by Ciara Lake
“You can open your eyes now,” Aetius spoke close to her ear as the world steadied.
Terra opened her eyes to see that she was standing inside of a glass structure. It was perched up high on the side of a mountain. The building was glass from floor to ceiling. In front of her was a view of regal, snowcapped mountains. They sparkled like diamonds in the sun. A forest of evergreen trees surrounded the building.
“This is Olympus Lodge.” He moved away from her to look out the north-facing window.
“The resort of the gods?” She followed him to where he was standing. “The view’s gorgeous.”
“It has the best view of Mytikas, which is the highest point on Mount Olympus.” He pointed out the window toward the mountaintop.
“It’s glorious.” She took hold of his hand. “I’ve seen so many different places since I’ve been with you. I never thought I’d leave Ohio.”
“Surely you knew you would eventually.”
“I guess.” She shrugged. “I wish we didn’t have to worry about the Empusa, we could really have a good time.” She smiled up at him.
“You don’t need to worry...worry never changes anything. Plus, I do this kind of work all the time. I go after immortals who are as bad or worse than this Empusa.”
“Really? There are worse ones than an Empusa?”
“Yes, the supernatural world’s a terrifying place, especially for mortals.”
“That’s not reassuring,” she said.
“The world is dangerous. Zeus and the gods try to keep things under control, mortals and immortals separated for the most part, but many of the immortals aren’t cooperative and they prey on humans, like some of the vampires, for example. Even the gods themselves can prey on mortals.”
“I suppose that’s true. Even the mortals are dangerous to each other. It’s truly the survival of the fittest in their world.”
“Yes, exactly.” Aetius was staring out the window. “Even after visiting here for ages, I can’t get over the beauty of the view.”
“Greetings, Master Elemental.” A petite, blonde woman dressed all in white stopped next to Aetius. “You and your lady are welcome to the lodge of the gods. Would you like a beverage?” She held up her serving tray to display the drinks she carried. It held two goblets of a pink liquid.
“Sure. What is it?” Terra came closer to the woman and examined the glasses on the tray.
“It’s the nectar of the gods. Anyone who visits here can partake.” The blonde woman looked from under her long eyelashes in a coquettish manner.
“The beverage will make you feel joyful, giddy even. If you would like to try it, go ahead. It’s also known as ambrosia.” Aetius took a glass off the tray.
“I heard of that. I’ll try it.” Terra took the remaining glass. She held it to her nose and sniffed the liquid. “It smells like honey.”
“Yes, it does.” Aetius drank down his glass. “Deena, could you bring us something to eat?”
“Yes, come take a seat at one of the tables. I’ll serve you a meal. I’m here to please you, Master Elemental.” She bowed her head.
“Thank you, Deena.” He took Terra’s hand, and they walked to the table closest to the window.
More guests were arriving. They gathered at the vacant tables. The other servers were already bringing trays of food to the dining area.
“I’ll bring you the special meal offered today. It’s very delicious. Artemis has prepared the menus and provided the venison for this lunar month.” Deena placed napkins and flatware on the table.
“If the goddess of the hunt provided the meat, I’m sure it’s excellent.” Terra sat in the chair Aetius pulled out for her, and he sat down next to her.
“I’ll be right out with your dinner and refill your glasses of nectar.” Deena scurried away to get their food.
Terra watched the woman walk in the direction of what was probably the kitchen. “She’s dressed rather well for a server. She looks like she’s a guest at a formal dinner instead of serving it.” Terra looked around at the ornately decorated room. “This is a very beautiful place. It really fits something I would imagine the gods such as Zeus would like.”
She glanced down at the rug beneath her. Several oriental rugs were laid over white marble floors. A dozen large silver and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The dining tables and chairs were made from black stained wood. Each table had a lovely arrangement of pink orchids.
She focused her attention back on Aetius. “You seem to know Deena well.”
