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Acastus asked. “Gold? Jewels?”
    â€œNothing that would profit any of you directly,” Chiron said, “but …” He hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. “But in the wrong hands, those jars hold great danger for all humankind.”
    The boys seemed to take a single deep breath and hold it.
    â€œBut danger especially,” the old centaur added, “for the people of Iolcus.”
    Eyes narrowed, Acastus asked, “What do you mean?”
    â€œI mean,” Chiron said, “that something within the jars could be used by Nessus and his herd against their old enemies.”
    The boys waited to hear more, hardly moving, and Chiron said gruffly, “Will you, prince of Iolcus, stand by and do nothing?”
    â€œIf Iolcus is in danger, I will not be found wanting.” Acastus’ hand went to the medallion at his chest.
    Chiron cleared his throat. “Then, Acastus, you must listen to Jason and follow Nessus and his herd. It will take a band of heroes to get those jars back here, where I will put them out of the way of the centaurs forever.”
    Acastus began to look interested. “You mean that the poets will sing of us in years to come?”
    â€œThe songs, my young prince,” said Chiron, “will be many and fine.”
    Face creased with worry, Admetus asked, “But how can we possibly catch up to them? They run as fast as horses, and we’ve no chariots to chase them with.”
    â€œCome,” said Chiron. “Sit by me. I will explain all.”
    The boys all took up squatting positions in front of Chiron.
    â€œNessus and his troublemakers won’t have traveled by night. They are day wanderers and will be easy to track, for they never think far enough ahead to try and disguise their passage.”
    The boys nodded at that, and Idas nudged Lynceus.
    â€œNow they are probably resting and drinking, for they are easily distracted from their purpose,” added Chiron.
    â€œThat’s true,” Idas said. “Yesterday, one minute they were ready to fight, the next they were on to something else. Jason warned us to wait them out, and he was right.” There was grudging admiration in his voice.
    Chiron nodded. “No discipline—that has always been their weakness. Otherwise they might well have been victorious over the men of Thessaly many years ago.”
    â€œDistracted or not, there are twelve of them at least,” Admetus reminded his friends. “And who knows how many more are out there? How can six of us overcome them?”
    â€œCertainly not by force of arms,” said Chiron. “So you will have to use stealth—and your wits.”
    â€œStealth and wits!” Acastus exclaimed. “What kind of heroes would we be then? What we want is an army. I could go to my father and—”
    â€œNo!” Chiron interrupted. The force of his cry drained him, and he slumped to the floor while the boys stood agape.
    Quickly Jason knelt on one side, Melampus on the other. They supported Chiron as he sucked in a deep breath. “There is no time. You must set out after Nessus now .” His eyes closed and his head bowed wearily as he whispered, “It is a matter of life and death.”
    Seeing that the boys were all looking dubiously at one another, Jason said with as much sarcasm as he could muster, “What happened to the idea of being heroes and having songs made to praise us?”
    â€œA true warrior doesn’t charge into battle without knowing what he’s fighting for,” said Admetus.
    â€œYou’ll be fighting for Chiron,” said Jason. “And for Iolcus. And for yourselves, too. Idas, don’t you want a chance to pay the centaurs back for that tail-whipping across the face?”
    For a moment Idas’ eyes flashed angrily at the memory.
    â€œAnd you, Acastus, remember that they called us women! Didn’t you vow that you would meet them again