The Hegemon

Arxiphos arrived back in the village at midday. The town, the world, seemed completely changed. He felt like he had stepped out of it into the blinding light of a divine realm. Now his eyes were readjusting to the flatness and blandness of the real world. Although when he looked hard enough, he could still see little shimmers of divine light in the small and simple beauties all around. An idocrase drop of dew on a blade of grass. A smooth stone, carved and polished by nature. The spark of life in even the smallest, forgotten and unnoticed of creatures.

He entered his house on his way to the palace. He didn't know why. Perhaps he just needed a final glimpse of his old life before this decisive step. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the small carven idol. The artisans that shaped the figure had fallen shamefully short of the impossible beauty of the nymph. He wanted to kiss it, venerating his goddess, his new love and life. At the same time, he wanted to destroy it, so far from the beauty had found. He left it where it was, doing neither, and made his way north, down the long path leading to the palace.

As Arxiphos was crossing the public square that stretched out before the Hegemon's home, Anax saw him and clomped his way from the balcony, setting himself between him and the heavy doors.

"You were to come tomorrow in the morning."

Arxiphos held his ground and stared into Anax's flint features. "The Hegemon will be happy to see me today. Now. I've made my decision." He remained calm. Confident.

He watched the tight muscles ripple along Anax's throat and jaw. "Fine," he finally said. He clamped his hand on Arxiphos's arm and marched him up the wide stairs and into the palace. He pushed Arxiphos to the side of the entryway and stepped through the second set of doors. Arxiphos played with his hands as he waited for the guard, inspecting them one by one. Left pinky. Left ring finger. Suddenly a muffled shout and heavy laughter errupted from the throne room. The door to the entry slammed open and the Hegemon burst out, almost missing Arxiphos in his excitement. Then he saw him in the corner of the room, and rushed toward him, lifting him off the ground in his crushing embrace.

"Oh, my son! So soon. I thought you might not return at all." He let out another hearty cry of joy. Then he stopped suddenly. "But wait! Perhaps I'm rejoicing too soon. You have accepted, correct?"

"I've made my decision," Arxiphos said, smiling, but shaking slightly. The Hegemon clung to him desparately. "I will be the Archiereios."

The Hegemon let out a frightful scream. Arxiphos shook. The scream turned to laughter once again. An explosion. "My daughter will be thrilled."

"More than you can imagine," Arxiphos muttered to himself.

"Go, Anax! Summon the whole town. I will get my daughter. The ceremony takes place tonight. The village will have a new priest. Tonight Alazoneia will have Arxiphos!"