Memories of Theseus: Volume 1

## The Memories of Theseus: Volume 1

“Come on Percy.”

”Alright Theseus, but I don’t have much time. I have to help dad bring in some wood in a bit.”

Two young Ardoni brothers rush out of a homely looking cave into a small clearing outside. The wind rustles through the leaves of the spruce trees and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot echos throughout the forest. The wind has a crisp coldness to it and feels good on the skin of the two Ardoni. Suddenly the younger one stops running and the older soon joins him. They have reached their destination.

”You ready?” Asks the older Percy

”You bet.” Replies the younger Theseus

The two Ardoni assume a fighting stance.

”I’ll beat you this time.” Says Theseus.

”In your dreams Bands.” Says Percy. A distinct tone of confidence in his voice.

Theseus makes the first move. Attempting to kick Percy in the groin, however, Percy easily blocks the attack and instantly counterattacks with a swift blow to his brother’s forehead. Theseus rolls with the punch and dodges backwards. Percy, now on the offensive, puts Theseus in a headlock. Theseus uses the back of his head to head-butt his brother and then Percy let’s go. Theseus takes a swipe at Percy with his elbow, misses, and falls on the floor. Percy jumps on the smaller Ardoni only to be kicked off. Theseus, back on his feet, drives his fist into Percy’s exposed stomach. Percy doubles over having had the wind knocked out of him. Theseus uses this opportunity to strike Percy’s face but has his punch caught by his brother. Percy twists Theseus’ arm in front of his neck.

“Looks like I win again.”

”Not quite.”

Theseus stomps on Percy’s foot which causes the older Ardoni to release his brother. Theseus strikes and Percy is on the ground.

“Good job Bands.” Pants the defeated brother as sweat beads on his forehead.

”Yeah!” Exclaims Theseus, also gasping for breath. “I finally beat you.”

”PERCIUS KALTARIS COME HERE.” Shouts a voice from the cave

”COMING DAD.” Shouts back Percy. “Sorry Bands I’ve gotta go.”

Percy runs off to find his dad, but Theseus stays behind. *I finally beat Percy. I can’t wait to tell dad, maybe he’ll train me now.* Theseus walks through the woods alone looking at the familiar sights, the trees with the wind still rustling their branches, the pale blue sky, and the large creek that ran through the forest. This creek was one of his favorite spots to relax and think. Where the creek sloped down he had excavated a small hole just big enough for him to sit comfortably in. He crawled through the entrance, made out of sticks, and into the hole. He had finished all of his chores today he was ready to rest. He thought about his fight with Percy and his excitement to tell his father, but that could wait, right now he just wanted to sleep.

”THESEUS.”

Theseus woke with a start, he must have slept until dinner.

”COMING MOM.”

Theseus ran back to his home where his mom was standing outside the cave.

”Where have you been? Your all dusty.”

”I‘ve been in my little hole.” Said Theseus

”Well please go inside and wash up. We are about to eat.” Said his mother. The great thing about Theseus’ mother is that she didn’t get angry when Theseus got dirty. She knew it was good for him. Theseus went to the small wooden washtub that was outside of the cave to wash off. There he ran into his older sister Maria. Maria was a very pretty Ardoni. She was about average height with bright eyes and a smile that drove all the boys in town crazy.

“Hey Bands, do you know where my diary went?” She asked

”No” Theseus lied. In truth he had hidden it earlier that day as a joke. He would put it back after dinner. One of Theseus favorite pass-times was hiding stuff around the house, wether it be cooking knives, practice swords, or even himself.

“Do you know where dad is?” Theseus asked.

”He and Percy went into town to try and sell some weapons.” Replied his sister. Theseus’ family, House Arcturus, lived on the edge of Kaltaria. His mother however was clan Mendoris and so was his sister. Theseus hoped that his father would bring back uncle Zulius. Zulius Kaltaris had raised Theseus father, Drakius Kaltaris, who had been orphaned at an early age. Theseus wanted to tell uncle Zulius about beating Percy. He knew Zulius would be proud of him, the old Ardoni had always said there was more to Theseus than meets the eye.

”Uncle Zulius!” Theseus heard his sister exclaim from outside. He rushed out to meet Zulius.

”I finally beat Percy!” Said Theseus, his voice ringing with excitement.

”Good job!” Said Zulius, “I knew you’d beat him soon.”

”Speaking of Percy.” Said Maria, “Where is he?”

”He’s staying in town with a friend.” said Drakius.

”Well Rey what’s for dinner?” asked Zulius to Theseus’ mother, who had come to investigate the sound of loud voices.

”Steak.” Replied Rey.

”Good.” Said Drakius, “I need something hearty.”