The Starry Labors of Nick: The Mythos Series, #3

By AMY WOLF

NICK'S BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

The nerdy loner's grown a lot. But still finds adulting a big pain in the a—

Once he's with his new family, all's well until he attends a wedding where all Hades breaks loose. Then Athena snatches Helen, and Nick must use his wits—plus a god or two—to find her.

Just when things calm down, he misses his dad so much he gathers a Wing Squad to get him down from the sky. There, he has to fight his Labors again . . . this time in starry form!

The third book in the Mythos Series offers more fun, romance, and adventure as Nick's saga continues.

Check out gods, monsters, and more in this lighthearted fantasy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lone Wolf Press Ltd.
• Release date: Sep 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201310318

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

I Now Pronounce You Gorgon and Centaur

NICK WAS THE FIRST to edge away. Not because he wanted to—it’s just that he couldn’t breathe.

Forming a mythical sandwich with new sons Pegasus and Chrysaor; his dad, the centaur Chiron; and Helen, now his wife; he wanted to shout to the stars: Was what just happened for real?

It must have been, since he was standing outside the gods’ palace on top of Mount Olympus. Most of his friends were with him, milling around a huge fountain which served as an open bar.

Nick! Orion yelled, handing him a gold goblet. Since he was a constellation, he was pretty bright. Too bad I can’t give you nectar! But you’re not, you know, a Demi.

No worries, Nick told him. Today has been so awesome, even this garlicky wine tastes great!

He turned to Helen and started to tear up. She did too, as Orion rolled his eyes. They were saved by Hermes, who flew out from the palace.

Honored guests. The reception follows immediately.

Where? asked Glaucus from his spot in the fountain.

Inside.

Unable to walk, the merman watched as Nick and his family traipsed in. Nick couldn’t believe it! The room, which moments before had been hushed, now looked like . . . a club, with small round tables, nymphs serving drinks, and disco lights blinking above.

OMG! Nick cried. It’s so totally retro!

Before he could strike a pose like Travolta, his friend Herc strode over.

Nick! roared the Hero. "Finally, you do the deed! What took you so long?"

Oh, I don’t know, Nick said. Guess it was all the monsters and gods trying to kill me.

HA! Herc barked, lifting Nick in a bone-crunching hug.

Hey, Muscles for Brains, said the Sphinx, shouldering her way forward. Maybe his bride would like Nick to live ‘till the wedding night. 

Right, mumbled Herc, releasing Nick with a thud. Sometimes, I don’t know my own strength.

Sometimes, the Sphinx said, I’d like a Demi for dinner.

Herc backed away, then went off in search of a drink. Nick surveyed the room.

Look who’s here! he told Helen. "The Hesperides, Prometheus hiding from Zeus, and Proteus as a bridesmaid!

"It is something, she said, looking kind of dazed. I’d always dreamed of a big wedding, but . . . this?"

"It is pretty weird to see gods trying to mingle. And that Heph—what a partier!"

In fact, the God of Metal was hosting two nymphs on his lap.

Helen smiled.

It’s nice to see everyone happy. Not fighting or at war.

Almost feels like it’s not Mýthos.

She swatted his arm as he moved nervously to the throne room’s center.

Ahem, he said, banging the closest object—which happened to be Hades’s fork—against a gold goblet.

Careful, warned the dark god. You don’t want to summon the Furies.

Uh, no. Nick blinked in the swirling light. I would like to make a toast. To my beautiful wife Helen, the woman—uh, Gorgon—whom I’ve loved since I first saw her.

I take it, drawled Hermes, she wasn’t Medusa then.

Well, if I’d seen her like that, I’d be—

—marble? asked Apollo.

All the guests laughed.

A-anything else? sniffed Aphrodite, her face doused in tears.

Just that we’re going to be the happiest couple in Mýthos.

OPA! came the roar as glasses and plates went flying, then magically cleaned themselves up.

What happens now? Nick asked Helen. Do we get to eat?

Let’s have the First Dance! Zeus bellowed, pointing to the starry floor.

Nick couldn’t argue with the head guy who’d just married them. Awkwardly holding Helen, he tried to move to music more suited for a wake.

