Chapter 25
“What are they all doing?” I whisper under my breath.
“They are lining up to volunteer,” Jayden says, a grin on his face. “Every single Apollo, Ares, and Athena child is in on this? How is this possible?”
Dax claps Jayden on the shoulder. “I told you they would want to come. Especially my brothers. They have been pretty jealous of Raven’s heroic deeds.”
“You’re jealous too, idiot,” Raven says. “You just got to tag along on some missions now.”
“That was a low blow. I’ve helped.” Dax crosses his arms over his chest.
Adrian jogs up to us with several packs in his hands and passes them out. “Thought you guys might want these.”
“Of course, thanks, Adrian. You are coming with us this time, right?” I ask, taking my pack from him.
“I am. My father said all nine of us and I have an idea of what we’re doing there even if I can’t tell you yet.” Adrian shuffles his feet.
“Okay, that’s good news.” I glance around at everyone. “Are we ready to go?”
Apollo steps up next to me with a nod. “I’m impressed with the number of young demigods who have volunteered to help us. You have made quite the impression on them all.”
“I don’t think it has anything to do with me. They want to trap the beast or kill him, whichever can actually be accomplished.”
“Nonsense.” Apollo waves me off. “I doubt any of them would volunteer if they didn’t respect your leadership. It’s quite impressive.”
“Well, thank you, I guess.” I shrug. “Everyone gather around. Apollo is going to transport us.”
With a flick of his wrist, we are spinning through time and space. It’s longer than I have been transported before. It must be a great distance to Olympus. After long minutes, my feet touch solid ground. The marble beneath them cracked as if the very space is breaking down due to the battle.
“Are we in the throne room?” I ask, glancing around.
The ground shakes and the light in the room flickers. Tall windows show explosions on the distant battlefield. A bellow of a battle cry can be heard that sounds suspiciously like Ares.
“Where is everyone?” Raven whispers.
I point out the tall windows. “They’re all on the battlefield, I think.”
“Who is supposed to give us our task?” Jayden frowns. “Do you know what we’re doing, Apollo?”
“I do but I must get the others to Artemis to start the hunt. If I tell you, I may reveal too much. Someone is coming to fill you in.” Apollo vanishes with the rest of the group of students.
“Okay, so what do we do now?” I ask.
“Are we even sure the right side is coming to meet us here?” Dax asks.
“Apollo has proven himself to be an ally even if he didn’t start out that way.” I glare at Dax.
“She’s right. I haven’t seen any deception from my father.” Adrian steps forward.
“Would you tell us if it had to be that way?” Dax growls.
“I’ve warned Beth about betrayal before. There is none now.”
“My daughter,” a tired Zeus calls to me. “You’re here. Thank the fates.”
“Apollo brought us. He said you have a task for us?” I ask, stepping closer.
There are dark circles under his ice-blue eyes. His shoulders slump as he sits on his throne. He looks as if he’s been in a war zone. Which is exactly where he’s been.
“I’m sorry, daughter, but I must ask one more thing of you before this ends.” My father rubs at his tired eyes.
“Father, are you okay?” I ask. “We are here to help. We don’t want the world to end either.”
“I knew you would say that. I don’t like putting the fate of everything on your young shoulders.”
“You didn’t do this, the queen did. I was going to be a part of this no matter what.” I squeeze his shoulder. “She was always going to drag me into this. It’s what I do now that decides if I live or die.”
“You are smarter and braver than the queen gives you credit for, Beth.” Zeus smiles but it’s sad.
“Thank you. She is constantly underestimating me and if I have anything to say about it, that will be her downfall.” I straighten my spine.
“Good because the task ahead of you is treacherous. Battle lines have been drawn and unfortunately for us, the one thing that can stop all of this is on the wrong side of those lines.” Zeus waves a hand, and a large wooden table appears in the middle of the throne room.
“What is this?” I peer down at the map of Olympus that spans the entire table.
“That map is the original map drawn by Hephaestus millennia ago. It is etched into the table itself, giving the impression of the actual landmarks when touched. It’s protected by magic so don’t be afraid of ruining it.” Zeus waves for us to check out the map.
“That is so cool. The mountains actually feel like they are rocky and raised up from the table.”
“Hephaestus is exceedingly talented.” Zeus nods.
“So where are the lines and what do we need to do?” I ask.
Zeus waves his hand again and lines of battle appear across the map. He points to a building just on the other side of the front lines of the battlefield.
“How much do you know of Hephaestus’ history?” he asks.
