7 A narrow escape

Chapter 7 A narrow escape When Aeetes heard the news, he flew into a rage. "They won't get away with this!" he shouted. He marched his army to the shore to board his fastest ships.

"After them!" cried Aeetes. His small ships were much faster than the heavy Argo. By noon, they had almost caught up. Soon, the Argo was trapped.

"It's no use!" cried Jason. "There are too many of them. We'll have to give them the fleece." But Medea had an idea. My brother Absyrtus is in charge of the ships. "If we kill my brother, Absyrtus*, my father will give up," she said. "It's our only chance."

"OK," said Jason. He called out to the king's ships. "Absyrtus, come aboard to make a truce!" Give me the fleece!

Too late, the men of Colchis realized what was happening. They watched helplessly as Medea stabbed her brother and threw him into the sea. King Aeetes began to sob. "A curse upon Medea!" he wept. How could she kill her own brother?

King Aeetes ordered his men to fish Absyrtus out of the water. In the confusion, the Argo slipped away. The king was too upset to chase Jason again. Sadly, he returned with his fleet to Colchis.