Apollo's golden gaze turned toward Lemnos Island. Truthfully, he hadn't been entirely honest—this "test" was hardly as simple as he'd led Artemis to believe.
The gods loved mortals, yes, but their love was often that of strict, demanding parents. They bestowed tests upon mortals, forcing them to prove their worth, to show they could handle independence, endure challenges, and shoulder risks…
Only then would the gods willingly return the world to humankind.
"Suren… do you understand the intentions of the gods?"
"If you wish to establish rules for mortals within the age of gods, then prove it—show me and the rest of our stubborn pantheon."
"Show that you have the strength to bear the trust of the gods."
——
Queen Hypsipyle of Lemnos Island possessed a beauty akin to that of a goddess herself. Rumor had it that when she once wandered lost in the forest, a passing hero mistook her for a forest nymph.
Originally, Lemnos had been ruled by her father, Thoas. However, when Aphrodite cursed the women of Lemnos with a foul stench, the island's men could no longer tolerate it and fled to the shores of Thrace.
In their fury, the remaining women slaughtered the men who remained. Only Hypsipyle's intervention saved her father's life.
But Thoas was unfit to be king after that, and thus, Hypsipyle became Queen of Lemnos.
Thus, the first stop on the Argonauts' journey was Lemnos Island.
…
"Hahaha~ Heracles, I think we should stay here a little while!"
Apart from Atalanta, Heracles, and Suren—and the inseparable Dioscuri twins—each of the heroes found himself surrounded by young women. Each man, arms full, laughed and indulged to his heart's content, though many couldn't even give all the women present their due attention.
Peleus laughed and called out, "Suren, don't tell me you'll be spoiling our fun this time, too? Why not join us instead? Don't you ever get tired of standing on such a high pedestal?"
Peleus was, in every sense, a bold and brash man. Though he'd faced Suren's discipline before, it didn't seem to have left any lasting impression.
Leaning back lazily in a beach chair, Suren gave him a cool glance. "Who's that barking like a mutt over there?"
Then, without skipping a beat, he added, "Get on your knees, you fool who lets his little head rule his big one."
Suren could be quite the joker. His demeanor in relaxation was a world apart from his serious self—a true sign he was enjoying the peacefulness of the world around him.
Meleager stole a few longing glances at Atalanta but was quickly distracted by the fair-skinned maidens around him. In the end, desire won out over his love-struck heart, and he disappeared with the women into the village.
It seems that even a romantic can be overridden by baser impulses. Men's priorities, it appears, are forever governed by the lower brain.
Suren didn't care, but Atalanta's expression grew icy. She cast a sharp look at Peleus, coldly stating, "Peleus, do you have a death wish?"
Peleus shrank back and muttered, "Atalanta, why are you so difficult? Suren would never like someone like you!"
Whizz—
An arrow whistled past Peleus's ear, grazing his hair. Though he was surrounded by several women, Atalanta's shot didn't so much as nick a single one of them.
Her mastery over the bow shut Peleus up instantly. With a sullen look, he slunk off with the women in tow, disappearing toward the village.
On Lemnos Island, hundreds of women awaited, and most had already found themselves an Argonaut. Yet a few set their sights elsewhere—notably on the hulking Heracles and the handsome Suren.
Heracles, naturally, declined any offers. Though he appreciated beauty, he prioritized his duties and ambitions far more. For him, women were a secondary pleasure, something he could indulge in anytime—or not at all.
Simply put, his duty as a hero and the importance of their journey took precedence.
So while the other heroes busied themselves in the village, Heracles stayed behind to guard the ship. He wanted to ensure their mission stayed on course and to remind the women of Lemnos that at least one Argonaut had resisted temptation.
But as he noticed Suren also remaining behind, watching over the ship, Heracles's curiosity got the better of him. After all, when Queen Hypsipyle herself sent a group of untouched maidens to entice them, it struck a nerve in him.
For all his discipline, Heracles had a weakness for unspoiled beauty.
After a moment of hesitation, Heracles asked, "Suren, are you not going to join them?"
Suren shrugged. "I once swore a vow to the goddesses, so I have no interest in empty unions of the flesh. I seek only true love—something eternal."
It was a vow he'd made to the three goddesses, a principle he'd strived to live by.
Seeing Suren's resolve, Heracles began to waver. True, he would stay behind to guard the ship—but if the offering were pure and worthy, he would hardly mind a brief diversion.
Meanwhile, the last woman remained behind, a crown atop her head and a beauty surpassing that of any maiden on the island. She looked to Suren and spoke in a gentle, inviting voice. "Oh, noble hero of the Argonauts, most beautiful of men, will you not join us in our festivities?"
"I am Hypsipyle, Queen of Lemnos."
She smiled softly. "My purity has been saved for one such as you, fair hero. Would you not care to be the one to claim it?"
"…" Suren pinched the bridge of his nose and gestured toward Heracles's retreating figure. "See that giant over there?"
"He once fathered fifty children in a single night. That's fifty women at once…"
His voice lowered. "Frankly, your purity holds no interest for me. If you're truly that desperate, try asking him."
