Read Online The Trials of Hercules by Tammie Painter - Free Book Online Page A

final name, his face is wrenched in agony. He drops his hands and turns his back on us.
    So that’s why he is here. Maxinia had only said he’d been convicted of blood crime, but would give no details. If I hadn’t heard it from his own lips, I wouldn’t have believed it. Not him, not the man who risked his life for mine. For my whole family.
    “I know what you did,” Eury says, “and it disgusts me. But the laws state that you can work for the polis to atone for your crime.”
    “Tributes are for thieves, not for blood crimers,” Herc says, his back still turned away from us.
    “But you’re wrong. Nowhere in the law does it state that blood crimers such as yourself can’t be included in the tribute system. You would be doing Portaceae a great favor. You can do things for the polis that no one else can.”
    While I don’t want Herc to die, regardless of what he’s done, I do not trust Eury.
    Herc faces us. “One task cannot undo what I’ve done.” The pain in his voice twists my belly in pity for him. This is not a man who could kill his children.
    “I never said it would be a single task. Ten tasks. You will perform ten tasks in the name of Portaceae.” Eury stalks a slow circle around us as he speaks. I move in closer to Herc, touching him on the arm, hoping to bring some comfort. He looks down to me, questioning me with his eyes. I shake my head indicating I have no idea what Eury is up to. “As you know, the polis is in desperate financial need. The tasks will earn us money, bring us treasures Osterians from the other eleven poli will want to see, and bring us esteem. The labors will restore some of our former glory. It will be a new beginning for Portaceae. But don’t be mistaken, these labors will be dangerous. This isn’t a simple thief’s tribute of picking up litter or helping lay cobblestones. At each trial your life will be at risk.”
    “I would rather die fighting for Portaceae than in that box,” Herc says.
    “I had a feeling you’d say that.” Eury stops in front of us. “But the box is still in play. If you’re unable to finish a task or can’t complete it in the time I command it be done, you will be subject to the original punishment. Understood?”
    Herc gives a single nod.
    “And if he completes them?” I ask. All aspects of this agreement need to be made clear. I don’t want Eury to make up new rules at the end saying Herc will still be sent under.
    Eury’s cocky expression falls.
    He’s already decided Herc won’t finish paying the tributes, I realize with sudden clarity.
    “I, that is, then the gods will have made their judgment I should think. Do you agree or not?” he asks Herc impatiently.
    “If I can do something to benefit Portaceae, then of course I agree.”
    “Good.” Eury smacks his hands together and the sound snaps through the temple. “The law states if a person paying tribute should need an assistant, the individual of your choice may join you.”
    The slap of leather sandals echoes through the temple. Iolalus dashes to the side of Herc.
    “Me. Herc, choose me. You know we work well together. You trained me. Who else can match you stride for stride?”
    Herc shakes his head, his face as pained as when he’d been reciting his children’s names, as pale as when he’d climbed from the vault. Beyond the temple’s steps, the guards are grunting the vault’s lid back into place. The leaden clang makes Herc cringe his shoulders.
    “No, no, Iolalus, I won’t risk it. I can do this alone. I won’t have anyone risk themselves for me. I don’t deserve it. If you were hurt, or died—”
    “No matter,” Eury interrupts. “Are you volunteering?”
    “Yes,” Iolalus blurts before Herc can stop him. Herc drops his face into his hands, shaking his head in dismay.
    “There, he has volunteered. The contract is sealed. Am I not right, Herene?”
    Unfortunately, he is. If a person volunteers to aid a tribute, the gift of help can’t be refused. Iolalus