THE LAST APPRENTICE

...I remember the day most clearly, when I left the cave of dragons and ventured back to the mortal world. I was sickened by ambitions of kings and gods who sought sway over the whole of the world. Power and wealth has brought a plague which taints the minds of men, and it will not stop until all is naught. I, Odius, must change the course of such events, for this is my mortal world, in as much as it belongs to us all, and neither god, nor king, nor mystic, shall take it from so much as one man...

Odius was anxious to leave the dark and forbidden passages of the cave of dragons. By the time he was within sight of the entrance his thoughts had shifted from worry over the skull of Poseidon to his longing for the woman he loved. Odius picked up his pace when he realized that he could smell fresh air from outside. Soon, he would be in the bright light of day and free to search for his beloved Maia.
Odius knew his trip to Atlanta was extremely important, but so was the lady of the forest. His master told him to find her and he swore to serve his master. But it was love, rather than duty, that urged him to satisfy his master's request. His master also told him he would have no trouble finding her. He knew his master would be as solid in this prediction as he was with others. He thought the first and most logical place to start looking for her was at her modest hand- crafted home.
Although Odius was weary, he quickly clamored up the neatly-set stones at the entrance. His excitement rose as he drew closer and closer to daylight. In no time at all he found himself crawling through the thick patch of thorns. Already the air began to smell clean and fresh like a typical summer day in Atlantis.
When he finally cleared the thorns, he looked down the slope toward the place where he last saw Maia. He was surprised and elated to find his lovely Maia already waiting there for him. She stood next to the fire with her back to the grade as she practiced her sword handling. Odius noticed that she had become quite good at it.
The sight of Maia swinging a sword prompted Odius to recall that morning's encounter with the crystal of the gods. The image of Maia wielding that sword to secure a sacrifice on his behalf still lingered vividly in his mind. He also recalled the regret he felt during his imprisonment for not taking Maia in his arms when he had the chance. His heart raced as he realized that that lost opportunity was once again within reach. He would not let the chance to hold Maia slip through his hands again.
"Maia!"
Maia turned at the sound of his voice. After all her efforts, she had no assurance that her sacrifice would bring Odius back to her side. In the depths of her mind was an uneasy fear that she might have been perusing an empty pipe dream. Those fears were suddenly shattered the instant she laid eyes on her valiant Odius. A bold, unbridled smile quickly dominated her face as her body began to quiver with excitement.
"Odius... you're back!" Maia quickly returned the sword to its sheath then ran for the hillside and the man she loved so deeply.
Odius had already started down the grade with a precarious hobble brought about by his injured leg negotiating the rocky terrain. Maia also labored over the rocks as she struggled to climb up to him. For both of them, the whole world was suddenly reduced to a rocky hillside under the bright Atlantean sunshine.
Somewhere about one-quarter way up the grade their outstretched hands met. Odius seized his lost opportunity and wrapped Maia in his arms. Neither of them could ever forget that first embrace.
Odius trembled as he hugged Maia more tightly. He could hardly believe the moment had finally arrived. She felt incredibly warm and vibrant to him as she tried to snuggle closer. For a brief moment he almost felt like crying. He felt helpless against the monumental emotions inspired by her simple, honest love. A tear pooled in his eye as he looked up at the sun and suddenly realized the greatest treasures of life were nothing more than sharing love, and being free.
Maia had never been in a man's arms before and was overpowered by the experience. His embrace was firm, yet gentle and warm like the love they shared. She felt an overpowering desire to get closer to him, though she was already locked in his embrace. She liked the feeling of his strong body next to hers and wished that they could have melted together as one. She felt sheltered and safe, as if Odius could hold the whole world at bay.
Maia never expected to feel the way she felt and she never thought she could ever be so bold. She felt helpless to his will and was willing to surrender to him then and there. She had never been treated so tenderly before. She never knew that with the touch of lovers comes a gentle tingle that makes one beg for more. She did not understand the emotions she was feeling, she simply welcomed them blindly.
Maia's eyes filled with tears as she pressed the side of her face against his chest. She heard his heart pounding deep inside his chest and felt the warm vibrations as he softly spoke to her.
"I love you, Maia."
Maia's voice was unsure, though she was certain of her words, "I love you too, Odius."
"For days I did yearn for your touch, yet all I could hold was the memory of your smile." Odius let out a subtle sigh, "I pray we never part again."
Maia trembled at the sound of his words. She knew they would have to part company again, and that she must be left to her solitude or face disgrace at the hands of her nemesis. Maia did not want Odius to know anything about that filthy dark shadow. She would not let anything taint his image of her.
Those thoughts were shattered when Odius kissed the nap of her neck. The gentle touch of his lips sent a tingle through her body unlike anything she had ever felt before. She never knew something so simple could bring such a wonderful feeling.
"Thank the gods, you're back!"
