text: [Themes: fantasy, drama, fantasy]
  
  It's quiet. I take a breath and hold it in as long as I can. Then, I breathe out. It's peaceful here. I remember when everything used to be that way.
  
  I walk among the tombstones brushing my hand over each one. My favorite is Edwin's. That one looks almost blue to me. His parents must have been rich. It was made to last for hundreds of years. So far, it has.
  
  A soft breeze blows through the Maples. The leaves sound a bit like rain. They dance in the sunlight. I like sunlight. I like how it warms my skin.
  
  I don't know why the others never come out here, but I am glad that they don't. Nobody does. That's why it's quiet.
  
  The silence is broken when I hear the bells. Mr. Rockford hates it when I'm late. I run over to Mrs. Murdock.
  
  I'll be going now," I say.
  The old lady smiles at me. "Okay, see you tomorrow."
  
  I really do like her. She lets me work at my schools graveyard. I tidy things up for her here so she can rest. In return, she vouches for me whenever I am late. I'm late often.
  
  I'd better hurry.
  
  > Hawthorn School (history)
  Why are my parents even making me go to this school?
  
  The Hawthorn School has existed for hundreds of years. It used to be a small community. Afterwards, it became an asylum due to its isolated location. We're right in the middle of the Vermont and New York borders.
  
  The students are from all over North America. We're all sons or daughters of rich parents. Well, I have four now. Lots of us have more than two. We don't really care because we're never around them anyway. Hawthorn School is a year-round full-time prison for us. At least they make us smart and... enrich our scholarly abilities to an unmistakably remarkable degree. I think "smart" sounds better than all of those words.
  
  The actual school has twelve dorms. There's seven for boys and five for girls, but I don't know why we have more boys than girls. There are several school buildings. Three are for classes, but all of my classes are in the same room. One is for physical activities like swimming. We have a massive pool. There's also the library. I read many books in there.
  
  Unfortunately, all internet access is banned for us students. I can't even own a smartphone. They also force us to wear pants all the time. Well, the girls have to wear skirts. We both wear the same school shirts. Based on the school's earliest pictures, they've always used the same dress code.
  
  Finally, this school is for middle-schoolers only. I'm in eighth grade, so I'll be leaving here in four days. We end right on the summer solstice. Then, we'll be off to wherever our parents decide to ship us off to next. I hope I'll get to stay with most of my friends.
  
  > To the Schoolhouse
  I fly as fast as my legs can muster. The bells have stopped ringing. I'm probably going to be late.
  
  I open the doors of the schoolhouse. Nobody meanders about in the halls. I sprint to room 33. I push the doors and enter panting. Everyone else already has taken their seats.
  
  Mr. Rockford says, "You're early Mr. Lawrence. Well, for you at least." Even though his tone was dry, I smile. I've made it in time.
  
  I take my seat. I pull my textbook from my backpack... This is why I'm glad that we always use the same classroom.
  
  "Class open your textbook to page 397. To continue from last week, the mathematical term i means what?" He pauses for an answer. No one does. "It's a non-real thing used to solve problems." I stop paying attention. Old Rockford always reviews for the first ten minutes.
  
  I glance over at Oscar. He gives a rambunctious grin. I give a small nod. He returns one. Our plan tonight will hopefully work. It's not very immoral. At least, our dorms will like it.
  
  I look at Milton. He's paying close attention to the teacher. He's happy today. It's his fourteenth birthday. We'll give him a... gift to remember. Of course, we won't ruin his birthday. We'll wait until midnight.
  
  I put my attention back onto my crusty old teacher. I don't want to get in trouble now and miss out on all the fun coming up.
  
  He's still talking about that stupid i. Darn, why can't the day to end soon?
  
  I sit in my chair and let my mind wander. I have to pass the time somehow.
  
  I look at these boringly familiar walls. Everything's made out of brick. Well, the tables aren't. I never saw a brick table before. Anyway, the curtain is pulled over the window. I like staring out the glass. I love seeing the wind rustle the leaves. I wish time breezes by like it does when playing with my friends...[Themes: edutainment, serious]
  
  You are Bellerophon, son of King Glaucus, the most famed equestrian in generations. Your father has given you lessons, and you are, even at your young age of sixteen, almost as skilled as he. It's time to get out and show the world that you're just as good as he is!
  
  Of course, many are jealous of your prowess and of your status as the son of the King, and you are often challenged to tests of skill and the occasional street brawl. So it is one afternoon, and you exchange harsh words with a challenger. You best him, and continue with your business, only to hear later that your challenger has been found slain, and you are the only suspect.
  
