Chapter 2

The Taxidus

Written by Homer after the Odyssey and the Iliad, descripting the final task given to Hercules by the Olympians. Homer writes about the Voyage of the White Robyn and the adventures of its crew, apparently having one of the former crew mates as a source. Homer describes the entire journey, though the second half of the poem was lost through time. It is said it contains the tales of the 5 year journey back to Olympus, and has stories about the early life of Perseus Starborn aboard the White Robyn.

12 Years Later

Hercules's eyes surveyed the scenes in front of him. He had not seen the mountain in some time,

"You missed it, haven't you?" The voice had came from behind him.

Hercules turned his head slowly to match the voice to its person. Euplo Tre. The young dragon was not so young anymore. His species aged strangely, even by immortal standards. At least, that was what Hercules had decided on after years of traveling with him.

The dragon now sported a long mane of hair that nearly reached his shoulders, and from the spaces above his ears, the startings of a small pair of horns had sprouted. As he had aged his features had become more pronounced and sullen, and the man's attitude had started to match.

Euplo had been a bitter boy, Hercules had realized in their first year of traveling, and now he had grown into a bitter man. He no longer indulged in mischievous fun, instead only snide remarks.

From what Hercules knew however, he was still a juvenile by his species standards. He couldn't tell himself. The dragon could pass for a man a few years into adulthood. At least in his current form.

He frowned upon thinking about the other forms the drakonis tended to take.

"Some aspects more than others." Hercules said as he lowered himself onto the deck. He could no longer see the mountain. "Why are you awake? We are not departing until the morning."

"But we shall land in a few hours, shall we not? I want to see so when we do." He said as if it should be obvious.

Hercules ignored the man as he trudged past him. "Do not leave the ship until the morning with the rest of us." He demanded.

"Why would I?"

Hercules gave him a stern look. "I hardly know you, dragon. I haven't seen you in three days,

Tell me, how do you make that possible on a ship this size?" The man crossed his arms. He had been waiting to give the dragon an earful, and figured now was the time.

Euplo only looked annoyed. "Remind me what more you need of me, Ser?" He asked with his accent prominent. "I've had what I needed for the past five years. Soon now, we shall part ways for good, old man."

Hercules ignored the insult, serious as ever. "And it shall stay on you, I'm sure. No matter what may occur."

"No matter what, I promise, Ser." Replied the dragon in rhythm. He had made this promise many times over the past few years, but he was glad this would likely be the last.

Hercules had no reason to worry, in his own opinion. After all, he wouldn't willingly return to Olympus if he believed he himself would be persecuted. But he figured the poor god Hercules would never be able to understand the nature of his actions.

"Good. Now get sleep because I know I shall" Said the god descending into the ship and towards his room.

Euplo however remained on the deck. The drakonis made his way towards the highest point, and fixed his eyes on the mountain. He placed his hand over the pouch hanging along his waist.

He had a plan, of course, but what if he could think of a better one. That was the thought that plagued the dragon's mind. His mind wandered to the young Perseus who was likely dormant in his room below.

He thought of his own youth, and the stories his family had told him about when he was around the boy's age. One poem in particular. The Songs of the Holy War.

Euplo gave off a sinister smirk which he quickly caught. That in turn caused him to let out a laugh full of glee, one that was lost at sea. Hercules however heard the noise abed, confused on what exactly the dragon could find so amusing.

However the god slept, and let his physical body get its rest. Hercules did not need the sleep, and did not do it often ever since they had received Perseus. But tonight, the god thought it was appropriate.

He did not allow himself dreams, gods rarely did, but the sleep was deep and comforting. Hercules slept throughout the night, and allowed himself to wake up by natural means. He had awoken early, at least earlier than the rest of the clew, excluding the captain.

Hercules used the time to collect his thoughts and dress himself. He would have to look presentable. He had not seen his father in years long.

To Zeus however, it would only have been a moment. Hercules had lived like a mortal these past few years despite his new status, and his sense of time had become slightly more grounded.

That said, he could've done with a little longer away from his father.

Or at least, he would want more time to prepare Perseus for the city of the gods. It was a cruel place, the politics of it all. And knowing Perseus, Hercules knew the boy would be clueless.

