20+ advanced chapters on P@treon.com/Saintbarbido.
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-1 Year Later-
It's hunting day. An annual event that happens on the eve of the Fall Harvest banquet.
We weave through the forest on horseback, following the barks of the hunting dogs to our front.
Father and brother lead the procession, while I hang at the back.
The forest is not exactly safe- strange beasts and dangerous monsters roam about- but the dozen or so highly trained soldiers with us ease my nervousness. But I'm still wary. And someone notices it.
"You risk damaging the bow, holding it like that. Ease up on the string."
Chiron states, trotting beside me.
I do as instructed, but don't return the arrow to my quiver. Instead, I hold it with the shaft of the bow.
Chiron gives a nod, and then we talk.
I do my best to listen. He's a treasure trove of information.
He recounts tales of some of his favorite student's exploits, points out unknown plants and vegetation we come across and lists their uses and reveals the identities of the animal tracks on the ground.
Talking to him is easy. He doesn't treat me like a child. And he never lies to me.
Passing through a ravine, I ask a question that has been bothering me.
"Chiron, how do I get stronger? As strong as Perseus and the heroes you're always telling me about."
A knowing look crosses his face.
"You haven't given up chasing after Heracles."
I shake my head.
"I'm not chasing after him. It's not because of my brother that I seek power."
"Then enlighten me."
Chiron says.
I sink back into the memory from 16 years ago. Even after all this time, the scene of the slithering serpents is very clear.
I could have died that night.
"Father will be announcing his heir tomorrow at the Harvest banquet. As the first born son, I'm going to be king one day. And a king protects more than his life or honor. He protects his people."
My words have him blinking.
"Power for the sake of others is noble, my prince. However, one's destiny is written by the fates. If you're truly meant to wield strength above a mortal, then it shall find you."
"And what if I'm not?"
I ask.
Chiron grins.
"Then you get off your arse and find it yourself."
I go to ask how, when the sounds of laughter come from the front, interrupting the conversation.
"It seems your brother has made another killing. A deer this time."
Chiron tells me.
I follow his gaze.
Father is smiling and praising Heracles as the dead deer is loaded onto a horse, among several rabits.
Chiron whistles at the chunk missing from its neck.
"His arrows certainly pack a punch. Alas, its not enough to make up for sloppy shooting."
"Who needs technique when you can tear a tree off the ground?"
My words sound bitter even to me.
Chiron surprises me by patting my head.
"Your archery is beautiful to watch My prince. In that regard, you have him beat a hundred-fold."
Father summons Chiron and the Centaur moves on ahead, leaving me with warmth from his praise.
It only lasts for a second as I recall Heracles' superiority in every other category.
He wrestles like a bull, hits like one, never gets tired, never bleeds, is faster, better skilled with weapons like spears, swords, axes and clubs and has no equal in Pankration- the close quarter combat martial arts taught to us by Chiron.
Staring at Hercule's cheerful demeanor, I can't help but think how easy it would be to hate him if he was an arse.
Unfortunately, my brother is a genuinely nice guy.
Even my jealousy stems not from his Demi-God abilities but the attention Father heaps on him and denies his actual son. Me.
My eyes fall on the man who brought me to this world.
King Amphitryon, decked in a golden armor, he exudes an aura of authority. He's the ruler of Tiryns and is related to the king of Mycenae, our sister kingdom.
Both city states are centuries old allies. The bond between them was forged with intermarriages and sustained through trade and military assistance.
To that end, I have an engagement to Mycenaen Royal Princess. I wonder whether Helen will be at the banquet this year.
With enough game for the banquet tomorrow, Father gives the order to turn back.
I sigh at the fact I didn't get to shoot a single prey. It's impossible with the noise the group makes.
I'm about to return my arrow to its quiver when a glint catches my eye through the treeline.
"Enemy Attack! Protect the king!"
I yell, stirring everyone into action, while I silmuteneosly notch the arrow I had yet to fire.
There's a deafening screech and a giant bronze colored bird flies down, heading for Father and Heracles.
"A Stymphalian bird!"
Chiron calls out, getting ready to shoot it.
None of them will make it before the bird's claws rip my father into bits. None of them, except for me.
I eye the moving target, pull back the string and upon an exhale, let the arrow fly.
'Swiiww!'
It sinks into the Stymphalian bird's eye, stabbing into it's brain. The only vulnerable part of its metal-like feathered form.
The bird drops dead before Father and Heracles. Everyone turns to look my way in shock.
And then Chiron breaks the silence.
"Splendid my prince! That arrow was worthy of Apollo himself!"
"And I, unworthy of the compliment Chiron."
I return, half concerned the God of the sun will smite me for the comparison.
"You saved me."
My father mutters, as if surprised.
I smile, eyes jumping to Heracles. And for the first time ever, I find something akin to jealousy in his eyes.
-Prince Iphicles' Chamber-
"206...207..."
My archery has improved. Yesterday's incident proves it.
"218...219..."
The Stymphalian Bird's flesh is useless-too tough and stringy to eat, but the feathers and bones can be used to create armor and weapons. For half of it, Chiron took over the forging.
"223...225..."
Sweat drips down my brow from exertion. According to Chiron, a strong core is the foundation of any warrior.
So whenever I'm alone, I follow his training plan religiously. Push ups are my favorite. I can do like 500.
Heracles can do 10000.
A knock on the door to my chambers, interrupts me.
"Who is it?"
I call out and a second later, a soft reply comes.
"Apologies Master Iphicles, your father is expecting your presence at the Harvest banquet. His Highness' orders are to not be late."
Anissa, my personal maid servant informs me.
Time flies.
"Master Iphicles? Do you need my assistance to prepare?"
Anissa asks.
"Yes, draw me a bath."
I say, jumping to my feet.
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I stare at my reflection in the bronze mirror with quiet introspection.
For a 16 year old, I'm tall. No surprise there. Father stands notably above 6 feet. I also share his grey colored eyes. One of the few differences between Heracles and I. My brother's eyes are an electric blue.
There are several scars on my chest, and arms. Sustained from trying to keep up with Heracles during training.
Before Chiron came along, father had the trainers we had, pushing me to perform at the same level as my twin.
No matter how hard I tried...I always disappointed him. And the funny part? Heracles has zero scars.
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The Palace servants stop and bow my way as I pass, but the action is forced. They don't respect me. Strength is respected. In that aspect I trail so far behind my glorious brother it's not even funny.
In any case, I ignore the stares and make my way to the banquet Hall. The guards bow and the door swings open.
All out once, the sound hits me. The chamber is crowded and noisy.
This is about the only time, court officials and the city's middle/low class make merry with the aristrocats.
I bow my head at the statue of Zeus near the entrance, just as a servant announces my presence.
"His highness Prince Iphicles!"
The whole banquet Hall turns at my presence and I stomp on the urge to fix my gold layered chiton.