Monsters of Greek Mythology, Volume One by Bernard Evslin Page A

meantime, they ate the big black crabs that had also come to dine. It was an unpleasant sight, but Castor had come to do something, and had to stay until it was done.
    He waited until the bones were stripped clean and the gulls had departed. He went to the rock, took hold of the iron ring, braced his legs, and began to pull. The rock seemed as though it were rooted to the center of the earth; he could not budge it. He exerted all his strength—which, he realized now, he had never really used to its fullest. “Things have been too easy for me,” he said to himself. “Nothing I’ve ever wrestled, man or beast, has lasted two minutes against me. Now, let’s see what I’m really made of.” He pulled with all his might, and more than his might. Every particle of him fused into a wild surge of energy.
    He thought he felt the rock move. “Father Zeus, help me,” he muttered. The gigantic rock seemed to loosen in its socket of earth. He grunted and let go. “If I can do this much now,” he thought, “a few licks of fire should really inspire me.”
    He wandered off then. He felt dizzy from the strain, but had done enough to know that he could do more. He left that place, for the smell of burned flesh still hung heavy, and walked a mile or so along the shore, thinking hard.
    â€œIt’s definite then,” he said to himself. “I’ve got to do it and try to get it done before Pollux comes … which means he’ll be the one to challenge Amycus. Because even if I succeed against the dragons—which is a very big if indeed—I’ll probably be too scorched to fight the giant. I wish we could trade jobs, Pollux and I, but he doesn’t have the temperament to handle the dragons. When faced by an enemy he lowers his head and charges. He hates tactics and trickery; he trusts only his fists. But these damned lizards must be taken care of or neither of us will get out of here alive, no matter what happens to Amycus. As for those slithering flamethrowers, there’s only one thing to do, and only me to do it.”
    He had come now to where he had hidden his own clothes. He stripped himself of the stinking beggar rags and plunged into the sea, and swam until he felt clean again. Then he donned his tunic and went to find the girl he had seen with Amycus.
    He went to the castle grounds and lurked in the orchard, watching the great portal until he saw the girl come out. He waited again until he saw three dragons emerge from the castle, one of them carrying a big net. This was the girl’s escort, he knew, assigned by Amycus to follow her and discourage any other suitors. They followed very slowly.
    Castor hurried after her with long strides. He wanted some time alone with her before the dragons arrived. He followed her up a hill. Looking back, he saw that the dragons were far behind. He guessed that they were giving her plenty of space, hoping that she was really going to meet someone. Then they could catch him, and begin the scorching. They enjoyed their work.
    When he reached her she was sitting on a rock, sobbing.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” he asked.
    She choked back her sobs and looked at him. Her wet face was very beautiful.
    â€œWhy are you crying?”
    â€œIt’s that beast, the king, my brother-in-law. He’s tired of my sister and wants to marry me.”
    â€œI take it that doesn’t appeal to you?”
    â€œOh no, sir. I hate, loathe and despise him.”
    â€œHow about your sister?”
    â€œShe has nothing to say about it. When he gets tired of a wife he throws her away and gets a new one. My sister’s his eighth.”
    â€œAnd you’ll be the ninth?”
    â€œAnd my little sister will probably be the tenth. He’ll be ready to throw me away when she’s big enough. But I won’t be the ninth, I won’t marry him, I won’t! I came here to jump off this hill.”
    â€œDon’t