Page 14 of Arrogance
Hera sighed at my ignorance. “Read between the lines, Apollo. We know Helios will come across problems in the near future, becausewewill be the one to create those problems for him.”
I remained in my father’s palace for the next few days, staying in the guest quarters. Sure enough, Helios abruptly stormed in through the main gates demanding an audience with my father. Hera and I sat in the dining hall, feasting on the ambrosia, when we heard the sudden commotion. She had a sly smirk on her face before she rose from her seat. I followed behind her and we trailed in the direction of the irate shouting which was heading towards Zeus’s throne room.
When we arrived, Hera quickly rose to sit on her throne while I stood to the side. Helios stood before my father and his wife, bitter as ever. “Dragons, I tell you! Killing all of our people one right after the other!” he yelled.
Zeus held his hand out to interrupt Helios. “Silence!” he roared. The echo of my father’s voice shook the floors and all of the palace walls. “And you have yet to discover how to get rid of these dragons?”
Helios shook his head. “My wife Rhode, and I have tried everything. Even the strongest of our island warriors are no match for these serpents.”
I felt a rush of energy overcome me. I closed my eyes and became lost in a trance. A vision was before me. My prophetic skills were at work. I was witnessing a strong and handsome man using his sword to behead the dragons. He and his companions were slicing through each and every single one of them. So, it would be this alluring man who would lead the island of Rhodes to salvation.
“I know of a way to save Rhodes,” I revealed out loud to the group.
Helios turned to face me. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on me.
“Well, out with it!” Helios demanded.
Over his shoulder, I caught Zeus and Hera’s lips curl into a wry smirk. I stepped in front of Helios and moved closer to my father’s throne. “You see, I will be the God of prophecy and oracles. Delphi willbe passed down to me,” I explained. “Therefore, I am able to predict the future. And I know how to save your land. But it comes at a cost.”
“And what do you want from me?” Helios asked. “You are a god and the son of Zeus. What can I possibly give you that you don’t already have?”
“The sun,” I replied. “I want to be the God of the sun. Give it to me and I will send the destined warrior who is capable of slaying these creatures off to save your island. If you refuse, then you will just have to live with your people and all of Rhodes sinking into the Underworld.”
“Is that a threat!?” Helios shouted, slowly stepping towards me.
I shook my head. “Not a threat at all. It’s a simple deal. You either accept it or reject it. The choice is yours.”
“Hmph!” Helios grunted. “There is nothingsimpleabout this at all.”
My father then spoke up. “I think it’s a fair offer, Helios. Besides, you know there is a new dawn upon us. It was also prophesized that the titan gods will not wield power for much longer. The Mount Olympus gods will be theonlyruling gods of the future. You cannot deny the visions of the Fates.”
Helios’s demeanor began to change. His irate rage nearly vanished. The glaring flames died into mere embers over his body. He was subdued, which made me realize he was likely considering this proposal. I could practically see the wheels in Helios’s head spinning in rapid motion.
His glances shifted back and forth between me and my father, before he made his thoughts known to us. “Very well. I will accept your conditions. But I will not relinquish the sun until every last dragon in Rhodes is slain.”
A smirk creeped up on my face. Based on my vision, I knew for a fact that I would soon become the God of the sun. “Of course. I can guarantee that, Helios. You have nothing to worry about.”
I set out to guide the handsome Phorbas and his loyal companions from my vision, into battle. Once their ship landed on Rhodes they had no time to spare. They trekked across the island and climbed the highest of mountains to reach an altitude that was advantageous enough for them to fight off the dragons.
Needless to say, I was beyond impressed that this mortal possessed the leadership and combat skills to be able to attain such a feat as killing draconic creatures sent forth by the King of the Gods himself. Not to mention his robust stature and charming physical features sent a rush of thrill that overtook me when I studied him closely.
He was the second most captivating man I’ve ever laid eyes on. However, even he was incomparable to the human, Adonis, who came across one of my visions several years ago. I had yet to meet a mortal as beautiful as that man. I had no idea how many years it could possibly be from now before I would get the chance to meet him, based on my earlier premonition. It would happen in due time. That, I knew for sure.
After several months of hunting down every last dragon on the island, Phorbas and his crew proved to be victorious. Helios and his wife ordered a celebration to be held across the island in honor of their new hero, Phorbas. Phorbas and his men were provided guest chambers and offered a permanent residence on the island, staying in a castle in Camirus, one of the principal cities of Rhodes ruled by one of Helios’s sons.
It was after the day long festivities that Phorbas would return to his bedchamber to retire for the night, when I would make my appearance known to him for the very first time. He had a goblet full of Dionysus’ wine as he sat on the chaise by the window.
I took form, standing just behind him. “Hello, Phorbas.”
The greeting startled him, enough that the wine in his cup nearly overflowed, spilling everywhere. He shot up from his lounging position and stood, facing me. His eyes wandered across the room likely in search of a nearby weapon. “Halt! Who are you? How did you get into this room!?”
Phorbas started back-pedaling as I took one step closer towards him. “Fear not, brave warrior. It was I who provided you guidance during this treacherous journey,” I confessed.
His muscles relaxed once I admitted this to him. His defensive position now lightening up. “You mean, you’re…” he trailed off.
I nodded, giving him affirmation, knowing he knew exactly who I was. “Yes. I am Apollo.”
“It cannot be!” Phorbas gasped, before he knelt on the ground before me. “Thank you, dear god, for gracing me with your presence. And for all that you have done for me up until this point.”
