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The mole-like sovereign, after some customary greeting, begins to launch excitedly into a review of today’s event – the other competitors are already waiting for you. He is sweating profusely and speaking – no, shouting – over the sound of chariot wheels and hoofbeats, but speaks efficiently – no theatrics now:
“As you might remember, decades ago, King Minos of Crete had been gifted a divine bull, brilliant white, that had once been property of Poseidon Πελαγαιος. Poseidon later requested that the Cretan bull be sacrificed in his honor, and King Minos instead attempted to deceive the Earth-Shaker by hiding it amongst the lesser beasts of his royal herd. In retribution, Poseidon cursed the bull with raging madness, and the creature set about destroying Crete. King Minos, despite summoning up the best of his kingdom, could not restrain the beast, and despondent, let it run wild. King Eurystheus of Athens learned of this, and interested in seeing the bull’s might for himself, challenged Heracles to capture the beast and bring it back alive to Athens for his review.”
This tale, of course, you know very well, being the Seventh of Heracles’ Labors – but you don’t interrupt your kingly host as he speaks – this would be rude. As he speaks, you find that you’re grateful for your extreme height – the Trachian is emitting a constant spray of spittle as he yells up to you, and were you shorter, it would be your face getting covered, rather than the oiled iron chain-mail of your armor.
“Today’s challenge comes in three parts, Lord Hippomedon, and the final goal, of course, is to transport a mighty bull to the finish line. The first task is simple – wrangle one of my mighty cattle into a reinforced cart, and drive the cart to the sea – a distance of ten stadia. You race against your peers to do so, for there are only four carts. The slowest two competitors will be out of the competition.”
“The second task is again simple – wheel the cart into the boat, and row the boat across a shallow stretch of the Malian Gulf. Importantly – there are only three boats.” At this point, there is a pregnant pause - you sense that Eurykratides is leaving something important out. Before you can press the king, he continues:
“Finally, you must make landing on the opposite beach, and drive your cart through the “Gates of Athens” and on to the victor’s platform. As you might have surmised – the bull must be living for the victor’s laurels to be awarded.”
You consider - a test of one's strength and endurance, to be certain. A finely-bred bull might weigh more than twenty commoners - but it is much easier to go down-hill with such a weight, and easier still to row such heavy things on the water. But the final portion of the challenge - pushing the beast and cage back UP the beach and through the "Gates of Athens" - this should be the true test.
