CHAPTER 3: GOLDEN BULL SPEAKS
The golden gift from Zeus spins once more. The ground rumbles beneath the citizens shaking legs. Anxious faces cry out. “Hercules, help us!” He is helpless to do anything except watch as the spinning gift stops.
The giant golden bull leaps forward. It snorts and roars in Hercules face. Its angry head returns to the monument. It speaks.
“No mercy was shown to me in life. Neither will you receive mercy. We bring you four torments. I bring you the second.”
The vengeance of the gods weights heavy on every human heart. “Do something Hercules!”
He stands in humble reverence to the powers that work at hand. The ground moves violently under their feet as the statue speaks once more.
“Since you are devoted to Hercules, I give you the power to bow before your mortal god without ceasing.”
The sinister face laughs as it looks down mocking the human god.
Hercules covers his worried face with vibrating hands. “What have I done Zeus for you to hate me so?”
Screaming voices fall to their knees' amidst the intense trembling. The people begin to curse the name of Hercules as his reward for bringing this torment upon them. He whistles for Pegasus to rescue him as he watches every knee bowing before him.
“Look at the coward. He attempts to leave us in our misery. What a wretched god.”
The winged stallion flies above. Hercules leaps to join him. “I go to undo what Zeus has brought upon us.” He has know idea where he is to go. But, he knows in his heart he must let the people see him leave. It may give them hope he knows how to help them.
Pegasus gallops up to a great height so Hercules may observe all that is occurring. All Greece truly bows before him. No legs can withstand the shaking earth. He realizes he is all alone. His mighty strength has no power to serve him. His heart hurts in knowing his father mercilessly punishes him. He has no one to turn to, and nowhere to go. He weeps the only name whom has every given him true unconditional love, “Alcmene. Mother.”
In his solitude he stares through the fingers that cover his tearful eyes. Through his blurry vision he see her smiling face. She appears in a misty cloud that formed from his sprinkled tears. As he removes his hands he sees her softly speak, “Come to me.” He is perplexed at her request. He knows what she ask is impossible. She rest in the part of the Elysian fields reserved for the worthy dead. His heart furnishes him with the memory of his last vision of her. It was in the Pool of True Reflection.
Mighty Hercules rares his winged friend upward and commands. “Mount Olympus, away!”
The sun has set below the horizon forcing him to remember the urgency of his situation. He flies to the east of the mountain waiting for the moonlight to once again reveals the holy stream. They descend toward the twisting sparking surface as they glide along its course. Pegasus dives in the opening to the earth.
Hercules leaps from his true friend as Pegasus lands near the pool. He kneels over the still pond waiting for his mother to appear. A single tear of remorse falls from his cheek and stirs the pool below. His silhouette cast the boundaries as his true reflection appears. This time only Alcmene's face materializes.
She smiles and then talks. “Quickly my son, I must speak. For your godly father fast approaches.” Her face turns to her side and then stares back at Hercules.
“In the world lay a secret gift. This is the heart of your troubles.
You must find the one the world lifts, He'll reveal the source the world wobbles. To return the earth as before, You must hear the herd that rumbles. And lock the gate of the door, and then force the world to tumble.”
Hercules repeats the words in his mind as his adoring mother waits for him to remember.
“My son. I must tell you one last thing. You are made of two halves. I am, and will always be, a part of your heart and soul. I truly love my adoring son. There is another part that wars in you. Your father is full of pride. Let your heart always guide you in all that is true, good, and right. Please continue to be the defender of the innocent. I will always be watching. For, no mother could ever be more proud of their son.”
Alcmene's face turns to the side as if it views something quickly approaching. “My son. Hurry and sip from the pond. It will give you the strength you will need for your journey. Remember this, your momma will always loves you.”
Her face is abruptly replaced as Hercules finishes gulping from his cupped hands.
The angry face of Zeus speaks, “You try and trick me again son! You find secrets hidden in this pond. You will regret the day you were born, as I forget that you are my son.”
