Chapter Twenty-Nine
I glance around the temple, my neck prickling with unease. “Did we get it wrong?”
“That’s not possible. This is the only building that housed a temple of Hermes.” Adrian stares at the building.
“The others were all basically roadside shrines from travelers.” Draven shakes his head. “This doesn’t make any sense. Where are the monsters?”
“There’s something here.” A shiver rolls down my spine. “The back of my neck is prickling like we’re being watched.”
“Should we check the perimeter?” Jayden grips his sword tighter. “That way they can’t sneak up on us.”
“Yeah, I don’t have a good feeling about this. It’s too easy.” I shuffle on the balls of my feet, ready for a fight.
That’s what we have come to expect so where are the queen’s minions to try to take us out? What is the play here?
Raven scans the area, her gaze narrowed. “Everyone, keep vigilant. This isn’t right.”
“Should we split up and do a search?” I ask, hating the idea already. “We can cover more ground but if there’s an attack on one group, they won’t have backup.”
“No splitting up. We are stronger as a unit. We’ve proven that on more than one occasion.” Jayden squeezes my waist.
“C’mon then, weapons ready. We don’t know what we’re up against.” I step in front of the Grecian architecture.
There’s a buzz around the entire structure that’s familiar and I glance at Draven. The caduceus is inside.
“We’re definitely in the right place,” I whisper as a tremor rolls down my spine.
“You good?” Jayden asks.
“Yeah, Hermes’ magic is strong here.” I round the temple to the side and peer around a column. “There’s nothing here.”
My feet barely make a breath of a sound as I scour the area for any deception. Hermes’ magic is the only power I sense other than mine and my friends’. How is she hiding them? Because she has to be, right? There’s no situation where she doesn’t send an army to attempt to take us out.
As we round the building back to the front entrance, I stiffen. A man in Grecian robes is staring intently at one of the heavy packs we left behind. He has broad shoulders and the same sandy-brown hair color as Draven but when he straightens from his inspection, his glare is hard.
“Who are you to be wandering around my father’s temple and trampling over my final resting place?” The man steps forward.
“Who are you?” I ask. “This is Hermes’ temple so I’m assuming you were one of his sons?”
“Myrtilus is my name and I was the son of Hermes, yes. I was betrayed.” He turns his glare at the temple. “What are you doing here? There are others around but I can’t see them.”
“Who betrayed you?” I ask.
“I don’t think that’s what’s important at the moment. Do you? My father is weakening by the day. He needs somethingfrom inside the temple. You know what it is, don’t you?” Myrtilus crosses his arms over his chest.
“Yes, his item of power. His caduceus or staff. The queen stole it and is wreaking havoc on the realm. Have you been inside the temple? If I’m correct, only those with his blood can enter.” I step forward.
“My father’s magic pulses in the temple. I do believe you’re correct but since I’m no longer living, I honestly can’t tell you what I’m doing here right now. I can’t help with what you’re seeking.” Myrtilus hangs his head.
“You’re nothing more than a distraction.” Another voice booms behind him as a spear rams through his chest toward me.
I jump back on instinct and draw my sword. The man pulls the spear back and Myrtilus’ body turns to ash as his spirit returns to the underworld.
“Pelops,” I growl. “How is an oath breaker even allowed to return after your curse has been realized?”
Draven shoulders his way forward, glaring at the former king. “You killed my brother? You betrayed him after he helped you win the competition. You are the definition of a selfish bastard. I’m glad your line suffered for your deceit. My father never should have backed the Greeks in the Trojan war at all with your grandson as the wronged party.”
“Attack,” Pelops yells and a hoard of monsters appears from out of nowhere behind him.