They held each other for quite some time on the rocky slope below the cave of dragons. Neither wanted to break their comforting embrace. It was a reunion they had both looked forward to for a long time. Maia reluctantly disturbed the magic of that moment.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"Oh, yes. I haven't eaten since I took leave of you."
"Come then, I have a rabbit on the fire. I must tend to it so it doesn't burn."
Maia took Odius by the hand, then led him down the grade, "I also picked some blackberries this morning. I'll feed you and you can tell me all about your adventures."
Maia noticed that Odius limped. She was not sure at first because the rocky grade made for precarious footing even under the best of circumstances. However, when they reached smooth ground at the bottom of the grade she was certain that Odius had been injured. She did not know to what extent.
Maia did not mention his injury until they were almost at the fire.
"You're limping!" she pointed to his leg.
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
"Why?"
"Dragon bite. It was most foul about a week ago, but it has improved hence."
"Here, sit." Maia gestured to a place by the fire. "Let me have a look at it."
Odius sat down by the fire where his eyes immediately made contact with the rabbit Maia spoke of. It was skewered on a stick, which rested neatly across the fire on two 'Y' shaped branches. Odius could tell by its tantalizing smell and deep brown color that it was cooked just the way he liked it. He suddenly remembered the pain in his stomach left by his eight day fast. His mouth began to water at the sight of it.
"Let me see!" Maia drew his attention from the rabbit to his leg.
"Certainly!" Odius pulled up his robe up to show Maia the wound. Maia cringed at the sight.
"And you're walking on this leg? You should see a barber (8) about this."
The puncture wounds had already started to heel very well but Maia was concerned about the red, inflamed areas around each fang mark. Although little was known about medicine at the time, most people understood red or purple inflammation was a sign of trouble. Odius tried to put her mind at ease.
"It looks pretty as a rose against a week ago. It has been getting better with each passing day."
"Good," Maia said, "As long as it's getting better."
Odius pointed to the rabbit on the fire.
"When did you get the rabbit?"
"I snared him at daybreak in the blackberry patch. Would you like some?"
"Yes, love."
His response took Maia by surprise. She was not expecting him to refer to her as 'love'. It was simple gestures like these that made her feel like a lady. She looked into his eyes as a smile slowly grew on her face.
"I'm so glad I met you, Odius."
"As I, Maia."
Maia reached over the fire and picked up the skewer with the rabbit. She tore a leg off for herself then offered the rest to Odius.
"Here, you should eat this to build up your strength. I ate last night."
"Thank you."
Odius tore into the rabbit as if he had not eaten in a week. It was simple roasted rabbit without any trimmings, but to Odius and his starved stomach it was the best meal he had ever experienced. For that matter, it was the best meal he would ever experience for the remainder of his days. Even exotic dishes, which he would come to enjoy in the months ahead, could never compare to that simple meal on his starved stomach.
"I must leave for Atlanta on the morrow..." he said as he gobbled down another bite of rabbit. He paused just long enough to catch his breath, then looked at Maia.
"Please, come with me."
Maia hung her head.
"I cannot, Odius." A tear began to pool in her eye. "I desperately want to, but I cannot."
"Why not, love?" He watched her as he took another bite of rabbit.
"I I can't say." Maia buried her face in her hands. "I wish things were different."
Odius put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't cry, love. We should be happy on our last day together."
His attempt to comfort her did little.
"Look," he said as he reached in his robe, "I brought you something." He pulled out the tribute he found in the cave of dragons then handed it to Maia. Maia gently accepted it.
"A tribute?" she asked.
Odius nodded.
"For me?"
Odius nodded again.
"From you?"
"Yes, love. A tribute from me to you."
Maia smiled then held it up to her chest as if it hung by a chain. "Thank you, Odius."
She admired it for a moment. "Only fine ladies get tributes."
"You are a very fine lady indeed, Maia. And an excellent cook!" Odius held up the rabbit. "This is very good!"
"Thank you, Odius. Um I have something for you, too!"
Maia got up and walked over to her pack. Odius took another bite of rabbit as he watched her rummage through her belongings. After a moment or two she returned with something hidden in her hand. She sat down next to him, then handed him the treasure.
"A buckle!" he said as his eyes lit up. He graciously accepted the gift then held it up to his belt.
"I always longed for a buckle!" He examined the buckle closely and was impressed with the detail and care Maia had put into it. He knew Maia made it because few could match her quality, and no one else used her unique pattern of flowers and squirrels.
"And it has your flowers and squirrels!" He looked up at her, "Surely you labored over this for many hours. Thank you, Maia."
Odius handed the rabbit to Maia then untied his belt. Maia could tell by the bright smile on his face that he was truly excited about the gift. She waited and watched with a proud smile as he attached the buckle to his belt. When he finished, he looked up at Maia and simply nodded with a smile.
"Thank you so much. This buckle would be the envy of kings."
Maia felt too bashful to reply, she simply smiled as she gave the rabbit back to Odius.
Odius and Maia spent the better part of an hour talking and eating at the foot of Mount Atlas. Before too much of the morning had passed they gathered their belongings and began their journey back to Maia's home.

