 The Lake warned them that the seven-headed serpent-king of the island would soon wake and bathe in it; it would devour the men alive if they were found.The only way they could limit their punishment was to spread their clothing over its path, as the softness would appease it.When it discovers the men and what they have done to soften his path, in exchange for their lives the serpent demanded twelve youths and twelve maidens every year, or it would destroy their country.