Theseus' Adventures

## Daedalus' Labyrinth

By the time Theseus reached Athens his feats were wide spread across Greece and the Gods looked upon the young hero journey with glee.

Soon after being appointed as Crown Prince of Athens, the Emissaries of King Minos of Crete arrived to collect their ‘taxes’ owed to King Aegeus.

Tuning in to get to know details, he got wind of the 14 Athenians young men and women to be taken as tribute and then to be devoured by the fearsome Minotaur at the Daedalus’ Labyrinth, were this creature lived.

Enough was enough on young Theseus mind and he suggested he’d go with this year tributes and slay the creature, ending these nonsense.

King Aegeus, tried to appeal Theseus decision but the young man was set on.

Upon his arrival to Crete, he was welcomed by King Minos and allowed to rest at the palace so in the morning he’d join the Athenians at the labyrinth.

During his stay, he learnt that the minotaur, the half man, half bull monster that resided in that maze was none other than Prince Asterius, whose life was cursed even before his birth all because Minos decided to anger Poseidon and not sacrifice the Cretan Bull.

Many details were kept from Theseus and whenever the young princess Ariadne tried to intervene to speak, Minos would ask her to not speak of Asterius, that he was long gone and all was left was a beast.

During the night Ariadne visited him to let Theseus know what she originally wanted to tell him during the feast.

Ariadne was inspired in Theseus’ will to help his own people as well as passing to him a ball of wool saying that Asterius would like that. (and to also guide out of the maze)

She also relays to Theseus about Asterius and how he is not what people make of him.

‘They fear him because he looks different-’

Asterius was still the same kind hearted boy he used to be prior to be condemned at that Labyrinth, even if 12 years later.

Theseus touched by Ariadne love towards her sibling, promised that if it is true, and Asterius is still the brother he used to be, not tainted by the aggressive outbursts or was bloodthirst for humans (as some sources claim), he shall not harm him and make a deal to prevent more nonsense deaths.

Harmed with that knowledge, the ball of wool and his sword, he set out in the morning with the Athenian group into the labyrinth.

Theseus noted that most dead's they’d find along the maze their skeletons were complete not bitten or broken.

After what looked like hours, Theseus would manage to find the main room of the maze where the dreaded Minotaur resided...

The room was lit by torches and Theseus eyes examined his surroundings before setting foot into the chamber.

He taken note that there was a small pile of various of sized fur on the floor to make a bed and the shields of Athenians warriors made a make shift roof for the rainy days and the last thing he noted was that in one of the only corners of that room was a bulking figure curled at the corner.

Theseus turned to the group and made a signal for them to stay out of the room and he walked in, his feet echoing slightly on the empty chamber that action snapped the attention of the figure.

‘H-hello?’

The creature croaked barely as if they haven't used their vocals cords in a long while.

The hero saw the most beautiful human blue eyes looking at him and he raised his hands in signal of peace.

‘I shall not harm you Prince Asterius. I come in peace and sending love from your sister Ariadne. You remember her?’

Theseus tactic was to access if the creature before him was capable of comprehension and if still knew his previous life.

Shocked by the sudden movement when the creature stood, Theseus fell back looking at the towering creature before him.

“A-ari sent you?? Are you friend? If friend can we speak?”

The creature was certainly still human despite its appearance...

He gestured for the Athenian group to join in after a few minutes and Asterius beamed having people to talk to.

‘Most just run away when they see me and get lost in the maze, when I find them it’s too late...’

Asterius confesses sorrow over the many losses he had in that maze.

When the day turned to night, Theseus made a deal with Asterius.

‘Lets make a deal you and I. I come visit you every month, bring you food and...sustenance and we end this pointless tributes.’

Asterius never ever shook Theseus hand so fast and eagerly that shook the smaller hero like a twig on a windy night.

Theseus beamed to himself as he lead the group out of the maze that for once he did not had to murder a monster.

As he walked out he heard a small ‘PSST!’ behind him and he turned peaking the head into the maze and seeing Asterius in a corner, sitting down and using the last bit of thread to  knit a small scarf.

He walked to Asterius confused, since the other clearly knew his ‘way out’. Before he could ask anything he was given the piece of cloth.

‘Take this, a token, of our friendship.’

Asterius said beaming happy that not only he made a friend that day but was able to knit that piece in all the time that took Theseus to get out of the maze.

‘You...knit?’

Theseus asked incredulous as he hold the soft piece close.

‘Hmmhmm sister taught me, said it would make me calm. It is true.’

The hero nodded.

‘So you always knew your way out?’

‘Yes’

‘Why not leaving?’

‘People would hurt me outside. Many tried before. Very bad memories, maze is safe’

That pulled Theseus heartstrings more than it should. He felt compassion for Asterius.

‘I am here now, I shall help you- no matter what’

And that was the start of a whole new adventure for our hero.