The ride back to Maia's home was largely uneventful except for what was suppose to be a brief rest under a stand of apple trees. The warm Atlantis sunshine kindled a lazy, carefree feeling that made the day seem like it would never end. They ate their fill of fruit and played games as they chased each other around the grove. Later, they relaxed in the shade and talked of many things from the beauty of a flower to fantasy dreams of life together.
They lost all track of time under the gentle shade of the apple trees. The magic of that afternoon was so precious that neither of them wanted it to end. The day gradually grew older and gave way to early evening before they finally gathered their belongings and continued their journey to Maia's home.
The ride to Maia's home was long and wearisome. Darkness also brought certain risks, such as the horse stumbling in the dark or large forest predators out on the prowl. Despite such concerns, they kept their spirits up with conversation and laughter. They both knew their permanent separation was close at hand and neither of them wanted to taint their last hours in each other's company with concerns about the darkness or fatigue. Although they were happy and content, an uneasy feeling filled the air as if they knew a grand era was about to come to a close.
Sometime shortly before midnight they approached the quiet little clearing at Maia's home. Odius and Maia were still alert and talkative, yet ready for a peaceful night's rest. The stallion was also ready for a long rest, it hung its head low to the ground as they slowly plodded up to Maia's porch.
"Whoa!" Odius pulled on the reins as the stallion gradually slowed to a stop.
He stared into the distance as he recalled his master's words about spending the night with Maia. Since the Great Marce had become locked in the shard, he spoke only when absolutely necessary, therefore, this matter must be of grave importance or the Great Marce would not have mentioned it. Odius was not entirely sure how he should approach Maia about staying the night. He spent an awkward moment in silence as he tried to think of a tactful way to phrase it.
Maia could sense uneasiness in his voice when he finally spoke.
"Maia, must this be our parting moment here in the moonlight? Must I ride now to yon distant hill where darkness would cheat us of so much a parting glance? Must I leave you this moment without the simple beauty the morrow will promise?"
"I think not, Odius. Please, stay the night. I have no wine nor fruit, but I have many words to share and and I long for your touch. Please, stay the night."
"I shall, my love."
"Remember," Maia started to dismount, "you must leave on the morrow and I must stay."
"As you wish."
"It is not my wish it simply must be. Believe me, if I could change that which I can not, I would stay by your side for a lifetime. I love you, Odius."
"And I you." Odius smiled as he climbed off the horse.
Odius turned to face Maia in the pale moonlight. She waited for him with an unsure smile as if she were expecting some grand event. Her timid smile grew as Odius moved closer.
Odius sadly shook his head, "I will never forget you, Maia no matter where my travels might lead."
He reached up and gently caressed the side of her face with the back of his hand. Maia closed her eyes then held his hand tightly against her face. She seemed somewhat nervous yet not the least bit uneasy. Odius gently drew her toward him then, with slow, tender movements, he kissed her soft lips.
A moment later they embraced each other and shared their first passionate kiss in the still moonlight. It was a long, tender moment filled with magic of the heart. Their kiss brought a gentle feeling of closeness, along with a subtle inkling of despair in knowing they had but one night to spend in each other's arms.
Maia felt particularly distraught. Odius almost seemed to be a part of her, as if he filled a hidden void somewhere deep within herself. She could not bear the thought of Odius leaving. Worse yet, she knew she might have been able to leave with him if not for her nemesis. A moment of sadness came over her, she sought comfort by pressing the side of her face against Odius' chest.
"I wish I could leave with you." Her voice was troubled though not entirely distressed. She took a deep breath then continued. "I need you tonight, Odius." She looked up at him, "I don't know why, but I feel I need you tonight."
Odius gently stroked her back. "It is I who needs you, Maia. I have never truly felt love until you. Some search the years of their lives and never find what we share. For that I am thankful."
He gestured toward the door. "Shall we? We'll spend the night in each other's arms."
Maia nodded vigorously, although her smile was somewhat uneasy.
"First I must tend the horse with fresh water. Perhaps you could open the door and light a lamp? I shall be at your side directly."
Maia nodded with a smile, then pointed toward the side of the house, "There's a barrel of rain water and a bucket by the side."
"Thank you, Maia."
Odius watched as Maia turned and started for the door at a joyful trot. She opened the door then whistled a happy tune as she fumbled around in search of a lamp.
Odius picked up the reins and started to coax the horse toward the side of the house. As he tugged on the reins, he could not help but notice how Maia's happy little tune seemed to fit her modest surroundings. Her song gradually faded into a harmony of katydids and crickets as Odius walked farther and farther from the door. By the time he reached the barrel of rainwater, Maia's whistle had become nothing more than a subtle background for the countless creatures that filled the night air with song.
