“Heracles, wake up! We’re late.” Amelinda’s voice yanked him from uneasy sleep.
He blinked, yawning, and pushed upright against the wall. “I was just… trying something,” he mumbled.
“Hurry! We’re already at the gate,” Amelinda called, striding off.
Groggy, Heracles tugged on a suit, slung his bag over his shoulder, and bolted. He barreled down the stairs, across the hall, through the garden, and into the waiting carriage.
The Old Gardener sat at the reins. Heracles greeted him quickly before climbing inside. His mother, July, and Amelinda were already seated. Alcmene, draped in a white chiton that lent her an almost divine glow, gestured to the seat opposite her.
“Here, Heracles,” she said gently.
“Go on, Old Gardener,” July said, and the carriage lurched forward.
“By this time tomorrow, you’ll be at Hippocoon,” Alcmene said softly. Her gaze lingered on her son. “Take care of yourself. And Amelinda. Don’t be stubborn, don’t do anything foolish. Follow the rules—they’ll keep you safe.”
“Don’t worry, my queen,” July said quickly. “Amelinda will look after him. Won’t you, Amelinda?”
“I will,” Amelinda promised, leaning forward earnestly. “I’ll keep him out of trouble—you can count on me.”
Alcmene’s smile warmed. “I believe you. And Heracles—your brother will be there too. Treat him kindly. Treat everyone kindly. It would break my heart to hear otherwise.”
“I know, Mother,” Heracles said quietly. “I’ll treat him well.”
Hours later, the carriage slowed. Heracles hugged his mother tight, kissing her cheek. She stayed hidden inside, not to be seen by the crowd. Amelinda and July embraced her as well before stepping down.
“Bye, Mom,” Heracles said, his throat tight.
“See you again, Queen Alcmene,” Amelinda added brightly.
“Wait here,” July told the Old Gardener.
“Goodbye, Master Heracles. Goodbye, Amelinda,” he called.
“Goodbye, Old Gardener,” they echoed together.
The three climbed the temple’s nine worn stone steps. Marble columns loomed above, cold and immense. Inside, the hall stretched vast and echoing, lit only by slanted shafts of sun. At the far end towered Athena—golden-robed, spear and shield in hand, a giant owl poised above her palm. Her gaze of stone made Heracles feel smaller than ever.
“Heracles! Amelinda! You’re late!” Gwen’s voice rang out, bouncing off the marble. He rushed over, grabbing their hands with boyish impatience.
“Wait,” July called after them. She crouched by Amelinda, stroking her daughter’s hair with tender fingers. “Take care of yourself. And look after him.”
“I will, Mother,” Amelinda promised. She darted to Heracles and Gwen, flashing a grin. “See you later!”
“See you all later,” July called back.
The trio sprinted toward Athena’s statue.
“What are you doing?” Amelinda gasped, tugging at Gwen’s hand. “We’re going to crash into it!”
“There’s a door,” Gwen insisted, grinning.
Amelinda squeezed her eyes shut with a squeal.
Their admission scrolls flared. The marble rippled like water—and in an instant, they plunged through, sinking as though into a still lake.
“You can open your eyes,” Heracles said softly.
Amelinda blinked. Her breath caught. “Where… are we?”
Heracles stared into the vast unknown. “I don’t know.”
Heracles stared into the void. “I don’t know.”
Heracles and the Nemean Lion
The first epic in the Heracles and the Twelve Labors series — witness Heracles' legendary battle against the invincible lion. A tale of strength, fate, and immortal valor.
Heracles and the Dragon Hydra
The second chapter of the Heracles and the Twelve Labors series. Heracles faces the monstrous Hydra — a dragon-like beast with many heads, each reborn from the last. A mythic journey of courage, strategy, and divine challenge.
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