The twins ushered me to a smaller crevice at the back of the temple. I tried breaking free of their grasp. I wanted to run. I wanted to scream. As we were crossing into it I saw a woman standing in the shadows. She stepped forward and I could see her face. She looked so familiar.
“I know that woman,” I murmured, trying to stop but they wouldn’t let me. “Wait. Stop. I know her. She’s the one from my dreams.”
“We know.”
We entered the crevice and the woman followed.
Adrian and Adronis finally released my arms. I freaked out as they towered over me. I didn’t realize just how big they were. The woman walked in and stood in front of us.
“Cara, I’ve been waiting for you.” She smiled.
“Who are you?” I scanned the area behind them trying to find my parents.
“I think you already know.”
“You look like the woman from my dreams, but how is that possible?”
“Dear, I’m not who you think I am,” she said, taking a step toward me.
I took a step backward, looking around wildly. I scanned the area for any way to escape. There had to be an escape somewhere. I was beyond confused and even more scared.
“It’s okay, Cara,” Adrian whispered into my ear as he brushed my hair back.
I yanked my head away from him, but he pulled me in closer.
“Don’t touch me.” Tears brimmed my eyes, and I struggled for a few seconds before relenting.
Chapter Twelve
My body remained tense for a few more minutes until I leaned against him, letting his body warm me as I shook uncontrollably. I don’t know why I was so cold. Adronis wrapped his arms around me in an attempt to warm me.
“Adrian, explain yourself!" the woman demanded.
“I know this isn’t part of her destiny, but I want to be part of it now. I want to be with Cara.”
“What?” Adronis asked, glaring at his brother. “You barely know her.”
“Adrian, you can’t,” the woman said.
“Will you stop talking about me like I’m not here?”
They continued to ignore me.
“Athena, I don’t care. You don’t choose, she does.”
“Athena? As in the goddess Athena?” I asked.
The woman glared at Adrian, who bit at his lip. “Yes. I know it’s hard to believe but I am Athena.”
I just laughed and tried to pull away. “I don’t know if this is a joke for the natives to make fun of us tourists, but it’s really not funny. If you’ll excuse me I have to find my parents.”
It was then I realized the temple was quiet. There were no mumblings from other tourists, no pictures being taken, and no footsteps. I picked up the pace as I crossed the marble floor, but was stopped by the dog. I stared at him and backed up slowly. I knew there was no way I could out run him. He stalked toward me, his eyes burning into mine. The dog herded me back toward the trio I had escaped. Adrian was right behind me. I bumped into him, he felt like a statue. He wrapped his arms around my body and held onto me. I tried to break free but I couldn’t. I didn't try holding back anymore. I started crying.
He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “Don’t struggle. I’m not going to hurt you. I’ll never let anything hurt you.”
“Then let me go. Let me find my parents. Please, Adrian. I want to go home.”
“It’s too late, Cara. Your destiny is not out there. It’s here. You have to help save us.”
I looked at the woman who had changed her clothes somehow. She no longer wore the cream suit I had seen her in when we first arrived; she somehow changed into red robes and golden sandals within a few seconds.
“How did you change your clothes? How do you expect me to save anyone?”
“The gods. We need you, Cara.”
“No, see I don’t believe in this stuff. I’m not even completely Greek. Only half. So you obviously have the wrong person. I’m really sorry you wasted your time. So, please let me go. Please,” I plead with him, searching for some sort of pity. My eyes searched for any hint of sympathy.
“Cara, just listen to her. You’re the right person. Trust us, we know. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” Adronis said, finally stepping out of the small alcove.
“How can I trust people I don’t know?” I finally quit struggling. Adrian seemed relieved and loosened his grip a bit.
“I know this is a lot to take in but there isn’t much time. You can’t go back to your parents, at least not until you fulfill your destiny.”
“Destiny is a bunch of horseshit. There is no preordained destiny. People make their own,” I snapped.
“No, dear, not everyone. There are a few people who are here for a purpose. You are one of those people. You are destined to do great things. One of them is to save the Olympians.”
“Aren’t you an Olympian?”
Sighing heavily, Athena nodded.
“So you want me to save your ass then?” I asked skeptically.
“Not just mine. All of ours, including your own.”
“Listen, lady, I’m a young woman. I’m not a goddess or a titan. I have no magical powers. How would you expect me to do anything?”
“No, you’re not a titan, but you were born with certain abilities,” she said.
“Right, of course I was. Will you let me go?” I was finally able to wrench my arms free of Adrian’s grasp.
I knew there were crazy people in the world, but I had never thought I’d meet them while on vacation. The dark storm clouds were still overhead. They were so cluttered over the acropolis that it almost looked like it was night. Athena took a step toward me. I backed up, bumping into Adrian again.
“Relax, Cara.”
“You're not going to kill me are you?”
“I’m going to show you. Then you’ll understand.”
“Show me what?” I said with a hint of panic in my voice.