Odius scooped a bucket of water from the barrel then set it in front of the horse. As the horse started to drink a faint beam of light began to shine through half-opened shutters. The light grew slowly until it lit a large area of the little clearing. Shortly after the lamp was lit Odius saw Maia's shadow dance and flicker across the clearing. He could see by her silhouette that she was apparently dancing with her imaginary partner. The sight brought a smile to Odius' face. He watched her graceful and dainty movements glide across the moist grass as he thought about sweet Maia and how he happened to meet her.
His thoughts of Maia quickly drifted to their inevitable separation. Odius already found himself missing her, though their parting glances would not come until morning.
"I wish there was something I could do to abate our parting."
Odius took a short, frightened gasp as he recalled his master's words; '...be careful what you wish for chances are, your wishes will come true.' He began to worry about the words that he uttered in idle contemplation.
He wondered if the Skull of Poseidon would heed his request, and if so, what the consequences might be. He had possession of the skull long enough to know that it was sometimes unpredictable. If the skull saw fit to grant his wish it might do so with no regard for repercussions. He hoped his carelessly chosen words would not bring any harm to his beloved Maia.
His thoughts were distracted when the horse suddenly became nervous and skittish. Odius grabbed the reins and tried to calm the animal but the horse only became more frightened. Something in the air seemed to be amiss, Odius was sure of it. The crickets and katydids no longer sang and the night air became as deathly quiet as a tomb.
The horse continued to step and prance about nervously as it whinnied and snorted. Odius tried to hold the beast as best he could while he looked about for whatever might have made the animal nervous. He found no obvious explanation, though he did notice a strange smell in the night air. Odius sniffed the air in an exaggerated fashion as he tried to determine what the strange smell could be; it smelled somewhat like a goat except much more pungent.
The smell drifted away as quickly as it came and the horse gradually calmed down. Odius patted the horse on the nose for a moment to assure the animal that everything was alright, though he was not entirely convinced himself. He sniffed the air again but found no trace of the strange smell. After a minute or two the crickets and katydids resumed their night choirs as everything returned to normal.
Odius led the horse to the porch where he loosely lashed its reins to a rail. He sniffed the air again then slowly panned the moonlit landscape for any signs of trouble. Everything seemed to be as it should. He spent several minutes watching the darkness before he finally abandoned his vigil and went inside to join Maia.
Maia was waiting inside with outstretched arms. She pranced up to Odius with a big smile and girlish squeal then threw her arms around him. Odius held her tightly as she pressed the side of her face to his chest.
"You're wonderful Odius, it's as if you have a magic about you."
Odius was somewhat distraught by her unfortunate choice of words. At first he wondered if the magic she felt was simple love or if the Skull of Poseidon had something to do with it. He did not want the love they shared to be some artificial manifestation of the mystic arts. Then he recalled the incident on Mount Atlas and how deeply she loved him long before he acquired the crystal skull. He knew that her love for him was genuine and felt bad about ever doubting it. He held her more tightly.
"Maia, I fear I have kept a dark secret from you. Perhaps I should tell you what brought me to these foothills."
"Shhh," she insisted, "I also keep a secret which I dare not share. We only have one night together, let's not change anything by revealing untold secrets."
Odius thought for a moment, then agreed. "As you say, we should not burden our short time together with matters of no consequence tonight. I want only to hold you in my arms. Nothing shall deprive us of that this night."
Odius wrapped his arms around her petite little body and gave her a gentle hug. Maia returned the embrace and snuggled as close as she could. The morning was still hours away and they planned to fill the night with close, tender moments that they would remember for a lifetime. The atmosphere in Maia's home was gentle, sweet, and peaceful. Everything was absolutely perfect until Odius noticed that strange goat-like smell once more. Odius sniffed the air several times then asked Maia, "Do you smell a goat?"
Sudden panic came over Maia as she recognized the smell it was her nemesis! This was by far her worst nightmare. Abuse at the hands of her nemesis was bad enough, but to have such violations displayed in plain sight of Odius was more than she could bear. She screamed and she pushed herself away from Odius in an act of sheer terror.
"What?!" A look of deep concern came over Odius.
"You You must leave me Odius! You must leave now!"
Odius could hardly believe how quickly she changed from happy and content to terrorized.
"Why, Maia? What's wrong?"
Tears were streaming down her face. She reached forward to give Odius a quick kiss, then took several steps backward. "Go! Please go!"
"But.."
"Leave me!!" she shouted. Maia fell to her knees in a fit of tears. She sat back on her heels then buried her face in her hands as she pleaded with him. "I beg of you leave me and never come back to this place!!"
"I do not understand."
Maia looked up at him through red, tear- streaked eyes. "I love you Odius! I beg you, leave me before it's too late. Please!" She buried her face in her hands once again then shouted, "I DIDN'T WANT THIS!!!" She cried and screamed hysterically.
Odius was not sure what to do. He loved Maia and would gladly comply with her wishes, but he did not want to leave her alone in this state of mind. He wanted to help but he did not understand her problem. He could hardly imagine anything invoking so much terror in a woman who boldly walked among dragons.
"Please leave before it's too late!" Maia was still screaming hysterically.
