Page 206 of Hekate: The Witch
I was expecting a direct refusal.
At least this meant my father
would be finally free from torture.
And Tartarus was unpleasant,
but at least he would not have to bleed
for the pleasure of his enemies anymore.
I took a deep breath and said,
‘I thank you. I have one more request.’
Zeus’ face distorted into a scowl.
‘You push too far, Titanide.’
A warning. A threat.
I held my ground.
‘My final request is for Gods and mortals alike,’
I said softly. ‘Mortals are dying
and your powers are dying with them.
It is Demeter’s winter that is killing them.
Let her have her daughter back, oh Zeus.
Let them be reunited and order be restored.’
I watched his face as I said this.
At first there was annoyance at me,
then a wave of grudging understanding.
And finally, at long last,
Zeus spoke again.
‘I will allow it.
But only
if she has not eaten anything
in the land of the dead.’
A caveat. Constraints.
I wondered if this was his trick.
While Gods did not need food,
