I Dedicate this story to my late mother who really taught me the way to live a true life.

For Those Who Love To Read Children Fantasy Stories

“She was what!? Which flying daemon?” Asked bewildered King Cadmus “Your highness this is the third incident that we have lost one more person from our kingdom by the flying beast who is said to be the creature of Cronus’s army.” Replied Exixious the wizard  “Oh! That means Ozwex has started becoming strong again as he is using Cronus’s deadly creatures to assail our Kingdom.” Replied King Cadmus with apprehension on his face. “Yes your highness not only this Dark wizard has also gained strength to summon ancient creatures and using them against us.” Replied Exixious anxiously. “Do gods of Olympus know about these recent developments?” “Yes your highness they know it and according to god Apollo the rise of Cronus is imminent.” 

Exixious had hardly uttered these words when the ground of the whole court room Shuddered and Zeus appeared in front of them and thundered CADMUS YOU MUST STOP HIS BEASTS OR HE WILL DECIMATE YOUR ENTIRE KINGDOM AND LISTEN CRONUS IS PREPARING TO RISE AGAIN AND CONQUER THE WHOLE WORLD SO BE QUICK OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE Zeus gave a jerk to his lightning bolt and vanished. King Cadmus and wizard looked at each other with a feeling of perplexity and fear. 

Silver Saber

Thomas Theodoros took his axe and kissed his mother and went toward woods to gather some timber for selling in the market. It was early morning the daisies and daffodils were in full bloom and there was some excitement in the wind which was blowing and gently touching Thomas. Summer days are always pleasant here in Storis kingdom. Thought Thomas. His dog Murkboy was happily barking and running beside him wagging his tail.

Soon Thomas came to a place where there was a cascade and to his amazement nymphs were playing in the water but when they saw Thomas they all laughed and swam toward the place where Thomas was standing. “Hi young Thomas what are you looking for I hope me as I am the most beautiful of all.” Said one tall nymph and came very near to Thomas. Murkboy growled and was about to attack her when Thomas calmed him down and said “I don’t know you but who are you and how you know my name?” 

The tall nymph laughed along with other nymphs. “Well my name is Shaba the other two are my sisters Vesto and Scila. come on boy come with us your beautiful future awaits here and leave everything else you are going after let us make love as I can see love in your eyes too.” Said Shaba and started moving toward Thomas. Murkboy jumped and came between Shaba and Thomas and barked aloud. “Look Shaba I am not interested in any love making but.?” “Look into my eyes my love and forget everything.” Said Shaba and moved further near Thomas. 

Vesto and Scila tried to pet the dog but he jumped on them and tried to bite them. They squealed and ran back but Shaba was only few feet away from Thomas. She was smiling and then spread her both arms and said “Come my love the time for true love has come.” Murkboy was constantly keeping the other two nymphs away from Thomas. At first Thomas was enthralled by her words but soon his eyes fell on her hands where instead of nails she had long and pointed claws and she had one donkey leg while her other one was of brass.“Keep away from me you empousa I don’t want to be devoured by you.” By saying this Thomas positioned his axe toward Shaba who immediately showed her long fangs and attacked Thomas.

Murkboy bore his teeth in her donkey leg and she screamed with pain but gave a thunderous jolt to the dog who flew like a ball and hit the nearest tree. “No! Murky are you alright?” Before Thomas could run toward his dog Shaba flew into the air and landed in front of Thomas. She smiled and said “Poor Murky he didn’t know about my strength but boy now come near me I want your fresh blood and flesh as I haven’t feasted for the last many days.” Saying this Shaba attacked on Thomas again who dashed to save himself. Thomas moved his axe so fast that it gave a deep cut on her breast. Shaba screamed and her other two sisters came in front of Thomas Theodoros and snarled like ferocious beasts.

Thomas looked at Murkboy who was lying beside the tree but trying to get on his paws. Thomas looked determined and moved his axe again in their direction but the two sisters flew into the air and vanished. In the meantime Shaba had recovered from her wound which was healed completely. “Now foolish Thomas your doom has come.” Shaba shrieked and pounced like a dog on Thomas throwing him on the ground. She was about to tear his neck with her fangs when Thomas covered it with his arms the fangs of Shaba were slowly coming near to his face suddenly Thomas hit his fist on the ground in exasperation but to his amazement his hand touched something. What is that?

He thought soon Shaba who was about tear him squawked and jumped back. It was just a needle and ring. He slid the ring on his finger and pointed needle toward the beast soon it became a sword and ring transformed into shield. TO THE CRONUS WHO IS OUR LORD WE WILL RULE THE WORLD AND HIS RISE WILL DEFEAT ALL OLYMPIANS. All three empusae shouted those words and attacked Thomas from three different sides. But before Thomas could repulse their attack his sword quivered in his hands and moved at a lightning speed and sliced the bodied of all of them who soon turned into vapor and before vanishing yelled again WE WILL RISE AGAIN FROM TARTARUS AND TAKE OUR REVENGE .

Their vapors vanished and left Thomas looking at his sword and shield, and what had just happened in bewilderment. All of a sudden he heard woof of his injured dog Thomas ran toward the tree where his dog was lying. THOMAS PLACE YOUR SHIELD ON YOUR DOG AND HE WILL BE ALRIGHT GODS ARE PLEASED WITH YOUR VALOR AND STRENGTH SO USE YOUR WEAPONS WISELY AS WE HAVE SOME REALLY DANGEROUS TASKS FOR YOU TO COMPLETE TO SAVE THIS WORLD.   Thomas did the same and found his dog barking and standing in front of him “Who are you? And where are you?”  DON’T WORRY ABOUT US BOY KING CADMUS HAS SENT HIS SOLDIERS TO GREET YOU AS THEIR HERO AND WAIT FOR FURTHER ORDERS.