Hercules decided he would give the boy time to rest, and left him in his room to meet with the rest of the crew. The men had already disembarked the ship, and were waiting on the godly father and son. Along with the dragon. They were the only ones who would be ascending the mountain.

"You haven't brought your son, my lord?" Asked the captain.

"I was not aware the rest of you were ready. I will bring him at once." Hercules replied in a gruff voice.

"Where is the dragon?"

"He is here." Declared a voice from the boat. Hercules' eyes turned to see the dragon.

He scowled. "Bring me my son, Euplo. Be quick with it. And make sure he is dressed in appropriate attire." He added. They would be presented in front of the Olympians. His son's usual demeanor would be considered a little too wild by their standards.

"As you wish." Replied the dragon curtly.

Hercules idly waited as the crew talked amongst themselves, anxious. He rarely talked with Perseus about his reputation on Olympus. Perseus knew what he was, but he rarely paid it mind. The god was not sure how the boy would react to the council. Or how the council would react to him.

It hadn't been long when Euplo had brought his son out, but to the god it had felt like ages. Hercules frowned when he saw his son. The boy descended the ramp without regard to his father. Euplo wore a shallow smile.

The boy was wearing his usual attire. A light cloth across his torso with a waist piece to match. Also hanging from his waste was a heavy pelt of wool. On his back was the pelt of a bear twice his size, but he had tied its former limbs around his own to tighten it.

The starlight prince, the people of Olympus whispered, yet he looked like a warrior.

Perseus gave a nod to the crew, then turned to his father. He said nothing.

"Did Euplo not tell you to dress nice? I thought you had some fine silks packed with you." The man said. He glanced at the dragon who had displaced himself from the group.

"Uncle Euplo told me I look good as I was." Said the boy. Such empty eyes, yet they were beautiful. They were his mothers, Hercules knew. They were nearly pitch black during the morn, but shone bright at night. But unlike his mother's own eyes, they lacked that same emotion. Or any at all.

Hercules's brow furrowed. "Do not call him uncle." He said.

"But it matters not. We have little time to waste. Your words will determine the council's opinion on you, not your looks.

Though your words have quite the job ahead of them."

His boy said nothing, but followed as his father began to walk. The crew waved them off, and Euplo sulked behind.

Hercules did not say much to his son as they climbed higher up the mountain. There was too much to say, and not enough time. He could only pray to the gods higher than himself. Assuming those weren't the ones judging him.

The fact that he had Euplo as his company didn't help.

He had long since been stuck with the dragon. He had known that since they had seen sights of wind spirits a few years back. Zeus, as well as the Order had long known he kept a drakonis among his crew.

But upon arriving, he had second thoughts on bringing the man upon their initial arrival. However, he had been adamant in his inclusion, and so here he was.

It hadn't been long before the spirits had taken notice of the party.

The prince, they whispered.

He has returned.

Hercules dreaded it. He had not missed his days on Olympus.

Upon seeing the small crowds gather, Hercules noticed their gaze flicker towards the drakonis. Their eyes darted away once they saw his yellow moons.

Perseus took in everything with his usual idle stare. He couldn't make sense of exactly all he was seeing, so he chose not to attempt so. He had only ever met a handful of people in his life, and now he was seeing a different plethora of spirits and immortals passing by each step. Things truly began to miss the boy as they treaded higher, closer to the throne room.

The throne room itself was a whole new realm to the boy. That was before even including the beings who sat on the throne themselves.

Euplo stopped before the god and the boy. The two continued forward until they were directly in front of the king, standing in full view of the rest of the gods as well.

Euplo gave a bow. "Lord Zeus." he said, not meeting the eyes of the god. Zeus only stared at the drakonis for a moment before he spoke. By the side of his throne, another being perked up. It was another drakonis.

The older dragon stalked forward a few steps past his master so he could get a better look at Euplo. Drane, his name was. When Euplo raised his eyes once more, he was met with Drane's own. The man said nothing.

"Dragon." Was all Zeus said after a silence. Euplo's mind cringed. When Hercules called him a dragon, he knew the god knew no better. But coming from Zeus, the term meant differently. Olympus had always regarded his race as dragons more often than drakonis. They were much more than dragons, yet Zeus addressed him as such all the same.