Not a good beat, Nick mumbled, "and it’s not easy to dance to."

I’m bad at this, said Helen, trying to follow his lead.

But I’m worse, Nick told her. As a dancer, I make a great centaur.

Thank Zeus, his dad stepped in, the outline of his own stars outshining the floor. Even with four feet, Chiron was smooth and graceful. Nick turned to his two sons.

This, he told them, is why you need a dad.

They both nodded, amazed to see their mom in a half-horse’s arms.

Once the number ended, the gods came forward, their huge bodies forming two lines. They proceeded to dance, which looked to Nick more like bowing.

Didn’t expect them to twerk, he said, but do they move their feet?

Breathless, his dad and Helen joined them.

I am pleased, said Chiron, to see the centaurs here behaving.

Yeah, Nick told him. "They’re not even drunk! Maybe that’s ‘cause you’re here."

Perhaps. Or, perhaps, they learned their lesson at Thessaly.

I doubt it, thought Nick.

"I saw it all, of course, from my perch in the sky. And I must say, I am very proud of my son."

Really? Nick whispered, those pesky tears welling up.

Why doubt it? asked Chiron. You saved our herd from extinction. Then he sighed, causing his stars to ripple. I just wish I could stay with you longer.

Huh?

It is a great honor, his dad said, "to hang among the stars. An honor I must now resume.

Nick took a step back.

You’re kidding, right?

I wish I were. But Zeus has informed me my time on Mýthos is over.

Tool, Nick hissed.

Shhh! Helen cautioned, nodding toward the head god.

My son, said Chiron, I could not have wished to come down for a happier occasion. He bent close. She is a gem, he whispered, winking at Helen. She will settle you down. Make you less impulsive.

Well— Nick began, then was stopped by Athena, who floated by from her line dance.

As Goddess of Wisdom, she said, I must bid that you all depart.

Why? Nick asked.

Dionysus, she said, wants to perform his dance.

Nick searched for the Wine God, then saw him writhing like a chubby snake.

Yeah, he told Athena, guess it’s a good time to boogie. With a sigh, he flung his arms around his dad. Watch over me, he whispered. At least I’ll know you’re there.

Always, said Chiron, and, with Orion at his side, floated out the open roof.

The Wedding Night

S o, Nick asked Athena , trying to hold it together. He didn’t want to look wimpy before the Goddess of War. Any honeymoon plans? You guys sending us to Anatolia, Crete, Athens?

Thessaly, she said in her no-nonsense way.

Oh. What’s there besides centaurs?

Exactly, the goddess said. "Now that the war is done, you are to be their leader. I wish you the best of luck in your new opportunity."

Whoa, Nick wondered, had he just been fired?

In fact, you’ve been promoted. Athena lowered her huge helmet. Try not to mess it up.

Stunned, Nick nodded. He hadn’t expected this!

You should have, she told him, then turned to his sons. Pegasus, you are to fly your parents down. Chrysaor—you must walk.

Down Mount Olympus? Nick cried.

Really, huffed Athena. "I will see to that."

She did, with a wave of her hand, as Chrysaor disappeared.

Nick and Helen mounted Peg and prepared for their descent. The mountain was pretty tall, and, in the spring, boasted green stands of trees as they winged their way to the bottom. Nick breathed in the warm air. How he’d come to love Mýthos!

Chrysaor! they all shouted as they spotted him by the base.

See you all there! he yelled back with a wave.

At the rate that Pegasus flew, they reached the top of a close-by peak in what seemed like a couple of minutes.

We’re here, uh . . dad, said the horse as he landed on dirt.

Nick felt like Zeus had just struck him.

He, Nikólaos Chironopolous, was now somebody’s dad!

He shook his head, looking down at the ocean.

Why are we up here? he asked. I thought the Thessaly herd lived in that big clearing.

This is Mount Pelion, said Helen, where your dad was raised. She took a brief look around. Peg, this was thoughtful, but I don’t see any centaurs.

Maybe they’re sleeping? Peg asked.

If anything, said Nick, they’re partying. Let’s take a little hike and see if we can hear ‘em.

It won’t be little, said Helen. Mount Pelion is quite high.