“Yes, I do know her well, and I hunted her once. I’ve been coming here for centuries.” He finished his ambrosia. “You’re not jealous, are you?” He eyed her as if he were amused.
Terra was silent for several seconds. “Surprisingly, I might be. I’m sorry, I’m not used to having these feelings for anyone.” She glanced toward the kitchen area. “Deena is beautiful.”
“She is nearly irresistible.” He grinned.
“You think?”
“Yes, she comes by it naturally. She’s a Siren, so it’s true to her character. She’s another dangerous creature for a mortal man, and even possibly an immortal one, in a different way.” He folded his arms and rested it on the table. “She’s working here to pay penance for a crime she committed a century ago.”
“What did she do? That’s a long sentence.” Terra looked around at the other servers. “Are they all Sirens?”
“No, there are various types of immortals and-or the children of gods here. Deena’s sentence isn’t long for her crime, and definitely not for an immortal. She lured numerous ships to the shores of Britain and killed all the sailors. In those days things could occur without much notoriety, but now not so much. However, she assassinated an important human, like a noble person, and Zeus couldn’t ignore her behavior. I caught her and offered her this sentence. She has been compliant.”
“She’s just as bad as the Empusa.”
“In a way.” He shrugged. “Times were different in the past, and the Empusa deprives mortals of an afterlife. So, I’d have to say, she’s much worse. And the humans who are killed by her don’t choose to be with her. Humans can resist a Siren if they’re strong. I know it’s a miniscule difference, but it is one.” Aetius sat back as Deena approached with a tray of food.
Deena sat the tray down on a nearby cart and placed their plates in front of them. The food smelled incredibly delicious. Terra quickly took a bite of the tender meat. Deena refilled their glasses. “Is there anything else I can provide?” she asked.
“Thank you, Deena, we’re good.” Aetius looked up at her. “I appreciate the excellent service.”
“It’s my pleasure, Enforcer.” Deena nodded and left the table.
“This venison is delicious.” Terra cut her meat and took another bite.
While they were eating their meal, a man with long, gray hair walked toward their table. His bright blue eyes were focused on Terra. At first glance, he appeared to be an older man, but when he got closer, Terra could see his face was without any sign of age. He wore a silver, Grecian-style robe with sandals.
He stopped by the side of their table. He slightly bowed his head toward Aetius. “Master Elemental, welcome to Mount Olympus. We’re always happy to have you here.”
“Thank you, God Zeus.” Aetius stood up to greet the god.
“Please be seated. Is this the young witch you’ve told me about? The daughter of Goddess Gaia?”
Aetius sat back down. “Yes, my God Zeus, it is indeed.”
“She’s lovely. May I?” He gazed down at Terra. “I would like to touch the crown of your head.”
“Yes, okay,” Terra answered in a quiet tone, unsure of what to expect.
Zeus reached out and touched the top of Terra’s head. Power radiated from his touch, and it filled her body with heat. His hand remained on her head for several seconds. She could feel a warmth continue to exude from his hand, over her head and down her neck to the pit of her stomach.
�
��She’s extraordinarily magical. Interesting.” Zeus rubbed the crown of her head. More heat released from his hand, soothing her in an odd way. “I can feel the essence of the gods within her. Their blood and their power.”
“What does that mean?” Terra looked up at Zeus.
“Oddly, it’s more than I expected. The presence of another god’s blood runs in your veins, not just the Goddess Gaia’s. How could that be?”
“I don’t know.” Terra shook her head. “Can you tell me?”
“Look at me, dear girl.” Zeus touched the side of her face to turn her to look directly at him. His eyes turned a shiny golden as he examined her. “Strange, strange indeed.” He tilted his head to the side. “You have an interesting combination of heredity.”
“How so?” Aetius asked.
“I’m perplexed as to how to answer you.”
“Why?” Terra asked.
“I’ll say this, you have more god’s blood than was first thought. And you have the blood of a royal immortal—an extremely powerful one.”
