Chapter 145 - Talus

King Minos steps off his horse calling for a report.

A soldier responds with a bow,- "My king, we've only spotted one redheaded woman on the boat with reports from witnesses of another below deck, no signs of any other crew."

Rubbing his chin he looks to the boat, and shouts,- "I know you're there, come out peacefully and surrender and no one will get hurt, we just wish to ask you a few questions you have my word as King of this island that no harm will come to you."

Nina slightly surprised to find out he was king didn't immediately answer.

Holland- "What should we do?"

Nina furrowed her brows,- "We can't trust him, king or not, just look around and tell me he didn't come here to harm."

Standing up she revealed herself, looking out at the armed force surrounding them,- "What does the King want with us? Isn't this all a bit much for a talk?" She asked pointing out the men.

King Mino's eyes brightened seeing her for the first time,- "Well my dear, I'm a cautious person by nature, taking the smallest things very seriously, would you mind coming down with your hidden companion so we can get better acquainted."

Nina sneered,- "Who do you think you're trying to fool, if you have something to say then say it, otherwise leave."

Some of the men not appreciating her attitude spoke out,- "Watch what you say, show respect to your king."

Nina scoffed- "No king of mine would be afraid of a couple of women," she said causing Holland to giggle which made those who were about to angrily shout back go quiet listening to the captivating sound.

No exception, King Minos let it slide upon hearing the giggles,- "What a lovely voice, care to show yourself so I may know you," Seeing no response, he tried once more to appease them,- "I'm sorry but where are my manners, I don't believe I have introduced myself, though to be fair most know me," He bragged.

"I am King Minos, ruler of this place, perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, you see the group that left this boat earlier have gotten themselves in quite the tricky situation. I don't know if your aware but underneath this island is a labyrinth where a very powerful evil monster guards a treasure. They must have heard the rumors and wished to try their luck, but alas like so many before they are now lost and fleeing for their lives from the beast after their pet was slain. The reason we are here is in case they find their way out and lead the monster out to here, that is why all these men are here, to protect the citizens should they mistakenly lead it out. We do this whenever one attempts the labyrinth and survives the beast."

Holland hearing that peeked over worriedly,- "Is it true? Did Grani die? Are they in trouble?"

Nina unsure what to think now stayed quiet. Though she still had her doubts, what he said sounded reasonable.

King Minos grinned thinking he was making progress as a soldier whispered in his ear,- "Sir, Talus will be here in seconds." Which complicated things since Talus only ever circled the Island three times before heading back to the castle to rest and guard him. He wasn't sure if he could even order Talus having never tried it before, seeing no need. Not to mention it never broke from routine, so he didn't even know if Talus would be aware of his life being threatened if he wasn't nearby which was why he wanted to act when it was right overhead so it would see everything.

Knowing time was running out with Talus coming, he tried to hurry things along,- "Of course it is, why would I lie? As you said earlier what other reason would I have to bring all these men, certainly not for two lovely women, I just came here to deliver the news and warn you seeing is how it's your party in danger."

Hearing the word danger again snapped Nina out of her thinking as she shook her head to remove any stray thoughts. To think she almost fell for his bullshit, there was no way Theoric would ever be in danger, recalling all his amazing feats, he was her god, he was invincible.

Angered at having almost been tricked, Nina scowled,- "Don't listen to him Holland, don't forget who Theo is, remember what I said, he is only here because he can't hope to harm a god."

King Minos frowned before he turned to spot Talus on the horizon, lifting his hand,- "Fine, the hard way it is, attack!" He yelled lowering his hand, signaling the men.

Nina seeing them rushing over grabbed Holland's shoulders,- "Listen, you can do this, they are just men, now do what you do best."

Turning serious Holland gave a nod,- "Mn, I won't let you down, I won't be a burden to Theo, they are just men, just sailors," she said pumping herself up as she began to sing, bewitching all the men in sight, including the King.

Nina grinned,- "It's working, now if you can get them to go into the sea and drown them, drown them all."

That's when they heard the sound of an autonomous bird screech coming from overhead as Talus, a giant automaton made of bronze in the shape of a man with an eagle head and wings on his back, dived down straight at Holland.

Nina dived, tackling Holland out of harm's way as the bronze Eagleman crashed through the deck just missing them.

"Are you okay?" Nina asked a bit shell-shocked.

"Yes, what was that?" Asked a startled Holland.

"I'm not s..." Nina started to say before looking over to see the thing that hit them flying back out of the hole, breaking through more of the wood as it landed on the deck, staring straight down at the two women as it unfurled its metallic wings in an imposing manner, letting out an intimidating mechanized screech from its beak while raising its mace.