My Father's Son

The Messanger

Hermes walked slowly down the dirt road that would lead him to the place where he knew his uncle was. He could have just flashed there of course but he wanted to stall for as long as possible.

The beach itself was magnificent. The crystal clear water, the warm sand. And it was in the perfect little spot too. The young god sighed as his uncle came into view. Why did he have to give this horrible news to him? Apollo wouldn't come with him. Saying Poseidon deserved it, that he had betrayed him. Hermes knew something was going on because not even ten minutes before his half brother had been agreeing with him. He only wished he knew what. And hoped he would not start to have thoughts that Poseidon actually did give the enemy an advantage.

"Hermes," greeted Poseidon. "I must say I didn't expect to see you here. Why have you come?"

Why was this my job?

"I have some news to give you and you're not going to like it."

Why me? The only god still loyal to my uncle.

"I don't like most news these days, I'm sure it can't be that bad. What is it?"

My uncle who had always been there for me.

"Zeus called a meeting. We went and it was not what I was expecting."

Who had always defended me.

"Somehow he got this idea that one of the gods had been helping the Titans secretly throughout the war."

Who lent me a helping hand whenever he could.

"Who is it?" he asked.

I'm going to cry. I'm not sure I can do this.

I look him in the eyes.

"You."

Had I ever had any doubts they would be gone. The look of surprise he gave me showed his innocence.

"W-what?"

He looks betrayed. He has been betrayed.

I take a deep breath.

"You are no longer on the council. And are banished from Olympus."

He looks at me in shock.

"I'm sorry Uncle P. I tried to stop them"

I see anger flash through his eyes.

"I really did."

His eyes calm.

"I couldn't do anything. With just me against the motion? There was nothing I could do."

"How mad are they?" his question is a whisper, but still clearly audible on the lonely beach.

"It depends who you're referring to"

He looks at me. Alarm becomes visible on his features.

"What did you vote."

I look down in shame.

"Hermes, please tell me you voted with them."

It's my turn to be shocked but I nod.

He sighs. "Good. They'll leave you alone then."

Of course worried about me, even when I'd just given him the worst news of his life.

"You should go. I don't want them to harm you."

I hug my uncle before stepping back.

"Be carful. I'll be in touch."

He smiles lightly at me. "You be carful as well."

And then I'm gone.