These harsh words drive a dagger through Hercules heart. The river flowing into the pool suddenly stops. He watches as the calm pool is renewed with vibrating ripples. Lightening showers down exploding in the water. The flowing countryside raises up and begins rolling boulders of destruction toward him.
Hercules hurries to mount his trusted steed. He shout out, “To the bottom of the world! Away!”
They escape through the entrance to this truly magnificent place as the earth bites down and devourers forever the broken peace of this heaven. Hercules knows where he goes now. He feels the pond water strengthen his body and mind. He and Pegasus soar swiftly away.
Between the snow cap mountains of this icy wasteland stands the holder of this world. Pegasus lands short of the straining man containing muscles as big as boulders.
Hercules leaps from his horse as he salutes his old friend. Atlas does not seem to be as excited to bid Zeus's son hello. Hercules smiles before he speaks. For, he knows his last encounter was one that is better not remembered.
Atlas speaks, “Have you come to trick me again my so called friend?”
Hercules ponders how he deceived Atlas into regaining the weight of the world.
Atlas reminds him, “I go and retrieve Hera's golden gift to Zeus and this is how you repay me?”
Hercules thinks what he might say that will release the weight of his burden.
Atlas suggests, “I should have rested while eating every golden apple while watching you continue holding this eternal load. Was I not your friend when I filled your impossible request? Was it too much to ask you to share my burden a few moments longer?”
Remorse fills Hercules face. “I am truly sorry for tricking you my friend.”
“Friend, friend, you call me friend?”
“Believe me Atlas. I regret that I was not honest with you. Please understand. I was in haste to complete my labors. It was the gods that forced me to trick you.”
Atlas knows the debauchery the vain gods play upon all innocent of such tactics. “I might forgive you if you will again hold the weight of the world.”
Hercules words surprises him. “For my friend I will surely alleviate the pain of your load.”
Atlas test his word and invites him under the world. Hercules lifts up as Atlas lets down.
“My aching arms feel much better.” He finds a block of ice to sit upon and relax for a moment. “I guess I was wrong about you Hercules. You truly are a friend. I never thought you would return as I watch you travel the world in your adventures.” His face saddens. Hercules takes notice.
“Might you like your own adventure?”
Atlas face begins to think.
“Might you like one that would intimidate the very gods that have given you such a lonely life?”
Atlas face fills with a vengeful smile, “Would I”!
“I was told there is a place to enter the center of the earth, but only one most wise knows where it opens. The gods hide this secret from man. I guess they are afraid man might find some secret to their power. Ahhh, but who would know such a thing?”
Atlas arms puff up as his proud mouth burst forth, “I am that wise man!”
Hercules responds, “You mean you no where it is hid?”
Atlas states, “I'll be right back.”
Hercules aching arms pray he hurries to reveal the
secret the gods and goddesses hid. He watches as Atlas returns.
“I guess I am the most wise. I found the hidden door and raised it. Do you see it over there?”
Hercules lifts his head and strains to see in the direction Atlas is pointing. “No I do not. Are you sure you opened it?”
Atlas again states, “Its over there.” He repeatably jabs his arm in the direction he returned from.
Hercules squints again to increase his vision, but replies, “No, I cannot. Maybe if I was closer I could see it?”
Upset Atlas frustratingly grabs the earth from Hercules shoulders and yells, “Go see for your self you blind fool!”
Hercules pats Atlas's straining bicep and tells him, “I will go investigate.”
Hercules finds the entrance and whistles for Pegasus. Both fly down into the belly of the world as they hear Atlas scream out, “Not again!”
The dark cave glows with an orange haze that penetrates miles and miles below. A bright red yellowish beacon radiates far ahead. It turns more yellow as they near to it.
The pair breakthrough to an enormous cavern. Off to the east is a forest. Hercules determines this may give Pegasus some concealing protection. This is were he decides he will descend.
