Read Online Argos by Phillip Simpson - Free Book Online

observed him staring at me outside the palace andnow he had moved from his chair in order to get a better look. “May I?” he asked, reaching out one huge hand.
    Odysseus shrugged. “If Argos will allow it,” he said mildly.
    I did allow it even though I was not accustomed to being touched by anyone other than Odysseus’ immediate family. I did not want to disgrace my master by growling or snapping even though Meges’ hands were rough. He inspected my ears, teeth, and limbs thoroughly. Perhaps a little too thoroughly for my liking.
    â€œHe’s a big brute. Strong looking. Must be fast. You wouldn’t have named him Argos if he wasn’t.” Meges grinned and straightened, taking his hands from me. I stood more proudly hearing those words. I knew that, compared to other dogs, I was a fine specimen. Certainly not the largest or the strongest but I had my fair share of both. As for speed, well, that was a different story. I had never met a dog or any other creature that was faster than me. I was faster even than Odysseus’ great horse.
    This is not false pride and I am not one given to boasting. I merely point out the facts. Since my recovery, Odysseus had taken me on a few more boar hunts and I had not encountered a boar that I could not run down.
    â€œNo dog was named better,” said Eumaeus, taking a gulp from his goblet. “Never seen one faster. Makes him a great hunter.”
    â€œAnd he’s loyal, too,” said Penelope. “His loyalty and obedience to Odysseus has to be seen to be believed.”
    â€œI could do with a dog like that,” mused Meges. He glanced at Odysseus, a calculating look in his eye. “I confess, royal Odysseus, that other than to discuss an alliance, I had anothermotive for coming here to Ithaca.”
    Odysseus raised one eyebrow. I knew that my master had been expecting this. “And that was … ?”
    â€œYour dog, Argos. I have heard of him. I have heard how he defeated a boar the likes of which has never been seen before. There are whispers that the boar was Hades-born.”
    â€œDon’t believe everything you hear,” said Odysseus, smiling, but there was an edge to his voice.
    â€œI will get to the point,” said Meges. “I would like to buy your dog.”
    The room went silent. Penelope was watching her husband carefully. I could feel the tension in the air. Eumaeus and Odysseus’ other companions had frozen. I half expected them to pull weapons from their belts.
    â€œArgos is not for sale,” said Odysseus. The words came out as barely a whisper but they were clearly audible to all in the banquet hall.
    â€œCome now,” said Meges, with forced cheerfulness. “Everything is for sale. Name your price.”
    â€œNot for any price,” said Odysseus, his voice tight, controlled. “I will say this one more time, Meges, and heed my words carefully because I am not accustomed to repeating myself—Argos is not for sale.”
    Meges was undeterred. “I will give you three horses for him.” Even I pricked my ears up at that. No dog was worth one horse, let alone three. I was incredibly flattered that I was deemed so valuable but also a little worried. It was a ridiculous offer and one that was impossible to refuse. Would my master really sell me?No man would turn down an offer like that.
    But Odysseus did. “You seem a little hard of hearing, Meges. You are my honored guest here in my palace and as such, free from molestation. But ask again, and honored guest or not, you will feel my sword.”
    Meges blanched at this. He was a big, powerful man—clearly a warrior—but Odysseus was also a warrior, one whose prowess on the battlefield was legendary. Only a fool would challenge him. Meges was no hero and certainly no match for Odysseus.
    A little shaken, Meges stopped pursuing the matter and wisely resumed his seat next to his son.
    â€œWhat about a