Thomas Looked at his sword again there were some words printed on its handle and when he gazed closely he read the words SILVER SABER.

Then the thundering voice disappeared and Thomas was left with his accouterments to which his sword and shield were new addition. Soon he heard clip-clopping of horses’ hooves and within few moments royal guard of King Cadmus arrived and one person wearing a very elegant uniform dismounted from his horse and took out a scroll from his pocket. “My name is Nikolas Papandreas I am the chief of the royal army of King Cadmus. His highness wants to meet you as he and gods have seen your brave attempt to destroy the daemons of Cronus.” Said the Nikolas. 

“You are our hero and only you can destroy the army of Cronus and save us from eternal doom.” Thomas became very happy to hear these words but said “Please let me go home so that I can inform my mother otherwise she will be very worried.” “Don’t be apprehensive she has been already informed and King has allowed her to stay in his castle until your quests are over so hurry boy the time is running fast we don’t want to lose more lives at the hand of ferocious creatures.” By saying this Nikolas mounted on his horse again and held out his hand so that Thomas could sit behind him on his horse. Soon they were heading toward the castle. 

The King

The royal family was waiting impatiently for Thomas Theodoros and when they entered into the castle every one bowed with respect in front of Thomas. Thomas was happy at this respect as well as anxious about his future and future of this kingdom which now depended on him. Soon royal guards came to a standstill in front of the big golden gates. Nikolas asked Thomas to get down from his horse and he himself did the same. Five guards at the gates blew horns to inform dwellers of the castle about their arrival.

Nikolas Papandreas escorted Thomas into the castle through gates. The castle had been beautifully decorated which showed the aesthetic sense of the King. 

There were huge statues of Greek gods and goddesses on both side of the long covered veranda through which they were walking. Not only this the candelabras hanging through ceiling where shining brightly without any candles in them. Soon they reached a fountain which was full of purple water. Thomas who was already amazed to see this could not stop asking and said “ Why the color of the water in the fountain is purple?” “ Thomas it is the water of healing which heals any sort of wound or sickness it has been gifted to us by god of healing Asclepius.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Thomas and tried to touch the water but Nikolas asked him to keep moving as king was waiting feverishly for him. Soon they reached a place where all walls and ceiling were covered with wines of greenish blue grapes. 

“Don’t tell me I know who has gifted this to you.” Exclaimed Thomas excitedly “god Dionysus has given it to you am I right?” “ Right but there is something else in them you not only get powerful body after eating one of these grapes but your nerves also become very strong as god Hephaestus with god Dionysus forged them in his holy fire. And to add more one of the assistants made of bronze by god of fire helps you in your battle if you eat one of these non-ending grapes.” Thomas became astonished to hear that but he moved forward with Nikolas and soon came to a place where an orb was hanging in the midair without any support. The rays of reddish brown were emitting and illuminating that part of the palace. “What is that sir?” Thomas eagerly asked Nikolas. “Ah! Thomas this is the recent gift of goddess Athena and Ares to King Cadmus.

This spherical ball actually makes the castle invisible and invincible during attacks from creatures of Cronus and an army of four Talus I mean giants made of bronze protect the castle from destruction.” Now here we come to the crown court of his highness, come with me Thomas they are waiting for you.” Said Nikolas and moved forward into the lavishly decorated court room.

As Thomas moved near the throne he saw a white bearded man with rings in his fingers and wearing a very expensive robe. There was a jeweled crown on his head. Sir Nikolas Bowed in front of the king and so did Thomas. “Hello Thomas Theodoros I hope my general did not astonish you a lot by explaining the gifts of gods but they gave us these gifts to fight Cronus you know why.” Said Cadmus with a smile on his face.

“Yes your highness I have seen everything but what about food suppose if your castle is under siege for lot many days?” Asked Thomas thoughtfully “Intelligent question Thomas I was expecting it from you, general you did not show Thomas our Garden of golden apples?” Asked King to Sir Nikolas. “No your highness I really wanted to take him to you as early as possible.” “Thomas gods have given us the magical garden to use in that case and you know its fruits reappear even after they have been used.” Said King Cadmus. “Before you ask me about our people and their safety in this kingdom we have chosen you to save our kingdom and other kingdoms from Cronus who is preparing an army of deadly monsters to assail and devastate the whole world and Cronus wants to rule the world once we are in chaos.” Said Exixious who was standing beside the king wearing a red rob.

“Exixious introduce yourself to Thomas Theodoros I think he is very amazed about all this magical stuff.” Said King “Yes your highness I am the wizard and counselor to King. I have been serving this kingdom for the last two hundred years. It is really astonishing for you but it is true.” “Thomas Ozwex the dark wizard has links with Cronus and he is actually becoming a menace for us because Cronus has given him powers to summon monsters and mix their abilities to make them more deadly.” Ozwex has come from the family who were loyal to titans during their war with Olympians but disappeared when titans were defeated and sent to Tartarus for ever so you can understand the link and Ozwex was an infant at that time. Now you understand how vicious he has become since then.” 

