Sorry for the delay, had to fix up some work-related stuff after returning from vacation.
***
Chapter 4.4: The Palace of Knossos
Though you did not like it, you felt no obligation to save the others from their fate. Mehrune herself did not seem concerned with the fate of her own men and women, gladly accepting the potion from Sekhenun and elevating her to the position of chief. Thankfully, the ship departed from Cyprus without further incident, and you were soon in Crete after an uneventful sail.
The ship docked in the port town of Amnisos - from there you would proceed to the palace of Knossos by land. The port itself was a lively one - under Minos's rule, Crete had became an important kingdom in the Aegean. As you disembark, you notice a particular ship bearing black sails. Curious, you ask a nearby sailor where that ship is from.
"That one's from Athens, young master." spoke the sailor grimly. "They angered old Minos many years ago, killed his eldest son they did. From then on, he had them send seven young lads and seven young lasses every seven years as tribute for the Labyrinth."
"Games?"
The sailor's voice dropped in a hush. "Aye. The Labyrinth. I'm not much for rumours, young master, and such things are best not spoken of outside Knossos if you don't want to find yourself a participant." So speaking, he waves you on.
***
The palace of Knossos was every bit as impressive as you had heard. You could not help but marvel at the beautifully decorated corridors and carved statues. Whatever Minos was, he seemed to be a patron of the arts. There seemed to be a lot of bulls depicted, though.
Minos himself was strong and broad-shouldered, with a grizzled head of hair that betrayed his age. Though you knew what he hid inside that human body, he did not seem to notice you or Sekhenun as he greeted Mehrune and her entourage. Dinner was as impressive as his palace - you had not eaten so well in years. Minos played host with his two daughters, Ariadne and Phaedra; his wife, Pasiphae, had not been seen for many years, and he cheerfully apologized for her continued absence. You wonder about the parentage of the daughters, and make a note to ask Sekhenun about it later. At the dinner were 14 other youths - these had to be the Athenians the sailor had mentioned. All but one of them, a confident looking young man, looked pale and terrified, despite the feast put in front of them. You notice the Athenian youth glancing at Ariadne and Phaedra, and they at him, all through dinner. Minos doesn't notice.
As the night drew on and everyone retired to their rooms, you decided to look for Sekhenun to discuss your next course of action. You had not been able to talk to her much, as her new duties as chief handmaiden did not afford her much free time. Now that you were in Knossos, it was imperative that you work out a plan to obtain the artifact. She had let you know the location of her room right after dinner. As you wandered through the vast corridors of the palace, you notice the Athenian youth in front of you, walking in another direction.
***
A. You sneak after and follow the Athenian. You are sure Minos would not have allowed them free movement within the palace - there is something suspicious here, something you might be able to use to your own advantage. You can talk with Sekhenun after finding out what the Athenian is up to.
B. You ignore the Athenian and press forward to your meeting with Sekhenun. He is probably having a tryst with Minos's daughters, considering what went on at dinnertime - that in itself is more trouble than you want to find yourself in.