The Krakens

The great cloud of dust was approaching slowly. There were people upon horseback swords and sickles drawn, braided hair, and leather rags upon the beefy bodies.

The Kraken!
That's the term they used for themselves. Just like the mythological monster, who heaved havoc upon humans on the behest of Hades, these tribals too looted, killed, and waged battles with the king's men.
Their eyes were flaming coals and their skin was tattooed.
' Cassandra, stay behind and pull on your hood', ordered her brother.
They drove their horses to the middle of the road, which was flanked by fields on both sides, and adjusted their bows and arrows.
Fabian, the sensible one, tried to sense in, ' I think we should talk to them. There are just two of us. They would override us, within seconds'.
The riders came close and slowly they halted a few yards from them.
Before anyone could approach, Argus stepped forward and spoke loudly,' We are from Parthenon, on a mission to Delphi. '
Saying this, he pulled out a seal, which his father gave him before the journey, from his waist pocket and raised it high for them to see.
It was the seal of a priest.

In those days, priests were second to none.
They followed their own Gods, advised the kings, and were welcomed everywhere.
Even the concept of the priestess was prevalent.
Killing a priest was considered to be a sin worth enough to land at the deepest point of Tartarus for at least a century with no hopes of salvation.

On seeing the steatite black squared seal with the face of Athena, goddess of wisdom marked upon it, the riders started whispering uneasily among themselves.
They were not expecting such an intervention on their way.
They probably thought these young kids to be either homeless or rich enough to be looted.

Then from the middle of the group, emerged a single black-maned horse with a tall erect posed rider upon it.
All parted to let the rider come in view.
He was a man of early forties with an aura that undoubtedly spoke of him being the leader.
He had more tattoos, more braids, and more rings than all others. He looked strong and well built in his leather rags with his sword hanging on his side.
His eyes fell upon Cassandra. He asked' who is she?'.
Argus faltered for a brief moment, hearing this unexpected question.
He said ' She is the one we are delivering to Delphi. She is one of our priestesses. Will, you let us go now?'.

The man went on looking at her with interest and then after a few seconds spoke,' well, we don't have any grudge with the priests and temples. So, you need not be afraid of us. 
But I have a request, more of a favor from you.'

Argus and Fabian exchanged looks. What was that the man was asking from them? And why?
The man continued' I am Karmen. The leader of the Krakens. We had a little battle with the king's forces and a few of my brothers are injured. I know priests are masters of healing. So, as a favor, I want you to tend my fallen brothers, and in return, I will show you a secret route that will take you to Delphi within two days. I will also provide you provisions for the journey'.

Argus knew Krakens were not easy people to deal with. But going with them to their lair, tending their people, and coming out alive was something of a fat chance. What if Karmen doesn't keep his words and strike them dead in the middle of the night?
Argus never cares for himself. It was only Cassandra, whose life mattered to him.

Before any of the two boys could utter a word, Cassandra blurted out,' okay. We accept your offer. We will follow you to your place. Tend the wounds of your people. In return, like a true man, you keep your words.'

Karmen smiled at her. He liked her boldness. Women naturally are meek and timid. But not this one, he thought.

Argus and Fabian, on the other hand, looked shocked eyed at her.' Why did you accept the offer? What if they kill us at night?', Fabian asked her, on their way following the Krakens from behind.
' Do we have an option? If we denied they would have surely stabbed us to death. But here at least we have a chance. That man wasn't lying and it would be good for us to reach Delphi as soon as possible, isn't it?'

' How do you know , he was not lying?', asked Argus.
-' A man on his way to Hades seldom lies'.
-' you mean, Karmen is going to die! How is that possible? He is the leader of the Krakens. And you have seen how well built strong he is! I don't think he has any illness within'.

Cassandra didn't reply to her brother and kept silent.

At last, after a long time she spoke slowly,' he is going to die tomorrow. Not by illness but by the hands of his only son'...