With nothing else to say to the man, Zeus turned his attention to his own son.

"Hercules." Hera cringed at the sound of the name to his side. "You have brought your son before me just as I had commanded of you years ago.

It is my pleasure to be able to welcome you back to Olympus." Zeus's words would imply he was happy to see his son, but his tone suggested they were instead empty, and mere flattery. Zeus had yet to see whether or not the arrival of his son would truly turn into a pleasure.

"The honor lies with me, and my son, Lord Father." Said the god, not meeting Zeus's own eyes. His son however had found a new fascination with the god. He could not tear his eyes away from his image.

Zeus met the gaze of the child. He was interested. Perseus seemed to hold no fear despite the gods presence. Even Hercules himself seemed on edge.

"And the son you speak of. I presume this is it." Asked the god somewhat coldly.

Hercules could only nod in response.

"Step forward boy." The king demanded. The boy did as he was told, presenting himself before the choir of immortals with a lot less care than others would have in his position.

Hercules had known this moment would come.

"Your name, boy?" The king asked, despite hearing it numerous times before.

"Perseus."

"You know who I am. Don't you?"

The boy responded without skipping a beat. "The King Zeus."

"And what business do you have within my domain, Perseus. What do you seek?

"To live with my father on Olympus." Hercules felt he could almost relax. His son's answers had been sufficient so far, at least for the king's liking, but he knew that others were paying more attention to his words.

"So you know where you are and who I am. But tell me, who exactly am I to you?"

What do you see me as?"

"You are my grandsire, and the King of Olympus. I am the subject of your rule Lord Zeus, but of your blood as well." The boy took a meaningful pause. "At least, that is what I've come to understand by the words of my father."

As he finished, Hercules found the eyes of the throne room fall upon him. He was sure he looked like nothing short of a fool. He was dumbfounded. He did not believe he deserved the credit for his son's answer.

Zeus found himself quite amused by the boy's response, and let it be shown to the council. The god let out a hearty laugh, that shook Hercules out his short stupor. The god sported a small smile in response to his father, though he was sure it was much too soon to relax.

Of course, he was correct.

"And what of the boy's mother? What has become of her? A titan, was she not?"

The king himself grew silent as attention turned towards the source of the voice. Hercules was forced to meet her gaze. Hera peered down at him with ruthless eyes as her head rested on the palm of her hand.

"Huh, Hercules?" She said the gods new name, sending chills down his spine.

The god stepped forward and dropped down, evading her eyes. "The titanesses Asteria was nowhere to be found on Delos. In fact, the curse of the island has seemingly been lifted, repelling immortals being its new function."

"And how was this boy raised without his mother, pray tell? To whom is he allied?"

"To none, my lady. The boy has lived off nothing but the island itself. The newly native nature spirit inhabitants appeared to have taken a liking to him upon their arrival and treated him as their own. I have learned that Perseus too could hardly tell the difference between them and himself." The man had almost seemed to reminisce as he thought back to the times. He turned serious once more.

"However, I have taught the boy well. He knows of his heritage and his right as an Olympian. He knows me, and who his mother was, as well as the mistakes of her family. As well, he is aware of the grace bestowed upon me and himself by my Lord Zeus and yourself, Lady Hera." The god couldn't force himself to meet her eyes as his words were bitter out his mouth.

"And who can attest to this?" She asked unimpressed.

Here, Hercules paused. "My crew, as well as the drakonis, Euplo Tre, behind me."

Hera could no longer keep her facade of tolerance up. "Preposterous! I'm meant to take the word of a dragon when it comes to the loyalty of titan spawn! Ridiculous!

Do not tell me you humor this, lord husband?" She said turning to the king. Zeus seemed distraught.

"I do not see why not-"

"Then allow me to affirm Lady Hera's suspicions, my king."

Hercules turned towards the small audience and matched the voice to its face. It was one he recognized, one he dreaded to see.

"Lord Zeus, I would have to agree with the queen on the matter."

It was the voice of a woman. She made herself clear among the small crowd of immortals. Hercules gave her a quick study.

