The Olympians were at war. All trust between them had dissolved. Even Hera, goddess of families could not keep them at peace. The war was not only on Olympus but on earth as well. The demigods fought the war alongside their parents. Chaos was everywhere, siblings turning on siblings, wives killing husbands, and children left to fend for themselves.

12 cities in particular were the "capitals" of each god's empires on earth. They were the homes of the 12 most powerful demigods.

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"My lord, our scouts report the Army of Hermes has just crossed the River Dikes, and Artemis' troops are headed toward them. Should we attack as well."

King Adonis, son of Apollo, King of Althea, turned gracefully to face his second in command. As he did so his long blond hair that had previously been resting on his shoulder slipped away. He had dazzling brown eyes that sometimes appeared to be golden when the light caught them. He was well built despite his lack of exercise as of late, for he had been laboring over maps discussing battle plans and tactics with his generals.

"No, Damon, Hermes is weak. So is his son, Atalo. My cousin is perfectly capable of wiping them out alone. Atalo is a king of thieves, not warriors. Besides, we mustn't stain our swords with blood unless it is completely necessary. Now leave me. I must rest."

"Yes, Your Highness."

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Adonis dreamt he was in the meeting hall of Olympus. The hall was empty except for a figure clad in golden armor sitting upon one of the many thrones in the room, with a carving of the sun on the top.

"My son," the figure said, "you have fought well for me in this war, but I have a way for you to weaken Atalo and possibly defeat him."

"How, Father? Tell me."

"Atalo's wife has just given birth to a baby boy. Send an Assassin and kill the child. Steal from the god of thieves what he holds dear."

"But, Father I-"

"Silence! Do as I say. I have blessed you with your beauty and strength; I put you on the throne of my empire! I can just as easily take it all away, Adonis!"

"Yes, Father." Adonis bowed respectfully. The scene around Adonis dissolved, and darkness surrounded him. He plummeted downward into the dark.

Adonis gasped and sat bolt upright in his bed. He was still breathing heavy when he called, "Porter!"

The door to Adonis' chambers opened slightly, and a guard from outside put his head though it, "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Summon Nyx. I have a job for her." The guards fear was evident in his eyes.

"My lord, are you sure-"

"Yes! Get me Nyx now!"

"Yes, my King." Porter quickly closed the door, and his footsteps could be heard going down the hall.

A half an hour had passed before Nyx was finally located and sent to the King's chambers. Adonis was standing at the window of his chambers looking out upon Althea when Nyx silently materialized beside him.

"A beautiful city, is it not?" she said.

"It is," Adonis agreed as he turned toward her. Had it been anyone else, the sudden appearance of the cloaked goddess would have frightened them. But Adonis had grown used to this and could sense when she was in the room.

She placed a hand on the demigod's bare chest. "You sent for me, my dear?"

Adonis swatted her hand away. "Do not try to seduce me, Nyx." He turned away, his hair moving like a whip in Nyx's direction. "Unlike other men, your beauty has no effect on me." The goddess lowered her eyes, blushing as much as was possible for a goddess.

"You have been a loyal ally in this war, Nyx. Apollo will surely reward you. He sent me a message in my dreams and told me of a child born in Dysnomia, home of a son of Hermes." He told her of the dream and told her what she had to do. The goddess of the night bowed gracefully and faded away into the shadows.

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