“We don’t know anything about what you speak. Terra recently learned who her parents are.”
“I’ve heard.” He smiled. “I’ll say no more at this time. There will be a better time to reveal what I’ve learned. Plus, I would like to discuss my findings with others.”
“What do you mean? That all sounds ominous.” Terra sat on the edge of her chair. “Am I in some sort of trouble?”
“Certainly not.” Zeus turned to look out the window as if he were contemplating what to do next. Then he refocused on Aetius. “Enforcer, I’ll see you in the council’s hall tomorrow at noon.” It was clear he wasn’t going to answer Terra’s burning question.
“Yes, my god.” Aetius stood up again. “We will be there.”
“Be dressed appropriately.”
“Of course.” Aetius nodded.
“I’ll have Terra’s dress delivered to your quarters. The two of you will be sharing a suite, correct?”
“Yes.” Aetius glanced at Terra.
“After you finish here, Deena will show you to your quarters. Thank you for bringing Goddess Gaia’s daughter to visit with us. I look forward to tomorrow’s meeting.”
* * * *
Terra and Aetius followed Deena down a long hallway. It was wide, and the floor was a glossy, black marble. Huge windows lined one side of the hallway. Beautiful paintings depicting the different Greek, Roman, Celtic, Nordic, Mesopotamian, Egyptian and other Patheon’s gods adorned the walls.
“This entire lodge is the epitome of elegance.” Terra reached for Aetius’s hand. “I never imagined I would be able to visit here or to be among the gods like this. Thank you, Aetius.” She clutched his hand in hers as they continued to follow Deena.
“It’s not me, it’s you. Plus, you’ve been close to God Dionysus as his handmaiden.”
“True.”
“You accomplished being his handmaiden on your own.”
“He liked to have sex with me.” She rolled her eyes.
“There are many beautiful immortals, but he chose you as one of his special handmaidens. That says a lot.”
“Again, thank you, Aetius.”
They continued to walk down the hallway.
“I really love these paintings. One could learn so much about the gods by appreciating these works of art.” Terra paused to admire a painting of Dionysus more closely. “Look, this is Dionysus with some of his handmaidens.”
“Yes, it is.” Deena walked closer to Terra and the painting. “Apollo commissioned these paintings. He had various famous artist over the centuries create them.” Deena stepped to the next painting. It was of Pan. “There are more paintings all over the lodge. When you have enough time, you’ll have to see them all.” She turned to continue toward their room.
They passed many double doors which led to private suites. Each one had a golden plate on the door, indicating the suite’s name. From what Terra could see the suites were named after the planets and the stars.
Deena waved at them to follow her. “Your room’s slightly further. It’s at the end of the hallway. You’ve been given a corner suite. It has an excellent view. Here we are.” She stopped in front of the last set of double doors. The nameplate on the door read Venus. Deena opened the door, and a dim light came on in the corner of the room. She entered the room and gestured for them to follow her inside. “Come in.” She moved further into the room.
There was a unique fragrance throughout the room. It was delightful and soothing. “What is that aroma?” Terra inhaled deeply.
“It’s from burning bay leaves. The herb heightens the sense of calmness and awareness. It creates a healing atmosphere. Bay leaves are burned often on Mount Olympus.”
“It’s a lovely scent. I’ve read about burning bay leaves.”
“The bathroom is to the right. And here’s the closet.” Deena pointed to the folding doors. “In there, you’ll find the clothes you’ll need to wear tomorrow for your session with the council. Anything else you might need should be in this dresser or in the bathroom. If you need something else that you can’t conjure, pull this cord.” She gestured toward a long, black and gold cord. “I hope you’re comfortable here.” She walked to the door.
“Thank you, Deena. We appreciate your service. Have a good night.” Aetius nodded.
Deena inclined her head toward Aetius, then left the room.