Nick peered at the ocean again: Man, she wasn’t kidding!

On second thought, he said, I suggest we fly.

Pegasus unfolded his wings, taking off and then landing at the mountain’s base.

Cool, said Nick, dismounting, while Helen did the same.

They crunched through the wooded landscape, hearing only birds. If the Welcome Wagon was coming, seemed like they’d missed their stop.

Hello! Nick called, his voice muffled by leaves. It’s me, uh, Nick, your, um . . . your leader?

He waited, blushing. Then, his face cooled when he heard hoofbeats on moss.

Oh, it’s you, someone said.

Nick turned to see Diktys, followed closely by Helops. The brothers looked disappointed at the sight of Nick and family.

We thought you were Chiron, said Helops, shaking his long brown hair. There’s a rumor he’s back.

He was, said Nick, but he’s Sagittarius now. He grinned at the two centaurs. Looks like you’re stuck with me.

Who says? asked Diktys, folding his muscular arms.

Athena. You ready to take her on?

No no, said Diktys, backing up on four legs. Well, I guess . . . welcome.

Thanks. Nick turned to his family. This is Helen, my-my wife. He felt a thrill just saying it! And Pegasus here is my son.

By Pan’s horns! cried Helops. "How can . . . a centaur spawn a horse with wings?"

TL; DR, said Nick. Anyway— He heard the sound of boots big enough for a giant. This is Chrysaor. Nick pointed at the new arrival. "He’s my other son."

Something is odd here, whispered Helops. Even by Mýthos standards.

If you didn’t know the gods, said Diktys, I’d call you an evil spirit.

The two wasted no time speed-loping away through trees.

So much, Nick sighed, for being greeted with open hooves.

Don’t worry, Dad, said Chrysaor, bending to pat Nick’s head. In time, they’ll get used to us.

We’ll see, Helen told Nick. Centaurs can be stubborn, and, despite your saving them, not too willing to change.

Who is? Nick mumbled. I wonder what we do n—?

Hello, hello! came a cry, and, to Nick’s relief, this voice sounded friendly. He saw a small group of centaurs emerge into the open.

Thank Dionysus! Nick cried, feeling better already.

An old grey he knew came forward.

Nikólaos, said the grey, son of mighty Chiron, we are happy to see you.

At least somebody is. The grey bowed. I’m sorry—I don’t know your name.

Clanis, he said. And these are some of The Hundred.

Nick was glad they were there—they’d always been on his side.

Clanis, he said, of course you remember Helen. We’ve-we’ve just gotten married.

Syncharitíria! cried the grey.

Same to you. I was kind of wondering—what with my being, um, your leader and all . . . do we have an official house . . . or maybe a palace or something?

The herd of ten started laughing.

Oh no, chuckled Clanis. We are woodland creatures. You must select your own tree.

Um . . . really?

Yes. Find a sturdy one that you can sleep beneath. He gave Nick a wink. And I’d say these boys are ready to have a tree of their own.

Yay! Pegasus cried.

Well, we must find our supper. Clanis gave a deep bow. Happy hunting!

He and one-tenth of The Hundred disappeared between branches.

Okay, Nick said, still feeling sightly stunned. Helen, I’m so sorry—

It’s all right, she sighed. We can make do somehow. I suggest we find our trees.

Peg and Chrysaor snickered as she led a march through the forest. Nick just shook his head.

How, he wondered, would they know if a tree was taken? Did the tenant put up a horseshoe?

Here, said Helen, stopping by a spreading oak. This could work.

Nice choice, Nick told her, noting the trunk’s wide girth. But he changed his mind as acorns hit the top of his helmet. Ow! he yelled. His sons snickered again. None of that, he told them.

I think, said Chrysaor, I can make this better for mom. He raised his giant gold sword. LOOK OUT!

Completing a swing like a golfer, he seemed happy with the result: a fair-sized hole carved into the base of the tree. Once he gave a few more whacks, the hole turned into an arch.

See, Mom? he said. Now you can sleep inside.

Thank you. Helen smiled. "If I must spend my wedding night here, this is the best way to do it."

Nick looked down, feeling bad.

