The Fated Marriage #4

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Book 1: Episode 4 – The Oath of the Hero Kings

The city was a sight of recovery, the walls were damaged or smashed, rubble littered parts of the city square, and the port of Argos was scattered with bodies of soldiers and sunken ships, attempting to flee.  The crew disembarks, and the port-master greets them. “Welcome to Argos masters, the toll for making port please.” He extends his hand, awaiting payment.  Kal reveals his identity as an Argonaut and wishes to speak with the king.  
“I beg your pardon, noble Kal, but times are hard and If you stay longer without any subsidy from the king then I’ll want the toll.”  He walked back towards his residence, and the hustle and bustle of repairing and greeting ships continued.  Dionysos took the form of an old shiphand, accompanying Kal to the palace.  The pair see the busted gates of the palace, it’s stairs littered with debris, and the remnants of fire plague the marble fixtures.  In the throne room, a massive hall decorated with the symbols of Argos, guards standing at the ready at the ends of the room. Red carpets cover the stone floors that create a pathway towards the throne, where King Ornelisos sits, having been alerted to the presence of Kal.  
“Welcome back to Argos, Wooden Shield bearer Kal.” Ornelisos says, his voice echoing across the hall. “What brings you to our fine city?”
Kal decided to get straight to his goal, wasting no time on pleasantries. “O’ wise Ornelisos, rightful King of Argos, I seek a woman, who was made for me and I for her.” 
“Don’t we all, Noble Kal?” The King says, with a smirk.
“This is different my lord, for the Fates themselves made this match, she haunts my dreams and I could no longer live in exile.  I was told by the Gods themselves that she was here, with a murderer king?”
Ornelisos takes a moment, remembering the tale of taking the city back from his traitor brother. 
“I do not know this woman, but my brother had made off with a woman as a prize, and my gift of foresight has granted me this: she is important for the fates of him and one who wields a wooden shield.”  Kal looks over his shoulder, the famous plank of wood strapped to his back as a reminder of his cunning. 
“I was told of your coming, noble Kal, Delphi had told me you would return to Argos back even when Jason had gotten you to join him.” 
Kal is taken aback, but nonetheless invested, “my lord, I ask for your assistance in this quest, I need not interject myself into politics in which I have no blood in.”  Ornelisos stepped down from this throne.  
“I believe you do, Kal, for better or for worse.  Her fate is tied to the fate of my brother.” Kal looks to Dionysos, who nods and Kal recounts what Helios had told him.  
“Then a prophecy has been realized.”  Orneslisos said.  Kal was confused.
“My lord, forgive me, but I do not know what you speak of?” 
“My brother, years ago, was given a prophecy that spoke of his first born son which would bring about the downfall of his nefarious rule.  After his son had vanished, which we all knew the truth of, he went again, and said the same thing.”  Orneslisos had more, but grew more concerned with revealing this to Kal. 
“When I went, I was told that I must free Syracuse, or help in its liberation alongside the Wooden Shield hero.  I was unsure of it then, but after my brother fled Argos and I learned of the glorious tale of your feats, I was sure on who I needed to trust in the conflict I feared would come.”
These men knew not of the politics of the Gods that were propelling forward the embers of war, Posiedon and Athena competing and playing with fate.  Zeus could no longer change fate, but could not pick a side in the conflict.  The mortal conflict would arise from Kal, and his mysterious upbringing.  
Kal looked at Ornelisos, who had laid a hand on his shoulder, “My lord, if what you say is true, then I will gladly lead you into battle!” 
“Worry not, friend, My armies will be ready within a day, I cannot join you on the field of battle however.  I am sending my son to join you, Kalos, he is ready to lead warriors into the jaws of death. Let us make an Oath.” 
And so it was, they swore an Oath to free Syracuse, and they will uphold their friendship on the safe return of his son; if he does not return then their friendship is broken, and Kal will be executed.  
“I hope I do not have to give the order to kill you, my friend.” Ornelisos says, with a genuine regard for Kal.  Kalos emerges from the palace, armed with his sword and armor, greets his new friends. 
“Good day to you, noble Kal! Your escapades with the Argonauts are truly inspiring tales! Let us hope they are true!” He boards their ship, and the crew sets sail, the fleet of Argos accompanying them.  
“Kal, this is the wrong direction we should have waited for the wind to change course.” Dionysos says, worried still in his old man form. 
“That is the idea, old fool! We are going to Athens, to seek council with my personal friend King Aegeus.  We need to gain his help and advice for war!”  
The crew arrived in Athens almost a month later, and made haste towards the palace of Aegeus.  The Athenian palace was expansive and bountiful of the riches of Athens. The throne of Aegeus bearing the image of Athena across its central arch over the seat.  There sat King Aegeus, father of Theseus, who anxiously awaited seeing his friend in Kal. 
“Glorious meetings Kal! I haven’t seen you since you left with Jason!” They shake hands, and greet like old friends. 
“I wish it were on better terms friend, I am oathbound and quested by the fates to free Syracuse and my wife-to-be, who was made for me and I for her.”  Kal says with urgency.  “I have come with my companions, one hails from Argos, Kalos, son of Orenlisos, King of Argos.  They have agreed to join us in our war.  I wish I didn’t have to, but will you join us and devout your armies for the liberation of Syracuse from a false king?”  
Aegeus ponders for a moment, and sighs. “A war? With a distant city? All this without speaking of the change in leadership of Argos?” Kal and his crew look weary, reluctant to elaborate. 
Kal took a deep breath and said “My lord, the former king of Argos is a crazy old man, he fled for Syracuse and took the throne, I was told by Helios himself! I swear to you, the noble king of Athens, I speak only the truth.” 
Aegeus, unsure of another war so soon after another with Crete, reluctantly stood up, “Let us make it an Oath, I must be back for my son, Theseus”.