Free Argos by Phillip Simpson Page B

be otherwise harmless. Here, smell this.” He picked up a cloth on a nearby table and gave it to Odysseus. My master took one hesitant sniff and rocked back on his heels in surprise.
    â€œPowerful indeed,” said Odysseus.
    â€œBut wouldn’t it have had the same effect on their dog?” asked Eumaeus.
    â€œI did think of that,” confessed the healer. “I’m not really sure, but perhaps it is possible to acquire immunity to this substance by repeated exposure. Probably in small doses until the dog was able to tolerate it for a short time.”
    â€œThey did not count on Argos’ strength,” said Odysseus proudly.
    â€œThey probably didn’t think it would come to that,” said Eumaeus. “They were confident that Amycus would succeed in his plan to poison Argos last night.”
    â€œWith just enough poison to make Argos weak and sick without killing him,” mused Odysseus. “They planned carefully but not carefully enough. They forgot one important thing.”
    â€œAnd that is?” asked Eumaeus.
    â€œArgos is like me. Loyal and strong. And he does not like to lose.”

Chapter Eight
    I recovered quickly. As the healer had guessed, the substance was essentially harmless although I did suffer from lingering dizziness.
    To reward my success, Odysseus ordered the kitchen staff to prepare me my favorite. With his characteristic dry sense of humor, Odysseus ensured that prime cuts of boar meat similar to the ones offered by Amycus were given to me. A number of juicy bones were also included. As much as I love boar meat, there is nothing like a good bone. I could spend hours breaking it apart to reach the sweet marrow contained within.
    Normally, my meals were served at the rear of the palace kitchens. I knew I was spoiled. All the other dogs were fed in the kennels. This time, Odysseus himself brought the bowls, setting them down before me.
    He crouched down and watched me eat in silence for moment. “Thank you, Argos,” he said simply. “You are the finest dog a master could ever hope to own. I never doubted you, even for a moment. I will not forget this. A king always pays his debts.” From behind his back, he brought forth a bronze studded leather collar and swiftly fastened it around my neck. Even though I could barely resist the urge to keep eating, I paused and looked up, hearing the emotion in my master’s voice. I knew that this was a significant moment in our relationship. Odysseus’ eyes were shining as he watched me. He smiled. If I could’ve smiled back, I would’ve done so. Instead I wagged my tail to express the happiness I felt.
    He left me then to eat in peace, presumably to see his guests off who were understandably preparing to depart in some haste.
    I continued to eat, as happy as I’ve ever been when I heard footsteps. Perhaps Odysseus had returned to keep me company. My nose was filled with the rich aroma of boar, giving me no hint of who it could be. I glanced up, curious as to why Odysseus had returned.
    But it was not Odysseus. It was Elatus. The boy prince approached cautiously, a hesitant smile on his face and one hand concealed behind his back. I could sense his nervousness. I expected nothing but treachery but was confident that I was more than a match for him.
    I lowered my face back into my bowl, crunching on a bone but not for one moment taking my eyes off the boy. I growled low in my throat, warning him not to approach any further.
    â€œArgos,” he said. “The great dog of Odysseus. You’re not sogreat. You just got lucky. My dog should have won.” His tone was low and soothing but the words were delivered with a sneer. He was trying not to alarm me. He was up to something.
    â€œYou have cost my father and me a great deal and brought dishonor to our house,” he continued. He had no reason to suspect I understood everything he said. “This debt will cripple our kingdom