I swear, he said, his voice heavy, it’ll just be for a few days. He snapped his fingers. "I know! Chrysaor and I can build you a sweet little house."

You don’t have to, Helen told him, gathering her robes and stooping to enter the archway.

"But I want to. Nick looked at his two sons. Uh, guys . . . think it might be time to blow. Tonight is special for your mom and me."

So I’ve heard, Pegasus giggled.

You know nothing, said Chrysaor. "At least I had a son."

"Well, aren’t you a giant of the world!"

Boys, Helen admonished, and, in a flood of laughter, they left.

Nick took off his helmet, wondering what to do next. It wouldn’t be long before Helios tucked away the sun.

Uh . . . he began.

Nikólaos, said Helen from her spot inside the tree. There is only room for one here. You’ll need to sleep on the ground.

Oh. Nick’s spirits deflated like a post-party balloon.

He lay down on the dirt beneath still-raining acorns.

This was some wedding night.

Sleep well? Nick asked the next morning, wiping nuts off his arms and face.

Yes, said Helen, stooping out from her arch. And you?

I think . . . we need to build our house stat.

Don’t you want something to eat?

Sure.

Like all bridegrooms, he hadn’t eaten a thing yesterday.

I wonder what’s around? Helen asked, glancing over the forest. What do centaurs eat?

Raw meat. And wine.

Blech.

Look at it this way—it’s kosher.

I am going, she said, to try to find some olives.

Grabbing his helmet, she left. Just when she’d crunched out of view, Nick heard Peg’s voice.

Well, it called. How was it?

His two boys crashed out of the trees.

What? Nick asked.

Your wedding night! cried Peg.

"Oh, fine. Great. Look, about that house. We need to get on it today."

Yippee! Peg yelled. I can fly logs up for the roof!

Sure, Nick smiled. Anyway . . . He turned to Chrysaor. Is this something you know how to do?

All giants, said Chrysaor, were born to wield an ax.

Awesome!

In my case, though . . . I was given a sword.

Nick let out a sigh.

"Guess we both need axes."

I can’t wait ‘till we’re done! cried Peg. I want to leave my hoofprints right by the front door!

Why not? Nick smiled.

Look what I found, said Helen, struggling with Nick’s filled helmet.

What he saw inside was a harvest of fresh olives!

You’re amazing, Nick told Helen, kissing her on the cheek.

Yuck, said Peg. Think I’ll munch some grass.

‘K, said Nick, everyone but Peg, dig in! 

Nick seized a handful, eating as much as Chrysaor, who was three times his size!

Well, Helen told him, we can make oil for cooking—but I’m not sure of what.

Leave it to me, Nick said, wiping his mouth. He gestured to Peg and Chrysaor. C’mon, guys. We’re going to go on a journey.

Neighbors

First, Nick stripped off his armor and let his weapons clank to the ground.

Don’t want to look scary, he said.

To whom? asked Helen.

Can’t say. It’s a surprise.

He grinned as he set off downhill, sons in tow. He remembered Thessaly enough to find a low sloping path.

We’ve been here before, declared Chrysaor.

Yeah. To get that poor bull.

The one we stole for the sacrifice?

Shhh, Nick told him. From now on, let’s say ‘borrowed.’ And I really hope it found its way back home.

You mean, asked Chrysaor, to the farmers we stole it from?

Nick stifled an urge to scream.

Be a dad, he told himself.

Ha ha, yeah. Anyway, my plan today is to make friends with those guys. Maybe start like a cool trade route.

What do we have to trade? asked Peg.

You? Kidding, Nick added quickly as the horse pulled up short. Right now, we got nothin’. But maybe they’re really nice.

Mom, said Chrysaor, would call this a dumb idea.

I know, Nick sighed. But do you want to eat only olives for the rest of your life?

This seemed to put some spring into the giant’s step.

At least it’s nice out, Peg remarked.

It really was: The warm air of Mýthos, the scent of cypress and even dirt, gave Nick’s spirits a lift. He felt their path flatten until all around there were fields of lush green.

Yah, Nick told his son. Now, we just have to find a farmer . . .

They clomped over dirt furrows, Nick shaking his head at Peg as