They approach the forest as they watch the treetops sway back and forth, like waves in a stormy sea. They land on the ground as the earth violently rumble. Hercules commands Pegasus to lay down and wait here for him. He hopes this will easy the shaking of Pegasus's body while he venture to the cause of the shaking.
Off in the distance, he sees the shine of an army of brass beast. As he draw close he recognizes what these massive creatures are. It is thousands upon thousands of behemoth brass bulls. Alcmene's message now makes sense. He watches as the beast roam freely where ever they care. The shaking earth follows wherever they go. To the west he sees a humungous gate that seems to be broken open. He knows now what he must do.
Hercules charges the thirty foot tall creatures with outstretched arms yelling, “Ya! Ya!” The herd charges toward him as he charges toward them. He sees the leader breakthrough the multitude. His burning red furious eyes fix on Hercules as he frantically snarls in anger. Right before they devastatingly meet, Hercules yells, “Mount Olympus!” He then leaps high in the air over top the fifty foot high brass beast. The creature springs up to meet his descending foe with twelve points of his horns. Hercules dodges these thrusting razor sharp spears while snatching the huge gold ring in the bull's nostril. From the snout of the beast he yanks upwards which cause the monster to leap up in pain. He bucks his massive head in every direction attempting to rid himself of the source of his pain, but the thrashing hero refuses to let go. The beast trounces the bulls around him with agitated hoofs. But, nothing he does seems to loosen the suffering he feels. The colossus tires and accepts the shackle in his nose.
Hercules gently loosens the beast's agony as it submits to the request of his foe. He leans the gold hoop forward causing minor discomfort suggesting the beast move forward. As it moves the pain subsides. He notices something written. On the ring reads the words A gift to my love Hera. He knows these creatures are the creation of his father, and were a gift to his wicked stepmother. His attention returns toward the bull. The creature walks forward. It continues straight in that direction as the other beast follow along. Hercules steers the leader rightward with a slight twist of the hoop right. The beast again follows the direction of his pain that slowly disappears as he turns.
He ushers the beast inside the fenced fortress. He leaps onto the open gate and waits as the leader strides further inside. He stands at the base of the gate as the last of the thousands strolls in. He hurries and slams the gate. He finds where the massive latch is and sees that it was melted off. He determines only one of Zeus's lightening bolts could have broken this lock. He cries out, “Mount Olympus,” as he summon all his strength. He begins to bend a huge protruding bar around the gate, which ensure this lock will never be broken again.
He leaps off the gate but still feels the ground rumble. He knows his task is still not complete. He ponders his mother's words. He remembers the last part of her riddle. It was,...cause the world to tumble. He climbs to the top of the metal fence and suddenly realizes the solution to her riddle. He sees this place lay on a world of its own. It gently curves at the far horizon. He sees the fence narrow and continue off past the horizon. He looks behind and sees what must be the same fence as it runs unbroken into this one. He determines by the well beaten path that it runs around the entire center of the world. Hercules knows what he must now do.
He whistles for Pegasus to come. He and his winged friend soar over the herd. Hercules leaps once more onto the leading beast. The monster becomes violent and tries to rid his nostril of the pest. He charges at the standing menace not understanding he rides with him. The herd charges alongside following the roaring beast. Hercules leaps onto his following friend and halts him in the air. Both watch as the thousands charge after the leading beast, which finds he is being force along with the herd. He is blocked from turning side to side because of the monumental metal fence. Hercules lands on the ground to see if his hunch was right.
The rumble slowly changes to movement. He soon finds he is walking to keep himself from tilting over. He mounts Pegasus and suggest his friend lift skyward. From this height he seems the ground revolving. The engine of the world is the beast that churn the ground beneath them. The earth turns and tumbles once more.
Hercules rares Pegasus up in his attempt to turn him. “To Athens, and away!”
They near Athens and see the world has stop shaking. That is, all except Mount Olympus where the gods reside. It shaking must be caused by the anger of the gods. He looks below for a place to land as he watches the citizens attempt to pick up the pieces and place everything in order once more. Thankful praises lift skyward as grateful hands attempt to shield the glare of the sun while they gaze upward. He lands at the base of the monument hoping this tribulation has ended. But, Zeus will have none of that.
