Page 4 of Hermes
Zeus threw his hands up in the air as if defeated. “It seems Apollo left out some information. I did not realize there was more to the story.”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “But to think, what if I did not divulge all of this to you? Would you have unjustly punished me? If anyone is a victim in this entire scheme, it’s me!”
I stopped roaming the room and then stood still, staring at my father through my periphery. Clearly, he was taken aback by what I had just informed him. And I had him exactly where I wanted him. The tables had completely turned. It was I who was now the deemed victim of all of this. So much for Apollo winning. I was the one who would come out on top. That I was now sure of.
“It seems I have been misguided, my son,” Zeus gave in. “I am truly sorry for all that you have gone through in having to deal with this. Is there any way I can make it up to you?”
Perfect! Now this was really music to my ears, much better than that lyre.
“Actually, there is something I could use…” I led in with.
“Name it,” Zeus interjected.
“I plan on traveling much of the world, experiencing all that is has to offer me. I would like a quick means of getting to and from places.”
“Would you like me to give you wings?” my father asked.
I shook my head. “No way!” I boldly remarked. “Absolutely not. I can’t stand the thought of me having a giant pair of ugly feathers protruding from my back.”
This elicited a chuckle out of the King of the Gods. He likely was astonished by how I was addressing him. No one had probably ever spoken to him the way I did. He had no clue how to handle it. But at least I was amusing him.
“Then what do you propose?” Zeus folded his arms across his chest, unsure of how to please me.
“Maybe there is a different means of allowing me to fly.” I had to ponder about it for a moment, but then came up with an ingenious idea. “Sandals…” I added. “I would like a golden pair of sandals, ones with wings on the back of them that can allow me to fly and go anywhere I desire.”
Zeus rose from his throne and held out his palm towards me. “Very well, my son. If that is your wish, consider it granted.”
A light radiated from my father’s hand. It burst in my direction, forming a golden aura around me. I became engulfed in it, forced to close my eyes at how blinding it was. Once the illuminating flash dissipated, I opened my eyes, feeling a sudden change in my body. There was a newfound heaviness at my feet. Glancing down, I became aware of the golden sandals that were on me, with matching straps that wrapped around my ankle and up to my lower leg.
But what was most astounding about them was the wings that formed on the back. They were lifelike. No. They were actuallyreal. The wings flapped with every movement I made. Without even thinking twice, I jumped in the air, and floated high, walking on nothing. They were simple to use and I could easily get used to them.
My father smiled at my joyful reaction. “Are you satisfied?”
“More than ever!” I announced with far more enthusiasm than I had intended to.
“Very well. I am pleased that they are to your liking,” Zeus stated. “As much as I would like to catch up with you, I am afraid I have other matters to attend to. But, please feel free to make yourself at home here in my palace until we have one of your own made here on Mount Olympus,” he offered.
“Thank you. I think I will stay for just a little while,” I informed him.
After all, there was still much to explore on Mount Olympus. I had every intention of getting to know all the gods and goddess that lived here on this land. Just as I had managed to charm and captivate my father, I planned on doing the very same thing with every other god and goddess. Although the air on Mount Olympus was crisp, clean, and pure, it was I who would be the new breath of fresh air that these gods never knew they needed.
It didn’t take much for me to win the hearts of all the Olympian gods and goddesses. All I had to do was be myself, which came naturally to me. I was bold in my opinions and sometimes reckless with my statements, but each and every god and goddess appreciated that about me. Needless to say, I had enraptured them and they all took an instant liking to me. Everyone, that is, except for Hera.
Every time I met her out and about on Mount Olympus or had dinner at er palace with Zeus and her, she presented nothing but animosity towards me. I tried to be polite, charismatic, and delightful in her company, but she wasn’t having any of it. She held a permanent scowl on her face in my presence, showing scorn formy very existence.
It then hit me as to the reasoning behind her contemptuous behavior. My very existence. She was bitter about Zeus having an offspring with another woman. I was a fixed reminder whenever she saw me that he had an affair with another woman, thereby betraying her. Yet, despite this, I was more determined than ever to get into her good graces. Perhaps it was my competitive side coming out, or my inflicted ego that was damaged and couldn’t stand not having a goddess engrossed in me.
There had to be a way to win her over, and it took a few days for me to come up with the ultimate scheme to make it happen, although it would require some trickery with me being deceitful towards her.
I had to strike at a time when I knew Zeus was to be away from Mount Olympus so that I could ambush Hera alone without any interference. And so, while Zeus was off tending to certain affairs on the island of Crete, it would be the perfect opportunity for me to return to his palace.
The servant boys recognized me and led me straight through the palatial white halls and towards Hera’s own private lounge room. As the doors opened, I sprinted into the room and leaped into her arms.
“My Ares!” she called out to me, scooping me up.
Yes. This was my plan, to disguise myself as an actual son of hers. Even I was cunning enough to be able to pull this off. As I met with Ares on Mount Olympus over the past several months, I could easily pick up on his deep, husky voice and the intricacy of his mannerisms. I studied his every move so that I could now copy it flawlessly in this instance.
“Mother!” I shouted back to her. “I’m so thirsty!”
