Page 203 of A Touch of Chaos

“Aphrodite,” Hades said. “Give me one good reason for Ares’s presence within my realm.”

“I have come to join your fight, Rich One.”

Hermes laughed. “It’s because he wants to be on the winning side.”

Ares glared at the God of Mischief, though if not for Aphrodite, Ares would have likely waited until he was certain his choice would win.

“It sounds to me like you are asking for a favor, Ares,” said Hades. “And if that is the case, I will require one in return.”

The god straightened. “A favor in exchange for my battle prowess?”

“Do you mean your bloodlust?” asked Athena.

“Need I remind you that no one asked for you at all?” said Hades.

Hermes inhaled between his teeth. “Oh, you must be in pain after that burn.”

“I will show you pain, Hermes,” Ares threatened.

“Is that a promise, battle daddy?”

Hades sighed. “I am surrounded by idiots.”

“Like attracts like,” said Hecate.

“You take the offer, Ares, or you do not fight on the side of the gods,” said Hades. “That is the deal.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Ares crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine.”

Now that that was done, Hades’s gaze shifted to the rest of the gods.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be taken by surprise again,” said Hades.

“Then we should attack first,” said Aphrodite. “Take Theseus by surprise.”

“Surprise is not as important as terrain,” said Athena. “And Theseus has the advantage. He has the higher ground, and he is behind a wall.”

“Then we take down the wall,” said Hermes.

“And how do you propose we do that?” Aphrodite asked.

“I don’t know, explosives?” he said.

“Sure,” said Athena. “If you manage to battle your way through the army Theseus puts in front of it, then you can use explosives.”

“Well, if you’re so smart,” said Hermes, “what should we do then?”

Athena shrugged a shoulder. “I would offer them something they cannot refuse—a weapon so deadly, they cannot help but open the gate.”

“And what would that be?” Aphrodite asked. “Theseus already has weapons that can kill the gods.”

“It sounds like you are talking about the TrojanHorse,” said Hermes. “You do know that’s been done, right? They’ll see it coming from a mile away. Literally!”

“Not the Trojan Horse. ATrojan horse,” said Athena.

“I don’t get it,” said Hermes. “You said the same thing.”

“She is saying we need a diversion, Hermes,” said Hades.

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