She wore the same thin silks as most of those within the Order of Saints, though her ware wore longer and dragged on behind her. Her fabric fluffed below her waist and around her wrists. Like the rest of the Order as well, she fashioned a custom hair piece that kept her long curls atop her head. Her pin however was more decorated than others, signifying her rank among the Order. It depicted the image of the crescent moon.

The Lady Orphelia. Hercules knew she was the one who whispered the will of the Order into the king's ears.

She was no First Martyr, but she was the current Grand Saint, making her the highest ranking within her Order. She made herself present on Olympus only ever during the most important of council meetings, and the solstices. If she was on the mountain, she could almost always be found within the confines of the Churches.

Hercules's outward demeanor changed upon seeing the saint. He made the mental note to not acknowledge the drakonis behind him while in her presence.

Hera regarded the saint with a sinister smile. "And why do you believe so?" She was glad to have another voice her own objections, one who Zeus could not so easily ignore.

"I would begin to question the intentions of your son, and I'd ask that you recall his original dishonesty. Are we not here gathered to discuss a mistake made on his part? One he had attempted to keep from the eyes and ears of Olympus itself. Could this not yet again be the case? Could this god, and in turn his son, not sing sweet words full of deceit to save their own skin?

He has lied to you before, my king, the possibility that he would do so again to save his own blood should not be overlooked." Hercules felt his fist clench, something that did not go unnoticed by the two near him, his son and the dragon.

"And what of the relics of times long past, Lord Zeus? I must ask what of the matter of the dragon your son brings before us? What schemes might they craft, I wonder."

"It is nothing like that!" Hercules said, his voice rising slightly. When he noticed the attention he had attracted, he paused to calm himself. "The dragon is a capable member of my crew. His race are welcome guest on this mountain, just like yourself." As the god finished, the Grant Saint gave him a look of disgust.

"To compare me to the likes of the dragon is a disgrace Lord Hercules, I shall have you know." Her voice was stead, her constraint making the god even more wary in his position. "The relic my Order seeks is older than Olympus itself. It is sacred. Long before any treaty made by Lord Zeus, it was ripped from the grasp of a First Martyr of old.

This was done by the brood of Tre Scarr. The dragon who did so is now dead, and the relic he possessed was passed down to that boy's mother."

Orphelia paused and all the throne room watched as she began to advance. Her movements were graceful and beautiful as ever, yet her expression was enough to make even the most prideful of gods avoid her gaze.

"And I shall have you know, Lord Hercules." Said the woman in a deathly serious tone. Hercules froze as she reached in front of her. "If this relic is not returned to the Order due to your consistent ignorance regarding your bastard, then times of the Crusades are sure to return." The woman turned to the dragon behind him.

"And that beast's head shall be the first blood."

Euplo took a visible step back upon hearing the Grand Saint's words. Fear. It wasn't an expression he wore frequently, and definitely not one he wore well. Zeus interjected before things could escalate any further. Things had already gotten out of hand.

"Times of the Crusades are long to come, I shall assure you, Lady Orphelia." Said the king, sounding quite unsure. "This is not a matter of war, but instead discussion. Despite those who may be in this room." The god finished, making Orphelia regard the king with cold eyes. To his thanks, Hera came to her husband's aid.

"I believe what Lord Zeus means to say is that we must first understand the intention of those brought before us before we mean to take action, Lady Orphelia. I do hope you can understand the will of the god's." She said in a tone that sweetened her words. The saint's stare softened.

"But that brings me to ask the child in question and his father why they bring a dragon before the council, and what has been done with the relic Lady Orphelia and her order seeks." The goddesses' voice had changed, and though all could hear her voice, her eyes never left the young boy god.

His father however was the one to respond. "The relic and all it's traces were nowhere to be found upon our arrival, similar to the boy's mother. Euplo believes it to have been lost to time and the sea, a result of the island losing its guardian." He lied.

"Is that so?" Hera's eyes scanned the god's own to find any signs of deceit. However Hercules showed no signs of lying. After all, they had practiced the story countless times before arriving.

"And you, dragon." The goddess turned to Euplo whose expression was unreadable. "What do you have to say for yourself."

The drakonis basked in the silence for a moment before taking a few steps forward, putting him closer to the Grant Saint. "My Queen," He started. His words suggested respect, but all in the throne room could feel the emptiness in his cadence. Hercules figured the dragon had spent so much time in quiet so he could craft his cunning response.

