Page 13 of Hephaestus
But, if only I could figure out a way to improve my ability with the use of fire, I would feel even more powerful. That was another looming factor I had yet to uncover, was how to use that power to my advantage.
So many thoughts were swirling around my head now, I had to at least pin one down and that was whether I should return to my birthplace. Maybe Thetis could help guide me into a decision I wouldn’t regret. Her opinion mattered most to me.
“What do you think I should do?” I asked her.
“I think you know what you have to do, Hephaestus,” she stated, so matter-of-factly. Thetis extended her arm to reach and grab my shoulder, firmly. “It’s time for you to return.”
“But what of Hera? Surely, she still hates me and wants nothing more than to find a way to ruin me,” I expressed with concern.
“That’s where I think you are wrong. Once Hera told me of her wish for your return, I had a private audience with Zeus, and told him of my concern on the matter. I requested that he control his wife to make sure she no longer harms you. He gave me his word that she would no longer pose as a threat to you.”
“You talked to Zeus about all this?” I questioned. “But how could he make you such a promise?”
Thetis cast me a grin. “Let’s just say that Zeus owed me a favor and so this was the favor I asked of.”
She really was the mother I never had, constantly looking out for me. I grabbed Thetis and wrapped my arms around her in a tight, warm embrace. She has done so much for me. I only wish there was so much more I could do to repay her for her kindness and generosity over these years.
“Thank you, Thetis,” I simply said.
“Of course, Hephaestus. Now, let’s get you prepared to disembark to Mount Olympus,” she enthusiastically declared. “When you arrive on Mount Olympus, you need to make your presence known to Zeus and Hera,” she instructed.
“I am aware,” I informed her. “However, there is someone else I need to speak to first, before I visit them.”
“And who might that be?” Thetis held a quizzical expression on her face.
“Someone who helped me, a while ago…”
Chapter 6
ArrivingonMountOlympusleft a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Although it had been years since I last returned here, I recalled the tragic scene that transpired here as if it had occurred just yesterday. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and let my mind wander back to that moment in time when Hera threw me from the high cliff beyond her palace walls. I cringed at the very thought of it and the excruciating pain I had to endure from the dramatic fall.
I wished to never go through such an experience ever again, in my entire existence. A chill drifted up my spine, picturing being back at the very place where it all happened. I couldn’t help but be skeptical about my presence here. Being back on Mount Olympus was unnerving. I imagined only the worst of possibilities with what would happen next.
But I had to remember that the circumstances were now much more different from what they were years ago. This time, Hera specifically requested for my return. At least, this was on Thetis’s account, and it was because the Queen of the Gods now found me useful to her gain. Not only was I capable of creating the most powerful armaments for the Olympian Gods, but I could also produce the world’s finest jewelry, which would only add to Hera’s vanity and that of the other goddesses as well. And let’s face it, anything that could promote Hera’s being in the highest regard, she found to be valuable, therefore rendering my services vital to her. So, that aspect put me a little more at ease, but not without some form of caution still from past experiences.
Before I went to visit Zeus and Hera at their palace, I had another matter to attend to. I avoided the main hustle and bustle of the crowds and furtively made my way towards Hestio’s abode going the indirect route to get there. The last thing I needed was for word to travel to Hera that I was initially avoiding her. It would only lead to her further contempt of me and give her more of a reason to go back on her word and banish me from her kingdom once again.
Furthermore, it was imperative that I maintain my stealth in not wanting anyone to notice that I was visiting Hestio. It would only raise further suspicion as to thewhybehind my visiting the God of fire, family, and the hearth. It was likely common knowledge that I had no relations with any other god or goddess. So, if anyone were to discover that I was meeting with Hestio, they would likely assume we were amicable or friends of some sort. If that were the case, news of the relationship would likely travel fast to Hera, and she would hold disdain for Hestio in betraying her decree in wanting no one to contact her deformed and unwelcomed son.
I truly cared about what others thought of Hestio because of what he did for me. There was no doubt in my mind that Hestio was the one who came down to the surface to attempt to heal my wounds. His cure spells were what ultimately brought me out of my comatose state. Although my vision and thoughts were murky at the time, I was able to recognize and recall that.
But I had to know what the reason behind him doing this was. Why would he go out of his way to care for me when no one else had? Did he not know of the risk he was taking by going against the will of the Queen of the Gods? She could have just as well equally exiled Hestio from Mount Olympus, just as she did me. Still, with Hestio knowing of the consequences he could potentially face if Hera learned of his transgression, he still went out of his way to aid me. For this, I would be eternally grateful to him. And besides me wanting to understand his rationale, I also wanted to personally thank him for all that he did.
As I approached Hestio’s palace gates, I turned my head left and right, relieved to see that no one was present to bear witness to my presence here. I firmly knocked on the metal bars with my fists, prompting what I assumed to be an elderly servant to emerge from the entrance of the palace.
“What is the meaning behind this intrusion?” the old withered and fragile looking woman stated.
“I am Hephaestus, God of blacksmithing. I have come to meet with Hestio.”
“Under what circumstances? I do not recall Hestio ever mentioning of expecting you.”
“It is an unprecedented meeting,” I explained. “I must speak with Hestio. Is he available?”
The woman scowled at me, not pleased at all by my request. “Hestio is present. However, I must inform him of your impromptu visit. I cannot promise you will be able to gain an audience with his Godship. He will likely consider your sudden arrival an impertinence.”
And with that, the woman turned her back toward me, returning to the palace. I patiently waited for minutes until the elder finally returned. The gates then opened, and the woman reached her hand out, ushering me in. “Come… quickly!” she demanded. “You must not keep Hestio waiting.”
I made haste to follow the woman, although my speed was limited due to my limped leg. I stumbled up the stairs to the entrance of the palace. As she opened the large doors before us, I was relieved to notice that a majority of the palace was but on one floor level. The more limited the number of stairs there were, the more pleased I was in not having to draw notice to my permanent deformity.
