Page 76 of Poseidon's Trident
“What do you mean by that?” I ask.
Does he know more about the gods touch? A better question is will he tell me about it? Probably not.
“Just that when you’ve been around as long as I have, life becomes boring and dull. I have to find my joy in something and occasionally that’s tricking demigods into sitting and chatting with me for a while.” He bumps his shoulder into mine.
“No, I meant the part that I will see someday,” I say.
“Are you asking me to tell you the future?” He chuckles.
“Only to clarify your meaning. Do you know about the gods touch and what it’s going to do to me and my friends? Even Artemis isn’t sure.” I run a hand down my face.
“That is something you’re going to have to learn on your own. The fates tie my hands as well as those of the gods.” He sighs.
“I figured as much,” I grumble.
“You have many trials ahead of you, my dear. It’s a shame the weight of the world rests on shoulders so young. Atlas is millennia old and he bears that same weight to the point it crushes him.”
“That’s Atlas’ punishment for his part in the Titan war, though. Why am I being punished?” I ask.
“I don’t think you’re being punished, per se. You were just brave, noble, and compassionate enough to answer the fates’ call for a savior,” Nereus says.
“Either that or just stupid,” I say.
“You know that’s not true. I’ve never come across a demigod who would risk the wrath of the sea gods to save the life of another without asking for anything in return. You defeated Cancer at great risk to yourself. You almost died.”
“It was killing people and I was asked by one of your daughters for help.” I shrug.
“Exactly. Compassionate and noble and answered the call without asking for anything.” He grins. “How many times have you set out to save the world, my dear?”
“This is the fourth time. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Yes, well, you continue to prove my point. I bet you never asked for anything either.”
“That’s not entirely true.” I grimace. “Claud was stuck in Tartarus for millennia. He’s so sweet and good. He didn’t deserve that.”
A laugh explodes from Nereus’ lips and he leans back, holding his stomach as if he can’t contain his laughter.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
“The one thing you asked for in return was for the benefit of someone other than yourself. Someone you’d just met and saw was wronged for millennia. And you still doubt yourself.”
“I don’t know that I doubt myself or the idea that I’m so different from anyone else.” I trail my fingers through the sand, drawing lines in it.
“You are different, Beth. You’re good and brave and strong enough to defeat your enemies. It’s a miracle that you came from the king of the gods.”
“I will defeat my enemies because it’s the right thing to do and I have no choice.”
“I have every faith in you but there are many trials ahead. Especially on your current quest,” Nereus says.
“Is there anything you can tell me about this quest?” I ask hopefully.
“Follow the sea all the way north. There’s an island off Vancouver. That’s where you will find the trident, but you must pass every trial along the way or you will not be able to access the island.”
“Of course it’s on an island,” I grumble. “Wait, did you say Vancouver? It’s in Canada?”
“Yes, it’s a long journey for certain, and the clock is ticking. The sea god grows weak and I fear what will happen to the seas if another god takes the power from him.”
“No pressure,” I say.