  Now is as good a time as any to get out of town! You take your leave of your father, and flee the city of your birth, exiled. Who knows what lies outside the gates of Corinth?
  
  [Author's Note: In this adventure, you are the legendary warrior Bellerophon - rider of Pegasus, favored supplicant of Athena and hero.Or are you?How you choose will seal your fate - do you obtain the famed Pegasus to aid you in your quest? Or do you fail, and face death at the hands of King Iobates of Lycia, whose son-in-law is jealous of his wife's admiration for you?Choose wisely, choose well. Your destiny awaits!]
  
  > The Adventure Begins
  So it is that you set on your quest for adventure. Along the way you meet many interesting people, who tell tales of disturbances in other cities.
  
  In the city of Lycia, a terrifying monster is devouring citizen and traveler alike, wreaking havoc in the once peaceful town. She is the Chimaera, daughter of Typhoeus and Echidna, a fearsome beast possessed of three heads - a serpent, a lion and a fire breathing goat!
  
  As you continue on your way, the tales of the Chimaera grow more horrifying, and you consider your options carefully. You're looking for adventure, but is that the kind of adventure you really want?
  
  As you mull your options in an inn in the town of Tyrins, you meet a man by the name of Proteus. Proteus, it turns out, is the king of the region, and he invites you to the palace to stay. He's looking for a skilled horseman, he says, and your reputation as the son of Glaucus has preceeded you.
  
  What do you do?
  
  > accept the Invitation
  You accept the King's offer, and join him and his beautiful wife in the palace for an evening of dinner, music and fine conversation. You find that the Queen is quite interested in hearing about your life; she expresses admiration for your riding abilites and implores you to tell her more.
  
  The King grows tired, and bids you goodnight, but you remain awake to continue your conversation with the Queen.
  
  In the blink of an eye, she is in your lap, nuzzling at your neck and whispering that she'd like you to join her for...something extra.
  
  Yipes!
  
  > No way! She's the King's WIFE!
  You gently disentangle yourself from the lovely Antea's embrace.
  
  "Majesty," you say, "you've had too much wine. While you are lovely, I could not be so heartless as to take advantage of you in this state. You and your husband have shown such gracious hospitality, it would be shameful to dishonor it so."
  
  You escort the Queen to her chambers, plant a chaste kiss upon her hand, and retire to your own rooms for the night, to dream of adventure and the admiration of beautiful women.
  
  > A New Day
  You join the King and Queen for breakfast, and are surpised to find that the mood is somber.
  
  Antea sits across from you, glaring sullenly. Proteus seems lost in serious thought. You are confused, and sit quietly until you can stand it no longer.
  
  "Majesty? Have I given offense?"
  
  Proteus stares at you for a moment.
  
  "Tell me, young Bellerophon. Is it customary in Corinth to take liberties with another man's wife?"
  
  "Majesty? I do not understand," you say.
  
  Antea leaps to her feet, shrieking in indignation. "You tried to seduce me," she cried.
  
  Uh oh. Hell hath no fury...
  
  You turn solemnly to the King and explain that there must be some terrible misunderstanding. You indulged too much in their good graces, and perhaps overdid the wine. You do not recall making advances upon the Queen, but would not be so ungrateful as to contradict her. You apologize profusely, and beg pardon.
  
  Proteus considers for a moment.
  
  "I could have you executed, boy. But the rules of hospitality forbid such treatment of an honored guest, and further, it is likely that the wine did cloud your mind. Perhaps you don't remember. I shall give you the benefit of the doubt."
  
  You express your gratitude, and offer your services to the King, who ponders for a moment.
  
  "Yes, actually, there is something you can do for me. I need a message borne to my father in-law, Iobates of Lycia. We are concerned for his well-being in these troubling times."
  
  Looks like adventure is just around the corner, isn't it?
  
  > A Message
  You have little choice. The Queen is angry with you because you've rebuffed her. The King is angry with you because he thinks you're trying to put one over on him. You're certain he'd have you killed if he could do it without violating rules of hospitality.
  
  Lycia isn't exactly a safe place these days. Is the message THAT important?
  
  Maybe you should look to see what the King so desperately needs to have delivered?
  
  > continue to Lycia, You Got A Second Chance!
  Open a sealed message? No way! That would be very dishonorable!
  
  Instead,you continue on to Lycia, being careful to travel only during the day. The hillsides are littered with the bones of the Chimaera's victims - you are horrified and afraid, and grateful when a King's envoy meets you to escort you to the palace.
  
  Once there, you deliver the message to Iobates and offer your services to him, pledging to serve loyally in whatever manner he sees fit.
  