“I’m well versed in my father’s history.” Kira leans over the map. “Is that his Olympian forge?”
“It is and we believe that the throne he trapped the queen in before is there.” Zeus rubs his temples.
“So, this throne. What can you tell us about it? What does it look like? How do we use it to trap the queen? Where in the forge is it? Anything you can tell us will help greatly.”
“It’s like the net, isn’t it?” Kira asks. “It was forged to capture gods.”
“It is and it isn’t. You see the net isn’t as strong as the golden throne.
Hephaestus didn’t need to capture one of the most powerful gods in the realm when he crafted the net, just Ares and Aphrodite.
The throne is a prison specifically crafted for the queen herself.
That was the young god’s vengeance for being thrown away as callously as he was. ”
“I couldn’t imagine hurting any child that way let alone one of my own. Why did he ever let her out?” I ask.
“She promised him everything he ever wanted. A place here on Olympus and to be a family. He was starved for his birth mother’s love and released her.”
“He did get the forge, though. I doubt very much she loved him because I’m pretty sure that woman only loves herself.” Kira crosses her arms.
“That is an apt assessment.” Zeus nods.
“Okay, so we need to cross enemy lines without being seen and then get into the forge to search for the throne,” I say. “Is no one seeing the problem here?”
“How do we get her to sit somewhere she’s already been trapped in once before?” Raven asks.
I nod. “Exactly what I was thinking. How are we going to do this?”
“That is a problem.” Father rubs his chin. “You may have to fight her to get her in the throne. Artemis has more details for you. We’ll provide the distraction up here while you travel deep into the forge.”
“Where is Artemis? Apollo just took the others to meet up with her to help with Typhon.” I glance around the throne room like she will suddenly appear which isn’t such a stretch when dealing with the gods.
Zeus waves a hand and suddenly I’m spinning through time and space again in the flash of a second. My feet touch down on spongy moss and I glance around at the lush forest so bright it’s difficult to look at.
“I wish the gods would quit doing that without warning,” I groan.
“Where would the fun in that be?” Artemis asks behind me.
“It’s all fun and games until a mortal pukes on your expensive shoes.” I shake my head with a laugh.
“Don’t joke about that. I thought a few of the demigods you sent to help were going to do just that when they popped in here.”
“Oh, please tell me it was Jackson and Brody,” Raven begs.
“Several of Ares’ sons were among the most green after that.” Artemis laughs as Raven whoops.
“They are never living this down. My brothers are queasy messes. Ha.” Raven fist-pumps the air.
“You enjoy torturing us way too much,” Dax grumbles.
“That’s what sisters are supposed to do.” Raven shoves his shoulder. “It keeps you on your toes.”
“Did Zeus fill you in on the plan?” Artemis asks, scanning the trees.
“Yeah, sneak across enemy lines, find the throne, and make the queen sit on it for all eternity.” I nod my head.
“It’s not exactly that simple.” Artemis sighs.
“Zeus just gave us a quick rundown of the job. I think he was itching to get back to the battle.” I lean back against a tree. “Let’s start from the beginning. How are we getting across enemy lines? I’m guessing Hera drew the lines this way for a purpose.”
“Yes, she probably suspects what we’re doing but it’s the only way. We will be the distraction you need to get through the maze.”
“Maze?” I ask. “You don’t mean…”
“Yes, the only way to enter the forge is through the labyrinth.” Artemis nods.
“The labyrinth, like Theseus killing the Minotaur? That labyrinth?” Raven bounces on the balls of her feet.
“You’re deranged if you’re excited about this place.” I throw my hands up.
“B, we have defeated the bullheaded idiot on more than one occasion. That’s not an issue.” Raven rolls her eyes.
“Actually…” Artemis’ expression is unsure. “The Minotaur is weakened in the human realm. He derives his power from the labyrinth itself. He will be more powerful in the maze along with any other monsters the queen throws in there to keep you away from the throne.”
“So, defeating the Minotaur on his own turf is worse than when I electrocuted us both? Well, shit. That’s not good news at all.” I glance at Jayden.
“We can handle it. That’s not the only time we faced him and we’re all a lot stronger now.” Jayden squeezes my hand.
“Jayden is right, B. We’ve defeated bigger threats before. He may be on steroids here but he’s not smarter here. He’s still bullheaded.” Raven tightens her hold on her blades.
She’s more nervous than she’s letting on if she already needs her emotional support swords.
“Okay, so where is the entrance to the labyrinth and how do we get there?” I ask. “I’m guessing time is of the essence?”