“ But sir how can I defeat such malicious wizard all by myself you know I am mortal as you are telling me which portrays that Ozwex is thousands of years old with a constant increase in his abilities with the passage of time?” Said Thomas with concern on his face. “Don’t worry Thomas we are with you and you have the blessings of gods and you will see how they come to help you in your quests.” Replied Exixious with a smile. Suddenly they heard the horns again. “Exixious check who else is coming to castle?” Ordered King to his wizard . Exixious had hardly stepped down the throne platform when the voice of the Zeus thundered in the courtroom: CADMUS I HAVE SENT MY PET SHREDDER TO THOMAS. THIS IS MY GIFT TO HIM AS HE IS EMBARKING ON HIS MISSION SO GO OUTSIDE WITH THOMAS AND GREET MY CREATURE. HE WILL HELP HIM IN ALL HIS QUESTS.

The voice dissipated. “Yes Lord Zeus as you say.” Bowed King Cadmus along with others and asked Thomas to come outside in the court yard to see that creature. When they came out they saw a gigantic three headed lion with large fluttering wings sitting in the middle of the yard. The lion roared happily and leaped toward Thomas who became flabbergasted to see huge animal gazing joyfully toward him. All three heads licked Thomas’s face and roared again. Even Murkboy was puzzled and barked loudly. “So you are Shredder who will accompany me in my quests.” Said Thomas finally getting hold of himself. The Shredder was golden white in color which was shimmering brightly in the bright day light.

“Good son you are really brave boy I thought you would run to see such giant beast leaping toward you but you are completely calm and confident, that is why you have been chosen by gods to fight the dark wizard and his creatures.” Said Exixious with a smile on his face. Thomas became happy at this remark then after thinking for few moments he said “Now what about the quest how am I going to start my journey and where will I go first, and where is that creature with whom I will fight?” “Hooold it boy you are asking too many questions just wait we will first consult our magical scrolls to know where you should go first.” Replied Exixious . “Guards take good care of the Shredder and give him whatever he wants he is also our guest from Lord Zeus.” Ordered king to his soldiers. 

But except Nikolas no soldier was moving forward to pat the lion due to his big size and red frightening eyes. King and Wizard laughed to see the fright due which the guards were not moving toward the lion. “Don’t worry he will not harm you he is mythical beast and very friendly.” Said Exixious with confirmation voice. Few guards tried to move near the lion but as the beast roared like a tremendous cloud they ran back but Nikolas stroked him gently and felt confident that Shredder did not hurt him. With smile on their faces king and wizard and Thomas went inside the court room. 

THE SCROLLS

“Ok Exixious let us take to your secret room of scrolls so that we can consult them what awaits Thomas in his quest?” Asked King to his Wizard. “Yes your highness please follow me.” By saying this wizard started toward his room and King along with Thomas tailed him. Soon all three of them entered his room and Exixious shut the door firmly and bolted it from inside. “So where are we going now?” asked King in an amazed voice. Wizard took out his magical potion and threw few drops on the floor precipitously the whole room started revolving like a ball and thick mist covered the whole room. Finally within few moments the mist disappeared and all three of them were standing near a wooden bridge below which a molten lava was flowing. On the other side of the bridge was a stone castle which was covered with big chains and the entrance to the castle was also blocked with those shackles.

It was very hot as King and Thomas perspired heavily. “Exixious what is this place and from where this lava and castle has come and where is my castle?” Asked king in a perplexed tone. “Your highness you are now under observation and Thomas you too the scrolls are observing you from that stone castle and soon you will feel easy with them so do not worry.” Replied Exixious. WHAT DO YOU WANT EXIXIOUS WHY ARE YOU DISTURBING US? The loud voice reverberated “Hello sir we want to consult you as you know that our kingdom is in peril.” Replied Exixious. OK STEPPED FORWARD BUT DON’T WAKE THE MONSTERS AT THE GATE OR YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE. “Ok sir we will come quietly.” Said Exixious and asked king and Thomas to come behind him but slowly.WE HAVE ALREADY DECIDED ABOUT THE BOY SO COME INSIDE RIGHT NOW WE ARE PRETTY BUSY.

The bridge was dangling like a tinny rope and the sight of molten lava was making Thomas little fearful but his brave instincts were telling him that it was all just illusion. Soon they reached the huge gates of the castle which was completely chained and two gargantuan Cyclopes with four legs and five arms were guarding the gates but they were sleeping. They had hardly stepped forward when both the beasts awoke and rumbled at them. AH SO YOU HAVE WAKEN THEM NOW LISTEN ITS UPTO YOU HOW YOU CAN PUT THEM BACK TO SLEEP OR THEY WILL RIP YOU APART SO TRY YOUR LUCK AND A SURPRISE AWAITS YOU IF YOU PASS THROUGH THE GATES. THEY CAN NOT HEAR US BUT DO NOT THINK THAT THEY CAN NOT HEAR YOU TOO. “Exixious have you gone through this before?” asked King impatiently. “Yes your highness but every time the trick to put them back to sleep changes.” Replied Wizard. 

Replied Wizard. “Hey look there is a lyre on the floor why don’t we try it?” Thomas said ebulliently. “Aha! So we have some clue for their sleep let us try it.” Replied wizard enthusiastically. Exixious started playing the lyre but the monsters instead of going to sleep started dancing with the rhythm of music. Thomas and King became astounded and Exixious tried to play the lyre fast to put those monsters to sleep but all his efforts proved to be abortive. “I think there is no use of this wretched lyre the monsters are fully awake and active now.” Said wizard. “Let me slay them with my Silver Saber.” Said Thomas “No do not go near them they are immune to your weapons stay away from them.” Replied wizard. “Then what should we do now Exixious.” Said King.” Let me think your highness.” Said wizard. HAHA DO YOU THINK YOUR CLUMSY LYRE WILL PUT THEM TO SLEEP.

