Argos Read Free Page A

senses are far superior in every manner.
    But I forget myself. Where was I? Oh, yes. None of my other littermates or even my mother, for that matter, paid the voices the slightest attention. At the time, I thought it was strange. How could they not heed these intriguing sounds?
    As soon as I heard the voices, it was like a surge of lightning down my spine that set my limbs and mind quivering. My head snapped upright, almost of its own volition. I lost my grip of my mother’s teat but I didn’t care, not even when one of my brothers jostled me off and away.
    I sat on my haunches and looked up. Three gigantic faces stared down at me.
    â€œSo this is the new litter then?” asked the face in the middle. It was strong and unlined with eyes that sparkled with intelligence. I felt an instant connection with him. In all my life, he was the only person I felt this way about. Some say that a moment like this only comes once—a connection that is so special, so profound that nothing can compare to it. I sensed that the feeling was mutual. The man’s eyes widened in something akin to shock.
    I didn’t know it at the time but this man was god-like Odysseus, son of Laertes, favorite of the Goddess Athena, and great-godson of the God Hermes.
    â€œIt is, my lord. Born a week ago. Same day as your son, Telemachus,” said the thin, spindly face to my left—all sharp angles and lines. “It’s a good sign, my lord Odysseus.” I recognized the smell of this man straight away. The kennels were full of his rank scent, and not one I savored. It was the first time I had seen or heard him. I later learnt that this was Amycus, the Master of the Hounds and the Kennels.
    â€œAnd what of you, Eumaeus?” asked Odysseus, addressing the large bear-like man to my right.
    Eumaeus stroked his thick black beard thoughtfully. “As you know, my lord, I am not much given to putting fanciful nameson coincidences, but only a fool would ignore this much of a coincidence. I think these pups were born at the same time as your son for a reason.”
    Odysseus nodded slowly. “Wise words, Eumaeus.” He clapped the larger man on the back. “What is it you do here on Ithaca again?”
    â€œI’m a swineherd, my lord.”
    â€œJust a swineherd?” asked Odysseus archly.
    â€œI like to consider myself your friend as well.”
    â€œWell, my friend,” said Odysseus smiling, “it’s about time I promoted you. How does senior swineherd sound?”
    â€œYou gave me that title last year, I believe, my lord,” said Eumaeus, struggling not to grin.
    â€œSo I did,” said Odysseus. “How about I make you my senior advisor then?”
    â€œWe’ve had this conversation,” said Eumaeus. “With all respect, my lord, I like what I do. I like working with pigs.”
    Odysseus waved a hand in mock irritation. “This is the thanks I get for trying to help you. Your wife isn’t going to be happy. She came and saw me again, by the way. Asked me to find a better position for you.” He shrugged. “Oh well, I tried. I’ll probably try again in a few months, too. If I were you, I’d take the job. Your wife scares me.”
    â€œLet me worry about my wife, my lord. You worry about your kingdom.”
    Next to them, Amycus cleared his throat. “The pups, my lord?”
    â€œYes, I hadn’t forgotten, Amycus,” said Odysseus sharply. Heturned his attention back toward myself and my other littermates.
    â€œWhat about that one there?” said Odysseus, pointing toward me. “He’s watching us. If I didn’t know better, I would say that he’s listening.”
    â€œJust curious,” said Amycus. “His eyes have only just opened and this is the first time he’s heard human voices. I work here alone and haven’t had a visitor since you were last here, my lord.”
    â€œAnd what do you think about