THE INSUPERABLE: a close betrayal

Part 7: an unbelievable story

It was a quiet morning at the inn, only a handful of seats were occupied, which was to be expected for a morning after a great battle, most people were either recovering from wounds or spending time with loved ones. It could also be the fact that a large part of the population did not make it back from the war. The plump man ordered food and drink for himself and the mercenary. "Enough sidetracking, tell me about this job. It's clear that it's important to you otherwise you would have gotten a local mercenary to deal with it." Kalib asked intently. "I have..." the plump man started, "I have employed twenty-five mercenaries in the last four months. None have been heard from again." "Twenty-five?" Kalib asked surprised. "Indeed Misthios, my name is Acastus Agathangelou. I own an estate to the south from here, it's not far, merely a day's ride."

"Well... I used to own it, you see misthios, I'm the largest merchant trading in olive oil in Greece, " the merchant explained. "That explains your wealth," Kalib remarked, "Indeed Misthios, a couple of years ago the great plague took my beautiful wife Althaia, from me." Kalib nodded his head: "My condolences." Sadness fleetingly passed over the merchant's face, "Thank you Misthios, for a long time it was just me and my son Argus, he's young; still wet behind the ears but a good lad no less. A year past I was invited to king Pericleses' estate in Athens as a special guest. I was treated like royalty, I mean why wouldn't I be, olive oil is in high demand and I had the best quality and the best prices, everyone wanted to get on my good side. As I partook in the festivities my eye caught sight of one of the servant girls, Iris. Oh, Misthios she was beautiful, she had skin as soft as harpy feathers and eyes that would make Aphrodite herself blush with envy. Before I left I asked Periclese if I could speak to the young servant. Periclese having noticed I fancied the young girl, gave her to me as a gift. At first, she did not take kindly to me, but how could I blame her, she has been wronged by men her entire life. I showered her with gifts and treated her like a queen. She wanted for nothing and had no notion of where the kitchen was. In time she warmed to me, she even agreed to become my wife.

My life was perfect Misthios, I had a thriving business and a beautiful wife. She even got along well with my son, they are close to the same age, so I was feared there might be resentment, but alas not. I was the happiest man alive. Until that fateful night Misthios..."

"I was awoken from my slumber by a terrible sound. I jumped up but just as my feet touched the floor something got hold of my ankle. I could not see what it was but I was grabbed and pulled across the room, down the stairs, and into the courtyard. All of a sudden a voice could be heard, oh Misthios it was a terrible voice...It said that if wish to see my wife and son alive again I should flee and only return on the full moon of every month where I'm to leave a hundred thousand drachmae each time. If I fail to do so my family will be murdered." Acastus lowered his head in his hands in desperation before continuing, "A bright light flashed and a terrifying roar gripped the air! Misthios I've never run so fast in my life! Since then I've been appointing every Misthios I could find to try and kill the beast haunting my estate but to no avail. I'm running out of coin. In five months I'll be broke and my family will be murdered. Please Misthios I beg of you help me!" Acastus grabbed Kalib by the arm, desperation in his eyes.

"This creature... did you get a good look at it?" Kalib asked pulling his arm from the man's grasp. "No Misthios it was far too dark and when it revealed itself I merely saw a blinding white light, but that voice...I'll never forget that voice. It was deep and metallic, just horrifying," the man said in fear. Kalib snorted, "Very well Acastus I will help you, not only does the coin interest me but this monster of yours, well I'd like to see it for myself. I've never heard of a beast quite like it, and I have faced many a beast on my travels!"

Relief flooded Acastus as he exclaimed: "Oh thank you misthios words can not express my gratitude!". he leaped from his seat and jumped for joy. "Calm down man, we'll leave as soon as I've cleared my plate,".Kalib smiled.