Theseus

Chapter 2

‘Ntia!’

The look-out perched on the prow of the ship pointed to the small island that acted as a landmark for seafarers, and, on the horizon, the distinctive coastline of Krete. As the ship approached the port the sails were furled and the oars engaged to manœuvre into the harbour. When the ship was safely moored, the gangplank was put in place.

A large crowd was waiting to greet the ship. Theseus was amazed at their dress. They looked so different. The Minoan captain and his crew had all worn simple loincloths. An assortment of materials had been used - linen, wool or leather, but all had some colour or patterning. The men working on the ships, and in the warehouses on the quay, wore simple khitons, similar to those worn in Athens. It was the waiting crowd who caused surprise.

The women wore long, colourful, short-sleeved dresses, fitted tightly at the waist and clenched with metal belts from which full skirts flared out to the ankles.

The patterns were intricate with swirls, flowers and abstract shapes. Many of the men were bare-chested but wore ankle-length skirts held up by belts which emphasised narrow waists. Their hair was braided or curled into long ringlets. Both men and women wore jewellery and displayed carefully applied eye make-up.

Theseus smiled at his band. Already friendships were forming. Theseus had become close to Kharis while Kleon was often seen holding hands with Theron. He was now firmly established as their leader. During the long voyage to Krete they had become a group, a unit. Every day they had exercised. All were lithe, fit and athletic.

He led them down the gangplank where they stood surveying the wonderful sights that met their gaze.

It was the buildings that most impressed Theseus. He had never seen, nor imagined, the like, not even in Korinthos. He thought, at first, they were built of marble but realised it was stone, decorated to look like marble. These buildings were meant to last. Many had painted scenes with vibrant colours. Gods and goddesses, ships reflecting Kretan sea power and vast trading empire, the Minoans going about their everyday business. The whole area oozed prosperity. This was the world of the Minoans. Could Athens, one day, be like this

Theseus became aware of excitement spreading through the crowd as it parted to leave a corridor. Heads were bowed as a procession approached through the space created. Theseus had never seen such magnificence.

Drawn by two perfectly matched Thessalian ponies was a four-wheeled chariot. The harnesses were of brightly coloured leather with plumes of very large white feathers. Theseus wondered which bird could possibly have produced these. The body of the chariot was covered in ox-hide, dyed red. Theseus was intrigued by one repeated motif a double-axe. He had only seen one before; the one Ankaios had carried on the boar hunt.

This chariot obviously belonged to a wealthy, important person. There were two people in the chariot. The driver, whose hair was finely braided, was dressed in a short kilt of blue and gold. Behind him was an older man. He wore a long skirt of blue and gold, a richly beaded belt circling his waist. Falling from the front of the belt was a jewelled tassel. His black hair, tinged with grey, was curled and held in place by a golden diadem. Round his neck hung a collar of gold, with precious stones matching those of the skirt tassel.

A second, two-wheeled chariot held a driver dressed identically to the first driver. The passenger was a woman whom Theseus surmised to be several years older than himself. She was richly dressed in a fashion resembling all the women. But gold thread ran through her attire. Gold ornaments adorned her arms, hair and neck. The biggest difference was that her dress was cut away to display two firm breasts, the n*****s of which had been heavily rouged.

As that chariot came closer Theseus realised there was another female, a younger one, in the chariot, a child but similarly dressed. The likeness in features suggested the two women could be sisters.

The two chariots drew up side-by-side in front of the Athenians. The older man descended from his chariot and began to inspect the tribute. He stopped in front of Kharis and stretched out a heavily ringed hand to caress her cheek. ‘Maybe I will save this one for myself.’

Theseus defiantly positioned himself between the man and Kharis. There was a united gasp from the crowd. Several armed men rushed forward but paused when the man raised his hand. ‘And who is this who dares to defy Minos?’

‘I am Theseus, Prince of Athens, son of Poseidon. I have come to kill the Minotaur so that, according to the terms agreed, these tributes may cease.’

‘Ah, Ӕgeus’ heir. You claim to be the son of Poseidon. I will give you the chance to prove it. Some time ago I lost a gold ring in this harbour. If you are really the son of Poseidon, I suggest you dive and find it for me. Poseidon will surely help his son.’

Without another word Theseus turned to walk past the ship he had just left. Coming to the open sea of the harbour he stopped to pray to Poseidon. ‘If I am truly your son let me find the ring.’ Taking several quick breaths before inhaling a deep one, he dived. He searched among the plants and rocks but found no ring. Theseus knew he would have to return unsuccessful.

A mist began to form in front of him. Through the mist he saw a vision of beauty gliding towards him. She stretched out a hand in which lay a ring. ‘I am Thetis, leader of the Nereids. Poseidon has sent me. Take the ring and return it to Minos.’

Theseus took the ring and the vision vanished. Clutching the ring, he slowly returned to the surface where his companions were anxiously waiting. Having embraced a tearful Kharis, he approached Minos and held out the ring. Neither man spoke as Minos took the ring and placed it on his finger.

He mounted his chariot and spoke without turning. ‘Bring them to the Palace.’

Space was made for the chariots to turn and the procession left. As the chariot with the two women turned, the older woman smiled at Theseus. It was a smile of promise

‘That was Ariadne, the oldest of Minos’ children. The younger girl is his daughter Phædra.’ It was the man to whom Minos had spoken. A tall man with the stature of an athlete. ‘My name is Antiokos. I will be responsible for you. Follow me. It is quite a long walk to the palace.’

As the group walked through the crowd, people smiled and nodded.

Some called out, ‘Welcome.’

Theseus was surprised. He had expected armed guards and an unpleasant reception. This was more an honourable welcome. He wondered what awaited them at the palace.