The ground shakes once more as the golden gift spins faster than before. Zeus appears in the blur that marks the twirling monument.
“You think to outwit the gods?”
Every weary citizen drops what they are doing and fearfully awaits.
“I order you a new blessing which you will find you will never end.” Zeus laughs hysterically as the spinning golden faces stop. Zeus's face transitions into the jutting roaring Lion's.
“No mercy was shown to me in life. Neither will you receive mercy. We bring you four torments. I bring you the third.”
The people praising their hero moments earlier move away from his side. They curse him for bringing another damnation upon them.
“Since you are devoted to Hercules, I give you the power of reverence to your mortal god without ceasing.”
The sinister face laughs as it looks down mocking the human god.
The people do not hear any rumbling or feel any shaking. They stand in confusion wondering when the curse will begin. Everything seems eerily normal. They begin to ask what this new curse will bring. Hercules watches them talking, but no sound comes out their mouth's. It looks, by the speaker's actions, they can hear their own words. For, if they could not hear themselves speaking they would not be shouting to the one whom is trying to listen.
Hercules feels slightly amused watching this silence play-out. It's as if he is watching a theatrical comedy where all the worlds a stage. Realizing this curse cannot possibly be as devastating as the two prior, he is more relaxed to find the cure. He thinks this is not so bad, they do not hurl insulting curses at me. He sits to ponder how he might find a solution enjoying the quiet bustling street.
He notice a fire has broken out in a building at the edge of the acropolis. He sees a woman with her child dashing across the street away from the fire and smoke. An ox drawn wagon laden with heavy barrels of water races toward the burning building. Hercules suddenly realizes no one can hear
the sounds of anything else except those they alone make. The woman and child will collide with the wagon because they do not hear the screams of the driver or the loud clopping sounds of the ox hoofs.
Hercules leaps to his feet and rushes toward the closer wagon. The driver is mystified to see his heavy wagon has stopped. He watches helplessly as his ox and cart rises skyward. The anxious man looks underneath his cart to see what he had not before. The child and lady pass under as he stares at the smiling hero hoisting the ox with one arm and his cart with the other. He returns his smile as Hercules sets him down. He races off again with a little helping push from Hercules.
This situation is worse than he thought. He watches several different areas of the street as one persons tries writing out their question, and another using illustrations to draw what their need is. It's as if the writings and drawing are invisible to anyone but the creator. He looks around and sees no one is able to communicate their very thoughts. It's not just outside sound they have been robbed of, but the treacherous gods have stolen their very ability to communicate to one another. Hercules now realizes how devastating this will become. Farmers will not know if the citizens need food. The injured and sick will not be able to ask for help. Hercules helplessly watches as fights of frustration flare up. The poor and less fortunate run and hide. The wealthy and powerful prepare to defend their fortune. A quiet war rages over all Greece.
“Come to me Pegasus!” Hercules flies off as he realizes the chink in the gods armor. Not even the all mighty and all knowing are able to know what the future holds. This is evident by the result of their action. He thinks there is nothing reverent by what is happening. This is irony at it's best.
“To Mount Olympus, away!” His mind tells himself the vain gods must see all that's happening, and must quarrel in whom is the blame? His righteous anger rises inside him kindling his heart's furious flame. This is the time to strike all of them and end all of their selfish games.
He lands on the steps to the temple of Olympus. “My dear friend, this is where we must part. What I do now I wish you no part of. So, I command you fly off!”
Pegasus stands firm refusing to obey his lifelong friend.
“I go to push the gods temple off the top this mountain. I want you to leave here and be safe.”
Still, the white winged beast stands fast.
“If I fail, the gods most certainly will torture me all eternity with the most painful suffering they can contrive. The one thing I could not stand is to look over and see you alongside enjoying the same infinite torment.” He swipes the side of Pegasus cheek. “Now go!”