"I must say that this matter as a whole has been blown out of the proportion I had previously expected. I have brought myself here only to see the arrival of the young god before us in person. I have found that I've grown fond of the boy after years together." Euplo said, turning to Perseus after a pause. Hercules believed his words to be true.

"And I must say, I did expect the most grand of welcomings from you, Lord Zeus." The dragon said, turning to the god. Now, all of the throne room was enthralled in his words. Except those who despised him. "Though I did not expect to be presented with the preludes of war."

The dragon's voice had gone serious, and finally he faced the Grand Saint. The drakonis had been slowly stalking forward all the while he spoke, and now he had reached within striking distance of Lady Orphelia. His next movements were calculated. He knew all eyes were on him.

He outstretched a hand, and placed another over his chest, a gesture suggesting he was truly offended.

"And to you, Grand Saint, I must say you understand me the least among those here. Though I'm sure that is to be expected."

"Do not mean to mock me, dragon." The woman spat out. Euplo rolled his eyes slightly. The Olympians were susceptible to flattery he knew, but with a saint of the Order he figured it would not get him far.

"Then mock you I shall not, my Lady. I shall only tell you the truth.

The songs of The Holy War are not tunes I wish to hear within my immortal lifetime, Saint" His voice now came blunt. "But if war is to come upon the clans of Tre Scarr and the Order of Saints, then I shall want no part."

The dragon no longer made any effort to mask his voice. Hercules noted he now sounded the same as he had many times on the sea. Not the tongue suited for the Olympian throne room, he knew, but he could not stop the dragon.

"I will not lie to you Lady Saint, I learned of the relic you speak of from my own father, and I will not begin to presume he is the only within my family to know of its existence. We drakonis are numerous, I tell you.

But before the gods of Olympus, I tell you the truth Saint, I know not the reasons my family has to seek out this relic. I hold little love for my father himself, and if I was to say his name here I'm sure we would share the feeling." Euplo had taken his final step forward. "And of the matter of the ancient drakon known as Tre Scarr," His voice came with an accent only native to drakonis tongue. Even the mention of the old dragon was enough to chill the throne room.

"I have yet to be graced with his presence. Some within your Order believe the deity no longer lives. In my right mind I'd be inclined to believe it true.

So to answer you again, Lady Saint, this dragon before you is of no threat to your Order. Ignoring histories of the past, perhaps maybe you could even find a friend among the stains of Olympus known as the drakonis. I believe you shall find that I am not as bland as some of my cousin's." As the dragon finished, he eyed the guard at Zeus's heel slightly. The man targeted, Drane, let off a low growl in response.

Zeus stifled a chuckle in his throne, finding the silver tongue of the dragon speaking to be quite intriguing. He caught himself after Hera shot him a look. After it became clear the drakonis had nothing else to say, the god asked the woman,

"If what the dragon says is true, then what say you, Lady Orphelia?"

The saint looked from her king before turning her attention back to Euplo.

"I believe the creature's tongue has saved him where teeth cannot. If I should have my way then I would have his head by the right of battle for addressing me in such a manner. Though what a dragon says to be true can not believed so easily.

Euplo frowned at her. "You think I am lying, Saint?"

"The serpent learnt its speech from the dragon." Orphelia had recited an old saying of the Order, but from her mouth it sounded more like a curse than a song. The drakonis shrugged in response. "I suppose things have dragged long enough, and you don't seem the type for words." He said to the woman.

A moment later, a shine appeared in the dragon's hand. Hercules feared it had been a weapon, but it was not the case as whatever it was slung loosely in Euplo's grasp. The god wondered what crevice of unseen scales the dragon had pulled it out of. Upon looking for a little longer, he could finally make out what dragon had pulled.

He immediately knew what it was even though he had never seen it.

Orphelia stopped herself from letting out a small gasp.

The dragon raised his hand in front of him. A chain, he held. That was the most basic way of describing it, yet it was so much more complex and beautiful.

A ring of jewels so smooth they almost appeared as pearls. They shone so brilliantly in the light of the throne room that Hercules had to avert his eyes after looking at them for too long.

"My final offering of goodwill, Lady Orphelia. I present the relic you seek."