I felt Adrian’s hands on my hips; I looked up at him and was slightly reassured by his smile but not much. Athena stood directly in front of me. She raised her hand and put it over my eyes. I flinched and squeezed them shut. When I opened them, it looked as if I was transported to another time, again.
I still stood in the middle of the Parthenon with Athena, but the dog and the twins were gone. The people weren’t smiling and bustling around like they had every other time. They were running and screaming. The ground shook and the buildings across the acropolis and Athens were crumbling. The normally azure water turned black and crashed into the rocks. She stepped up next to me as the ceiling collapsed behind us.
“Wh-what’s going on?”
“The Titans are responsible for the chaos. They have been planning their return for a long while and have finally managed to escape from Tartarus.”
“I thought the Titanomachy happened before people were around.”
“We’re not in the past, Cara. This is the future or at least one possibility if you do not help us. Beyond the waters is Athens. My city. The titans will destroy it along with the rest of the world seeking revenge on us.”
“I don’t understand. How can they escape from Tartarus?”
“We don’t know,” Athena said, descending the stairs.
“What can I do then?” I asked, chasing after her.
“Like I told you, you were born with certain abilities. Very few are. In fact as of right now you are the only one who can do anything. We can’t do this on our own. We will be captured. If you don’t help we will all be locked beneath the underworld. The mortal world as you know it will end. Mankind will cease to exist.”
Chapter Thirteen
“How? You’re hods.”
“And they’re the Titans. The last time we battled it lasted for ten years. If they capture us and you don’t accept your fate there is no hope for anyone. Your decision right now will seal everybody’s fate.”
“No pressure there right?” I sat on the bottom step, and looked around me.
Watching the world's
destruction hurt deep down to my very core. I didn’t want to see. A giant of a man walked toward us with a sword held at his side. Nobody else seemed to notice us except him. He was joined by three other men all equally as scary. I stood and stumbled back up the stairs. They were wearing nothing more than what looked like black chiton skirts hugging their hips tightly. They were soaked in blood and their long hair hung in their faces.
“Athena, they see us. How do they see us?” I tripped, landing on my butt and elbows. Scrambling up, I continued to the top.
Athena stood her ground. When I reached the top of the temple I panicked. Nothing was left. The entire thing lay in ruins around me. There was nowhere to run. I spun around and watched as the men surrounded Athena. The tallest, and apparent leader of the group, stood in front of her sneering. I watched in horror as he pulled an ivory dagger from his waistband. He looked up at me reveling in my terror stricken state of mind. Athena turned to look at me. One sad tear slid down her cheek, a goddess who truly cared more for her people than for herself. The bigger man took the dagger and plunged it into Athena’s chest. Her glowing skin turned ashen white. Her lively grey eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she crumpled to the steps in a heap.
“Athena!” I screamed.
The man continued toward me with the dagger raised above his head.
“Stay away from me!” I shrieked.
“Cara,” I heard a distant voice. It sounded like Adrian.
“Is she alright?” it was Adronis.
I turned my head and looked for him. The temple rebuilt itself. The storm clouds overhead dissipated and I could hear the giggles of children. A man walked past me, brushing against my arm. I looked at the men who were advancing towards me; they were disappearing one by one till the one left was the leader, still holding the dagger. He stopped directly in front of me.
“The world will be mine again,” He slammed his head forward, making contact with my face. “Remember this isn’t a dream, child.”
I reached up to my face and felt the blood pouring from my nose. It was tender to the touch. His evil smile made my blood run cold. He slowly faded away into wispy smoke. Once he was completely gone, my eyes flew open the rest of the way and I sucked in a long breath. I sat up looking into Adrian’s face, my eyes wide in fear. I looked down at my blood soaked hands. Blood gushed from my nose.
“What the hell was that?” I gasped, unable to stand.
“That was what will happen if you don’t help us,” Athena said, kneeling next to me.
“You, you weren’t in Tartarus. You were killed,” I yelled at her.
“I know. Since I brought you into all of this the Titans won’t show me any mercy. They will kill me. That dagger was specially crafted. It sucks the life out of gods.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Nobody has. It’s never been used before now.”
“Will that really happen?”
“Yes, and it will happen very soon.”
I hugged Adrian trying to get the horrible image out of my head.
“That’s not the worst of it,” he said.
“There’s more?”
“Like I told you in the vision, Athens isn’t the only area affected. Your home will be destroyed. Your friends and family all murdered in the chaos, along with everybody else,” Athena told me.
If this was all true then I would have to help. There was no way I could let everybody I know just die.
“Cara! There you are!” Mom waved to me from across the temple.
“Give me something to clean up my nose,” I whispered to Adrian.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate, white handkerchief. I quickly wiped away any traces of blood before Mom saw my face. I stood up, wiping at my eyes, and waved back.
“Are you alright, honey? Why were you on the ground?” Dad asked, hugging me.
“Oh, I tripped. Not paying attention to where I walked, and just twisted my ankle.” I bit my lip and noticed both of them eyeing Athena. “Um, this is, um, Athena. She’s a…”
“I’m a tour guide here at the acropolis.” She put on a wide smile and extended her hand to my parents.
