Chasing Terpsichore (Muses Across Time) by Maggie Mitchell Page B

rambled over towards the pathway on the other side of the rock.
    Lucky for her he didn’t see that she actually was blushing now.
    They decided to head down the path and hope something looked familiar to Eros or Corey. It was a couple of hours since they’d come across anyone, and they’d ducked behind a clump of trees to avoid any interaction. Up ahead he saw a tall structure. It reminded him of the ruins of a Greek temple, which was probably right, considering where they were.
    He stopped a few paces ahead of the others and pointed. “What’s that place?”
    Eros caught up with him. “The Palace of Hades.”
    He shuddered. “That place with the huge dog with three heads?”
    “Cerberus. Yes, that’s the place.”
    “Weren’t we here before?”
    Eros stared up at the structure, his intelligent eyes scanning from side to side. The loud roar of some unknown beast sounded through the air. “Yes, but we were on the other side. This is good news. Now I know where we are.”
    “I’m glad someone does because there’s a few strange-looking flying creatures heading our way!”
    Corey caught up with them and grabbed James by the shoulder. “Quick! Harpies! We need to hide!”
    He didn’t need to be told twice—those creatures looked like flying goblins on crack!
    Their screeching made his blood run cold. The group turned and ran until James steered them into a forest of dense trees.
    “We should be able to lose them in here,” he said as they continued to walk into the middle of the scrub, which was getting thicker the farther they went.
    Corey stopped and leaned over, panting to catch her breath. “We should stop here. They’re probably looking around the perimeter to catch us when we leave.”
    Eros nodded. “This is true.”
    “Do these harpies have any weaknesses? Like—sleep?”
    “They like stealing food,” said Eros.
    “We could distract them with food then. If we had any,” said James.
    Corey stood. “They do sleep. Eventually. After the parties finish.”
    “Well, by all means then, let’s throw them a party.”
    “No need for sarcasm, Eros. I was just explaining to James.”
    James stepped in between them. “Hey, people, we need to pull together, not fight.”
    Corey sighed. “You’re right, James. We need a plan to get us to the portal. Does anyone have any ideas?”
    James scanned the scrub around them. “I’m not an expert on this place, or the creatures who live here, but if we use basic jungle combat rules, we should lay low until we’re sure the harpies have moved on, and then get the heck out of here and find the track that leads to the portal.”
    Eros sat down under a bush and patted the dirt next to him. “You speak a lot of sense, for a mortal.”
    He laughed as he sat down and leaned against a tree trunk. “I’m sure you mean that as a compliment. I’m choosing to take it that way.”
    Corey’s face lit up as she smiled at him then switched to Eros. “I’m glad to see you getting on so well, boys. How about we settle in and wait for the harpies to get bored and move on?”
    “Good idea,” he said and narrowed his eyes at Eros.
    “Oh all right,” said the God of Love. “I can take a hint and shut up.”
    * * * *
    It took some time, but finally the sound of the harpies flying overhead subsided. Still, they waited an extra hour just to make sure that it was safe to move. The gods were definitely smiling down on them as a short time later they’d found the pathway to the portal.
    Eros took the lead again with James in the rear. He wanted to make sure Corey was as close to the opening as possible she he could take her through quickly if Prometheus and his soldiers returned.
    Finally it came into view and they moved towards the cave opening. James ushered Corey to enter but Eros stopped him.
    “You have to go first. You are the mortal,” whispered Eros.
    “You told me Heracles did it. Why can’t you?”
    “He’s half mortal. Heracles has the gift of strength but