One with the Gods

Chapter Fourteen: A battle not yet over

Chapter fourteen:

A battle not yet over

Andromeda awoke in her room. She recognized the Silver and blue sheets and white walls with swirls of gold and silver. She felt a gentle breeze across her face from the open door to her balcony. She found her father asleep in a chair. A golden blanket was strung over him. He rested soundlessly. Andromeda began to sit up when pain shot through her left side. She uncovered her body and looked and remembered that one night. A bandage with blood stains covered the wound from Artemis’s sword.

Suddenly a horse whinnied with joy from the balcony. It was Hercules. Hercules had followed them from the underworld to Olympus. With sharp pain shooting through her body Andromeda crawled out of her bed and to the balcony. She stroked Hercules soft black nose. Hercules stood on the balcony enjoying the love from his master. “I see you’re awake.” Her father said from behind. She turned around and found him smiling at her. He shooed Hercules off and ushered Andromeda back inside. “You have been asleep for three days you must be hungry.” Zeus said. “I am famished. I could have something to eat.” Andromeda said. “I thought so. I had your maids prepare your food and set it up down stairs.” Zeus said.

She followed him down the stairs towards the dock. A square table was set up with food all over it. Four plates were set up. Andromeda looked puzzling at the two extra plates. Zeus answer her puzzling look, “Ares and Aeros are joining us.” Just as Zeus said the words a knock sounded at the door. One of Andromeda’s maids rushed to the door and opened it to reveal Ares and Aeros. Ares wore a golden tunic with a green belt. Aeros wore a silver tunic with a blue belt. Just as Andromeda sat down the two walked into. They both bowed to her father and took their seats.

Aeros sat across from Andromeda. He glanced at her as portions of the meal were placed on their plates. “How are you feeling Andromeda?” Ares asked. “I am better. I am sore, but better.” She said. Ares gave her a single nod and began eating. “I have brought you all hear to talk of the adventure.” Zeus said. “All of the items except for two of the items. The winner of the adventure was Andromeda. She won by two achievements. First was the killing the fury and the second was capturing the Siren.” Suddenly all eyes fell on Andromeda. Andromeda could feel those eyes waiting for her to say something. “It is your choice Andromeda. Do you wish to wed Aeros or not?” Ares asked.

Andromeda’s mind was confused. Was she in love with Aeros? Or was she not? “Can I discuss something’s with Aeros please?” Andromeda asked. Aeros and her stood up and went into the other room. She could no longer see her father or Ares just Aeros. “Aeros I need to know one thing. Do you really love me?” Andromeda asked. “The question is; do you love me?” He asked. Andromeda stared at him. She noticed how perfect his lips looked and how his face was a perfect bronze color. Suddenly she felt love. She felt a warmth start from her heart. It spread from her fingertips to her toes. Suddenly she lurched forward and laid her lips on his. The kiss she shared with him was sweeter, softer, and more sensual then she had every felt in her life.

  She pulled away and stared at Aeros face. He seemed joyful yet shocked. Suddenly Zeus and Ares came rushing around the corner. “Andromeda Aeros stay here. An army of monsters have begun to beat on the gates being led by a man covered in black shadows!” Zeus said. They rushed out before Andromeda could say she was coming. Andromeda ran upstairs. She quickly changed into a blue and golden tunic. When she ran down stairs Aeros asked, “What are you wearing?” “This is my battle tunic smart one. I am going after that man.” She said. “Your father said for you to stay here out of danger.” Aeros argued. Andromeda went into the walls of weapons and slipped a leather holster over her head. The straps had pockets along her waist and chest for knives. She grabbed a sword with a tight leather hilt and golden bud. She sheathed it and then grabbed a golden shield. Aeros grabbed her arm. “I almost lost you two days ago. I don’t plan on loosing you again.” He said. “Aeros that man covered in shadows is from my dreams. He doesn’t want Olympus he wants me. Remember on the journey how I had that terrible nightmare. That was him. He wants to find me and make me his bride.” I said. “I’m the only one who can stop him.”

Suddenly Aeros grabbed a sword and shield. He slipped the silver tunic off over his head to reveal a red and golden tunic. “You don’t think I’m letting you go alone.” He said. She smiled at him. Andromeda touched the golden medallion around her neck. She gently traced the diamond sparrow carved into the gold. “Aeros I know you don’t want me or you to die. I definitely don’t want you to die.” Andromeda said. “We need a plan if we want to accomplish that.” Suddenly Andromeda remembered a dream she had. Before the Adventure she dreamed of that man, but he was on his knees before her. He was confessing his love for her. Said he would do anything for her. Then an idea hatched.

“Aeros I have a plan.” She said. “What is it?” He asked. “I had a dream that he came to me on his knees saying he would do anything for me. If we can use his love against him we should be able to trap him.” She said. “Let’s get going then.” Aeros said. Andromeda ran to the dock. She placed her fingers to her mouth and whistled. Hercules can flying towards her. Aeros ran through the front door and mounted his Pegasus. Andromeda mounted and flew off with Aeros behind her. Andromeda saw her bow and arrows on her saddle. She flew faster. They reached the gates and saw a battle scene. Monsters of all shapes and sizes pounded on the outside of the golden gates. Gods and magical creatures fought on the inside of the gate. Suddenly above the monsters she saw the shadow man she saw in her dreams. He was cloaked in a black shadow. He floated on a black cloud.

“Gods give me strength.” Andromeda said. With those words flew into the madness. Aeros followed her only wanting her to be safe.

Castolla ran to the gates. She shot arrows at the monsters trying to invade Olympus. She saw Cyclops and shot them in the eye. She saw monsters she didn’t recognized and shot them in the eyes or face. It didn’t seem to help any. Suddenly a shadow passed over her in the shape of a Pegasus. She looked up and saw two familiar Pegasus. “Andromeda!” She shouted with joy. Suddenly out of the corner of her eye she saw a man. She turned her face towards it and saw a man covered in black shadows and standing on a black cloud. She took aim and fired at the man. It didn’t faze him. It flew right through him. She focused on the monsters. Suddenly a fire ball flew over the gate and into the crowd of gods. The group scattered and watched the fire burn on the cobble. Dian rushed forward and with a swift movement of her hands water covered the burning fire.  The gods went back to fighting the monsters. Castolla constantly glanced at Andromeda. Suddenly a screech of metal sounded. The golden gates began to bend ever so slightly. Castolla faced Dian and yelled, “Dian create a wall of water to hold the gate!” Dian nodded and began to make the wall of water. “Andromeda, you better have a plan.” Castolla said.