As delighted as I was at discovering my newfound talent, I felt a sudden fatigue wash over me. My limbs became weak, barely allowing me to stand up. My energy was diminishing at a rapid rate.
Thetis must have sensed the drain written in the expression on my face, for she expeditiously came to my aid. “Here, it looks like you need to lie down,” she said aloud, prompting Eurynome and her to help keep me up, leading me back into the bed.
“I’m not sure what’s come over me,” I barely managed to get out in between heavy breaths.
“You have worn yourself out,” Eurynome answered. “Maybe it’s not wise to push you to your limits. You still need to rest.”
I nodded as I placed my head back down, reclining with the rest of my body.
“I think it’s best if you lived here with us for the time being,” Thetis recommended. “At least until your wounds are fully healed.” She glanced over to Eurynome as if to gauge her reaction and opinion on the suggestion.
“Yes. I agree. It only makes sense,” Eurynome replied.
I tried to sit up out of bed to object, but felt a wave of dizziness take over, prompting me to lie back down and merely speak.
“I can’t…” I simply answered.
“But where would you go?” Thetis then inquired. “Clearly, Hera has banished you from Mount Olympus a second time. Is that not the reason you are here today? Did she have you thrown from the heavens, down here to the surface?”
“How did you know?” I asked, while also confirming her suspicions to be true.
“It’s not difficult to figure out. Hera clearly despises you. There is no other logical explanation for a god to have fallen from Mount Olympus unless they were purposefully tossed from the sky. Who else would have the power to push you from the heavens beside Hera or Zeus?” Thetis further questioned.
“You are very astute,” I complimented Thetis with.
“Which is why Eurynome and I should be the ones to look after you. Returning to Mount Olympus does not seem like an option for you. It could be years before you are allowed to step foot in the land of the gods ever again.”
“I know, but…” I began to argue but was immediately cut off again by Thetis.
“Plus, we can protect you. No one needs to know of your presence here,” she added. “I know of a nearby volcanic cave where it’s warm. You can reside and work there as a blacksmith in peace.”
“Yes. It would be foolish to expose yourself to other mortals, Hephaestus. If people realize a god walks among them, who knows what evil deeds they would resort to? For your own safety, you should lie low. Only trust Thetis and myself. We have your best interest at heart,” Eurynome reasoned aloud.
I could sense the genuineness pouring out from these two sea-nymphs. They were the ones who rescued and brought me to this underwater, sapphire cavern. They helped me rest and recover. So far, they have done nothing to make me skeptical and doubtful of their intentions. Furthermore, I was in no condition to leave on my own accord and roam the surface.
“Very well. But once I am fully healed, I will reconsider…” I said, leaving my options open. They both nodded upon my spoken terms.
“Now, get some rest,” Thetis advised. “If you are more stable in a few days, we will show you the empty volcanic cave we know of that you can utilize for your own purposes.”
“Take care,” Eurynome added, before they both left me in privacy.
“Thank you,” I replied to them as they departed.
Now that I had time to myself, I could close my eyes and reflect on all that transpired. I thought of Hestio and his graciousness. I thought of Thetis and Eurynome and their kind services they’ve provided me with so far and will continue to provide.
Then, my mind drifted to my new power of being able to control fire. It felt thrilling to know I possessed a greater power beyond blacksmithing. I recalled Eurynome’s guidance when learning to harness my power.
Now, close your eyes and concentrate. Think of something soothing, a serene thought that will relax you. Having a cleansed mind is the key for a god to use their powers, she had said.
But the truth was, when I was able to send flames forward to cause the boulder to wither to ash, I was not thinking about anything that was calming or tranquil. I distinctly remember my mind being engrossed with thoughts of Hera at the time and all that she had done to me. It was the resentment and vengeance I had for her that were the culminating feelings that led to the fire being thrusted out of my palm.
Maybe Eurynome had it completely wrong. Perhaps it wasn’t a clear mind that would allow my powers to flourish. Based on the evidence, it was a mind filled with revulsion that allowed me to thrive in controlling fire. For now, I would continue to resort to my displeasure for the Queen of the Gods to make me all the more powerful.
Chapter 5
Ispentnearlyayear living under the care of Thetis and Eurynome. They cooked for me, concocting remedies full of plants and herbs with healing elements. In a matter of a year, I was nearly fully recovered. All the lacerations on my body closed over time, leaving branded scars in so many places over my skin. I no longer felt any of the wounds and bruises that have tormented me for weeks on end after my fall from Mount Olympus. The only disfigurement that remained was the limp in my leg still, but I had come to terms with the fact that that would never go away for as long as I existed.
The three of us could talk for hours, gossiping over the stories shared about what new dramas were unfolding from the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. Some of our conversations also turned solemn, discussing tensions that were growing among certain nations and later wars that would inevitably follow because of those tensions and lack of resolutions. But such things were out of our control to even be involved in. So, we spoke on these matters tritely, knowing our opinions bore no impact on these events.