  Iobates pauses, his eyebrows rising and his mouth quirking. He is intent upon the message you have delivered, and he considers briefly before speaking.
  
  "It seems you're in quite a bit of trouble, young man. But you can atone for your indiscretions.
  
  Slay the Chimeara, and your slate will be wiped clean."
  
  You swallow hard. "Beg pardon, Majesty?" You blink.
  
  "Slay the Chimaera that has been terrorizing this town for so long. Restore our peace, and you will not be punished for your indiscretions. Refuse, and you will be put to death."
  
  Your stomach knots and jumps. Oh, adventure, here you are! You're a little frightened, but very excited. If you can free Lycia of this terrible creature, you'll be famous!
  
  Unsteadily, you accept the King's orders, and ask for time to prepare for battle. Iobates suggests you seek the counsel of Polyidus, the wisest man in all of Lycia. Surely he will know how you can prepare.
  
  > seek Out Polyidus
  Polyidus, it seems, has been expecting you.
  
  "You understand," he says, "that the Chimaera is no ordinary creature? She is the result of the union of two Gods, and she is nearly invincible. You're not going to get very far without help."
  
  You nod in agreement, and explain that you're willing to go to whatever lengths necessary to free Lycia from the monster's reign of terror and despair. Impressed with your courage and willingness to fight, Polyidus instructs you to go to the Temple of Athena.
  
  "She posesses the Pegasus, the winged steed who sprang from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa. Only with the help of the Pegasus can you defeat the Chimaera. Go to Athena, offer her gifts and prayers, and she will help you."
  
  > In Athena's Temple
  You travel to the Temple of Athena. As you pass among the pillars, you become aware of many owls roosting in the Temple - birds sacred to this Goddes of Wisdom and War.
  
  Upon her altar, you lay gifts of gold and burnt offerings, and offer your life to the service of the Goddess if she will but assist you in ridding the land of this fearsome beast.
  
  As the night wears on, you grow tired, cold and hungry. Surely you aren't meant to stay the entire night here?
  
  > Stay
  Though you are weary you know that you must be patient. The Gods respond in their own time and will not be hastened.
  
  With the eyes of Athena's owls upon you, you drape yourself in your cloak, and curl up to sleep on the cold marble floor.
  
  Your sleep is fitful and dream filled, and Athena comes to you with advice.
  
  "You are brave to seek to destroy this beast; your bravery and offerings please me.
  
  To destroy the Chimaera, you must fly above it, and hurl lead into the mouth of the fire-breathing goat. There is no other way to destroy this beast.
  
  Seek out the Pirene Spring where the Pegasus drinks each morning. Approach him quietly, and slip this bridle over him. He will obey you, and only you, so long as the bridle remains on him. Do not seek to fly to Olympus, however, or he will throw you to certain death."
  
  She stares meaningfully at you, her clear grey eyes penetrating you, and you wake with a start.
  
  In your hand is a golden bridle.
  
  Your prayers have been answered.
  
  > To The Spring
  In the pale morning light, you creep to the Spring at the foot of the temple, and wait.
  
  Presently, you hear the beating of wings and watch in wonder as the beautiful white steed approaches the well. As he lowers his head to drink, you creep up softly behind him.
  
  Do you dare attempt to capture him for your own? It's said that only the Muses can get close enough to tend to this magnificent animal. How are you supposed to slip the bridle on without getting yourself killed?
  
  > hurry! Toss the Bridle!
  You move quickly across the grass, making no sound, your arm outstretched.
  
  In one fluid motion, you slip the bridle over his head. Success!
  
  Pegasus whickers softly, and gently nuzzles your hand. He is yours now, and will obey your every command. You can scarcely believe your good fortune, and quickly whisper a prayer of thanks to Athena.
  
  As you mount the magnificent steed, your mind races. Battle the Chimaera, or visit Olympus? Athena didn't REALLY mean for you not to go there, did she?
  
  > To Battle!
  You know better than to tempt the wrath of the Gods. Besides, you're not a hero yet! There is the small matter of the Chimaera to attend to before you dare claim that title.
  
  You ride the Pegasus back to the Temple of Athena, where once again, under the watchful gaze of her owls, you offer her gifts of gold, burnt offerings and prayer. You ask her for strength in the battle to come, and dedicate the battle to her name.
  
  As you exit the Temple to return to Lycia, you notice that one of the owls has grey eyes, not yellow. The owl slowly nods at you, then vanishes.
  
  Is this a blessing from the Goddess herself?
  
  > return to Lycia
  You return to the palace on the magnificent Pegasus, much to the surprise of Iobates, who had been certain that you had fled.
  
