A heroic savior

The twins exchange a private glance and then answer at nearly the same time "Well, a hero to save us when we're in desperate need." You smile at the pair amused by their whimsey. "Someone like Perseus, who can save us when we are chained by the sea at the mercy of the sea monster." Despite your best efforts, a vivid image of these dark-haired twins in spray soaked tunics that cling to their curves pops into your mind. Not only are the tunics even skimpier than what they are wearing now, but the wet fabric is nearly translucent and contrasts starkly with the heavy black chains that bind the pair's wrists to the slippery rock.

"Oooh yes," Sara interjects with a dreamy look in her eye, "or a dashing Bellerophon on Pegasus who can perform three impossible tasks to win our hand, like Philonoe was wooed her in her secret palace gardens of Lycathos." It doesn't surprise you, considering their perilous position, that these sheltered young maidens might dream of a man who could save them from capture, humiliation and even worse.

"I'm afraid you may be setting your bar a little high my ladies." Alexia laughs not unkindly at the two, "there aren't many heroes roaming around the Hellenic states in these modern days."

"Oh but there are!" Sara surprises you with the confidence of her answer. "There are Riders who don't prey on girls like us, their sworn purpose is to save innocent maidens from vile men." As far as you know, not even Riders from Kalion have dedicated their lives to saving virgins from danger, but Riders are often seen as the closest thing there are to heroes now-a-days. You've discovered that sheltered daughters of protective families in particular dream of the freedom that free-Riders represent, often to their horror when they find themselves flown away from the safety of their homes and sold by those very same scoundrels. You decide that it is a good thing these lovely sisters are under your protection now as the naïve Sara continues with her fantastic dreams. "There are two or three of these men who are said to be as handsome as Adonis himself and brave as the heroes of old; stories about them always makes us hot."

"Oh, please tell me some of these wonderful stories." Alexia giggles playfully and you remember with a start that the deadly woman that you think of as your level-headed spymaster is at most a year older than these pretty twins. "I love a good tale!" What comes next stuns you into open-mouthed silence.

"Well there's one about a free-flying Rider in the North who saves three young sisters from a noble family from being raped by wicked bandits after their idyllic home was overrun and their parents slaughtered." Sara's eyes are sparkling with glee as she offers another possibility "or the hero that infiltrated the Blood Code pirate's of Kalios and uncovered their plot to storm the Sanctuary of Ogygia where the Nymphs of Calypso gather for their sacred dance." Mara is as excited as her sister, seemingly forgetting that you are even in the tent. "There's one where a Rider lands his golden drake right in the middle of an auction in Pilos where he stops the illegal sale of princess of Thebes whose been disguised to conceal her true identity." These stories sound like bard's tales loosely based on some of your adventures, although the Northern sisters were not of noble birth and you're not sure that your warning was really needed to protect the nymphs of Ogygia who seemed well prepared to sink the pirate fleet despite their dainty appearances. You have to ask.

"Where did you hear of these amazing heroes?"

"Mostly from a bard who was popular at Lady Sabella's gatherings." Mara confirms your suspicions and Sara jumps in with more information. "He was a little creepy; I saw him grab at some of the girls, but his stories were soooo good. I wonder what happened to him?"

"Who cares about that greasy minstrel," Mara interrupts, "I want to know what happened to Lady Sabella." It takes a few more minutes of persistent questioning to learn what she's talking about. As far as the sisters know, the Regent's only daughter went missing from the Citadel two days before your arrival, and that her father has his men searching everywhere for her.

"I guess you're our true savior, Your Majesty." Mara suddenly seems to remember where she is. "I can't begin to imagine what those soldiers from Helios would have done if we fell into their brutal hands." Mara reaches across the table and squeezes the hand of her shy sister who shudders softly at her words, but then turns to meets your gaze boldly. "My sister and I are forever in your debt, Sire, we are yours to command." Before you can respond to the pretty brunette's offer of service, Alexia rises and bows politely to the two sisters.

"My most sincere apologies Lady Sara, Lady Mara;" your spymaster rests her hand almost possessively on your shoulder. "There are matters that need our attention; if you'll excuse us we will have Galeon guard the tent so you two will be safe." The sisters don't protest, however Sara in particular does not look happy at your leaving.