The Epic of Antares

He examined himself in the large mirror, of all the clothes he had brought he was sure this was the most elegant. He wore a white open shirt with a dark purple coat over it. The embroidery on the coat was woven with silver and was covered with designs from many kinds of snakes and butterflies. He chose white pants to match his top and one of his new black shoes that Lady Alena had gifted him. Cyrus tried his best to dress himself in the image of Antares; as the ward of the king, he needed to show the excellence he represented. Although he was not quite sure if how he dressed was presentable. A gentle smile came across his face, if only father could see me now, he thought. They never had enough for wealthy clothes and so did not care for it. Food was always more important as for luxuries that amounted to sweets. However here he was dressed like Stygian royalty, the son of Dijkstra Locke, a noble. He hardly recognized himself in the mirror.

Cyrus studied his appearance for a brief moment, his sandy hair glimmered with stars and he could have sworn they had gotten brighter. He was unsure if that was the case or if it was because of the dim lighting in his chambers. Nevertheless he moved on to study his freckles, one of the few gifts from his mother. The other being his eyes—like hers they were cold and distant. The violet and soft orange tones mixed with an ease only seen when painters blended two colors together. The harshness of the sun in his eyes was reflective of the winter months when it seemed the heat of the celestial being could scarcely touch his skin. It was the first time in a long while that Cyrus took care to look at himself, so much had happened since that last time he had. Yet he felt as though his journey was only just underway. He looked healthy, they had been feeding him well at Castle Xerxes. When he was satisfied with his appearance, he returned to his bed and sat for a moment. Wondering when he would be taken to the celebration, and that is when he heard a knock on the door.

"Coming!" he yelled.

He opened the door with great anticipation, startling the young servant boy on the other side. Slightly embarrassed by his reaction, Cyrus bowed apologizing.

"Please my lord! There is no need for that!" the boy rushed over equally embarrassed that a Stygian noble would bow to him so casually.

They both exchanged several awkward pleasantries and soon after were on their way.

The journey was made in silence, only the shuffling of feet on marble was heard. As the sun had set, much of the palace was lit by candle light. Further proving to Cyrus that this place seemed to exist between reality and the dream world. Its beauty was splendid and the artist within Cyrus grew with curiosity. He turned his attention to the servant who was leading him, the boy looked only a few years older than him. He seemed to make himself small in his presence as though he did not want to draw attention. Cyrus would have allowed him to continue but he had so many questions about where it was they were going.

"Um, excuse me?" the young Stygian called out.

The servant boy quickly turned around, with a hint of fear in his eyes. "Is everything alright my lord?"

"I'm fine," Cyrus offered a dry laugh. "I was just wondering what this celebration is? And you can call me Cyrus! What's your name?"

The servant boy was taken aback by the ease with which the young Stygian noble spoke to him. He was unsure how to proceed but did his best to not keep the noble waiting for answers.

"It is an honor to meet you master Cyrus." The boy bowed deeply, "You may call me Adam, my lord." There was anticipation on the boy's tongue as he thought about the noble boy referring to him by his name.

"Well hello Adam!" he tried to put on a welcoming face. "I am in your care!" Cyrus did not bother correcting him about calling a lord or master. It was a battle he would not win, the servants at Castle Xerxes saw to that.

Adam nervously smiled in return and looked back ahead, "If you will permit me master Cyrus, I will explain the celebration while we make our way to the venue."

Cyrus nodded.

As Adam turned to continue his march, he was once again taken aback by the young Stygian noble choosing to walk next to him. Never before had he seen such a thing. Oftentimes he would walk behind the noble Stygians or on the rare occasion he was permitted to lead them, he would walk ahead of them. But next to them? This was an event that he would talk about with his family for days. He took a moment to compose himself and so the two boys continued on their journey through Xenon's palace.

"I regret to say young master but I cannot fully explain the celebrations to you." Adam slowed his breathing, calming himself. "Lord Aster foresaw you asking me, and in the event that you would perhaps use your authority as a Stygian lord to compel me. He forbade me from speaking about it." Adam recalled the conversation he had with Aster. He scarcely remembered the contents of it, being so enamored by the presence of someone so great but he recalled enough to heed the words of his superior lord.

