“How much do you know of Hephaestus’ history?” he asks.
“I’m well versed in my father’s history.” Kira leans over the map. “Is that his Olympian forge?”
“It is and we believe that the throne he trapped the queen in before is there.” Zeus rubs his temples.
“So, this throne. What can you tell us about it? What does it look like? How do we use it to trap the queen? Where in the forge is it? Anything you can tell us will help greatly.”
“It’s like the net, isn’t it?” Kira asks. “It was forged to capture gods.”
“It is and it isn’t. You see the net isn’t as strong as the golden throne. Hephaestus didn’t need to capture one of the most powerful gods in the realm when he crafted the net, just Ares and Aphrodite. The throne is a prison specifically crafted for the queen herself. That was the young god’s vengeance for being thrown away as callously as he was.”
“I couldn’t imagine hurting any child that way let alone one of my own. Why did he ever let her out?” I ask.
“She promised him everything he ever wanted. A place here on Olympus and to be a family. He was starved for his birth mother’s love and released her.”
“He did get the forge, though. I doubt very much she loved him because I’m pretty sure that woman only loves herself.” Kira crosses her arms.
“That is an apt assessment.” Zeus nods.
“Okay, so we need to cross enemy lines without being seen and then get into the forge to search for the throne,” I say. “Is no one seeing the problem here?”
“How do we get her to sit somewhere she’s already been trapped in once before?” Raven asks.
I nod. “Exactly what I was thinking. How are we going to do this?”
“That is a problem.” Father rubs his chin. “You may have to fight her to get her in the throne. Artemis has more details for you. We’ll provide the distraction up here while you travel deep into the forge.”
“Where is Artemis? Apollo just took the others to meet up with her to help with Typhon.” I glance around the throne room like she will suddenly appear which isn’t such a stretch when dealing with the gods.
Zeus waves a hand and suddenly I’m spinning through time and space again in the flash of a second. My feet touch down on spongy moss and I glance around at the lush forest so bright it’s difficult to look at.
“I wish the gods would quit doing that without warning,” I groan.
“Where would the fun in that be?” Artemis asks behind me.
“It’s all fun and games until a mortal pukes on your expensive shoes.” I shake my head with a laugh.
“Don’t joke about that. I thought a few of the demigods you sent to help were going to do just that when they popped in here.”
“Oh, please tell me it was Jackson and Brody,” Raven begs.
“Several of Ares’ sons were among the most green after that.” Artemis laughs as Raven whoops.
“They are never living this down. My brothers are queasy messes. Ha.” Raven fist-pumps the air.
“You enjoy torturing us way too much,” Dax grumbles.
“That’s what sisters are supposed to do.” Raven shoves his shoulder. “It keeps you on your toes.”
“Did Zeus fill you in on the plan?” Artemis asks, scanning the trees.
“Yeah, sneak across enemy lines, find the throne, and make the queen sit on it for all eternity.” I nod my head.
“It’s not exactly that simple.” Artemis sighs.
“Zeus just gave us a quick rundown of the job. I think he was itching to get back to the battle.” I lean back against a tree. “Let’s start from the beginning. How are we getting across enemy lines? I’m guessing Hera drew the lines this way for a purpose.”
“Yes, she probably suspects what we’re doing but it’s the only way. We will be the distraction you need to get through the maze.”