. “Sir I see a piece of paper on the ground let’s see what is written on it?” Said Thomas and picked it up. “Aha! There a short poem type sentences written on it Thomas please read them aloud so that we can see their effect.” Said wizard ardently. Thomas Started Reading aloud:

I have come to put them to sleep

By doing this my eyes weep

Monsters are awake so be careful

Read it aloud and don’t be fearful

I know that they are really creep

Monsters hear it and go back to sleep

As soon as Thomas read the Poem both the Cyclopes went to sound slumber and chains of the castle gates slackened allowing all three of them to enter into the building. A lot of hustle and bustle was going on inside the castle as thousands of scrolls were running and doing different tasks. Four scrolls after seeing King and his wizard and Thomas came forward and one of them said " Welcome to our house well we are very busy in writing about Cronus future attacks so you have come here to seek about the future of the this boy.” “ Well yes Sir and.” Wizard had hardly uttered these words when he heard loud snoring. All of them turned and saw three scrolls wheezing in their sleep. “What is that?” exclaimed Thomas. “Boy they are very exhausted had been working since last century so we let them take rest for next fifty years.” Replied one of the scrolls. 

Thomas smiled but maintained his silence. Wizard tried to ask again when they heard lot of scrolls clapping their tiny hands. “Don’t be amazed two scrolls are getting married so ceremony is going on here you will see lot of activity so don’t look at other scrolls or they will panic.” Said one of the parchments.

“Actually we have come here to consult you about the quest of the Thomas you know about Ozwex and Cronus plans to conquer the world again.” Said Exixious “Let us take you to our chief and see what he says.” by saying this all four scrolls motioned all three to follow them. Soon they were ushered into a big room full of books and in the middle there was a big cushion on which an aged scroll was lying holding a big book in his tiny hands and reading it like a pro. “Sir King Cadmus and his party wants your advice about quest.” Said one scroll humbly.

“Go boy go to north and find a magical map it will guide you to the invisible castle of Ozwex and his brutal beast that you want to exterminate.” After saying this chief busied himself in study again.

“He is so petulant a curmudgeon.” Said King exasperatedly. Chief scroll did not pay attention to these words and kept reading and murmured two more words “Golden Fleece.” Except Exixious no one heard those words “Let’s go back sir our first task is over.” Said Wizard and started towards the castle gates. King and Thomas followed him out of the gates and saw the monsters in continuous sleep. 

When they reached their castle king said “I will never go there again Exixious they are so embarrassing.” “Your highness I know that next time if I need their advice I will go alone.” “So what about that map sir?” asked Thomas “Son take rest today and start your journey tomorrow and yes your Murkboy will be here with us as it is too dangerous for him to accompany you in your quest.” Replied Exixious. 

GOLDEN FLEECE

Next day Thomas was ready for his journey when Exixious entered his room “Son you must go to Hingvons Peaks first which are guarded by craborillas. Shredder knows the way so you will find no difficulty in finding them.” “What are these sir?” asked Thomas “They are fierce beasts I only know that they are giant crabs.” “Cross their boundary to get the Golden Fleece for you quest.” Thomas wanted to ask more but Wizard said “Boy time is too diminutive so start your journey as soon as possible.” Thomas said good bye to King and the Wizard and his mother while Murkboy barked continuously till Shredder took Thomas high in the air above the clouds and they soon reached a forest. Shredder started descending and finally landed on the ground. The forest was of Giant Red Wood trees so shredder started pacing inside the forest.  

They had hardly advanced hundred steps into the dense forest when Thomas caught sight of a strange monster. It was a gross creature with upper body of a gorilla and lower body of a crab. He was just looking at it when soon he saw hundreds of giant such monsters coming out from the big holes on the ground. Thomas became confused as he was outnumbered. Shredder roared but Thomas patted his neck and motion him to not to attack. Boss what is your strategy now “Who Shredder are you talking to me?” Yes boss it’s me Shredder. “Let us take another route.”  Thomas tried to avoid the beasts and started to move away from them in another direction but the monsters had spotted him so they scurried in his direction. Shredder ran toward another direction but soon they were surrounded by the fiends.

The beasts had pincers instead normal gorilla arms and hands and were continuously producing discordant sounds from them. Thomas was afraid and thinking to what to do next when one of the beast attacked him from the front but now Thomas knew how to fight so he dived and saved himself his pet Shredder who was small as compared to the size of these beasts attacked it but Thomas shouted at him to remain where he was so he retreated. Let me fight him boss. “No just stay away.”  Thomas knew that this could be his last fight because of the sheer number of such monsters around him and Shredder. Soon that beast attacked again and wounded the arm of Thomas and tried to use its pincers to slash his chest but Thomas jumped back and with full repulsed attack sliced its pincers into two pieces.

The monster squealed with pain and others who had surrounded Thomas and Shredder and made same harsh sounds from their pincers and started coming near to them in order to attack. Thomas was now in the middle with Shredder who was roaring continuously but all of a sudden a voice boomed STOP THIS NONSENCE AND WHO IS THIS HUMAN IN THIS FOREST. Thomas became amazed when he heard the voice and to his astonishment a giant gorilla having same body but bigger than those who were there came and stood in front of him and glared at him with his red baleful eyes. WHO ARE YOU HUMAN AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE IN THIS FORBIDDEN FOREST? DON’T YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS MORE DANGER AHEAD AND SUPPOSE IF MY FRIENDS LET YOU GO WILL YOU BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THIS FOREST ALIVE.? Thundered the big sized monster.