Odius could see that his presence was causing her pain. He wanted to comfort her but she already begged for his absence several times. A tear began to pool in his eye as he watched Maia tremble and scream in fear. He wanted to go to her but could not. He thought perhaps the kindest thing he could do for her was to respect her wishes and leave her to her privacy. Odius decided to leave but not wander off too far just out the door and into the darkness where he could plan a subsequent course of action.
"As as you wish my love."
Odius hung his head then slowly started for the door. He only took a step or two before he noticed a sinister shadow, which had slithered in under the door. He had seen this type of thing before it was nothing more than a man under a mystic's cloak.
Odius had seen his master use the same technique to unlock a door. During the first week of apprenticeship, Odius carelessly locked the archives while the key was still in the room. The Great Marce used the mystic's cloak to creep through the keyhole and unlock the door.
Odius began to wonder who was under the cloak and what, exactly, they were doing here in Maia's home. He had no idea who it could be, but he did think of several possible reasons why all of which were rather distasteful. Odius felt a rare moment of anger building deep inside of him.
He turned around to look at Maia. Judging from her fear he assumed she had seen this thing before and that she knew what it had in mind. His anger grew. He marched over to Maia, grabbed her shoulder, then pulled the crying woman from the ground.
"Have you seen this shadow before?" He shouted in anger, although that anger was not directed at Maia.
Maia looked up at Odius through tear-stained eyes. She took short, sporadic breaths as her face twisted with unyielding despair. She was no longer able to confront the disaster at hand. She knew her nemesis would be all over her in minutes and nothing could be done to stop it. Worse yet, she knew Odius would witness her disgrace and that she would never be able to face him again. She wanted Odius to leave before she fell from grace in his eyes, but now it was too late. Maia lowered her head and went limp in an attempt to melt to the floor.
Odius quickly grabbed Maia's other shoulder then lifted her up to his face. He shook her abruptly one time then shouted, "HAVE YOU SEEN THIS THING BEFORE!?"
Maia's was too horrified to speak, she simply nodded and cried.
Odius glanced at the dark shadow, which as yet made neither advance nor retreat, then returned his attention to Maia.
"Why does it come here?"
Odius asked the one question Maia feared above all others. She did not want Odius to know anything about her nemesis or the disgrace it brought her.
"WHY!!" he shouted.
Maia could not look Odius in the face. He seemed to be the only person who ever cared about her and she did not want to alienate him with a horror story too gruesome for words. But she felt incredibly broken and confused while Odius seemed to be so strong and confident. Maia's darkest hour had come and she had nothing to cling to other than Odius. Reluctantly, she succumbed to his insistent question. She felt great shame as she answered in a broken, frightened voice.
"It's a demon. It comes here to to..."
Maia was unable to finish her answer and quickly resorted to crying. Odius slowly lowered her to the ground.
Maia was not very specific but Odius got the basic idea all the same. He could not understand how anyone could be low enough to take advantage of such a lovely and innocent woman, especially by such cruel means. Rage boiled inside him as he thought about it. He had never felt so much anger before in his life. He sought to champion the woman he loved and was ready to dismantle the world stone by stone if need be. He was determined to bring vengeance to bear.
"It's no demon!" Odius shouted, "It's a wizard under a mystic's cloak!" Odius reached across Maia's shoulder then drew her sword.
"Stand fast behind me!" he shouted, "I'll remove his guise and slay him for the slug he is!" Odius wheeled around with sword in hand to face the sinister dark form.
Maia saw a glimmer of hope as Odius stood on her behalf. She was thrilled by the prospect of being freed from her nemesis, yet she was deathly frightened. Maia quickly scampered for refuge behind Odius' back and crouched low as to not obstruct his swing. She trembled as she clung to Odius' robe.
Maia somehow suspected this single blow of the sword would secure her fate; if Odius missed her nemesis would prevail, if he was successful she would be free. Either way her secret was out and Odius knew of her shame. She found herself becoming more concerned for Odius' safety than her own. This was her problem and she did not want Odius to be hurt on her behalf.
"Be careful Odius!" Her voice was barely audible.
Maia peeked out from behind Odius and saw how the dark shadow still lingered by the door. She had never known her nemesis to be so cautious and apprehensive. Odius was such a confident and determined pillar of strength she felt safe in his shadow. Already her mind's eye had painted a picture of victory over her life-long foe.
Odius issued a command to the crystal skull, telling it to lift the mystic's cloak from his opponent. His sword was poised to strike as soon as the villain took solid form. He waited but nothing happened.
Odius began to apply more pressure on the skull. He concentrated and outright insisted that the skull lift his opponent's cloak. The skull was trying to respond in earnest and even began to draw from Odius' own anger. Odius realized he was commanding great power with little results. He assumed his opponent was fighting the skull with powers of its own.
