The Further Labors of Nick: The Mythos Series, #2

By AMY WOLF

Can a nerdy loner perform Nine More Labors of Hercules?

 

Nick, son of immortal centaur Chiron, was hoping his dad would come through.

 

Nope. Instead, he's flung back to Mýthos, where he immediately angers Hera and Athena.

 

He desperately wants to find Helen, but . . . Zeus decides he must do more Labors before they can be together.

 

The Nine this time are gnarly, involving hundreds of cows and cleaning out one stinky stable.

 

Without Helen, Nick is lost, but he gamely tries to fight monsters who all have multiple heads! Not to mention the Amazons, who, it turns out, aren't as nice as the ones in the movies.

 

Can Nick overcome his shakiness to become a true Hero like Hercules? Can he battle half the Olympians to prevent the centaurs' extinction?

 

Find out in The Further Labors of Nick, the second book in the action-packed Mýthos fantasy series.

If you like courageous heroes, page-turning tension, and a new fun twist on Greek myths, then you'll love this fast-paced tale which continues the story of Nick.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lone Wolf Press Ltd.
• Release date: Aug 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393826088

AMY WOLF

Amy Wolf has just released the first book of in her Greek fantasy MYTHOS world. She is an Amazon Kindle Scout winner for her novel THE MISSES BRONTES' ESTABLISHMENT. Her fantasy series, THE CAVERNIS TRILOGY, is out from Red Empress Press. Amy has published 38 short stories in the SF/Fantasy press, including REALMS OF FANTASY (2) and INTERZONE (U.K.). She is a graduate of the Clarion West Writer's program and has an honors English degree from The University of London. She started her career working for the major Hollywood studios, including 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., and was a Script Reader for MGM & Joe Roth. One of three natives out of 10 million, Amy was forced from L.A. and now lives in Honolulu. She has one adult daughter currently terrorizing L.A., and a small, barky dog.

Book preview

The Stars Disappear

"D ad!" Nick yelled to the sky, trotting over grass so fast he hoped his four feet could keep up.

Nick felt a fierce joy as he raced the constellation: it wasn’t easy since Sagittarius was now zooming across the sky!

Where’s he going? Nick wondered, but he felt so light—despite his half-horse body—that he didn’t even care. Maybe they’d end up in Greece, or, better yet, Mýthos. Wherever they were headed, Nick was just glad to have his dad.

Hey! Nick shouted, but those hooves of light kept going, in relief against the dark. Nick, breathing hard, tried to follow that glowing arrow as it streaked across Palos Rojas.

"There it is," he panted, catching a glimpse as he loped down a hill. Like his dad, it was made out of stars; and, like his dad, it could travel through endless space.

Not Nick. In his one-man stampede, his hooves touched upon grass, clumped dirt, and, once he hit Redondo, cracked and broken sidewalks.

Didn’t they, Nick wondered, ever work on these streets? But he faced a much bigger problem: this beach town was always crowded, and what would the surfers think if they spotted a centaur? Nick halted his headlong run. His dad—and the arrow—were now long gone, probably speeding their way towards Athens . . . while the sun threatened to rise . . .

No, Nick whispered. After seventeen years of absence, could his dad be gone again? His mind refused to believe it, though his gut told him yeah. He dragged down Hawthorne Boulevard, home to so many stores that you could live your whole life here and never have to leave. Better Change, Nick thought, before the authorities came. Before the LAPD brought in some guy with a muzzle.

Allagí, he said, and, just like that, he was back to being Nick. But now he remembered: when he’d changed back at Lil’ Pardner, he’d been wearing regular clothes. Which meant that his shirt—and pants and undies—had ripped into shreds once he’d become half-horse.

That left Nick standing in front of Del Amo Mall, a butt-naked dude trying to cover his privates.

Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence

Using his horsey instincts, Nick tried to find some cover. He sprinted past car dealerships, a hundred mini-malls, and even a tropical fish store in his quest to find some bushes. Here at like four in the morning, some cars were on the road, but, like true Angelenos, their drivers couldn’t care less at the sight of a naked kid. Just another crazy haunting the city streets . . .

Veering off Hawthorne, Nick ducked onto a path that led him up a hill. Once he’d crested it, he saw the foggy Pacific below . He sighed. It reminded him of Mýthos, the clear Aegean Sea . . . and Helen.