“Thank you for letting me live but I have a quest to complete I want to slay the monster who has created havoc in Storis Kingdom.” HMM SO YOU ARE GOING TO SEND THAT MONSTER TO TATARUS BUT THERE ARE OTHER MONSTERS WHICH OZWEX HAS CREATED TO DESTROY THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD SO WHAT YOU WILL DO THEN DO YOU THINK YOU CAN GET HIS IMMOTALITY CRYSTAL FROM HIS PALACE. TELL ME HUMAN AS WE ARE ALSO ONE OF HIS CREATION WE WERE LIVING A SIMPLE LIFE WHEN OZWEX CHANGED US TO HALF GORILLA AND HALF CRAB AND WE ARE NOT HAPPY AND WE EXECUTE THOSE PEOPLE WHO TRY TO ENTER OUR REALM SO DO YOU THINK YOU CAN GET OUT OF THIS FOREST ALIVE. Thundered the head again with contempt in his eyes.

“I will do whatever I can to get to that monster because it is creating havoc in Storis Kingdom it is under threat from Ozwex. I don’t care whether you let me live or not here but at least I can die like a brave warrior not a coward running away to save his life.” Thomas responded.

YOU ARE INTERESTING LITTLE FELLOW BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME OTHER PEOPLE WHO CAME HERE AND WERE SURROUNDED BY US AND THEY BEGGED FOR THEIR LIVES BEFORE WE EXTERMINATED THEM AND CUT THEIR BODIES INTO PIECES. YOU ARE BRAVE ONE AND I SAW YOUR FIGHT WITH ONE OF MY FELLOW SO I WILL LET YOU GO BUT ONLY ONCE DON’T COME BACK HERE AGAIN OR YOU WILL NOT BE PARDONED IS IT CLEAR HUMAN. The head of behemoths glowered. 

He motioned others to leave space for Thomas and his Lion to move forward and then said ONE OF MY MEN WILL TAKE YOU TO THE FOOT OF THE HINGVONS PEAKS BUT DON’T EXPECT MORE FAVOR FROM US. “Thanks can I go now?” asked Thomas and head spoke to one of his fellow in strange language so one of them started moving ahead of Thomas and Shredder. Thomas thanked gods who saved him from this impending trouble. The monster lead them in a certain direction so they followed him. They had hardly walked few meters ahead when the monster jumped to one side and ground under Thomas’s feet crumpled and he and shredder fell in a big pit.

HAHAHA HUMAN YOU THOUGHT THAT YOU COULD GET AWAY SO EASILY. NOW WE WILL HAVE YOU AND YOUR FUNNY PET FOR DINNER. WAIT FOR THE NIGHT TO COME. FELLOWS PREPARE FOR THE FEAST YOUR LION CAN NOT FLY YOU OUT OF THIS PIT AS IT IS CURSED BY CRONUS. Thomas heard the same thundering voice from a head who was now standing near pit and looking at them scornfully. The other monsters scuttled away from the pit and moved into their holes. Oh my gods they are going to eat us tonight I didn’t know that they are cannibals as well what should I do now I must reach the Hingvons Peaks to get golden fleece otherwise I will fail in my quest. Thought Thomas worriedly. Boss I cannot fly you out of this pit as my wings are not moving. His Lion bellowed and tried to fly but he could not do it.

Thomas thought for a while and then looked above him the area was clear and little away from the trees. All of a sudden the others shouted and were running toward their holes when Thomas heard fluttering of wings and caught sight of two headed gigantic eagles flying in the sky. RUN THE EAGLES ARE OUT SAVE YOURSELF LEAVE THEM he heard the familiar voice soon eagles lunged into the trees and picked three monsters in their claws and flew away. The crab shaped gorillas were running in chaos to save their lives. All of a sudden an invisible force threw Thomas and Shredder out of that cursed pit. Thomas thanked gods and patted his Lion who then stopped roaring and they slowly moved away from those beasts. The sun was setting so Thomas decided to stay in the forest as Shredder was also tired.

Thomas was thinking what to eat when all of a sudden a tray full of roasted beef and goblets full of orange and grapes nectar appeared in front of him. Thomas was taken aback to see this but he was so hungry that he did not think and started eating feverishly. Then the thought of Shredder came into his mind he turned around to see his friend but became contented to watch him eating the meat of a dead deer he had just received. Then they both went to sleep. In the morning after having breakfast from the new tray they started off towards the mountains to get the fleece. Shredder reached Hingvons Peaks within few minutes of flying and landed near the foot of the hills. Thomas jumped off his back and saw a big black cave in front of him. 

Can I go with you boss? “It is OK I will go alone Shredder.” He took out his Saber and slowly went inside that cave. Soon he saw a light coming out of the far end of the cave he continued his pace toward that light and finally arrived at a full furnished room. There was a table in the middle full of fruits and roasted meat, but he could not find how the room was luminous as there were no candles or anything else in the room. The walls were decorated with photographs of small green people. “So this is a goblin house but where are they?” asked Thomas as he was just thinking about it when he felt sharp edge of a knife on his back. “Don’t move who are you and why are you raiding our house you creep?” said a voice behind him. “May I turn around and say something?” “No you are not allowed you entered our house without permission now you will suffer the painful death.” Said the voice again. 