The stubborn stallion leans backward, as if to battle his friend. He buries his rear hooves in the ground as his front rare up and begin kicking in the air.
Hercules heart breaks as he grabs his friend by his stamping legs. He twirls the beast round and round before throwing him into the far distant sky.
Great sorrow fills his heart for what he has done. I thank you faithful friend for never leaving my side. I pray one day you will forgive me, but my brave loyal friend must not die.
He leaps mightily up the steps toward the temple foundation. He lands near the center of the base, and then begins pushing the gargantuan structure. He scream, “Mount Olympus!” He feels the vibrating friction as the temple slightly moves. Off to his side he notices the towering Hermes coming to do battle with him. He does not flinch from his task. Every muscle pulsates in his body as his legs crush the stone beneath his feet. He remains determine to finishing these merciless gods or die trying. Hercules turns his head away to defend against Hermes mighty blows. He is willing to sacrifice his mortal body to save his immortal soul. He suddenly realizes the temple is sliding faster. He turns his toward his foe to see he's actually helping him push the temple.
“I've come to help you Hercules. It's time to end the reign of vanity and selfishness these self-righteous immortals hold over mankind.”
“I thought you come to destroy me.” He stares at Hermes as all Mount Olympus shakes. Hermes continues to shove and smile.
Both watch as the rear portico snaps and crashes off in the clouds. Hercules feels amazing satisfaction, but a slight pain grows in his heart. It confuses him.
“Search your heart Hercules. This is not right. I know another way to beat the gods. Especially your father Zeus. Show mercy this moment and they will be indebted to you. Trust me!”
He knows now the source of his heart's pain. It screams mercy!
The though paralyzes him into submission. Both wait for the army of gods frantically descending. Hermes whispers two last words. “Trust me.”
Ares prepares to thrust his enormous spear as Poseidon rares back to launch his giant silver trident. Hermes yells to Zeus, “If you truly be just gods, you must justly judge this god before you!”
His claim forces Zeus to loudly order all the angry gods, “Stop!”
The only power keeping this holy hoard from smashing Hercules to pieces is the holy law that binds this band together. A god must be given an opportunity to defend their action before punishment can be carried out. The legal gauntlet has been cast down. Zeus knows without justice there can be no righteous order. Without law Mount Olympus would fall in to chaos.
Zeus commands, “Restrain him. He will have his trial.”
Angry Ares grabs the miniscule Hercules by the back of his head. Zeus feels the debauchery inside this god of war's heart. Alert to his intent to break Hercules neck, Zeus sticks the edge of his lightening bolt scepter to Ares throat.
Zeus states, “You will be given the same sentiment you judge this moment. Decide now!”
Furious Ares shakes as he stares over all the gods faces. He watches them pondering the possibility one less immortal god might make, and their joy of his demise. He obliges King Zeus as he moves his hand off Hercules head and clenches it around Hercules arm. Ares again stares at the gods faces seemingly turning sad that he obeyed. “Where will you have me take him King Zeus?”
“To the temple dungeon. Chain and shackle him. Then, throw him in the empty cage of the Titans where he will stay till he is tried before the gods.”
Hercules solemnly waits for the justice he believe he will never get. The weight of his captivity is not as heavy as the thought his people perish. He has no one to pray to for help in this direr matter. His worried head can do nothing but hang down in shame.
Off in the dark he hears a faint whispering. He cannot hear the words but he knows it's a poem. He grabs the massive brass bars and clangs his miserable shackles. He presses his face against them for a closer listen. The words still are too faint to hear pass his breathing. He rest while holding his breath as ears strain to hear the words. The tender voice softly whispers the song of the poem.
“There's a place no man has ventured. An island no human could live. It's where deity store their treasure. Gifts gotten no god would give. There is a room in a secret chamber. Under colossus feet you must sneak Where no stairs are covered with amber. Below is where you must creep. When you lay you can hear it beating. A gold box is where it stored. One word can reveal the thing hiding. And make well the king once more. Take care, beware of the tempting. Don't touch what belongs to the gods. Be swift for the king's life is fleeting. Fight the giants and win his love.”
