Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/46

LOVERS’ LEGENDS Laius and the twins were of an age. They spent all day together—no one could part them. They outdid each other in hunting and war games, steeled their bodies in the wrestling school. The years flew by and Laius ripened into manhood in Pelops' house, praying someday to repay the king's hospitality. The twins likewise blossomed into men like gods, and Hippodamia swelled with pride to see their strength. She spared no effort in grooming them for power, for someday the kingdom would be theirs.


 * That was the last thing Pelops wanted. He loved Goldenhorse the best of all his sons, and meant to set him on the throne. To carry out his plans, however, he needed a man he could trust completely. He summoned Laius, and let him in on his designs: his son had to be taught the skills of princes, for he had much to learn before he could rule. Pelops charged Laius to tutor Goldenhorse, to teach him the charioteer's art. Laius saw no way out, he was bound to repay the king's welcome. He bowed low, thanked Pelops for the honor, and pledged to fulfill his wishes to the letter.

From that day on, each rose-red fingered dawn found Laius and the boy already hard at work, riding the polished bentwood chariot, putting the rapid horses through their paces. Goldenhorse drank it all in. The Nemean games were drawing near and his heart pounded with thoughts of glory, racing other Greek princes, even winning a champion's laurels, if so the gods chose. But as Laius cooly taught Goldenhorse to turn the spirited horses to his will, his heart flamed with desire for the boy. In a thousand 32