Zeus 25 - Praxis

8 - Adventuring

That night, in Lord Jason 5's palace, a mage used a rare yellow Orb of Strength to permanently enhance Praxis. The ceremony took place in front of all the gathered Argosian nobles to remind them of the rewards of loyalty and achievement. Even Jason 6 was there—a reluctant attendant judging by the scowl on his face.

In the morning, Origen begged to go with Praxis and Spyro when they told him about the quest to find AvoDar in his fabled mountain city, Shambhala.

"No," Praxis said, "Going on a sea voyage is impossible, you can barely limp to the latrine. Move to Elesium and find a place to live, a place where we can prepare for the games. You'll be better soon and could be competing next year with us, if you let yourself recover."

"That sounds so sensible," Origen said. "I hate it. Why do I get the boring part?"

"Getting skewered wasn't boring, was it?" Spyro said.

"No, but I'd prefer a different kind of stimulation."

"In Elesium, watch everyone who competes," Praxis said. "See how they win. See what their weaknesses are."

"Spy," Origen said. "That makes staying at home seem more interesting."

"You're not staying at home. You're relocating to Elesium," Spyro said.

Izador arrived with three satchels handing one to Praxis and another to Spyro. "I've put together food and supplies for your trip," Izador explained.

"Is that third satchel for me?" Origen asked.

"For Eudora," Izador said. "She was released early this morning to Athena's Guild next door, but she can't stay there. We'll pick her up when we go."

"And the boat?"

"A sailboat is waiting."

"It seems my path has been thoroughly controlled," Praxis said, putting on a peeved expression, but inwardly excited to be seeing Eudora again and to be adventuring out over the Northern Ocean as a permanent Clayman.

#

Praxis was glad to see Eudora with her owlwood bow and arrows as she glided down the broad steps of Athena's Guild toward them. At least Argosians hadn't appropriated all she owned. The power belt covering her green sash reminded Praxis that she was an adept who had risen over years to a high place in Athena's Guild. She looked amazing, but, as she came closer, she also looked tired and out of sorts.

"Sorry for ruining your victory," Praxis said.

"You didn't create those jerks," she said. But before he could smile in relief, she added an accusation, "though you poked the hornet's nest when you told them to 'run along' to their girlfriends. I've learned that egos like theirs can't take a putdown without reacting."

"You think it's my fault Origen got stuck with your arrow?" Praxis said, astounded.

"Partly."

"But you're coming anyway?"

"I'm really out of better options," she said. "The roads are expensive and tricky to travel alone, and I no longer have a sponsor. At least the prevailing winds blow in the direction I'm going, so yes."

With that they hiked behind Izador to the harbor and in a few minutes could see the palisades that surrounded it. Once through the great wooden gates, Praxis felt the sea breezes wafting over them like a breath of air from Ionia. Although the Sea Lizard did not use sails, many of the village's small galleys did, and Praxis had spent a good deal of time rowing in many of them and had watched how the sails were employed to help.