"Honestly, a woman ought to have a bit more self-respect. Offering yourself just for purity's sake? That's awfully cheap."
Had he wished, Suren was certain that his looks alone would allow him to build an unprecedented harem throughout Greece, to fill a palace with beautiful women beyond number.
Nearby, Atalanta's cold facade melted, giving way to a shy, relieved smile. Had Suren accepted, the hand fiddling with her bowstring might have accidentally let an arrow fly his way.
Atalanta's ears twitched, her voice struggling to remain steady despite her blush. "Suren, if you… wanted to…"
Really? He'd just given an entire speech about the importance of self-respect, and she hadn't heard a word?
Was her character about to collapse at this rate?
One might understand why women were affectionate with those they admired, but this was a whole other level!
"…Atalanta," Suren said helplessly, "you're absolutely incorrigible… And have you forgotten a few things?"
"I'll be honest, I'm doing this for your sake. Life has so much more to offer than fleeting passions, and your own existence should mean more to you than anyone else."
"The temporary joys you chase—have you thought about the consequences? Have you remembered your vow to Lady Artemis, or what her wrath might entail if you were to break it?"
He gently cupped her face and added, "Atalanta, I don't want you to become just another huntress in name only. Promise me, from now on, to place self-respect above all else, alright?"
Atalanta clutched her chest, leaning against the ship, her heart swirling in confusion. Regret washed over her, as bitter as seawater.
Oh, Moon Goddess Artemis… Is this truly my punishment?
Atalanta… regretted it deeply!
---
Heracles strode after Jason with a few virgins on either arm.
Though he'd succumbed to the allure of the maidens, he still kept his priorities straight. With a solemn tone, he reminded Jason, "Jason, don't forget that our journey's ultimate goal is the Golden Fleece in Colchis!"
"This island may need men to sustain their population, but we shouldn't forget our mission."
Then, he added, "Let's leave by noon tomorrow."
Heracles's "recovery time" was leagues faster than the other heroes'. While the rest were debating whether to stay half a month or a full month, Heracles was already planning their departure and deciding who would steer the ship.
Jason patted Heracles's shoulder with a forced grin. "Why the rush? The Golden Fleece isn't going anywhere, and we're only in the Aegean. We still have to cross the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea to reach Colchis..."
"Even if we linger for a few days, it won't change our fate as heroes destined to claim the Golden Fleece!"
Jason sounded confident, brimming with self-assurance. This journey was the adventure of a lifetime, a mission blessed by Hera, Athena, and Hestia. No matter the hardships or temptations, Jason would never abandon the Argo.
But—
As Jason's gaze swept over his comrades, now enveloped in laughter and merriment, he couldn't help but sigh to himself. Leaving wasn't as simple as him saying so!
Nearly every hero had been captivated by the eager women. Was he supposed to sail on to Colchis alone, with only Heracles and Suren to accompany him?
Since they were here anyway, why not enjoy themselves a bit rather than stand stoically on the deck like that self-righteous Suren?
Besides, this island retreat would certainly strengthen the bonds between the Argonauts. They'd be closer than ever after sharing in these revelries.
Though Greece lacked a saying like "the Four Bonds of Brotherhood," the connections among men often went unspoken yet deeply understood.
Suren, however, stayed on the ship, leaning against the railing with a sigh. "Looks like our journey to the Golden Fleece will be delayed by at least ten days."
These were heroes, after all, and none of them would be ready to leave before indulging to their heart's content. Jason certainly wouldn't be able to rally them any sooner.
And as far as Suren was concerned, this was their business. However long they wanted to revel, they could. As long as they restrained themselves somewhat, he'd leave them be.
Atalanta narrowed her eyes and gave a cold snort. "Suren, with me and the Dioscuri twins watching over the Argo, it'll be perfectly safe. If you regret staying behind, why don't you go and join those degenerates?"
Since Suren's refusal the other day, Atalanta's behavior had shifted subtly. She'd taken to needling him at every turn, though Suren honestly wasn't sure who had wronged her.
Ignoring her prickly remarks, he simply smiled. "Well, you said it. Guess I'll head on down then..."
Suren was someone who never let others dictate his pace. With that, he casually strolled off the Argo.
Playing mind games? In the world of ancient gods, he was untouchable!
Instinctively, Atalanta reached out to grab his arm, but her hand grasped empty air. Her face went through a series of expressions before she clenched her fist, punched the deck, and stormed back to the cabin, gritting her teeth.
Refusing to beg him to stay was her last shred of pride!
Atalanta clenched her jaw so tightly she could've crushed a pebble, and her fingers brushed her bow. If I hurry, I can probably reach Lemnos's palace ahead of Suren and that… seductress.
Her resolve firm, Atalanta's actions matched her words. She grabbed her bow, preparing to put an end to Suren's supposed affair before it even began—until the Dioscuri twins intercepted her, looking concerned.
After she explained, Castor and Pollux exchanged a glance. These divine twins, stabilizers of the Argo, each bore a godly presence with divine rankings: Castor and Pollux each possessed B-rank divinity, but when united, they reached A-rank and embodied the power of twin gods.