Okay, he thought, better focus on now. If he didn’t get home, he’d be arrested for sure. Happily, at this hour, there were no rich joggers in their matching tracksuits. Nick hid his . . . family jewels as he ran, doubled in two, away from the McMansions. Thank Zeus! He spotted his house with its crumbling carport, dry lawn, and white stucco walls. But as Nick fumbled with the lock, he slapped a hand to his forehead: His keys! Where were they? Of course, back in his pants!

Mom, Nick whispered, giving the door a soft knock. This time of day was too early even for her. Moooom, he said louder, hating to press the bell. From somewhere down the hall, he heard a stirring: then the creak of floorboards as his mom came closer. A peephole cover flew open.

NIKÓLAOS! Mom yelled, unbolting the door and slamming it open. But her joy at seeing him fizzled when she saw, uh, all of him. Excuse me? she asked, pulling her white robe closer. Running around the street in just your birthday suit? She ushered him in, ran for a closet, and threw him a towel. Have you gone— She rubbed her eyes, —what do you kids say, ‘cray cray’?

Mom, said Nick, knotting the towel tightly. "I am so glad to see you!"

Sweetie, she told him, getting over the shock. It’s fine that you have no clothes. I’m just glad that you’re safe.

They hugged for a long moment, Nick breathing in her Mom Smell, which to him was like fresh pita, mint leaves, and love.

Me too, said Nick. Trust, it wasn’t easy. I finally did all the Labors, and the gods helped on the last one.

So Typhon is gone?

Let’s just say he’s getting to spend his time with fish.

I’m so glad, Mom breathed, pulling away to look at his face. You really got some sun.

Yeah, Mýthos is hot.

Well, you’re still in good shape.

Nick flexed. His top half was heavy with muscle.

So. Mom asked the question without which she wouldn’t be a mom. You want something to eat?

Sure, said Nick. I am totally—

—Starving, Mom finished, just like Helen used to do.

Nick felt a stab in his gut. He followed mom to the kitchen, where, from the fridge, she lifted out a Greek feast.

OMG, Nick said. Lemons, tomatoes, rice! All the stuff I missed. Got any pita and hummus?

As if I wouldn’t, said Mom, sounding slightly offended. From another shelf, she pulled out a mountain of Tupperware. Humming to herself, she fired up the microwave. So, she asked, while grabbing some plates and silverware, did those gods treat you right?

Mainly, Nick sighed. But then, at the end, Zeus gave me the boot.

What? Mom cried. That makes no sense at all.

I know, right? said Nick. After Typhon fell, Zeus gave me a couple of wishes. Then, just zaps me back here.

Strange, Mom muttered. I thought that your dad—

Yes? Nick snapped. He came back for a second, then—poof!—disappeared. Must be a lifetime habit.

Now, Sweetie, said mom, over a cheerful ding. You know he’d stay if he could.

Sure, sure, Nick muttered. And the Hydra is really sweet.

Mom shot him a look as she started to dish out his meal. When Nick took a seat at the table, his spirits rose a bit. Who in two worlds could resist the sweet aroma of lamb?

Mmm, said Nick, digging in like a Titan. Mom, you totally rock.

I don’t know about that, she said, but I can bake a mean roll.

Ha, said Nick, scarfing down forkfuls of rice. If only, he thought, I could bring this back to Mýthos!

Don’t forget the olives, Mom said.

How could I? Nick asked.

There’s a nice cucumber salad.

Mmm.

Can you tell me more? Mom asked.

‘Bout what?

Your dad, Mom said quietly. How is he doing?

Um, fine, Nick answered. One thing, though. He’s uh . . . he’s a constellation.

Mom took a breath.

I see.

He did something super brave: he took Prometheus’ place. Then I guess Zeus rewarded him by making him Sagittarius.

Yes, Mom said, more to herself than him. That is considered an honor.

Nick slathered a pita with hummus.

Anyway, he said, I got to see him for all of two days. Two days, out of a lifetime.

Sweetie, said Mom, that’s all I got too.

Kicked Out . . . Again

Nick went back to his room, putting on some clothes. It was all just as he’d left it: down to the folded shirts in his dresser. Though he resisted, Nick raised his blinds and peeked out. Nope, no Sagittarius: no stars, period, since dawn was now in full-swing.

Mom, Nick yawned, padding into the kitchen. She was now at her Keurig, waiting for the darned thing to heat.