  You spend the night in your quarters, fasting and praying to Athena for strength. The stable masters have been warned to stay well clear of Pegasus, who will attack any who stray too near. The Pegasus is a proud and willful steed, obedient only to the one with the protection of Athena.
  
  There is a great scurrying about the palace, and everywhere, whispered conversations erupt. Some say you're headed for certain death. Some say you'll prevail. You can't tell which they would prefer.
  
  Fitfully, you sleep.
  
  > Preparation
  You rise at daybreak, and seek out the metallurgist in the village. There is much activity in the palace, and reports of several stablehands being bitten by Pegasus.
  
  *sigh*
  
  You did warn them.
  
  "I need a large lump of lead, affixed to my spear. It needs to be large enough to fill the belly of the beast. Have you such a thing?"
  
  "I do," replied the metallurgist, "but it will be heavy. You may not be able to properly wield your spear! Wouldn't you rather have something lighter?"
  
  > insist on the Lead
  "No," you reply. "It must be lead, for only lead is sufficient to smother the flames of the Chimeara. Athena was clear - anything else will be useless."
  
  The metallurgist shakes his head, and sets about affixing a large lump of lead to you spear. He's right, it is remarkably heavy and unwieldy.
  
  Still, you know what needs to be done, and resolve that you will follow the instructions of Athena and prevail over the frightening monster.
  
  To the cheers of the gathering crowds, you mount Pegasus, and hoist your spear. With a whispered prayer for protection and strength, you take to the sky, navigating quickly to the lair of the Chimaera.
  
  It's time to put an end to the suffering of Lycia. Can you do it? Are you ready?
  
  > Onward!
  Swiftly, you fly to the lair of the Chimaera, and call out to her, taunting her, daring her to show herself and meet her undoing.
  
  She growls, her three fearsome heads hissing, roaring, and breathing fire, and flies directly at you.
  
  You pull back on the bridle, and Pegasus wheels, rearing up and striking out at the ghoulish heads. You wait, carefully watching the mouths open, then, when the goat's head rises to breathe another gout of white-hot flame, you strike!
  
  You hold your breath as the spear sails towards its mark, praying with all your might that it flies true, and breathe again only when you see it fly directly into the mouth of the Chimaera's goat head.
  
  With a strangled cry, the Chimaera plummets to Earth. The lead has melted, snuffing out the deadly flames, immediately suffocating the Chimaera.
  
  Is it over? Have you won?
  
  > Victory!
  It is over. You've slain the terror of Lycia, the Chimeara is now little more than a smoking lump of stinking flesh.
  
  You return to Lycia a hero, greeted by throngs of grateful citizens. You've succeeded - your name will become legend, you'll be forever remembered as a hero!
  
  As the crowds gather and the cheering increases, you quickly offer thanks to Athena, for without her help, you would surely have failed.
  
  Is your adventure over, or have they only just begun?
  
  > Congratulations!
  Congratulations! You've won!
  
  Of course, Bellerophon's adventures had only just begun.
  
  Though he was impressed with Bellerophon's bravery, King Iobates still had the natter of his son in-law's demand to deal with. Since he couldn't very well kill someone who had pledged his service, he sent Bellerophon on ever more dangerous quests, including fighting the vicious Solymis and the Amazons. As his fame grew, it became apparent to Iobates that more drastic measures would have to be taken. He ordered a group of the strongest Lycians he could muster to lay in ambush for the hero.
  
  Bellerophon defeated them as well, and Iobates, convinced that Bellerophon had divine protection, sheepishly admitted that he was deliberately trying to kill him.
  
  Bellerophon vehemently denied that he had seduced Queen Antea, and Iobates was forced to investigate. Eventually, Antea confessed that it had been the other way around - in shame, she took her own life, and Iobates offered not only his apologies, but the hand of his daughter in marriage.
  
  Eventually, Bellerophon became King of Lycia. Alas, his power and fame got the better of his senses, and he determined he would pay the Gods of Olympus a visit after all. Surely they would welcome so great a hero now? He encouraged Pegasus to fly to Olympus, and though the steed balked, he was bound to obey, as he still wore Athena's golden bridle.
  
  The Gods would have none of that, and sent a fly to sting Pegasus, causing him to writhe and buck, throwing the vain Bellerophon to the Earth. In some versions of the legend, he perishes upon impact. In others, he is pitied by Athena, and caused to land in a bramble bush, as punishment for his hubris.
  
  For more about Bellerophon, visit the Greek Mythology Page:
  
  http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Bellerophon.html
  
  Or search Google with "Bellerophon" !