Lieutenant

Chapter 4

The throne room was deathly quiet as Hermes strode in with Artemis by his side. The other Gods sat upon their thrones with eyes staring down at their family members. Hermes bowed deeply in front of Zeus' throne and Artemis followed suit, though she was not as flashy as her companion.

"You may sit, Hermes." Zeus gestured to Hermes's simple throne. The messenger gave Artemis a hesitant look before leaving her side and striding over to his own place, growing taller with each step. "Artemis."

"Yes, Father?" Artemis questioned, looking up at the strong silhouette of the King.

"It has been brought to my attention that you have been neglecting my orders to remain on Olympus to frolic with a Titan's daughter." Artemis swallowed hard at her father's accusing glare and harsh tone. What was worse, she could feel the burning gaze of the others staring at her back.

"That may be partially true father, but I assure you whatever opinions you have formed are most certainly false." This was a dangerous thing to say, Zeus never willingly admitted that he was in the wrong.

"Enlighten me, then. Tell me, what have you learned of this Titan girl? I hope you know she is branded a traitor and of as disgusting breeding as her sister the witch." Artemis couldn't help but bristle at the accusation.

"Perhaps father, your opinions are outdated." Once again, Artemis threaded on thin ice and Zeus opened his mouth to respond when Athena came to the rescue.

"Father, Artemis may have a point. Time changes things. Maybe we should hear her out. All of us. There are things we can learn from the mortal world, just yesterday morning I discovered that the mortals have developed a new art form. It's quiet interesting." Athena's gaze softened when she stared at her younger sister, encouraging her to voice what it is that was on her mind.

"I have recently met the acquaintance of Zoë Noghtshade. The former Hesperides whose sister is Calypso." This struck the attention of everyone in the throne room, including a formerly disinterested Dionysus. "I grew tired of being held here, so I explored against my father's orders. I was shot down from the sky by a group of male hunters. They would have had my head if an unsuspecting Zoë had not intervened. I was nursed back to health and, when she discovered that I was a god, she could have easily done something horrible. She did the opposite. When I returned, it was because of her kindness."

"You expect us to formulate a positive opinion of a titan's offspring by one incident?" Ares questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"I have learned more of her character. She is not what our stories say. She's kind and her heart aches for her sister. She's alone and...sad. But she protects the mortals from monsters and when she kills for food she honors the fallen animal. You can not tell me that perhaps things aren't as you believe." Artemis shifted to share a look with each occupant in the throne room.

"That does not change from whom she comes." Demeter sighed.

"May I remind this throne room that I too come from a Titan? My mother is not one of you, if you persecute my friend due to lineage, then I am no better." Hermes and Apollo seemed to ponder Artemis's words with a lighter air than the others.

"Agreed. I too have Titan lineage." Athena nodded. "As does Apollo, and you father."

Zeus sighed and ran a hand through his beard. "You give a valid case, but that does not mean I enjoy your interference with the mortal world. I do not want you getting involved with their squabbles and become tainted by their hands."

"Your intentions are honorable, father, but I do not feel free here. My home is the wilderness where I can go where I please. Do as I please. My instincts are not compatible with this environment. Please, let me enjoy what the mortal world had to offer."