Divine Destiny: Serendipity Saga Book Two

Chapter Eleven

Hermes and I parted, and he drifted after Hera, laughing and smiling already. He was most definitely a cheery type, though I didn't exactly trust him. Hera began rambling about some battle that Hermes had really missed out on, describing deaths in gruesome detail. I ventured away from them, needing but a moment to myself before the others would arrive.

I ventured across the open second floor to an alcove that opened onto air beyond. It held a balcony, one big enough to lounge in and I was eager for the opportunity. A long chaise lounge sat alongside the outer railing, looking down over the edge of Mount Olympus. It was a glorious figure, stretching up to the clouds and beyond.

Mount Olympus was truly magnificent. It was a multi-tiered building, accentuated by large white marble columns with golden trim. From this balcony, I could see a large portion of the front of the building. I could also peer down over the edge of the building to densely wooded greenery. To the right of the entrance, a rolling waterfall roared down into the trees. It truly was a beautiful sight. To those a bit less cynical anyway.

Several figures touched down before the grand marble staircase leading up to the entrance of the building. I could identify Ares, a large golden spear leaned against his shoulder, a round white and gold shield strapped across his back. Beside him, a diminutive silhouette identified Aphrodite, a golden rod braced in her hand.

They were flanked by Poseidon over Ares shoulder, his chest puffed out, a long sash draped over it. He held a long golden trident, letting its tips drag along the ground, leaving scarred patches in its wake.

On their other side was the lithe, lean beauty, Eris, my counter, my opposite. She had long blonde-white hair and deep violet eyes. She stared up at the entrance for a long moment, contemplative.

Then her eyes darted to me. She watched me carefully, not drawing attention to my presence. She smiled up at me, toying with the clutch of her long dark cloak. She lifted the hood from her head, letting it fall back onto her shoulder. The cape billowed behind her, snapping in the wind.

Behind the quartet, dark creatures emerged. They were split by a nearly invisible division, some of the creatures walking on all fours, fur rippling down their spines, raised behind their necks. They had long white fangs dripping with saliva over their lips, pulled back from their origin.

The others stood on two legs, also covered in fur but in a variety of colors. Gleaming yellow eyes stared up the steps at the building resting atop the mountain.

On both of their sides walked individuals, hands held to the side as though restraining them. They were tall and heavily muscled, both men and women. Sharp, cunning eyes darted around the area curiously.

They had brought company and I was more than curious to find out who they were. Ares mounted the steps first, followed by the others, one thunderous stomp after the other.

I fled.

I lurched from my perch peering over the mountain below and scrambled down the hall, my feet sliding along the marble floors. I sped down the halls, back the way I had come to the heavy banquet hall doors. They were closed now but it bore no minding to me.

I slammed into them, hurling them open. All eyes within shot to me. Other individuals had joined Zeus, Hera, Athena, Artemis, and Hermes who now lounged across the ark of Hera's throne.

"Is something the matter, Harmonia?" Hera asked, leaning forward in her seat. Her lips were stained red, a crimson filled goblet clutched in her fist.

"They are here," I explained, breathing hard. "They've brought company."

Zeus' eyes hardened and he stood, dragging a scepter from beside his chair. The rod was silver, maybe three feet long and topped with an electric blue gem shaped like a lightning bolt. It rested in a silver claw-like setting. It's gem gleamed with a fury of its own.