"Hurry up and get packed," Veronica called from outside the palace. "We're heading out!"

  "All right! I'll be out shortly!" Maddie shouted back, quickly gathering the last of her belongings before slithering outside.

  Outside the palace, soldiers bustled about, loading equipment and their newly traded goods from the Argos marketplace into helicopters. Intricately painted pottery, vases, tunics, bronze armor, and weapons were carefully packed into the cargo areas.

  A small group of locals stood nearby, watching the commotion with curiosity. Their attire was a fascinating blend of eras—clear evidence of trade with the soldiers. Some wore traditional tunics over camouflage pants, while others sported U.S. Army caps, sling bags and jackets paired with bronze hoop necklaces. A few had strapped military belts with pouches around their chitons; others accessorized with sunglasses, modern jewelry, and wristwatches.

  Phineus and Andromeda stood beside a Humvee as Jim and Veronica secured their gear in the back. Overhead, a helicopter loaded with goods lifted off and banked in the general direction of Fort Bogart.

  Phineus pointed toward the shoreline. "Now it's time to honor my end of the bargain. I'll give you the location of Talos—the former guardian of these lands, until Jason defeated him."

  "Talos," Jim murmured thoughtfully. "I remember reading about him. The protector of Crete, right?"

  Phineus paused, considering. "No, though I understand the stories may have changed over time. Regardless, if you can recover all the pieces, there's a chance you could rebuild him. Though you'll also need Ichor—divine blood from a god."

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  Jim's eyes brightened. "You know exactly where he is?"

  "I do, and I will tell you."

  "Better yet, how about you show me?" Jim pulled out a map, unfolded it, and held it up to Phineus. "We're here. Can you mark where Talos is?"

  Phineus leaned in, his expression shifting to one of genuine fascination. "Look at this detail! Remarkable." His fingers hovered over the map's surface, tracing the intricate topographical lines with an almost reverent touch. "Alright, follow this route here," he began, his finger moving deliberately along the coastline, "then around to this point—watch for the rocky outcropping—and continue along here." His finger came to rest in a circling motion over what appeared to be a secluded beach. "His scattered remains should be around this area. You'll know it when you see it—bronze fragments that look like pieces of a statue, half-buried in the sand."

  Jim's eyes continued from the spot, following the coastal path beyond. "Hmm... and it looks like if we continue past there, we'll eventually get to Fort Bogart." A satisfied smile crossed his face. "This is great. I appreciate it." He looked up at Phineus. "You coming with us?"

  "No, Andromeda and I are flying off to Fort Bogart. She's eager to see the place—and honestly, I'd rather be there than here."

  Jim chuckled. "Had a taste of the good life?"

  "Just a bit," Phineus said with a smirk. "Turns out comfortable beds and exquisite food agree with me."

  "Well, enjoy yourselves." Jim extended his hand. "We'll catch up soon."

  Instead, Phineus gripped his forearm firmly in the warrior's clasp, his grip strong and warm. "Safe travels, my friend. And thank you for everything you've done for us," Phineus said, his voice carrying genuine gratitude. "We won't forget it."

  Jim released the grip with a nod of mutual respect. He turned and climbed into the Humvee. Maddie slithered over, her scales catching the sunlight as she moved with fluid grace and slipped through the passenger-side window, settling into position in her seat.

  Corporal Brown, who'd been waiting patiently behind the wheel, fired up the engine. The Humvee rumbled to life with a throaty growl, its diesel engine sending vibrations through the chassis. He shifted into gear, and the vehicle lurched forward, tires crunching over loose gravel before turning toward the beach route Phineus had indicated. Dust kicked up in their wake as they headed toward the coastline.