Hercules is suddenly overwhelmed by the knowledge his father Zeus may be dying. This news is much greater than his anger toward father. He stretches the chains that trap him to find the godly magic they are made of are stronger than even his mighty strength. He leans his weeping head against the cold bars as he submits to the futility of his situation.
Off in the distance he hears keys jingling. He listens to a conversation that is garble to his ears. He knows it comes from the top of the stairs leading down to this dungeon. Two sets of footsteps grow louder. He sees Hermes approaching as the dungeon keeper says, “You have five minutes with the traitor.” Hermes waits for the keeper to ascend the stairs before speaking.
“Hercules, I have been chosen to defend you.”
Hercules asks, “Can a god defend a half mortal?”
“Not only will I represent you, but I have been demoted to demigod status also.”
Hercules does not know what he can possible say.
“The gods saw I had helped you. Their verdict was my demotion. I am also faced with the same sentence they give you.”
Hercules shakes his head side to side. He has no words to explain how sorry he is.
“The gods are so angry they have given us a gift they are not ever aware of.”
Hercules's puzzled face looks at Hermes wondering it might be?
“I must represent you in your absence. None of the gods are willing to let you out of your prison. And, your father refuses to take your power until a conviction is rendered.”
“How is this a gift Hermes?”
“This will give us time to do what you must now do. I will drag your defense on as long as I am allowed. You must find a way to heal your father and win his love. I too heard the singing poem.”
Hercules prepares to ask him how he's suppose to loosen his captivity and find where the secret island is.
Hermes places his first finger to his lips warning Hercules to be quiet. “One other helps us. This god must not be known.” He sticks two objects inside Hercules's tunic while smiling. “I go now. My time is up. Play the tune exactly at the moment the sun rises to reveal what is hidden from all man. That is where your journey begins”
Both demigods listen to the dungeon keeper as he returns.
Hermes whispers, “Save your father and you will bring justice again to the land. Fly five leagues due east of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, and then blow...”
The keeper orders, “You are finished talking.” He then walks between Hermes and the imprisoned Hercules, forcing Hermes toward the stairs.
Hermes last words are “Look up and pray, for your redemption draws near.”
Hercules watches the smiling Hermes being ushered up the steps as his search for an answer to the clue that Hermes just left.
A very small trail of light shines on the floor far away. He follows its path along the floor and sees it bends upward. He surmises there must be a window on that wall. But, it must be hidden by the beams that run along the ceiling. He fumbles his hand inside his tunic to find the second item Hermes put. It is a vial. He lifts it to his mouth to twist the stopper off with his teeth. The contents smells sweet. He hears it slosh around and realizes it's a potion made of the moss of Endure. He pours one drop on his chains to see what reaction it might produce. He watches as a link vanishes. His hand is free to assist his other. With in moments he is free of the chains and the bars.
He quietly maneuvers toward the light. He sees the window and finds a surprise. His redemption really does draw nigh.
“My dear friend. After all I have done to you, you still stand by my side. I am truly sorry.”
Hercules leaps to the window and places a few drops on the bars. The bottoms of two disappear. He summons his strength and bends them up far enough for him to escape. His face turns sad to see he has injured Pegasus when he tossed him. His wing bends where the other does not. He leaps on Pegasus. He pours a drop on the injury. Pegasus reacts to his wing healing by rearing up. He watches the bend disappear along with his pain.
Hercules softly speaks, “Off to the Aegean Sea my friend. We have not a moment to spare.”
They arrive just before the sunrise at the exact location Hermes stated. From inside his tunic he withdraws the godly gift. It is a flute made with five short golden tubes bound together with a golden strand. He thinks there is only one god or goddess that possess hair like this. But she would never help me.
The tip of the sun peeks over the horizon as the pair hover. He blows the flute that plays its own special melody. He sees the ocean open as great waves percolate up and up. White sea foam bubbles on the surface as a fountain of white water explodes upward.