Cyrus narrowed his brow and grumbled, "Damn, I didn't think he would care." His plan was foiled, he truly was going to experience the celebration without any clue as to what it was.

Adam was surprised to see such a genuine reaction from the Stygian boy. He had been blessed to serve this great palace and the Stygians that lived here for many years. And across those many years he had seen plenty of Stygians, something he took great pride in. Not even his own father or anyone else in his long family history had seen as many as he had. He knew how they carried themselves, he knew how they spoke. He was also privy to having some knowledge of the Stygian tongue, granted he would only ever practice by himself as he lay on his bed. But the boy believed he had a general understanding of what kind of people these ethereal beings were. However when he looked at Cyrus he did not see any of those things, the boy was a Stygian in appearance only. Adam could not help but laugh.

Cyrus bumped into him, "Hey what's so funny?" feigning anger.

Adam blushed, "Forgive me my lord." Cyrus may not have carried himself like a Stygian but he still carried their beauty. "If you will humble this lowly servant's curiosity. By chance, are one of your parents human?"

"How did you know?" Cyrus lit up, impressed by the perceptive abilities of his guide.

"Well most old blooded Stygians are not nearly as expressive, nor as talkative as you are my lord."

It was Cyrus's turn to blush at the remark made by his companion. "Old blood?" he tried to move the conversation along.

Adam laughed in a scared tone, realizing that he had become far too friendly with the Stygian boy. "Oh um… It is a term we servants use to refer to Stygians born of a union between two other Stygians, like Lords Aster and Kyron. They are old bloods well because…They come from the old ways." The servant boy's eyes made their way down towards the marble floors, his embarrassment slowly growing. "But those like yourself, King Antares and Lord Master Xenon are known as new bloods. For one half of your parents are not Stygian." It had never occurred to Adam that he would explain to a Stygian noble how their servants referred to them in their closed circles.

He was scared Cyrus would take such a comment as an insult. The Stygians did not believe in such things as old bloods or new bloods. It did not matter to them, one was either a Stygian or they were not. Such petty differences that only humans cared about were far beneath them. Their blood was of the purest kind. Explaining the difference between the two out loud showed him how foolish it was to make such a distinction even if it was only meant to, perhaps, in jest show that even the Stygians were not all the same. He hoped Cyrus would not be offended.

"One of Xenon's parents isn't a Stygian!?" Cyrus yelled in shock.

Adam ran towards him and placed his hand over his mouth, "My lord please!" the servant boy realized he had put his servant hands on the face of a Stygian noble, Adam pulled away and fell to his knees in shock as well.

"Sorry," Cyrus whispered with a mischievous grin. "I did not know that. I thought since Casspien and Melina were his siblings they all shared the same parents. No wonder they fight so much, I guess I'll ask Antares about it next time."

Adam looked at him curiously, "Antares…? D-d-do you m-mean King Antares Xerxes!?" it was Adams' turn to yell. " The King of Iliad and the Stygians!? You know him!?" he also placed his hands over his own mouth.

Cyrus looked at him triumphantly and beat his chest, "Of course, you're looking at his ward!" he grinned with his teeth, pride washing all over him.

Adam turned a deathly pale color. Of all the Stygians he could be standing beside, of all the Stygians he could have had a pleasant conversation with. He was in the presence of the Stygian King's ward. This was the greatest honor the boy had ever experienced and would ever experience he thought. So many questions ran through his head, and yet no words managed to escape his mouth. Without noticing it he had crawled all the way to the far wall in reverence, not believing he deserved to even stand in the presence of such a being.

Cyrus gazed at the boy on the floor with a concerned look. He was reminded once again how he saw Antares and how the rest of the Iliad saw him were completely different. Being the King of Iliad truly was the greatest honor and he could see it in the eyes of the boy before him on the floor. Shock had gripped him and he could hardly move as though his legs no longer worked. Cyrus was concerned the boy may die before they reached their destination.

"What…What is he like?" the words escaped Adams lips before he could stop himself.

Cyrus reached for him and the servant boy closed his eyes out of fright. No doubt he would be struck, who was the servant to ask such a question from a special boy? He had heard servants had been killed for lesser transgressions than the one he committed. He waited for pain to follow but when it did not, he slowly opened his eyes to see the outstretched hand of a Stygian.