“What is your name sir I am Thomas Theodoros the savior of Storis Kingdom.” “I don’t know which kingdom you are talking about but this house is our kingdom so don’t move an inch or I will stab your back.” Grumbled the voice again. “Now move to the corner of the room and keep you face toward the wall so that I can check your deadly weapons.” Said the goblin again. “Zrizz who is this person and how he dared to enter our house?” said another goblin who had just entered the room. “Pynk he is a trespasser and I caught him red handed he was trying to steal our food.” “O come on I did not have any such intention I was just curious about the size of this house because..” “Shut up you skulk we know your intentions very well.” said Zrizz. “What strange names you people have?” laughed Thomas. “Look Pynk he thinks that we are jokers.” “Eradicate him Zrizz” growled Pynk like a dog.

“Just wait I am sorry I laughed at your names but at least let me see your faces.” Said Thomas. “Ok turn around but no tricks as we are experts in handling any such tricks.” Said Pynk. “Ok promise I will not use any of my weapons.” “Aha! Throw your weapons on the ground first you nasty human.” Said Zrizz. Thomas threw his sword and shield on the floor and turned around and became amazed to see three foot tall goblins sneering at him with their little knives. “So why have you come here tell us immediately?” Said Pynk. “Thanks for listening to me so my story starts with..” and Thomas told them the whole story. They laughed aloud. “Please your highness join us for dinner it is ready.” Mocked one of them. Then they attacked their food and gobbled down everything that was lying on the table. “So you say that you are here to save this world from that dark wizard Ozwex.” Said Zrizz.

. “Yes will you help me but I think it is of no use to ask for your help because you are not believing what I have just told.” Said Thomas exasperatedly. “Ha-ha human” “My name is Thomas call me Thomas Theodoros not human.” Snorted Thomas. “Ok Thomas so you need our help first prove us that whatever you are saying is true.” Snorted one of them back at Thomas. “Ok take a look at my sword and shield then you will believe me and my quest.” After saying this Thomas picked up his sword but before he could do anything one of the goblins snatched it from him and started looking at it amusingly. “You think that you can slay giant monster with this four feet long sword.” “Be careful with the weapon it can be dangerous for you.” Warned Thomas but Zrizz was swinging it in the air abruptly its color changed and it flew out of his hand and landed in Thomas’s hand. “You acrid creature we will destroy you.”

By saying this both goblins took out their small knives and dashed toward Thomas but he swiftly moved away from their direction and cut their pants’ zips with his sword. “What the hell!” Shouted both of them as their pants fell down showing their pink under wears. They forgot about fight and picked up their pants to cover their legs. Thomas laughed aloud and now aimed his shield toward them. “Nooo don’t slay us we can give you gift which will be helpful to you in your quest.” Shouted Pynk. “I do not need your gift I only need Golden Fleece.” Said Thomas aloud. “Shhh don’t speak loudly Ozwex will hear it and destroy us to get it.” Begged Pynk. “Ok where is the fleece?” said Thomas. “We will give you that but promise you will spare us as only two of us are remaining while the monster of Ozwex has taken the rest of the goblins.” Said Zrizz.

“No I am not cruel I need Fleece just to complete my quest and will return it to you after that as it is your property.” Replied Thomas. “ No need to return that despicable thing because we have lost so many lives we want to get rid of this cloth, Ozwex is also after this but we have been hiding in this cave because we know if he comes to know about our hide out he will send his brutes to finish both of us.” Replied Pynk. “Don’t worry fellows now it is my duty to save you also from that callous wizard.” Replied Thomas. Pynk went to another little hole and when he came out he had a Shining cloth in his hand. “Here take this as our gift and promise you will wipe out that wizard.” Said Pynk. “You have my word now can I go?” Said Thomas. “Oh! Yeah sorry we ate all food and did not offer you anything to eat.” Said Zrizz. 

“No problem but I will come back here to return this gift to you as it belongs to you.” Said Thomas. “We will wait to hear the good news and you will get another gift from us.” Said Zrizz. “Ok Zrizz and Pynk bye and wait for my return.” By saying this Thomas went back and came out of the cave. Shredder was waiting for him and resounded happily when he saw his master coming alive out of the cave. 

THE MAGICAL MAP

Shredder landed at the top of mount Petroborg and Thomas was very hungry so again food was served to him and his Lion. After having his meal Thomas looked at his Lion who was still chewing the big bone he smiled and was about to move near mount Petroborg when Warning from Exixious came, Thomas be careful use your golden fleece in time of need because eliminating the monster birds will not solve your problem. Remember the magical map has wings attached to it and monster birds are guarding it if they found you looking for map then they will start screaming and the map will go out of your reach and you will not be able to find the castle of Ozwex.

“Hey I can hear you how you have traced me here at mount Petroborg?"

I am watching you from my oracle so don’t be surprised I can guide you according to my powers but remember Ozwex is also observing you advancement so be prepared for anything. “I understand Exixious I will be very careful”. Replied Thomas. He started coming down from the top of the mountain and soon arrived at a place where there was a big cave. “OK so this is it.” Thomas crept inside the cave. It was a long and dank cave with stalagmites hanging on its roof. Be careful of all the traps use you shield to see clearly inside the dark cave. Exixious again warned him. Thomas held his shield and looked at the ground which was showing the figure of a step. As the cave was not luminous so in the light of his shield he saw a moving step only few inches away from where he was standing. 

He carefully jumped over that step and advanced forward. Again his shield emitted red light showing the figure. Thomas beheld a big lever again attached to another step in front of him. “Thomas be careful don’t put your feet on that step or anything will cut you into pieces if the lever is pushed.” Mumbled Thomas to himself. He successfully passed that hurdle also. Soon he came into a big room with a long table and a map was lying on its center. Thomas thought it to be the map he was looking for and touched it all of a sudden a big cage fell on him and imprisoned him. He became worried as the medusa shaped drills from all sides of the room started propelling toward the cage where Thomas was trapped. The heads of the Medusa containing bronze snakes were moving fiercely and were coming near Thomas toward the cage gradually.  