Odius took one hand off the sword to reach in the bag and touch the skull directly. His hand and arm trembled from the sheer power that poured through the skull like water down rapids. Odius would not falter in stance or purpose. The mystic conflict persisted for several lengthy minutes before his opponent finally gave in and the dark mass began to assume a different shape.
The shadowy figure gathered itself into an erect column about the size of a man. Several seconds later the shadow began to form a silhouette. The top half of the silhouette took shape first as the head and torso of a man appeared. Odius brought both hands to the sword and readied his swing. Arms began to appear, followed by the waist and legs which seemed to assume a rather peculiar, crooked shape. The top half of the silhouette looked like a man but the bottom half looked more like a goat. Odius immediately realized that he was in deep trouble and that he would not be able to defeat the opponent before him.
A brief instant later the silhouette took solid form. Odius and Maia found themselves staring at a sinister- looking creature that made an absolute mockery of nature. The bottom half of the creature looked like the hind quarters of a goat, right down to its cloven hooves. The top half looked like a man except for two nubs of horns, which poked out of its hair, and black, empty eyes much like those of Poseidon.
"What what is it?" Maia asked.
Odius had a lump in his throat as he answered Maia in a whisper.
"Pan; god of the forest."
Maia let out a subtle moan of despair.
Odius' anger fled with an inrush of terror. His confidence quickly faded but his courage did not; he was determined to stand his ground all the way to defeat. He remembered a lesson his master once taught; if you build a bridge then you must be the first to cross it.
Pan just stood there and stared at Odius for quite some time. Although Pan's expression was blank, Odius could see deep anger in his face. Odius recalled the demise of Joda and how helpless a mortal is against the vengeance of a god.
Pan pointed at Odius with a long, crooked fingernail, then started to approach with slow, rhythmic footsteps. Each step was punctuated by the clack of a hoof.
"What manner wizard are you that you can remove the cloak from a god?" Pan's voice was not loud and booming like Poseidon's. It was much more quiet and not as deep, but marked with a strange rumbling or growlish undertone.
Odius did not respond. He was neither expecting nor prepared to face another god that day.
"Well?" the god insisted.
Odius still did not respond. He realized Pan was trying to control him in much the same fashion as Poseidon did, except the skull would not permit it. Unlike his encounter with Poseidon, Odius found he was free to move and had sanctuary over his own thoughts.
Pan encroached to within an arm's length of Odius. The god tilted his head to one side as he stared relentlessly into Odius' eyes.
"You are mortal. What power do you hold?" He brought his face closer to Odius. "Why can I not subdue you?"
Odius still did not respond. He was not about to match wits with a god.
"No matter. I will learn your secret before the night has passed. As for now, step aside. I wish to indulge in the woman's flesh."
"Over my dead body!"
"Ah!" Pan held up a finger. "It has a tongue!" Pan poked Odius in the chest with his jagged fingernail, "Your dead body can be arranged mortal! Now step aside."
"Never!"
"You should not stand between a god and his plaything it is not wise. I noticed your buckle. The motif is, shall we say unique?"
Odius realized that Pan had made the connection between his buckle and Maia's carvings.
Pan placed his hands behind his back then slowly strolled off an arrogant manner, his cloven hooves clicking each step of the way.
"I am a gracious and forgiving god, more so than most. I give you one more chance to step aside before I push you aside myself." He stopped pacing then turned to face Odius. "Well Mortal?"
"I stay my ground!"
"You're a fool."
Odius suddenly felt a great pressure against him. It was not exactly a physical pressure, although it did tend to push him backward. It more closely resembled a force against his inner self. The pressure continued to grow until his feet slipped backward several inches.
Odius hardly expected such a gesture from a god; he thought Pan would surely administer something more horrifying than a simple shove. Maia was not sure what to make of the incident either, she simply backed up a step or two to give Odius more room. After a brief moment his feet started to slip again, but this time he continued to slide unabated.
Odius summoned power from the skull in an attempt to combat the force applied by his opponent. The skull was quick to respond but Pan simply increased the pressure against Odius as he continued to slide across the floor. Maia was frightened and stayed hidden behind Odius.
"What goes on here?" she shouted.
"We're loosing!"
Pan did not budge. He stood comfortably and effortlessly with a sneering grin on his face. "So, you have never played this game before, mortal. You are very poor at it."
Odius became more terrified as they lost ground inch by inch. His heightened fear spurred the skull's powers yet the god easily matched anything Odius could summon. Maia noticed that Pan had already edged them to within arm's length of the wall. She began to push against Odius but her efforts were little help. Pan still did not show any sign of fatigue or stress.
"I could crush you, mortal, but I shall spare you long enough to watch what happens to the girl."
Pan chuckled as he stepped up his power against Odius. Suddenly, Odius was slammed against the wall with Maia pinned behind him. Maia could hardly breathe under the crushing pressure from Odius' body. Odius fought Pan with everything he could manage but was unable to compete against the god.
"And you, my plaything, when I take hold of your flesh you will not survive. I promise it will be slow and miserable. After you go, your wizard will be quick to follow."