"I'll tell you all about him while we walk." The king's ward smiled a royal smile.

The servant boy carefully took his hand and once again they were on their way, talking amongst themselves like old friends.

Their journey had taken them far below the ground floor that Cyrus was accustomed to. Adam had led him through several corridors and eventually through several more stairs heading below. Cyrus was amazed that such a place could have further rooms beneath its floors. This palace truly did mirror Castle Xerxes in so many ways. The path Adam took them through looked far more ancient, the marble floors and walls were replaced with stone floors and ceilings. The path narrowed and as they walked Cyrus placed a hand against the wall feeling the cold stone. For some time he could hear rumblings but it was unsure if they were real or perceived for Adam had not reacted.

Eventually their journey came to a stop in front of a massive stone door. On it were carved snakes that mirrored the ones seen on the back of many Stygians, himself included. They all had different designs and styles, some were larger than most. Others had two heads, while others were merely just skeletal bones. It was the first time he felt small. He could not explain it but this door felt familiar, as though he was meant to know the symbolism behind its creation. It called to him softly.

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"We are here," Adam showed the way. "Through that door is where the celebrations will take place."

"You're not coming?" Cyrus did not hide his disappointment.

Adam chuckled, turning back to the door."This door is meant only for Stygians." He found comfort in knowing Cyrus cared. "I will attend the celebrations and go through a different door."

"Will we meet again there?"

"Not from where you will be watching I believe." Adam tried to assure Cyrus, "But I will be able to see you."

Cyrus nodded, unsatisfied with the answer but somewhat understood the reasoning behind their parting. The boys exchanged some words, deciding to meet again in the coming days where Cyrus still to be in Eirdu. With that Cyrus pushed open the large stone doors that were not nearly as heavy as they looked.

He found himself in a dark room, once again he could feel marble below his feet. The rumble he had heard before was now replaced by the faint sound of music, it was enough to lead him through the dark. He carefully made his way across the room, making sure not to knock anything over. In the distance he saw a light, upon reaching it he noted it was a hallway leading to another room. Now he could hear the chatter of people, he followed the sound until he found the source.

There were many things Cyrus had learned about Stygians from his short time in Castle Xerxes and even his time here in Xenon's palace. As his knowledge grew he came to understand his people were perceived to be cold as the winter months. As distant as the moon itself and as indifferent to the goings-on of all around them as the clouds that floated through the sky. However what he saw seemed to shatter all his preconceived notions of what his people were said to be like. The first thing that caught his eye was how much more beautiful his people were when they smiled. The second thing was the passion they had for each other. He was moved by the manner in which the scantily dressed Stygian women danced, their movements matching the rhythmic beating of the music that played. He could not fully explain it but there was grace with how wild they moved, it was as though the very room itself came alive to grant them audience. Everything seemed to happen around these women. He did not even notice how much taller they were, some of them looked to be even taller than Antares and some as tall as Kyron and Aster. Of the two lords that he somewhat came to know, each of them were sat surrounded by Stygian women and men. On one hand they had wine, on the other they caressed the bodies of those who lay on top of them. Their lips locked with the women in such sensual desire he thought they would be inseparable. They were not the only ones giving themselves to pleasure, others all around in various sitting arrangements; men and women enjoyed each other's company as though none cared who saw them. For truly none did care, it was a glimpse into the decadence of Stygian celebrations and what came with it. People cheered the women as they danced, some chose to join them. Others dragged them to join their lustful activities. Oftentimes it would be other women inviting them.

Cyrus was red faced, unsure where to look. His eyes wandered from scene to scene, never resting too long for fear of intruding on the ecstasy that the Stygians indulged in. He understood why it was called a celebration but he was still unsure as to what they were celebrating so provocatively. Or if it even mattered. The boy wondered if he was meant to also partake, but wrestled between curiosity and just being a diligent observer. That is when his eyes met those of one of the Stygian women that danced the most free. She smiled an alluring smile and approached him.

"And who might you be?" she towered over him, so she bent down to speak to him and still he had to look up to her. "What a delicious meal."