“Pegasus, hurry rise upward!”
His trusty steed's wings frantically dig at the air to stay ahead of the growing gusher as he races up. The sound of the ocean settles as the pair hover in the white mist of the clouds. Hercules notices a shiny brass object protruding the mist ahead. They slowly fly toward it.
“Great Zeus!” Hercules knows what it is and is very careful to steer away. They circle around as they descend, staying as far from it as they can. It holds a spearhead as large as a house. Hercules determines its height to be at least one thousand feet tall. They glide down below the clouds following the path of its arm.
The first lines of the poem sing in his memory as the riddle begins to make sense. He sees the distant shoreline and all that is between. There are dozens of giant bronze and gold statues that range from hundreds to a thousand feet tall. Some look as if they're trophies to the gods. One figure holds a discus he is about to hurl. Another statue holds a javelin that is about to soars free. The pair quietly and cautiously continue downward. Hercules recalls the warning to sneak and creep. But most of all, not to touch what belongs to the gods.
He settles on an empty spot of ground in the center of the statues. “Pegasus, remain here ready to fly at a moments notice. Do not touch anything except the ground you stand on. Be quiet. We do not want to alert the gods we are here.” He quickly walks off looking for the giant Colossus.
His head spins around looking. He thinks I never thought finding the Colossus would be so hard., He is finding it very difficult amongst figures that dwarf the ninety fathom tall bronze brute. It was so tall vast ships would sail side by side between its giant legs. Its feet stood on each side of the wide harbor entrance. Legend says it just vanished, and folklore suggest a stormy sea reclaimed it. He knows now the gods stole it for their own treasury.
He finds Colossus. It hides in the shadow of humungous golden chariot. He realizes this giant chariot belong to Helios, god of the sun. Inside it is a mountain of gold crowns, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Gems trickle down like a mountain spring that flows into a glistening pond of jewels. He carefully maneuvers around the mound making sure not to touch even one rolling gem.
Mountains, hills, and mounds glow with riches in every direction. He fixes his eyes on the path he must take while fighting his temptation.
A gradual sweet music comes from somewhere that echos all around. Hercules hurries to hide at the base of the Colossus and watch to find whom is playing the musical harp. He sees it! The golden strings glisten in the sunlight playing and moving on its on accord. He determines the enchanted music is trying to draw out the unsuspecting. Hercules crouches amongst the darker shadows and waits for it to go by. He worries that Pegasus might be discovered, but the magical harp heads in the opposite direction.
He concentrates on the singing poem and recalls there's a room in a secret chamber. Under Colossus feet you must sneak. Hercules looks up to the face of the giant and sees the statue is really alive. Its face turns very slowly as the bronze head rubs and squeals upon its metal neck. He watches its gold eyes searching the ground for trespassers. He concludes that is what the poem is trying to say. To stay away from Colossus's gaze he must sneak behind the statue to find the secret entrance. Carefully he moves behind the bronze beast.
Hercules arrives at the heel of Colossus. The music of the traveling harp grows louder. He must hurry and find the hidden entrance before he is discovered. The giant's feet perch upon a raised seamless marble pedestal. No cracks or lines mark a possible entrance way. He becomes nervous hearing the strings of music coming near. It sounds as if it near Colossus other foot. He taps the stone lightly to find a hollow spot that may suggest a hidden room. He carefully walks the length of the base tapping. Here it is, He wants to punch a hole and break open a passage, but he knows that will definitely alert the approaching traveling harp, and possibly wake the giant. He suddenly remembers the vial tucked inside his tunic and thinks how it dissolved his chains. He pours a line of t
he liquid on the stone surface about head high. He waits and watches as the substance flows down. The stone vanishes before his eyes forming a jagged door. Hercules leaps inside just as the strings clearly pluck as it rounds the rear of Colossus left foot.
He hides just inside the passage while peeking outside. The sound heads his way. He decides if the traveling harp discovers the entrance, he will snatch it and crush it. Hopefully, it won't wake the giants.