Yes, Sweetie?

He knew this might hurt her; but, still, he had to ask.

What good is a dad made of stars? Her shoulders slumped. "What good is a dad, period?"

Oh, Nicky, Mom sighed, popping in a pod. I miss him every day too. I know it’s been so hard for you.

Is it so wrong, Nick asked, "to want to be with your dad? Even if he is Chiron."

No, Sweetie, Mom answered, raising on tiptoes to kiss his forehead. It’s perfectly natural.

"Which this family is not. I mean, two of us are centaurs: are you really a nymph or something?"

Mom laughed.

Sweetie, I wish I were. Then I could blow off my job. Speaking of which . . .

Yeah. Nick knew she had to get ready, but where would he spend the day? Hey, what’s up with school? They gonna let me go back?

Of course, said Mom. I told that nice Admin lady you were studying overseas.

Where? Nick asked.

In Greece, naturally!

How long was I gone? Nick asked. To him, it seemed like a decade.

Just four months, Mom answered, taking her first sip of coffee. Ahh.

Whoa, said Nick. That means I have all new classes. Guess I should get ready too.

After a breakfast of milk-soaked cereal—and some actual toast!—Nick started to brighten when he hopped on his bike. It was a little dusty, but still switched gears with ease. He knew the School Ladies always got there early, so, after locking his bike, he made for the Admin building.

Nicky, cried Miss LaRose the second she saw him. Her hair, as always, flew like grey wires from her head. My, you look so tan! Tell me, how was Greece?

Hot, said Nick truthfully. But really nice.

He saw in his mind the blue seas reflecting the color of the sky. And there was Athens, sedate, crowned by white-marble temples . . .

—still take AP English, though you’ll have to wait for history.

Uh huh, said Nick, pretending like he’d been listening. And how do I make up last year?

Miss LaRose beamed, her cheeks expanding like a chipmunk’s.

Just send us your grades from the school you went to in Greece.

Huh? Oh, for sure. I’ll get with, uh, Athens High.

Here’s your hall pass, said Miss LaRose. "And your new class schedule. The Admin looked him over. My, how you’ve grown! Better get to class now."

Thanks.

As Nick stepped out, he heard two bells ring shrilly: that was the ten minute warning. Slouching to his old locker, he tried the combination.

Hey, Horsey, he heard from behind, then turned to face two bullies: Bill and Bob from the football team.

No hooves today? Bob taunted.

Where’s your bird friend? asked Bill. Flown back to the cuckoo’s nest?

Ha, said Nick. Look, I just got here, and I don’t want any—

"We care, Bob snorted, pushing Nick into his locker. Better watch out, freak, or we use our horse whips."

Sounds kinky, said Nick, trying to ignore the pain. Peace out, okay?

Sure, said Bill.

For real, said Bob.

As they turned, laughing, Nick realized a sad truth: He might have changed, but these guys hadn’t at all.

Until the final bell, he went to his new classes: Man, they were a handful, most of them AP, and all with handfuls of homework. Well, he used to like studying: he’d have to get back in the groove.

That night, after dinner, Nick decided he’d better bring up the matter of Athens High. He leaned across the table.

Mom, he said, I’ve only been back a day, and I’ve already got a problem.

Sweetie, she said, "in the office, there are no problems, only issues or challenges."

Okay, then, I’ve got an issue.

She waited.

See . . . Miss LaRose, she thinks that I went to school in Greece.

Mmm hmm, said Mom, pouring herself some wine.

And uh, well . . . she wants to see grades.

That’s not just an issue, said Mom. It’s a straight-up problem.

What can we do? Nick asked. "I was off fighting monsters, not studying Plato."

Mom sighed deeply.

I wonder, she said, if we can tell them—you were just there to play sports?

Mom, Nick told her, reaching across the table, you’re a friggin’ genius!

Watch that language, she snapped. Then, with a smile, I really am, aren’t I?

No duh! I’ll tell them I was there to . . . to compete in weightlift. Isn’t that big in Greece?

It was, and it can be now.

What do we use for proof?

Not to worry, said Mom. "I’ll contact that Miss LaRose. And it will take a very long time for a letter to come from Athens."

Sweet, Nick cried, drumming a tune on the table. When you have a mom, who needs anyone else?

Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence

As it turned out, Nick did.

