The squad's vehicle rumbled along the shoreline, weaving between patches of exposed dirt. The coastline stretched out rocky and wet, with moss clinging to scattered surfaces.

  "So, what's this we're supposed to be looking for out here?" Veronica asked.

  "Talos, a sort-of golem that was destroyed by Jason and his Argonauts." Jim answered.

  "What's a golem?" Veronica asked.

  Maddie answered, "Talos, and those like him, are magically animated statues filled with Ichor, the blood of the gods. They move, think, listen, fight, and protect entire cities. Magnificent creations, loyal to their creators." Her voice grew reverent. "Talos was the most famous—there are countless stories about him. A true warrior until his Ichor was drained and he fell."

  "So why do we want him if he got taken out?" Veronica asked.

  "I'm guessing Central wants to put him back together and working for us." Jim replied.

  Maddie turned to Jim, "Do they really? While I certainly understand your people have the capability to repair him, would you be able to make him work without Ichor?"

  The Humvee passed over a boulder, shuddering the cabin as Jim paused to think.

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  "I don't know yet. Chang might find a way. All I know is we're encountering things that differ from our expectations. The worst part is our capabilities are being challenged."

  Maddie nodded solemnly. "That is right. Never underestimate the gods' powers."

  "We already lost an attack helicopter," Jim muttered. "If the gods ever came at us with full force with every creature they have, including the big ones... I don't know if we could hold out."

  Maddie's expression grew somber. "Fort Bogart may be powerful, but I'm not sure it's strong enough to repel a determined attack from the gods. Not that I'd want to see such a thing."

  Jim's face darkened. "Yeah, I'm starting to worry about that too. How do you know all this?"

  "As a priestess for Athena, I've studied warfare extensively—strategy, tactics, the ways of warriors," Maddie explained.

  "Right," Jim said, scratching the back of his head. "I keep forgetting about that."

  Maddie smirked. "What, you don't believe me?"

  Jim shook his head quickly. "No, not at all. I just never really thought about what priestesses discuss in this time period. I always imagined it was just... sacrifices, blessings and rituals."

  Maddie chuckled, her snakes shaking their heads as she crossed her arms. "Tsk. Mother taught us far more than you realize. You have a lot to learn about our world."

  Jim grinned. "Then will you educate me on everything you know?"

  Maddie smiled as she reached out to briefly clasp Jim's hand. "Of course I will. You only needed to ask," she said, her voice carrying quiet confidence.

  Jim returned her smile. Outside, the landscape blurred past as the Humvee rumbled forward, its tires crunching against the dirt road.

  As the journey continued, their conversation flowed effortlessly into tales of the era—legendary battles, cunning strategies, and the warriors who had shaped history. Jim listened intently, captivated by Maddie's vivid storytelling, while the world outside faded into the background, leaving only the past and the words between them.