Argos Read Free Page B

him?” asked Odysseus.
    â€œHe’s big and strong enough, and healthy looking, but there’s better options here, my lord. See that black one suckling on the lower teat? That’s the one you want. He’s the biggest and strongest. He will serve you well, my lord.”
    Odysseus looked from me to my unnamed brother and back to me again. His forehead crinkled with thought. He sighed. “Show me the one you like then, Amycus,” he said finally.
    Amycus smiled and nodded, reaching into the birthing nest.
    I reacted then without conscious thought. Someone was trying to take my littermate away. My brother. His hand was also getting closer to my mother than I liked. I felt a burning anger welling up inside me.
    Swiftly, I launched myself at the intruding hand, latched onto it, and bit with all my might. Perhaps my attack might have been more effective if I’d had teeth but I hadn’t thought about it at all. It was pure instinct.
    Amycus angrily brushed my attack aside and pulled me off his hand, then continued reaching for my littermate.
    â€œStop,” said the powerful voice of Odysseus.
    Amycus’ hand froze mid-reach. “Yes, my lord?”
    â€œI want to look at that one,” he said, pointing again at me. “The one that just embarked on the most ill-advised and pointless attack I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a puppy so young move so fast.”
    Amycus paused for a moment as if considering opposing his master’s command. He hesitated for just a little too long—a subtle rebellion. Even I knew resistance when I saw it.
    He reached down and grabbed me by the scruff of my neck. For a moment, I saw his face and held his eye. I read hatred there even though this was the first time I had experienced it. He turned to face Odysseus and Eumaeus again, his face devoid of emotion, and held me up for inspection. I wiggled furiously in his grasp, desperate to be free of his clutches.
    â€œSeems strong enough,” commented Eumaeus.
    â€œIndeed he does,” said Odysseus, taking me from Amycus. “But that’s not all I’m interested in. See how he protected his littermate and mother when he thought they were in danger? That’s what I want in a dog. Strong protective instinct.” As soon as Odysseus touched me, I calmed, soothed by his warm, strong, calloused hands.
    â€œI thought you wanted a dog for hunting?” said Amycus, his voice sounding dangerously sulky.
    â€œI do,” said Odysseus, without looking at the man, his attention and both hands on me. For my part, I was loving it. There was something about being held by Odysseus that just felt right.
    Odysseus suddenly looked up and met Amycus’ eye. The Master of the Kennels looked decidedly uneasy. “Is there aproblem?” asked Odysseus coolly.
    â€œNo … no, my lord,” stammered Amycus. “I just think that the other pup is superior. My recommendation would be to take that one.”
    â€œThank you for your advice, Amycus, but I have made my decision,” said Odysseus.
    â€œBut … ” began Amycus.
    â€œGood. It’s settled then,” said Odysseus briskly. “It would be unfortunate if there was a problem, Amycus.” He looked at me again and smiled, stroking my soft brown fur. “I think I will name him Argos.”
    Next to him, Eumaeus nodded. “A good name, my lord. ‘Swift footed.’”
    â€œSeems appropriate,” said Odysseus. “He certainly is fast.” He turned to Amycus. “Argos will stay with his mother until he is weaned. I will check in on him from time to time. Keep the three other pups who seem the strongest and sell the others.”
    â€œYes, my lord,” said Amycus meekly.
    â€œTake good care of my Argos,” warned Odysseus. “See that he is well cared for.” He handed me back to Amycus and I immediately resumed my struggling, resenting the loss of contact with such