Lieutenant

Chapter 16

Artemis could tell Zoë was uncertain about meeting the goddess's mother, and all Artemis could do was reassure her things would be fine.

"I will not inform my mother of the relationship until I believe she should know," Artemis explained, hoping it would give Zoë some comfort. "That way she has time to get to know you before judging you."

"Right. That seems appropriate." Zoë nodded in agreement as the two waded through thick brush. "How did you discover her location anyways?"

"Animals are useful. I just asked them." Artemis mused.

"Right." Zoë laughed lightly. "That makes sense. Let's listen to squirrels. They'll do anything for an acorn."

"Oh, you'd be surprised. And raccoons love shiny things. Just play to their interests and the furry things will be the perfect henchmen." Artemis explained with a smile.

"Could you convince an army of squirrels to stone a person to death with acorns?" Zoë wondered.

"That's a morbid thought, but I suppose you could." Artemis chuckled. "Not much longer now. Maybe three miles."

"Just a jog away." Zoë agreed.

"I'll race you," Artemis said, bouncing on the balls of her feet in anticipation.

"You're on." Zoë smiled, taking off at a sprint. She could hold her own quite well against the goddess but Artemis usually won. The two drew side by side for some time before Zoë eased up a bit and followed Artemis out of breath into a clearing that sat adjacent to a cave.

"I won." Artemis beamed.

"It is usually how our races turn out." Zoë gave her a tiny smile, still trying to recover from the exertion.

"You keep a good pace." Artemis complimented, resting her hands on her hips and scanning the area. "This is it. I wonder-"

Artemis felt a rush of wind come from behind. Spinning she caught sight of a glistening spear. Batting it aside with a swift kick she drew her bow and took aim. A warm laugh drew her attention upwards to a ledge just above the cave entrance.

"Very good. You're quite skilled." Artemis immediately lowered her weapon.

"Mother." She smiled excitedly. Zoë stood awkwardly to the side observing the woman sitting cross-legged on the rocks. She looked strikingly like Artemis. There were key differences though. Her hair was a much deeper hue of red, dark, nearly brown when light neglected to touch it. She had eyes like the color of a frozen stream, not quite silver, not quite blue. She had the same mischievous smile as the young goddess, and the slant of their brows and cheekbones were identical.

"Did you not bring along your brother?" Leto questioned, eyes searching expectantly for Apollo.

"He is busy. Always restless." Artemis explained apologetically.

"And the dashing young lady?" Leto questioned, nodding at Zoë who had remained quiet.

"My lieutenant," Artemis explained.

"Ah, quite an esteemed position." Leto mused.

"Indeed. Zoë's earned it." Artemis promised. "That reminds me, I'm being rude. Zoë do you want to introduce yourself?"

"I suppose I could." Zoë nodded. "I am Zoë Nightshade, daughter of Atlas, former Hesperide."

The words seemed to be uncomfortable for Zoë to say and Artemis felt a pang of sympathy for her.

"You're the one who aided Heracles," Leto noted, her expression softening. "The mortals do not speak of you."

"I am unimportant to the tale." Zoë shrugged.