[ TT ] Write a Wild West adaption of a Greek myth . ( Inspired by the original cowboy , the minotaur . )

`` Mother, I've told you now'bout a hundred times that this Preston fellow is no good.'' 
 
 `` Yes, yes, Percy, but maybe if you say it a few more times I might actually hear you,'' she responded, more distracted by her reflection in the small mirror that hung in her room. 
 
 `` Mother, Preston is no good, and we should n't go to this party.'' 
 
 His mother turned and smirked at him. `` No.'' 
 
 Percy gritted his teeth. `` He's a liar and a cheat Mother. Mark my words, he's always playing some angle. Do n't trust him.'' 
 
 She rose and walked toward him, her flowing gown trailing slightly behind her. `` I'm awfully flattered by your concern honey. But facts are facts. Preston's a wealthy and well respected man in this parts, and he sure seems to fancy me quite a bit. With me being an old maid and a mother to boot, that's not a too common thing. And lord knows you could use a father in your life.'' 
 
 `` I ai n't got no need for one now. Never have.'' 
 
 `` The Sheriff would say different. As a matter of fact, he has. Repeatedly.'' 
 
 A knock at their door interrupted the argument. Percy's mother shot him a disapproving look, then brushed past him and opened the door. 
 
 `` Evening Ms. Uster. There's a carriage out front waiting to take you and young Percy out to Mr. Cleese's place,'' Simon, the owner of the general store they lived above, said. He continued on in a low whisper, trying unsuccessfully to keep Percy from hearing. `` And he sent along a gift for you Ms. Uster. Your rent's been brought current, and paid up for the next three months.'' 
 
 `` Thank you for letting me know, Simon,'' Mother replied. `` Come along Percy, we must n't keep our ride waiting.'' 
 
 Percy tugged at the sleeves of his formal wear and followed his mother down the stairs and to the carriage. The coachman helped Mother carefully climb up into the fine black compartment, trimmed in polished silver, before pointedly ignoring Percy and stepping up into the driver's seat. Percy practically dove into the carriage as the driver urged the two white stallions forward. 
 
 Before Percy could even get a word out, his mother cut him off. `` I have no intention of resuming our discussion, Percy. You've said your piece, but I need to do what's best for us. I expect you to be nothing but a perfect gentlemen this evening.'' 
 
 Percy rolled his jaw, but finally nodded. The two of them rode in silence as the carriage carried them out of town about a mile to Preston Cleese's ranch house. Not that is looked anything like a ranch house in the typical sense of the words. It was an elaborate two story manor staffed by servants that lived and worked on his sprawling estate. 
 
 The carriage came to a stop in front of the massive front door that was surrounded by genuine Grecian columns. Preston was always quick to point out they were the real deal, and what a hefty expense he'd incurred by getting them imported and shipped way out here. A servant opened their door and escorted Mother inside while Percy trailed behind. 
 
 Inside was the expected din of a party in full swing. Preston spied them immediately and sauntered up to Mother. `` Diana, I'm so delighted that you were able to attend,'' he said, kissing her hand. `` The ladies are over there discussing, well, whatever it is you womenfolk discuss. Percy, I expect you're old enough to come have a cigar with the men.'' 
 
 Preston clapped a hand on Percy's shoulder's and led him into a smoke-filled room crowded with men in suits that fit them properly. Percy did n't recognize hardly any of them, they were all out-of-towners who came specifically for the party. Before he knew what was happening, Preston had led him into a large circle of men who were passing around a box of cigars. 
 
 `` Gentlemen, this is Percy, the strapping young man I was telling you about,'' Preston said as he snagged a cigar and thrust it into Percy's hand. 
 
 Percy squeaked out a `` Good evening,'' while the assembled men all muttered their greetings and salutations. 
 
 `` Preston was just telling us that you were a rather capable fellow there, Percy. With quite a bit of, what did he call it, character?'' One man said. The other's chuckled along with a joke that Percy did n't get. `` I bet you went out and tamed a wild one, just for tonight, did n't you?'' 
 
 Percy furrowed his brow. `` I'm afraid I do n't catch your meaning, sir.'' 
 
 `` A horse, my boy. A horse.'' 
 
 Percy still looked confused. 
 
 `` I do n't think the young man brought a gift!'' another man chimed in. 
 
 `` Now, now,'' Preston said, waving his hands downward to suppress the excited mutterings, `` Percy here is a boy of modest means. He certainly did n't know any better.'' 
 
 `` Well is n't it our obligation to instruct the poor boy,'' the first man said. Preston nodded his head with feigned reluctance. `` You see, young man, in civilized society it is proper to come to an occasion such as this with a gift. As a thank you to a fine host, such as Preston here. In this case he let it be known that he was looking for a gift of a horse from all those in attendance.'' 
 
 `` But do n't worry, Percy, I do n't feel slighted by your not bringing one. I mean, you could have gone out into the wilds and tamed one, but it really is not matter here. I've received plenty of gifts,'' Preston said with his trademark smile. 
 
 By now, Percy's face was burning hot with anger. Or maybe it was embarrassment. All he know for certain was he could n't take the condescending tones any longer. `` Well if you have enough horses, then what is it that you want?'' 
 
 The gathered men scoffed. Preston smiled with a touch too much magnanimity. `` Oh, it's quite alright Percy. You need n't bother yourself.'' 
 
 `` No, sir,'' Percy responded, being sure to emphasize the `` sir.'' `` I'd hate to think I have offended. Name your gift. Anything you want, and I'll bring it to you.'' 
 
 `` Anything?'' 
 
 `` Anything.'' 
 
 `` Well, young Percy, I've been having quite a bit of trouble with some cattle rustlers. I'm losing a steer a week to Ol' Minnie and her sisters. Bring me Ol' Minnie's head, and we're even.'' 
 
 The room suddenly went quiet. A couple of men let off nervous laughs, but no one joined in at chuckling at what was clearly not a joke. 
 
 `` The mad snake charmer?'' Percy asked quietly. 
 
 `` Yes, her,'' Preston replied. `` But of course, that's far too much to ask of you. Believe me, Percy, I can live with a little disappointment.'' 
 
 Percy stuck out his chin and ran his tongue over his teeth. `` Fine. Ol' Minnie's head. It's yours.'' 
 
 ***** 
 
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