By the end of the week, with Sagittarius mainly still, he’d given up on his dad. Seemed that guy stepped up when it came to a god, but, as far as his son: Nick simply didn’t exist. That left just one more person, the one he missed the most, lost to him somewhere on Mýthos.

Where was she? Nick wondered in the middle of AP calc. After he’d been exiled, what had happened to Helen? Was she back at Athena’s Temple, resuming her role as a priestess? No way, he thought, Poseidon had ruined that for her. Had she gone to her lonely island in the middle of Zeus-knows-where? Nick gripped his #2 pencil as he realized she could be anywhere: in Keryneia, hunting deer with Artemis; or back to Hera’s Garden, hanging with the Hesperides. Mýthos was pretty darned big (especially back in the day!) so, for all Nick knew, she could be on one of three continents.

What’s the use? he thought, riding his bike back home. Even if he knew where she was, how was he supposed to get there? His dad had told him there was only one way into Mýthos: you had to have a purpose. Not to mention permission. True, Nick had the former—to find the woman he loved—but who would let him in? Not Zeus, the god who’d expelled him: and not his useless dad. The only way to see Helen was every night in his dreams. . .

Some of them were soothing; some, half-nightmare: there she was, red hair flying, grey eyes flashing as she sailed across blue water. Then, the setting switched, and they were at that spring, not far from Lake Lerna, where he could feel her pressed against him, half-naked as they kissed. Then she was resisting Orion; flying with Nick on Pegasus as Typhon sunk to the sea. To his horror, darkness descended, and he saw she was unhappy: at the side of a smoking volcano and crying out his name. Next, she was on Olympus, enduring leers from Poseidon and even the Metal God Heph!

Helen! Nick cried, hoping he hadn’t woken up Mom. Even though it was winter, he felt himself covered with sweat. That’s how the next weeks went down: classes during the day; unsettling visions at night. It wasn’t a magic potion, and, at the end of a month, Nick broke.

He became as sour as Skittles. When he worked out at the gym to further his sports career, he had to stop himself from throwing a hundred-pound weight. In class, he grunted his answers; in the hallways, he didn’t speak. When anyone asked about Greece, he wanted to punch their lights out.

Whispers started to fill the school, along with a new nickname: Sick Nick. Ironically, Nick did feel sick, but he couldn’t tell anyone there that he was in love with Medusa . . .

That’s when it all went down. One afternoon, in the hall, he saw the Three Bullies stalking him: Bill, Bob, and the even more obnoxious Josh. Bob had come prepared: despite P.R. High’s strict No Weapons policy, he had no problem tapping a broken-off pipe.

Nick, so not in the mood for these fools, dropped his backpack by a bank of lockers. He turned to face the toxic trio.

Yo, said Bob, twirling that pipe like a drum major. Guess you can’t grow a tail.

Look— Nick began. Even though these guys disgusted him, he wanted to keep things cool.

Look what? Bob growled, coming in even closer. You’re the Greek superfreak.

Nice use of assonance, said Nick, who’d just come out of English.

He’s more than a freak, Josh spat. Just look at the color of his skin!

Not this again, Nick sighed.

We told you to move the Valley, Bob hissed with a swing of his pipe. We’re going to help you get there!

Nick wasn’t sure exactly what happened next. First, a lock dug into his back; then, Bob was on the ground, crying and holding his nose. On the concrete beside him, Nick saw pools of blood.

I’m sor— he started to say, about to kneel by Bob’s side. But Miss LaRose intercepted him, and, like an NFL tackle, rushed him into the principal’s office.

Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence

EXPELLED?! Mom yelled when she came home that night. She must’ve gotten the news at work but, Nick guessed, wanted to scream at him F2F.

For six weeks, Nick whispered, staring down at the kitchen floor.

Mom’s stiff posture meant danger, so he slowly backed away. Now she’d assumed the Mom Pose, back straight, hands on hips, with elbows stiff as broomsticks.

It wasn’t my fault, Nick mumbled, creeping up to the fridge. This level of conflict usually made him hungry.

What happens now? asked Mom, flinging down her purse so hard Nick expected it to boomerang. You’re going to fail. And have to repeat a year.

It’s okay, said Nick, but actually . . . it wasn’t. I can get my homework online.

And tests? Mom asked. Her eyes reflected the wrath of a mini-Athena. Don’t you have to show up for those?

Um . . . 

Then there’s college, Mom went