“Yes. I can take you to the entrance. Thankfully, we were at least able to gain that much ground in the battle, so you won’t be aboveground while the gods are fighting each other.” Artemis waves at us to walk to the east.
“We’re walking toward the battlefield now, though. What if we get hit by a stray bolt of magic?” I ask, glancing at the sky warily.
“I have a barrier up against the others. No one knows we’re here and no magic can hit us with my shield up,” Artemis says.
We trudge forward through the battlefield and it’s not difficult to see that the place was once a thriving city before the civil war started and buildings were turned to rubble. I step over a rock and fallen debris from the crumbling stone buildings all around us.
“They’re destroying their home,” I whisper in horror.
“It’s better than the alternative.” Artemis shrugs. “Ceasing to exist altogether.”
“That’s a valid point,” I say. “I would much rather continue existing myself.”
A familiar roar breaks through the silent streets of Olympus and I call my sword spinning to find the cause. “Typhon.”
“I must get back to the hunt. The entrance is on the other side of that ridge.”
“Go, we can handle this. It’s just another mission to save the world. Happy hunting.” I clasp her elbow in a warrior’s farewell.
“You as well. Stay safe down there and make that bitch pay for what she’s done,” Artemis says and disappears.
“I guess we’re on our own now.” I trudge up the ridge with my friends following at my back.
“We always are when it comes to these missions.” Raven adjusts her grip on her sword as she steps up next to me.
Once we’re on the other side of the ridge, the entrance appears at the bottom.
“Seriously? Everyone knows what that is.” I roll my eyes.
Wooden beams mark the entrance like an old mining tunnel in the human movies I watched with my mom as a kid.
“Is that like those mining tunnels in Looney Tunes that the Road Runner used to push that damn Coyote down?” Raven chuckles.
“Those were almost the exact same thoughts I just had.” I shake my head.
We race to the bottom of the ridge and a man appears. He’s familiar but I can’t place him right off the bat.
“None of my children are in your group? That’s disappointing,” the man says.
“Dionysus, you’re looking well. It’s good to see you again,” Jayden says.
That’s why he looks familiar. On the journey to the academy, Jayden and I helped find him. He was lost.
“I should have known then it would be the two of you in the middle of all this.” Dionysus waves a hand, indicating the huge mess we’re all in.
“Not our fault we were pulled into the fire,” I say.
“No, that would be the queen’s fault of course. She always did have it out for the children of Zeus.”
“That would be the understatement of the millennia.” I relax my shoulders.
“You haven’t met my wife I’m assuming?” He waves to a beautiful woman with long dark hair and dark eyes. “Ariadne.”
“Ariadne. As in the princess who helped Theseus?” Jayden asks.
“We do not speak that name,” the woman whispers. “I have my own story independent of that brute.”
“Apologies, Lady Ariadne, I meant no disrespect.” Jayden bows to her.
“Have you come to assist us?” I ask.
“We have. You need to be able to return from the forge and the only way in or out is through the maze,” Ariadne says.
“So we have to find our way back?” I ask.
“Yes, you will need this.” She hands me a ball of glowing silver string.
“Is this the string?” I ask. “Like for real?”
“It is one and the same.” Ariadne smiles. “It will serve you well on your journey to trap the queen.”
“Thank you. This will help tremendously.” I bow my head to her.
“You saved my love once. I hope that this small gesture shows my thanks.” Ariadne bows as well.
“No thanks needed but I appreciate the way out. I’ve heard all of the stories about this maze, and I don’t want to be trapped inside for eternity.” I shake my head.
“Go, young heroes. Defeat the queen and gain your glory among the gods.” Dionysus waves us into the tunnel with a flourish only the god of wine could possess.
“Thank you.” We step into the weird mining tunnel and a stone door closes behind us, sealing us inside.
“This is going to suck,” I say into the pitch-black tunnel. “Anyone have a flashlight?”
“Why do we need a flashlight?” Kira asks.
I glance back at my friend and startle when her eyes blaze with flames. That answers her confusion.
“You can see in this shit?” Raven asks.
“Yeah, it’s just like we’re outside. Why? Can’t you guys?” Kira furrows her brows.
“That’s a negative. Your wolf is close to the surface which must be helping enhance your senses.” I shrug.
“Torches line the walls; maybe I can light them,” Kira says.
Fire blazes in her palms, lighting up her face in the darkness. Greyson shifts on his feet clearly seeing what she does but not commenting.
“What besides the Minotaur do you think is down here?” Greyson scans the space.
“The queen could have put any beasts down here and the second we walk into the maze, they will see us as prey.”