“Athena, like the god?” my dad asked nervously, extending his hand.
“Goddess,” she corrected, “My parents love the Greek gods enough to name their only daughter after one.”
“Thanks for the tour. I learned a lot today.” I shook her hand.
“Please, come back whenever you want. I’m here every day.”
“Of course you are,” I mumbled.
“Let’s go get some lunch.” Mom wrapped her arms around me. “Boys would you like to join us?”
“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Grey.” Adrian beamed.
“I’m going to stay here. I have some research to do,” Adronis said, turning back to the crevice.
“I’ll be back later,” Adrian called after his brother, but it was too late. Adronis had disappeared into the shadows.
“Is he alright?” Dad asked.
“Yeah, he just found something new and is really anxious about it.”
My dad pursed his lips and grabbed my hand. Something he hadn’t done since I was a little girl. I squeezed back. We left the acropolis, heading back into Athens. Mom had seen a little bistro on our way out that morning and wanted to give it a try. I’d never had Greek food besides gyros so I gave it a shot. Mom didn’t talk much about her life before moving to America and never made Greek food. I tried asking her about it once, but she got upset and refused to talk. I never brought up the subject again.
As I sat there picking at the last of my salad I was taken to another place. I started to get used to the visions; at least as used to them as any person could. Adrian and I were back at the acropolis with Adronis and Athena, something seemed different though. They were fighting someone. They were larger people. I recognized the man who fought with Adronis; it was the same man who’d killed Athena in my vision at the temple. She fought with two others while more were encroaching on the temple. I jumped up, nearly knocking over our little table. I looked at Adrian then at the acropolis.
“Cara, what’s wrong?” Mom asked.
“We have to go. Now. Come on, Adrian.”
“What? Why? We’re not done yet,” Dad said.
“Oh, you guys finish, and why don’t you go to some of the museums?”
“And just where do you think you’re going, young lady?” Mom asked, giving me one of her looks.
“I um, didn’t get to finish looking around the acropolis, and I’m sure Adronis misses his brother.”
“Well wait and we’ll go with you. I’m almost done.”
“No,” I said a bit too quickly. I smiled, and tried hiding the anxiousness in my voice. “You and Dad take your time. I’ll be fine with Adrian. I promise. I’ll see you at the hotel for dinner.”
“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Dad asked.
“Yes. I love you.” I kissed my parents, grabbed Adrian’s hand, and ran to the taxi stand.
“Okay, now that we’re alone do tell me why I didn’t get to finish my lunch?”
“Adronis and Athena are either in trouble or will be. We need to get back to the temple.”
“Shit, I thought we had more time.” Adrian leaned forward and gave the driver instructions.
“Athena wasn’t kidding when she said the titans would come soon, huh?”
“No and I didn’t think I would do anything besides relax on my vacation.”
His Greek was flawless. Even though his brother and Athena were in trouble, I couldn’t help but be turned on by him. His tanned, toned body was irresistible. His lips parted slightly as he spoke through the partition. I wanted to kiss him so bad. I resisted though. I turned my attention to the temple sitting atop the hill. The blue water crashed against the cliff and seemed to be getting darker. The taxi sped through the streets and before I knew it we were running down the wooden dock to the ferry. It cast off and if we didn’t want to wa
it three hours we had to jump. Adrian was able to leap gracefully onto the boat deck. I, however, didn't see how it would be possible. My short legs were not meant for jumping.
“Come on, Cara. You have to jump.”
“I don’t know if I can make it,” I shouted.
“If you don’t you won’t make it. Do it now. I’ll catch you!”
I took a deep breath, backed up a bit, and took a running leap. I was able to catch the side of the boat. I struggled to pull myself up and almost slipped but Adrian caught my arm.
“Don’t let me go,” I cried.
I looked down at the churning water. I would be sucked under and into the propellers. It would be a horrible death.
“I won’t. I promise,” he grunted as he pulled me onto the deck.
“I have seen a lot of stupid things in my day but that was by far the dumbest," an older gentleman said from the corner.
“Yes, I know,” I apologized, hoping he’d end the conversation.
“Another ferry comes by in three hours. I don't think risking your life to catch a ferry is a wise way to live life," he said while taking a long draw off of a cigarette.
“You have no idea. If you’ll excuse us, we have business that we need to attend.”
The man with the cigarette took another long draw, breathing out the grey smoke towards us. “Be careful, Cara.”
I turned to look, but he was gone.
“Where did the creepy old guy go?”
“I don’t know. Come on; let’s go to the front so we can get off as soon as we dock.”
“How did he know my name?”
“The others have been watching you for your entire life.”
“What?”
“Don’t think about it. It’ll just confuse you even more.”
“Alright,” I muttered, looking back at the now empty seat.
Once the boat docked we ran up the hill to the temple. Athena and Adronis were still there. He studied the reliefs while Athena leaned against one of the columns, her back to us.
Goddess of War Page 6