recklessly satisfy their desires. But if you want to be a true hero, you must face your trials head-on," Cyd said, placing a hand over Jason's heart. "Show me your courage. Are you ready?"

"I am!" Jason said, standing tall.

"You will complete the trial and take the Golden Fleece," Cyd promised. "This is your destiny. Trust me."

"Thank you," Jason said, looking at Cyd with renewed determination. "I take back what I said. You are a true friend."

"Now go and prepare for your victory," Cyd said, watching Jason walk away confidently.

"I don't trust you," Medea whispered, holding onto Cyd's robe.

"I truly want to help him," Cyd replied, folding Jason's discarded clothes.

"But you're deceiving him," Medea argued.

"People's hearts are complex, even with pure intentions," Cyd said. "My actions are meant to help Jason, and that's all that matters."

"You're a good person," Medea said softly.

"Perhaps," Cyd replied, smiling.