The God of Clay and Fennel Fire: A Retelling of The Golden Goose

Chapter I: We Are Titans

"If you want to wake up Sybaris, you could simply call out for her," Prometheus hissed at his brother. Epimetheus sent another pile of stone down the mountainside as he struggled to keep up. Mount Kriphis was stony and dry, but they still had to be careful to make the least disturbance possible. Sybaris never passed up a meal. Especially meals that literally rang the dinner bell.

"I'd apologize except for the fact that you're being an ass. This place hasn't seen rain in months." Epimetheus paused and coughed into the crook of his elbow.

"At this rate, it might be a better idea to carry you myself."

Epimetheus grunted in reply.

Prometheus carefully placed his foot on an anchored stone and shifted his weight. He lifted his other foot, making sure no stone was disturbed before moving on. "If I'd known you'd be so loud, I would have gone by myself."

"Do you think I'd actually disobey an order straight from Olympus? Just because you don't care what he thinks of you doesn't mean I'm ready to be turned into a cloud of ash."

"You're right, I don't care...but between his temper and Sybaris' teeth, I'd take the former. He's a male: I know what his weak spots are in a fight."

Epimetheus grinned as he took a seat on a boulder. His auburn curls had turned muddy brown, a mixture of dust and sweat. "And you think I'm the one with a death wish."

"Get up," Prometheus ordered. "We only have a mile left. And the longer we stay, the stronger our scent is."

"We're titans, Prometheus, gods. That means we can't die. Or do you actually believe that father is dead instead of roasting for eternity in the bowels of Tartarus?"

"Not dying and not feeling pain are two different things. Let me know how you feel about immortality when Sybaris' teeth rip open your gut and then you spend years in her stomach as she tries to digest your flesh and bones."

Epimetheus rolled his eyes but stood up. He raised a hand to his eyes as he stared up the steep slope. "A mile, you said?"

Prometheus nodded, trying to control his own ragged breath. "It will feel like two, though. Maybe three. Especially in this thin mountain air."

"I think I'll take up your offer to carry me."

Prometheus' mouth tugged at the corners. "Sorry, brother. One time offer. You've missed your chance."

Epimetheus chuckled.

They arrived just as the sun dipped down behind the edge of the earth. The light from the sunset made the cave's walls glow like a furnace.

"We could be in Hephaestus' workshop," Epimetheus said, tracing his hand along the flickering gold stone.

"We'd be far safer there."

Epimetheus leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor. He drew his knees to his chest and leaned his head back. "I think you really need to remember Zeus is on our side. He owes us...we took his side in the Titanomachy, didn't we?" He wiped his glistening brow.

"I did. You just, for the first time in eternity, listened to my counsel. You never really cared whose side you were on."

"And you did? Tell me that you didn't look into the future and see who would be the victor."

"All I see in the future is your utter embarrassment and disrespect when you aren't standing when Zeus arrives in three..."

Epimetheus rolled his eyes. "We just got here. I'm sure he hasn't even left Olympus."