Cyrus fought between staring into her wonderful sunset eyes or her breasts that were covered by the thinnest of fabrics. He elected the ground instead. "H-hi I am C-Cyrus." The boy struggled to get the words out of his mouth.

The woman laughed at his modesty.

"Ah Cyrus you are here!" Kyron called out towards him. He struggled to break free of the women and men that threw themselves at him. The ever shirtless Stygian lord approached. "Persephone, leave him be. He will not become one of your play things." Kyron put a protective hand around Cyrus.

Persephone Xerxes smirked and folded her hands. "You are no fun," she swiftly moved closer to Cyrus. "The boy is old enough to decide, are you not Cyrus?" she placed a delicate finger underneath his chin leading him towards her.

Cyrus nodded and then shook his head. He was unsure what his answer should be.

"Oh someone new?" another Stygian woman appeared from the party around them. She rested her head delicately on Persephone's shoulder. "Kyron you must share."

A third appeared this time wrapping herself around Kyron's arm. "What do we have here?" she looked at Cyrus as though he would be her next meal.

Kyron sighed with a smile. He knew they would not relent once they had found someone fresh to play with. Even still, the Stygian lord did his best to keep the boy safe, for if Antares was aware that they had invited him to such an event the outcome of that encounter would be less than pleasant.

"This is Antares's ward," he declared. "He was only invited to observe some of the celebrations, not partake in them."

Kyron realized his mistake as soon as he made it. For all three women's eyes lit up at the mention of Antares. They wanted the king's ward more than ever.

"Little King Antares's ward you say?" Persephone licked her lips. "Oh now Cyrus you must play with us."

"Oh yes, absolutely you are right sister." The Stygian woman on Persephone's shoulder agreed.

The third moved off Kyron's arm and took Cyrus's hand in hers. "Do not worry, my sisters and I will make sure he observes very well," she giggled.

Cyrus was far too red faced to say or do anything.

"Persephone, Lyra and Maia, can you not see the boy is overwhelmed?" Aster arrived admirably to save the day.

He did not give them time to fight back before whisking away the Stygian King's ward, leaving Kyron to deal with the disappointed sisters. They waved lovingly at him and Cyrus sheepishly waved back. Aster took him to the side away from the celebrations so that they could converse for a moment.

"I apologize, Lyrik's sisters can be…inquisitive when they meet new people." There was a hint of nervousness in his laugh. "I had planned to introduce you to everyone before the festivities began and they started drinking. But now…" He trailed off as they both looked on, everyone was far too engaged in their personal activities to pay them any mind. Even Persephone and her sister returned to dancing and enjoying themselves.

Cyrus was admittedly affected by the sudden appearance of three very tall and beautiful women surrounding him. Each of them were barely dressed in indecent attire and he felt as though he fell in love with each of them. Rather he assumed what he felt must have been love for what else could it have been? He was at a loss for words, this was his first time at a celebration like this and he did not know what he should have said or done.

"Please say something?" Aster looked concerned even as his familiar smile never left his face.

"Lyrik has really pretty sisters." It was the only thing he could think to say. "They're also really nice."

Aster seemed to relax a little at the remark and let out a laugh, "That they are my little companion. Although some may say they are too nice. You would think after a century they would be somewhat more tempered."

Cyrus chose to ignore the irony in Aster's remark as the three sisters reminded him a lot of both Kyron and Aster himself when they first met. Instead he focused on the latter half of what he said. "They're a century old!?" he exclaimed.

Aster nodded, they both turned to look at the three of them. "Persephone is one hundred and fifty. Lyra is one hundred and twenty-five. And shy little Maia just turned a century old a few months ago."

Cyrus turned to look at them in shock. He was still not used to the ever youthful appearance of Stygians. The three sisters looked as young as Guinevere and her friends. In fact he thought that they may perhaps be a bit younger. But to think that they had lived for that long already. He was unsure of what to make of it. Such vibrant glow was on full display as though they would exist like this forever. In many ways they would, the boy wondered if he too would look as he did now in a century or if there would be some defining change.

Aster looked at the young boy. He was unsure if perhaps inviting him was a well thought out idea. At the very least he should have explained some of what was going to happen, to better prepare the boy but he had believed the surprise to be worth it. The celebrations had only just commenced and they would continue for much of the night until morning. When he thought the boy had calmed down enough, he looked to take him to the next part of the room where he believed Cyrus would have a much better time.

