Discoveries

In the land of Greece there were 3 children.  They were three children of the gods.  The first and oldest was Jacob who was the son of Poseidon.  Next was the daughter of Zeus, Aria.  And last and the youngest of the friends was Maria.  She was the daughter of a god but she didn’t know what god yet.  Her mother told her stories of her father but never told her his name.  Her mother told her that her father was powerful and one of the richest gods.  She said that if she knew who her father was she would abuse her powers.  Maria never understood but respected her mother’s wishes to keep her father’s identity a secret.  

         During the years when Jacob, Maria and Aria were growing up they began to train knowing one day their parents would someday send them on a journey.  Once they all turned sixteen they got a visit from an old woman.  She came one day when the children were training.  It was 2 days after Maria’s birthday and she was expecting her mother to tell her who her father was.  She was sparing with Aria when the woman came.  

         “Oh children could you help me?” The woman called to them.  They obeyed and went to help the woman knowing if they didn’t they could get in trouble.  “You boy, carry that trunk.  And be careful.  There are gifts in there.  You girls can carry my food.” She said as she handed Aria and Maria the bags.  As Jacob struggled with the trunk the old woman walked ahead towards one the houses in the village.

          “Do any of you know who that woman is?” Aria asked.

          “I’ve never seen her around the village before.  What about you Maria?” Jacob huffed as he walked with the trunk.

           “Me neither.  May be it’s a goddess!” Maria exclaimed.  “May be it’s time for our journey.” She went on.

           “Maria you think that all new comers to the village are either a god or goddess coming to tell about our journey.  Remember that old sea man you thought was Poseidon?” Aria said.  “Besides, it probably won’t be your journey.  You just turned sixteen.  I doubt you would get it so early.” She said as they reached the house.

            “I’ll probably get mine first.” Jacob boasted as he set down the trunk.  Maria sagged her shoulders and followed Aria into the home.  As they came inside the woman offered them some food and as they were sitting down at her table she went over to the trunk and pulled out three items.  The woman came over to the table and as she stood in front of them a brilliant flash of light appeared.  Aria, Jacob and Maria all shielded their eyes and when they looked back the Goddess Athene was standing in front of them.  She wore a golden helmet and carried a long spear.  She was adorned in full battle armor and she had stormy grey eyes with curly brown hair that fell into place whenever she moved.  They stared at her in awe.  

     “I have come with a message from your fathers.” She spoke.  Maria quickly looked up and thought she was finally going to know who her father was.  “Jacob, son of Poseidon, Your father has sent me to give you this.” She continued as she handed Jacob a foot long sword.  It had a golden hilt embroidered with jewels that looked like the sea itself.  “Aria, daughter of Zeus, I give you this.” She went on.  She handed Aria a spear.  In Aria’s hands it produced sparks of lighting and buzzed with electricity.  Athene turned to Maria and she had hope in her eyes.  “Maria, I give you this.” She said almost teasingly.  

      Athene handed Maria a helm.  It was as black as night and had a black feathered plume.  Maria turned it over in her hands and found a silver inscription on the back.  It read, “To my daughter.  May you use it well.”  Maria sighed knowing Athene won’t tell her who her father was

       “I also come with a message from my father.” Athene said to us.  Aria looked up expectantly thinking she would finally get her journey.  “He wants all three of you to travel to my city of Athens.  There you will find it ravaged by a beast my sister Artemis made to get back at a hunter who said he was better than her.  He was killed by the beast but she decided to keep it there.  I want it out.” She went on.  “My father also said you aren’t allowed to take to the sea or the air.” She said looking at Aria and Jacob.