96. A Broken Feast
A Broken Feast
As was customary,
a feast was already being held
in the grand halls.
By the time Perses
finished training
the young River Gods,
it was already in full sway.
Oceanus had not spared
any time preparing
a joining celebration.
Much like Styx,
I found myself
clenched fists at the table
at the front of the hall,
laughing divinities
all around me.
I could not see Styx
anywhere, though.
I had spent my time
getting ready while raging
to Leto and Metis
who now stood
worried by either
side of me.
Oceanus was about to
call the festivities
to a halt to speak
when I saw Perses emerge
from amongst the throng.
His eyes briefly met mine,
a subtle nod of comfort
before he approached
my father and Oceanus.
I stood up from my place
and walked toward them.
‘Coeus,’ Perses said,
‘if I may have a word.’
My father, the God of Intellect,
knew from looking between us
what was about to happen.
The look on his face
alerted Oceanus.
The old God of the sea stood
to his full height
and asked coldly,