"Come along, this is only one half of the celebrations that will go on tonight." Aster waved him to follow him.

"You still haven't told me what we are supposed to be celebrating." Cyrus shouted over the music and dancing. The rumbling he felt before grew louder the more they moved towards the large double doors that were at the back of the room.

"Is it not obvious?" Aster placed his hands on the door preparing to open them. "Who else would we be celebrating?" he grinned sliding them open.

Whatever it was Cyrus had thought the cause of the rumbling he had felt all this time, he would have never guessed, even if he was given a hundred opportunities. There were thousands of them. So many people were all cheering and celebrating amongst themselves as they sat around the largest arena he had ever seen. It was as though all of Eirdu had made the journey to this place deep underground. An invitation that was given to the entire city. The room he was in was so much smaller now, compared to the open air of the underground training arena that was located below the palace.

Every direction he looked, he saw people cheering and laughing, their cries and voices pulling him closer to the balcony's edge. Hung from the ceiling, multiple giant open flames lit the area in a glow of bright colors, and on the vast stone walls, Stygian warriors were carved into them as though they were protectors of the people below. He could see other balconies in the distance and on them were Stygians and humans alike, enjoying the festivities and celebrations. Those below him noticed them and waved excitedly at them and Cyrus returned the gesture in kind to thunderous applause. He could not believe such a structure existed below the palace. How long it must have taken to build something this grand. Iliad truly was deep as it was vast. The boy was left mystified.

"I have never seen anything like this before." He took in everything around him.

Aster leaned against the balcony, drink in hand. "Really? You live in Castle Xerxes, have you not been to the Pit?" he was surprised by the boy's remark.

He shook his head, "There's a place like this below the castle!?" Castle Xerxes looked to be even greater than he thought.

The Stygian lord chuckled, "Yes, although the Pit is older and much more simplified in its design. Many great castles and palaces in Iliad all have training grounds below them. Granted none as luxurious as ours." He added with pride.

Cyrus looked at him and then back out to the arena below, for a training ground it was far too extravagant, the mere seating arrangements for thousands made it seem as though they had all gathered around for a great spectacle. Rather than a place where warriors honed their skills in restrained battle against each other. The barriers were adorned with different banners, some of them he recognized to belong to the Stygians and others he was unsure of, perhaps belonging to prominent merchants that lived in the city. He scanned the crowd for Adam and could not find him amongst the tens of thousands that had gathered here this evening.

"When we first inherited the city and palace, this place looked very much like the Pit in castle Xerxes, but we found it quite boring training amongst ourselves." Aster continued, "It is far more entertaining to train with spectators and even better when those spectators can bet on who wins." He rubbed his fingers together with a merchant's grin.

"So it is a celebration for you all?" Cyrus was starting to understand. "Will you be fighting?" his excitement grew. He had never seen a battle before, let alone one with Stygians involved.

Aster waved his hand dismissively, "Not this time. I have had my fill for now." He recalled the last time he stepped in the arena, his body ached.

"Then who?"

The Stygian lord looked at his little companion quizzically, and pointed towards the center of the arena. "Can you not see him? I guess he has gotten better at suppressing his presence." There was an air of acknowledgement with his remark.

Cyrus turned towards the arena floor and in the middle of the open space, sat a man perfectly still. The great serpent that slithered across his back caught his eye. He recalled the banners he saw when he first arrived at the palace, the one that had the serpent coming out of a skull surrounded by gold coins. As similar as it was, this great viper was far more terrifying than the one on the flag. For one it looked alive, despite being a birthmark. It slithered around the skull and the boy could tell the only purpose for its existence was to protect the gold coins that spilled from the mouth of the skull. Such a violent and terrible aura clung around the creature and he was sure if he continued to look, it would devour him. Xenon Xerxes rose to the rapturous roar of the crowd. From three different doors, three Stygian warriors approached.

"And so it begins," Aster declared with a point of his chalice. "Watch closely little Cyrus, this will be your first taste of Stygian power. Savor it."

Cyrus nodded.