Terra made her way to the king-sized bed. She sat down on the bed and bounced slightly as she ran her hand over the soft, white coverlet. “Nice and very comfortable.” Terra got up and walked to the window near where Aetius stood. The glass was so dark, she could only see their reflections. “Are there any drapes?” she asked Aetius.
“Are you suddenly overly modest and worried someone out there in the forest will see us?” He grinned.
“No. If they want to spy on us, I hope they enjoy the show.” She winked.
“The windows are darkened.” He touched the window and the dark tinting faded, revealing a view of the forest illuminated by the moon.
In the dark, the forested mountainside appeared very different from what it did in the daylight. Terra saw the silhouettes of the evergreen trees against the backdrop of the mountains and the snowcapped peaks. The scenery was majestic and romantic.
“I enjoy being here at night.” Aetius touched the window and the dark tint returned.
“Don’t block the view.” Terra walked over to stand next to him.
“All right.” He touched the glass and the tint faded once again.
“That’s better. I was thinking, I know many immortals can time travel. Can you?”
“Yes.” He nodded as he continued to look out the window. “But I seldom time travel to the past. Sort of like, been there, done that.”
“Why don’t we go back in time and destroy the Empusa? That is, if we get permission to destroy her. Or we can imprison her before she commits more murders.”
“We can’t do that.” He stared into her eyes. “We’re not to play with the time line in that way. That could result badly. For one, we probably wouldn’t be here together. Or have met the way we did. I don’t want to disturb that.”
“Not even if it would bring back those who died?”
“No.” He shook his head. His dark eyes were filled with emotion as he watched her. “I’ve learned that things happen for a reason. It took me centuries to learn that lesson. But most importantly, it’s dangerous to all we know and love to change the time line, especially in such a significant way. And it’s too close to the present time. Traveling further into the past is less problematic, but still we can’t go back and kill her. It could result badly, and we would be accountable.”
“I understand.” She sighed. “I was merely thinking of possibilities of how to fix things.”
“I know, that’s what I admire about you. The gift you have to heal and fix everything around you.” He took her hand in his and kissed her palm.
Aetius’s bangs fel
l into his eyes, making him look rather boyish.
She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. “You’re cute.”
“I haven’t been called cute for at least a thousand years. I believe it was my mother who called me that.” He kissed her on the lips. He was warm and comforting.
She touched his hair, allowing the soft strands to filter through her fingers. “Being here with you is a wondrous experience. I’m sorry I’m here because people died, but nevertheless, I’ll never forget visiting the palace of the gods. I pray tomorrow goes well and we’re able to get rid of the evil Empusa. She needs to be destroyed for good.”
“Whatever is meant to happen, will. If you believe that, life is easier. I had to realize that after my sister was killed. If I hadn’t, I would’ve gone insane. I’m confident that in this situation, Zeus and the council will make the right decision.”
“What do you mean in this situation?”
“I’m not going to deceive you into thinking they always make the best decisions, they don’t. The gods are frequently wrong.” He shrugged. “But I think they’ve reached the end of their tolerance with Hecate and her children, as well as Amuliana.” His hand traveled up her thigh. “Come to bed with me?” He kissed the side of her neck.
Terra rubbed his arm and looked up at him. They walked to the side of the bed, and she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their clothes disappeared as her lips touched his.
“What have you done?” She giggled.
“I thought it would save time.” He lifted her up in his arms and tossed her onto the mattress. “I love you, my beautiful witch.” He fondled and kissed her breasts. Then he trailed kisses up to her face. His lips found hers, and their tongues danced together. “You taste as sweet as sugar.” His body heated against hers as if he was ready to ignite. His erection pressed against her flesh, and Terra dampened with need.
She rubbed the back of his neck as they rolled together on the bed. Terra was on top of him, straddling him. She gazed into his dark eyes for several moments as she caressed his chest. “I love you, handsome Fey.” She feathered kisses on his face. “I want you like I’ve wanted no other, ever. I want to be with you and only you.” She rubbed her breasts against him.