“Heee,” echos quietly off in the distance. The sound by Pegasus immediately changes the direction of the harp as it goes to investigate the source of the sound. Hercules heart silently thanks his winged friend before moving further into the dark passage. He hope Pegasus is not under attack or hurt, but he knows he has one chance to save his father's life. He scurries along.
A glow ahead lights the far wall. Its the only thing he can see in the darkness. He blindly progresses towards it with outstretched hands. He feels his way along while hoping he does not touch what belongs to the gods, and hoping he does not fall in a trap.
He makes it to the glow and finds it is a heap of shiny amber. He suddenly remembers the passage from the poem giving him a clue to what he must do. He thinks Where no stairs are covered with amber. Below is where you must creep.He passes his hands over the heap as giant hand shadows pass overhead. In startles him a second as his mind realizes these menacing hands belong to him. He desires to grab a handful of the magical glowing amber, but he knows this stuff belongs to the gods. His mind hurries to reason how he might retrieve it so he can find the hidden steps. His hand accidentally bumps the caldron containing the amber which causes it to tilt. He nervously waits to see if he alerted the gods. Nothing happens.
Hercules thinks this must be how to move the amber without touching it. Very slowly, Hercules tilts the waist high container. The amber pours down on the ground and “tings” as it spreads downward. The glow reveals the hidden stairway as the light shows parts of the stairs below. He dumps most of the caldron bringing all the steps alive. The steps shimmer with pulses of glimmer inviting him to come and see. He leave a small amount in the swinging vessel to light his return path.
He creeps downward as the vast chamber reveals its treasure. Mounds of golden coins flow over top a sea silver. A golden halo shimmers that lights the most of the chamber. Hercules draws close as he recognizes what it is. It is the ram skin that heals all mortal injuries in a moment, and can even bring the dead to life. He ventures further past the Golden Fleece as he approaches an armory of godly weapons. His eyes feast upon this godly arsenal that his desiring hands so much want to touch.
The owner of each object has their name inscribed over it. He sees Eros' bow, which holds the power over those shot by it to hate or love. Next to it is the Shield of Zeus. No mortal object can penetrate its metal and has the power to blind an entire army. There is the Sword of Peleus. Its wheeler is made unbeatable. He moves along staring. Atop the arsenal rack of the gods sits the Cyclopes helmet. It renders the wearer invisible. He stops in reverence to view Cronus Scythe. It was an unbreakable weapon used to kill the father of all the gods. His name was Kronus.
His eyes marvel at the last weapon on the long rack. It is the golden bow belonging to Zeus. If ever there were a present he desire, it would be this one. Its arrows always hit its desired destination and will fly as far as the eye can see. It has the power to project its missiles through any substance. It also possesses the power to kill or heal. It has but one caveat. Only a god has the power to draw the bow's string it back. His eyes notice Achilles might armor. But his stare is tempted back on Zeus's bow.
Many other most desirable objects fill this massive chasm. His heart warns him to hurry along, screaming time is of the essence! His mind refocuses on the poem.
When you lay you can hear it beating. A gold box is where it's stored. He tries to reason what this might mean, but is left clueless to its intention. He thinks I have to just trust the words for they must answer for themselves. He struggles to finds a spot on the floor that is not covered with treasure. He lays down and attempts to settle his body, heart, and mind.
He gradually notices the slight thumping sound. He remains still as his eyes search for the golden box the poem sings of. Toward the rear of the chamber is a large gold cube. He carefully steps over and maneuvers around the godly obstacles, making sure not to brush against one. He stands in front of the solid gold block. There are no lines or markings on the monolith. It is seamless and perfect. Hercules was expecting a box. Not this impossible block. His frustration invites him to just rip it apart. But, his touch will wake the giants.
The thought of his father dying plays on his mighty heart. It brings tears to his futile hands that can only cover his mortal eyes. His head somberly slides side to side as his sorry mind admits his defeat.