The Flames of Last Hearth (Book One of The Chronicles of Olympus)

Hermes I

I sat on my throne in the throne room of Olympus gazing intently at the burning coals in the center of the hearth, as Aunt Hestia tended the flames. My brothers and sisters were arguing again and Father wasn't helping matters by calling them out. I rolled my eyes and smiled ruefully at my aunt. She was seemingly used to all this ruckus by now. I figured that she's had plenty of time to master the art of ignoring this family over the last six thousand years.

Returning my focus back to the fire, my eyes watched it lick the air and warm feelings flooded the atmosphere. As my eyes began to go in and out of focus, my mind wandered to the Astral Plane and I suddenly found myself on Earth.

I smiled.

I was in a small village over a hundred miles outside of Thebes. I roamed the streets in my astral form, as children ran by laughing and playing, unable to hear, see, or feel my presence; completely unaware that I, a god, was even paying attention to their small, little town. Hell, I didn't even know why I was paying attention to their small town.

As I continued to explore the village, I watched the people go about their everyday lives blissfully content, never once complaining about their mundane existence. I observed the merchants as they traded goods with some of the villagers, and laughed to myself as they argued over the price of the linens.

Honestly, humans could be so childish sometimes.

Eventually, I wandered into the town square standing before a grand fountain with a statue of myself. I had to admit it was very impressive and they got my features almost exactly. I sat on the ledge of the fountain contemplating what life was like, and all the tragedies that came with it. I kept thinking about the latest argument between Father and Ares. Even though I'll never admit it to anyone, least of all Ares himself, I felt bad for him. Recently, there has been troubling rumors of monster attacks in the West, and the Council has been trying to discuss the best way to manage them. And instead of being an insolent fuck like he usually is, Ares actually gave some sound advice. But instead of getting a nod of approval or even in agreement, he got reprimanded for speaking out of turn. I thought that was uncalled for. Aphrodite was obviously enraged, although, she hid it well. Even the twins, Apollo and Artemis, were chomping at the bit, trying to bite their tongues.

I was lost in my own thoughts that I nearly missed the voice of a young woman calling out to me.

"Hello there," the girl said. I quickly looked up and gazed upon the woman who had called out to me. She had beautiful hair that shone like gold Drachmas on a sunny day. Her dark eyes glittered like the nectar of Ambrosia. Without a shadow of a doubt she was the most beautiful mortal woman I'd ever laid eyes on.

In fact I was so mesmerized by her beauty, it took a solid minute for me to realize that she spoke directly to me. "Wait a moment," I choked out, "you can see me?" She furrowed her brow in puzzlement as a confused smile danced across her lips. "Of course I can, don't be ridiculous," she answered back. I gaped in amazement that this young mortal girl in front of me was able to penetrate the mystical veil and see me in my Astral form. "My name is Galileia," she greeted, extending her hand, totally unaware of my inner turmoil. I was finally able to snap out of it long enough to shake her hand and say, "Nice to meet you, too. I'm Her... Heralios."

She gave me a peculiar look but nonetheless accepted my reply.

This day was turning out to be more interesting than I anticipated. Little did we both know, this was to be the start of something special... And something dark.