Thomas again looked around to see a hidden button on either side of the cage in its iron bars. Thomas hurry up the drills can slay you. Again Exixious’s voice warned him. Thomas frantically moved his hands on all the bars but could not find the button. The drills were only few inches away from him when suddenly his hand ran through something that bended and the drills stopped and swiftly moved back. The cage lifted upward freeing him at last. He took a sigh of relief and went toward the front wall.

Again he ran his hand on the smooth wall to search for the hidden button but could not find any. Thomas moved away from the wall and was just thinking about it when suddenly dozens of knives appeared from the wall in front of him and darted in his direction like pointed arrows.

Thomas threw himself on the floor and all those knives hit the wall behind him. “Thanks to gods I am still safe. Oh! A hidden door has opened.” Thomas was amazed to see that a door appeared on the front wall and was open. He ran toward the door and entered through it. To his amazement he saw dozen big Birds who were sleeping near a table where magical map was lying. The map had wings attached to it which were flapping and giving out a very soft sound. Thomas put on his golden fleece to hide himself from birds and tried his best to not to make any noise and started progressing near the map. He had taken only few noiseless step when wings of the map vibrated again and map started flying in the room. Thomas looked at the table and saw a candle which was lit and giving light throughout the room. 

Thomas putout the candle light then map will not be able to fly and you can easily catch it but don’t wake the birds otherwise your task will become difficult and the map will fly out of the cave. He heard Exixious again.

Thomas carefully reached near the table trying his best to not to create the clamor and putout the light of the candle now whole room become dark except for his shield which was emitting red light and showing the map lying motionless on the floor. Thomas carefully picked the map and was about to go out of that room when his feet hit something. The birds immediately woke up and the room was filled with their cacophony. The map wings came to life again and it started flying taking Thomas with it out of the cave. Thomas was now flying with the magical map and trying hard to stop its flight. 

Thomas without thinking caught the wings and soon they stopped flapping and map fell down on the ground with Thomas on it. He stood up and was still holding its wings which were trying to fly again. “What should I do now?” asked Thomas to himself. The wings were really very strong and trying hard to move into the air. Soon Thomas’s fingers felt a very little feather under one of the wings. He moved it and wings stopped. “Hurrah! now it is mine.” Said Thomas excitedly. The birds were still screaming so Thomas ran away from the cave and came to place where there was a water fall. The water was really pure and appropriate for drinking. He drank water and folded the map and put it in his pocket. He was so tired of this arduous task that he fell asleep near the waterfall. “Thomas wake up it is me Hermes.”  

Thomas woke up with a jolt and saw a tall man with nice attire and winged sandals.

“Congratulations you got the map but young hero now your testing time has started.”

Said Hermes. “I know god Hermes but I have to find the palace of Ozwex as he is creating problems for our kingdom.” Replied Thomas. “I made this map Thomas and now it’s your property but use it carefully and don’t let it go away from your pocket otherwise you will lose it as it will fly away talk to this map and gradually it will accept your command.” Said Hermes. “Here put on these sandals I have made them especially for your quests.” Said Hermes again. Thomas threw his boots and put on the sandals that god Hermes had given him soon its wings started moving and then they rose into the air taking Thomas upward.

Thomas became worried and yelled to Hermes. “What should I do now as they are still not in my control?” “Don’t worry you will be used to them they are trying to recognize you as you are their new master.” Laughed Hermes. Soon the wings dithered and took Thomas safely back to the ground. He was happy to get a new gift from gods. He asked Hermes “Will they aid me in running also.” Yes hero you will run at the speed of light.” “Thanks I will take care of them too.” Said Thomas “OK young Hero Zeus is calling me so I must leave. Before leaving don’t think you don’t need Shredder anymore he will help you throughout your quest.” By saying this Hermes rose in the air and within seconds he was out of sight. 

Thomas checked his new winged boots again his map wings started fluttering again in his pocket Thomas scolded the map and its wings became quiet again.

“OK my boots lets go back to Shredder he is waiting for me.” Thomas had hardly spoken these words when winged Boots started flying again in the air and Thomas was maintaining his balance with difficulty. Soon he reached near his Lion but the speed of the wings was so fast that he collided with Shredder. Shredder roared to see Thomas’s new winged boots. What are these boss? “It’s OK Shredder they are a gift from god Hermes to me don’t panic I will use them now for my quest." Now Thomas again ordered his boots to take him to the skies and they did but now he was in complete control of his winged boots.

As the sun was setting so Thomas decided to stay there. At night food and drinks were served to him and Shredder and soon after the dinner Thomas fell asleep. 

When he woke up full sun had completely removed the obscurity of night. Now please listen to me first congratulations on getting map and winged boots from Hermes but be careful and consult the map continuously. Again Exixious warned him. “I will be successful Exixious.”Said Thomas and took out map which showed him the glowing green valley in the north. Shredder started flying taking him in the direction of the valley. 

The fight with Boulderstep at the altar

Thomas reached valley and asked Shredder to creep slowly forward as he was ready for any incursion but after walking for almost an hour he could not find any one so finally he gave up and sat under the nearest tree. He went to sleep and when he awoke it was almost dark as the sun had gone behind the mountains. Thomas stood up with a jerk but he could not see anything or anyone as it was really dark. He was feeling hungry and thought that the food will be served for him but this time a very beautiful girl carrying a tray of fresh fruits and drinks appeared before him. She smiled and placed the tray near him and disappeared in the darkness. Thomas checked Shredder but could not find him. Soon the place become lit again with invisible light and Thomas caught sight of an old man in fine armor coming toward him. 