Odius was desperate for an edge against his opponent. Both Odius and Maia would fall at the hands of Pan if he could not turn the tide of the contest. He knew he would need a substantial edge because Pan still did not show any sign of stress. Pan clearly had control of the battle, and their dilemma seemed hopeless. In desperation, Odius tried an unorthodox move, which, as he was well aware, would put Maia's life at risk.
Odius reached behind him and grabbed Maia's hand. He pulled her hand into the bag and pressed it against the Skull of Poseidon. Maia instantly exulted with an ear-piercing scream as the power of the skull shot through her body. She was neither trained nor prepared for the terrifying force that overtook her. Her emotions, fear, and strength were fed into the skull along with those of Odius. Maia did not have a chance to draw another breath once her scream faded. She was slowly being crushed between Odius and the wall.
Pan began to show some sign of stress under the additional force offered by Maia. It was not much stress; he simply took a deep breath and shifted his weight forward somewhat. A bright glow caused by sheer mystic power soon appeared midway between contestants. It was followed by a shower of sparks as tension between the two opponents built to absolute limits.
Odius was aware of the fact that Maia could not breathe. He also knew the tensions between him and the god were too tight to allow either party to give in. This was now a contest to the death. Odius was fatigued and mentally exhausted as he spent the last of his concentration in maintaining power against the god. The shower of sparks grew thicker but Pan did not move from his position.
Maia was near passing out and Odius was at the verge of mental collapse. Pan would claim both their lives in just a matter of seconds. Odius could feel Maia's pain and sense her thoughts since they were linked together by the skull. Odius apologized for their undoing and professed his love for her. She reaffirmed her love for him and told him she would rather die with him this way than face another episode at the hands of that filthy black shadow.
Maia's thoughts gave Odius an idea summon the mystic's cloak! He did not take time to think about any potential consequences, he just did it as soon as the thought came to him. He ordered the skull to cover both he and Maia with the mystic's cloak. A brief instant later, Odius and Maia changed into a thin wisp of smoke.
When Odius and Maia changed from solid form there was nothing left for Pan to push against. Odius let go of his end of the contest and the immense tension between mystics was suddenly expelled in a fierce Earth-pounding explosion. The devastating shock wave raced through the back of Maia's home and went on to flatten fifteen or twenty hectares of forest. Maia's beautifully crafted home was demolished in a fury of splinters and debris. Pan collapsed to the ground from shock, caused by a sudden change in mystic power, while Odius and Maia hung as inky shadows where the wall once stood. They were unaffected by the blast.
Dust slowly settled in the blown-out shell of Maia's home while larger pieces of debris occasionally rained from the sky. The wall opposite the door was completely missing and half of the roof was gone. What little roof remained was sagging and in danger of collapse. Maia's belongings were strewn about the countryside and the horse had bolted off into the night. Pan lied motionless on the floor while the shadows of Odius and Maia gradually changed back to solid form.
Odius was still holding the sword in a striking posture as he returned from the mystic's cloak. Maia also returned to solid form in a standing position but quickly collapsed to the ground. Odius dropped to his knees to assist Maia.
"Maia, are you alright?"
"I " Maia trembled, "I think. What happened?"
His attention was drawn from Maia when Pan began to stir. Odius grabbed Maia and started to lift her from the ground.
"To your feet, quickly!"
Odius helped her to her feet then handed her the sword. Maia accepted the sword, then looked over the ruins of her home as she slid the sword back in its sheath. She was shocked by the sight and could hardly believe her beautiful home was reduced to ruins.
"What happened to my house?"
"I'll explain later, we must leave this place!"
She pointed to the bag that hung from Odius' shoulder, "What is that? It tried to kill me!"
Odius held a finger up to his lips. "Shhh... Say nothing! We must leave with haste!"
Pan raised his head and upper torso from the floor. His head bobbed and wove for a moment as he mustered the strength to speak.
"You will regret this day, wizard. Run if you will but you cannot hide from a god." Pan took several deep breaths then collapsed to the ground once again.
"Will he die?" Maia asked.
"No, he's a god." Odius grabbed Maia's arm and started running. "He's immortal, he cannot die!"
Odius and Maia ran out through the demolished wall and hurried around the ruins toward the front of the house. They found that the porch and front wall were still standing, unlike the sides, which were severely damaged, or the back, which was completely leveled.
"We better get some distance before he recovers." Odius looked around anxiously for the horse, but it was nowhere in sight.
"Where's the horse?"
Maia pointed to deeply imprinted tracks left behind by the horse. The animal's stride was long and the prints were heavy, as if the animal tore off in a fury.
"It went that way!" She pointed across the moonlit landscape to a nearby hill thick with trees.
"Lead on! Hurry!" Odius shouted. Maia followed the horse's trail at a dead run, Odius was close behind her.
"Are you truly a wizard?" She shouted.
"Well...," Odius had to pause periodically to maintain heavy breaths as he ran. "Of sorts Actually I'm just an apprentice!"