Castor spoke first, his tone measured. "Atalanta, don't do something rash. Suren would be disappointed if you acted like this."
"Yeah, Atalanta, you're overthinking things. Is Suren really that kind of man?" Pollux added gently. "If he wanted to indulge, he wouldn't have waited until now, would he?"
And even if he did, what could you possibly do about it?
Pollux's voice softened even more as she continued, "Suren was probably just teasing you. Pursuing a man—especially one like him—isn't as straightforward as hunting game. It's not about relentlessly chasing him down."
One's approach often reflects their lifestyle, and before she came of age, Atalanta's life had consisted solely of hunting in the forest. As a hunter, her instinct was to pursue her prey with single-minded ferocity.
"Then… maybe I should seek guidance from my goddess, Lady Artemis?" Atalanta muttered, her head lowered in frustration. Even her ears drooped. "Perhaps Lady Artemis can show me the right path…"
Lady Artemis, please guide your faithful.
Artemis: "I have no idea!"
Meanwhile, Suren had ventured inland for a different kind of hunt.
Sharing close quarters with a brooding woman—young or mature—was a recipe for disaster, especially if they were determined to find fault no matter what he said.
Knowing this well, Suren decided to bow out, letting her cool off until she simmered down.
With a deep sigh, he set out to gather supplies for the next few days. Even with Heracles's reminder, those heroes were bound to stay lost in their revelries for at least another five or six days.
Honestly, Jason can be so oblivious sometimes, Suren mused as he walked. Doesn't he know Hera herself is the patron of this journey?
Knowing full well that Hera is funding his quest, he still throws a feast of debauchery? He acts like he's never even met her, as if he won't need her blessing.
As the goddess of marriage and fidelity, Hera would, without question, disapprove of such indulgence. Behaving like this would surely cost them her protection.
Suren shook his head. Men rarely thought with the right head, it seemed. There had been few in history who mastered the art of restraint.
"The Argo… They'll be tested more than once along the way, won't they?" Suren mused. "But with Hera's support, Poseidon kept his distance and didn't trouble them much."
"Although I remember they barely survived the Symplegades… If Athena hadn't intervened, they'd all have perished."
Suren's thoughts wandered to Athena. Since their last encounter, she hadn't shown herself, a strange occurrence for one accustomed to "walking with the gods."
Perhaps she wouldn't help him again.
And if Hera refrained from helping at the Symplegades, it would mean she'd already grown displeased with the Argonauts by then.
"So… let's see how to save ourselves from this one," he muttered.
---
"The Great Lord Apollo, Silver Bow King, Golden Sword King, god of archery, prophecy, light, and music... Lord Apollo!"
Inside the palace on Lemnos Island, Queen Hypsipyle knelt fearfully before the statue of Apollo, her voice trembling with reverence.
"Oh, god Apollo, nearly all of the Argonauts have been ensnared by the women of this island, yet Suren repeatedly refuses my invitations. I have failed to capture the attention of this hero; my allure was insufficient to sway him. Please forgive my failing."
Just yesterday, before the Argonauts arrived, Hypsipyle had received a prophetic dream from the god Apollo himself. In her dream, Apollo had commanded her to keep all the Argonauts on the island, enticing them into revelry.
Above all, he insisted that she win over the most beautiful and radiant among them—Suren, the hero whose charm could even stir the hearts of the gods.
Having never before received a divine message, Hypsipyle dared not delay. Before the Argonauts even docked, she found herself somewhat doubtful. How could any mortal, no matter how beautiful, possess a presence that could enchant even the gods?
But when the Argo landed, she witnessed this "divine visage" firsthand. Despite Apollo's orders and the vigilant presence of Atalanta, Hypsipyle could not help but feel her heart race at the sight of Suren.
Compared to him, even Hylas, the foster son—and rumored beloved—of Heracles, appeared unremarkable.
Though Suren had dismissed her with cold indifference, Hypsipyle could not find it in herself to be angry. Yet anxiety consumed her, as she had failed to fulfill the god's command.
She remained kneeling, feeling the weight of Apollo's gaze upon her, afraid to rise until his judgment came.
After a long silence, Apollo's voice echoed from the heavens, vast and distant.
"Enough. The failure is not yours alone. Now, you will carry out the second prophecy."
"Rejoice, Hypsipyle. You did not deceive me, and though you have not fulfilled my command, I will not punish you."
"Thank you, great Apollo! I will see your will through," she murmured, relieved.
After a night of debauchery, even the mighty Heracles needed some time to recover. While the heroes could certainly outlast ordinary men, few could match Heracles' infamous endurance with the fifty maidens of Thespiae.
Each man had been attended by at least a dozen women, and while the Lemnian women had long awaited this moment, the heroes found even their formidable stamina tested to its limits.
Heracles, true to his character, was the first to regain composure. Able to balance pleasure and duty with ease, he reached for Jason, who was still dazed and flushed from the night before, and pulled him aside.
"Enough revelry," Heracles muttered in a low voice. "Now that we've had our fill, it's time we left."
For some reason, Heracles couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous was about to happen. It wasn't a power he was born with, but a skill he'd honed over countless battles—an intuition he'd learned to trust.
---
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