Thomas activated his weapons and shouted “Who are you as I don’t recognize you?” “Thomas it’s me Ares god of war don’t worry I mean no harm to you.” Said old man. “But why my armor is glowing?” Shouted Thomas again. “I am god of war I think no one told you that due to my strong nature for war your armor can glow.” Said Ares. “It is actually telling you that now you are in my altar where even the bravest warriors fear to tread.” Added Ares. “Have your dinner as I have some important news for you.” Said Ares and sat beside Thomas who was still disconcerted. “Thomas take your dinner and here drink this juice its really tasty I know you love orange juice a lot come on I have very short time to talk to you be quick.” Added Ares with a smile and handed goblet to him. Thomas sat down and started to drink the juice but all of a sudden his goblet fell from his hand and juice spilt on the ground. 

“Don’t worry take this one?” Ares offered him another one but this time shivering in his hand started and he found it difficult to drink the juice. After a lot of effort Thomas took one sip and then to his amazement whole place around him began to revolve round his eyes. He shook his head but vertigo was over powering his mind and his shield was burning with red light. Ares smiled and transformed completely and to Thomas’s astonishment he was Ozwex the dark wizard. “My poor boy deceived even in the presence of his gods. Well Thomas now face my beast who will disintegrate your body into pieces”. Ozwex let out a loud laugh and vanished.

With trembling feet and shivering hands Thomas cursed himself for not paying attention to his weapons which were showing warning signals and tried to activate his weapons.

Soon he heard a loud crash he tried to concentrate on the noise and finally saw the huge monster who was moving slowly toward him. The monster was like a colossal mammoth with three protruding horns on its head and due to the thumping of its big feet the ground was shaking. Thomas tried to balance himself but the effect of potion was still very strong.

Thomas do you hear me don’t run or you will be left with no choice except to die a horrible death. Voice of Exixious jolted him. “Where areeee youuuu Exxxiouus.” Thomas’s tongue was slipping due to dizziness. Stand still and hold your shield and sword in your hands and gods will help you don’t be afraid sorry I could not warn you about Ozwex trick because some force turned my oracle completely blank for few moments till Ozwex succeeded in deceiving you .

Exixious’s voice again fell on his ears. Thomas tried his best to hold himself and his sword. “What is your strategy Foolish boy now you are helpless against my giant boulderstep, hahaha I knew that Humans are always foolish and a boy like you I still don’t believe why gods have chosen you as their last hero?” Ozwex laughed at Thomas but he was still invisible .Thomas could not see him and he frantically checked his fleece and it was gone. “Yooooou Animaaal you stole my fleece.”

The monster was few feet away and Thomas was still struggling to clear his mind of the effect of the potion that he drank foolishly. The monster was very close to him but Thomas finally decided not to run. “Run Thomas run or this monster will slaughter you.” Ozwex again tried to befool him.

“No I willlll nooot.” Thomas tried to say clear words but still his tongue was slipping. All of a sudden Shredder flew and landed between monster and Thomas. Boss are you OK what has happened to you Shredder being smaller than monster roared and attacked the beast. Thomas was still trying to figure out the way to clear his mind of that potion. All of a sudden an invisible chains entangled the monster who roared aloud and tried to free itself from those chains but they were very strong and monster could not move forward. “Alright foolish boy so you have gods blessings also let’s see what I can do now as my powers are stronger than your gods. Suddenly bright rays like those of the sun fell on the chains around the monster and broke them freeing the monster.

“hahaha.. You see Thomas even your Olympians cannot fight with my titans and soon I will release all titans from Tartarus to finish off your gods and rule the world again.” Now Thomas who was still feeling dizziness a lot as the effect of strong potion was working strongly on his mind and body, cried “gods can you alleviate my body from this spell I am unable to stand on my feet.”

There is a cascade behind you just move toward it and try to drink some water the effect of this spell will dissipate. Exixious again tried to help Thomas. Thomas looked behind and caught sight of waterfall but it was a 10 feet away from where he was standing he started moving which was full of dwindling steps as the potion effect was gaining strength. 

The monster again started advancing toward him and now his Lion was unable to move as Ozwex froze it on its place. “Run Thomas run your death is very near to you. Hahaha I am enjoying your new gift” said Ozwex’s voice who was still invisible. “Wow! Look at this it’s made of gold and now I will use it to remain invisible all the time”

 Thomas struggled with his steps to reach water fall as early as possible soon his heart began to sink as the effect of poison was reaching his entire body and monster was coming nearer and nearer to him. Soon Thomas realized that it was a futile effort to reach waterfall as he was unable to move forward. Vertigo increased and his eyes were almost close due to the effect of poison.

He heard the growl of the monster as it was only few feet away from him. Thomas fell on the ground and tried to haul his body toward the waterfall which was still five feet away from him. The howl of the monster was very clear in his ears as it was now standing in front of him. “Thomas call your Olympians for help and ask them to fight my spell I think I must consider myself as titan. O Cronus I have gained so much power now I can fight Zeus even he cannot stop my monsters. You know boy once lord Cronus is free he will make me full titan and I will rule the world with him forever. Now boulderstep my lovely pet exterminate this poor fellow as he is already dying of pain. Finish this show once and for all.” Boasted Ozwex and now he was standing beside his monster looking contemptuously at Thomas.