They reached the thickets and started up the hill. Maia had no problem charging through the woods at night because this was her domain. However, Odius did not fare as well, his injured leg began to ache and throb. The distance between Odius and Maia gradually grew as the pain in his leg escalated. Maia had gained ten or twenty yards on him before she looked back and realized he was lagging behind. She stopped to wait for him.
Odius was breathing heavy and holding the side of his leg when he caught up with Maia. Maia could see that he was in great pain and unable to maintain a reasonable pace.
"If you are truly a wizard why are we chasing the horse? Can't you bring the horse to us?"
"Mystic powers must be used..." he paused to take several heavy breaths, "...sparingly." He waited a moment to catch his breath then continued. "However, I think your suggestion is prudent. We are doomed when Pan catches up to us and sooner or later he will!"
Odius dropped to one knee in an attempt to shift some of the pressure off of his injured leg. "I'll summon the horse."
Odius closed his eyes as Maia watched. She was expecting him to chant or speak in strange tongues. To her disappointment, he did not even make any curious gestures. He just sat on the ground and closed his eyes.
"The horse is twenty stadia to the east..." He paused for a moment. "It's turning around..."
He took several more heavy breaths then opened his eyes.
"It is done. The horse will be here in but a few minutes."
"Good, you should not burden that leg." Maia was silent for a moment but Odius could see she had something she wanted to say. He waited patiently as she thought of how to phrase it.
"I want to thank you, Odius, for what you did here tonight."
Odius looked at her with surprise, "For what; nearly killing you, demolishing your house, or getting you in trouble with the gods?" He shook his head. "I hardly see any reason for you to thank me!"
Maia sat down next to him. "You have freed me from that dark menace. It is my untold secret. It is the reason I sought solitude." She hung her head in sadness. "I have been tainted, Odius. I fear I am not worthy of you."
Odius placed his hand under her chin and gently raised her eyes toward his. "Nothing could taint you in my eyes, Maia. I love you and nothing can change that. It is I who should be ashamed."
"What do you mean?" Maia asked.
"I have brought the wrath of Olympus upon you upon both of us. I have done you much more harm than good, Maia."
"No, Odius, you can't mean that."
Odius nodded his head, "Indeed, before tonight your life was guarded by the gods. I have little doubt that Pan protected you from such harm as the dragons or forest predators. He wanted to keep you safe for his own selfish desires. Now, it is he who will hunt you he will hunt us both. When Pan returns to Olympus all the gods will be angry. Soon they will be searching for us, and they will be empty of mercy when they catch us."
"But this is not your doing! Pan has violated me long before I came to know you. You did not bring this about tonight, it was just misfortune."
"Listen!" They were still for a moment. They could hear faint hoofbeats in the distance as the horse approached.
Odius was still breathing heavy. "I brought this tonight by making a careless wish. Then, in anger and arrogance, I thought I could defeat him. I did not know I was challenging a god.
"You see, Maia, I also have my untold secrets. I am apprentice to the Great Marce of Atlantis and have vast knowledge of the mystic arts. I used my skills to champion you, but, I only did you harm."
"You have not, Odius. I remain thankful."
The horse's hoofbeats grew louder.
"My master, the Great Marce, sent me to Mount Atlas to see Poseidon. This is what brought me to your home. The details are many and would be wearisome to narrate, but I shall tell you of it all in time. As for now, I shall just say the whole of the mortal world is in peril. I must go to Atlanta "
Maia interrupted, "To save the world?"
Odius paused, then looked at Maia very intently. "I never put it in quite such terms before. I had always seen my task as serving my master." He paused again. "Will you come with me, Maia? I need you at my side."
"Oh yes! I want to be with you and ride on to great adventures. There is nothing to keep me here anymore and I love you, I want to share the rest of my days with you. Besides, I would be at Pan's mercy if not by your side."
The horse finally trotted into view through the thickets. It appeared to be stressed and fatigued. Both Odius and Maia felt pity for this animal who served them so loyally for so long. They could see it was nearly spent as it gradually slowed to a stop.
"I suppose we dare not rest as yet?" Maia asked.
"No. Our days will be numbered when the gods take their revenge. Henceforth we must keep moving always!" Odius gestured toward the horse, "Shall we?"
Maia nodded.
Odius climbed on the horse then offered Maia a hand up.
"Come, I'll tell you the details of our peril on the journey to Atlanta."
Maia took his hand then climbed on the horse. She settled in behind Odius then wrapped her arms around his chest.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes yes."
Odius gave the horse a gentle nudge with his heels as they started for Atlanta at a painfully slow plod.
Maia hugged Odius as she thought of her deliverance. In the course of a single evening she saw the last of her nemesis, and the last of her long years of solitude. True, the gods would seek vengeance on behalf of Pan, but she would never again have to surrender her body to the desires of that dark shadow. She was grateful for plenty in the wake of her darkest hour. Above all she was grateful for the love they shared. She knew nothing could separate them now not even the gods.