Free Kyros' Secret (Greek Myth Series Book 1) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

king until he was killed by Ares. Though the bow is dangerous for a god to touch, the arrows can’t kill one. If so, Phylo would have killed Ares first. No centaur thereafter has claimed the bow and the title. It’s said to be cursed since it couldn’t save our king’s life. The Centaur race believes the next centaur to use it will surely die.”
    Kyros leaned his sword against the tree and took the quiver of arrows Nemos handed to him.
    “No sense in letting it go to waste. I’m already cursed. And dying doesn’t really seem like such a bad thing anymore.”
    Kyros fastened the quiver on his back and cocked an arrow in place. He pulled back the string and raised it toward the sky. He released it and listened as the arrow whizzed through the canopy above.
    “Not bad,” he commented, running his hand along the curved wood. Something fell from the sky and landed at his feet with a thump, making them both jump.
    Their gaze followed what the arrow had brought down. A warrior with a dagger still gripped in his hand lay at their feet, his eyes round with surprise, his mouth gaping open in protest.
    “He must have been in the trees!” Nemos’ eyes shot upward, looking for more. “He looks like he wanted to kill us.”
    Kyros scanned the trees but could see no other warrior. This one must have been a straggler. He poked the dead man’s stomach with his bow, surveying the situation.
    “Or wanted to kill me, anyway. This is one of Pittheus’ men. My brother must have sent him.”
    “Your own brother would have you killed?” Nemos walked around the body, curiously eyeing the dead warrior.
    “The feast of Dionysus is nearly here. Pittheus is desperate for the sword so he can claim my father’s true title and have the support of the people. Without the sword, the fate isn’t sealed and Pittheus will never have true control.”
    Kyros flung the bow over his shoulder and picked up his father’s sword that lay against the tree. He carefully placed it in the scabbard and held it out to Nemos.
    “It’s in your care now.”
    Nemos backed away slightly. “Maybe you should guard it.”
    “Impossible. I need to go back to Thera. If she sees the sword, she’ll know my secret.”
    “But what if I - ”
    “I trust you, son. You’ve shown your loyalty and I know the sword of the future king of Trozen is safe in your care. Now let’s get this body buried before someone finds it and starts a war. Then I’ll see you back to the hovel. I’m certain Chiron will wonder what’s become of you by now.”
    Nemos helped bury the body and the two of them made their way back to Chiron’s hovel.
    “So you’ve returned.” Chiron stood at the entranceway like a worried mother. A fire flickered at the mouth of the cave. He held out the purple mask to Kyros. Kyros exchanged it with his sandals and torn tunic.
    “Time to visit the weaver again, I see.” Chiron shook his head.
    “This time, get me something that covers my legs,” grumbled Kyros.
    Nemos excitedly stepped forward, with Kyros’ sword in his hand. “Kyros used Phylo’s bow and it struck a warrior dead.”
    Chiron looked over to Kyros, his face clouded. “One of Pittheus’ men?”
    Kyros nodded. “My brother must know where I am. I need to stay away from the hovel as much as possible or I’m going to lead them right to the sword.”
    Chiron motioned to the boy and Nemos disappeared inside the cave. “Kyros, you’re not safe anymore.”
    “None of us are.” Kyros busied himself tying the purple strip of material over his eyes and adjusting the eye holes so he could see.
    “I’m concerned for your safety.”
    Kyros ran a hand through his hair. “Just take care of yourself and the boy. And watch that sword like a hawk. I’ll be fine. They wouldn’t dare touch me as long as I’m with Thera.”
    “What makes you so certain?”
    “She’s a goddess. They fear her as well as her father.”
    “So she can protect you then.”
    “Not so. She’s lost her