The saint took a silent step forward. She reached out and gingerly clutched the necklet. "The Starry Pendant". She whispered the words, so only those on the floor could hear her. Hercules brow furrowed. He saw no pendant.

As the woman took the jewel from the dragon's hands, he smiled sinisterly.

"I'm sure there can be no further questioning of motives, then?" The dragon had turned to the god's. Orphelia had ignored him as she was affixed with the beauty in her hands. Hercules assumed it was the real thing as she held no objection.

"Why did you lie about having possession over the relic, dragon? You dare do so in the presence of the Olympians?!" Asked Hera, sounding angry, but it was evident she was confused by the turn of events.

"Quite the contrary, my queen. You see, I had to lie to our dear Hercules here to ensure that I could retrieve the relic without interference from himself, or the spirits sent by the king. My intentions from the start had always been to deliver the pendant by hand to the Saint myself. In hopes of mending possible rifts between my kind and her own. At the very least, I hoped to save my own skin.

Again, what happens to my family as a whole is not much of my concern, I shall remind you."

Ares let out guttural laugh at the drakonis's blunt honestly. He wasn't reprimanded this time however, as all were quite intrigued by the his transparency. "So in defense of my godly companion here, he did not mean to deceive you, as he himself was deceived. And of course, it is as you say. I would never dare to to lie before the Council, regardless of intention." He said with a deep bow. Hera said nothing, having heard enough. She was sure that any further questioning of the man would simply serve to give opportunity to help his own case.

Zeus looked down on the lesser immortal. "Why did you keep the relic to yourself for so long, dragon?" He asked roughly. He had not been expecting this outcome, but he saw no further problems. Yet, the god was still confused.

"I had believed a talk was needed before anything else could occur. Is that not the nature of the meetings of this council?" Yet again, the dragon knew just what to say. Zeus smiled proudly. "Rightly so."

Hera scoffed by his side. " Or perhaps the dragon was merely cornered."

Zeus ignored his wife, but carried on with less humor in his tone. "Lady Orphelia. I can understand the reasoning behind your distrust, but the drakonis has proved himself not to be a threat. Is there any need for further discourse at the moment? Especially regarding my grandson?"

"Grandson?" The woman's voice asked as regal as ever. Her expression was calm, and Hercules figured that was a good sign. Watching her stoic yet royal features shift let him know that it was not, however. "Do you forget, my king,who we are dealing with? The dragon's words sound sweet indeed to longing ears, but it is clear he intends to use this spectacle, and the child as well, merely as a ploy to gain your trust.

What for, we could only speculate." She said coldly.

"However waiting to see would be foolish. Even for a dragon to dare speak so casually before a Grand Saint of Order and the King of Olympus, such a matter should result with it's head paraded around the city. The returning of the Starry Pendant is no gift, but yet the righting of a wrong committed by his kind in times long past.

The only fair judgement that could be passed for such a creature would be a banishment from the Mountain, to ensure whatever scheme he has in mind cannot come to pass. This will be the only way to guarantee his kind can never use the resources of Olympus for reasons unsound."

At this point, Orphelia's back was fully turned towards the gods as her rage had been focused on the dragon. It was clear that the swaying of the council's opinion had gotten to her, and she would not allow it. She had failed to notice the king's growing annoyance, however.

The dragon did well to hide his smirk from the rest of the council room.

"You raise valid points, my dear lady, I assure you, but you forget one thing.

You stand before the King of the Olympians, and it is he who holds the power in this court."

All eyes turned to Zeus.

The lord of lightning no longer looked amused.

"Is that what Olympus has become to you, Lady Orphelia?" The god's voice was scarily calm.

"A means to your end."

"You misunderstand me, Lord Zeus." Orphelia sounded unsure. She was not one to back down, but she had rarely seen Zeus in such a state. In fact, none on Olympus had seen him like this for some time.

"The only one who must be understood in this room is me." Zeus disappeared and reappeared standing before his son and grandson within a moment. He took a form closer to their current size.

"From here on out, Perseus Starborn is recognized as an official subject and prince of Olympus. Any further questioning of his character will be considered as and treated like direct disrespect to your king. And, as a companion and keeper of my grandson, Euplo Tre will be treated with respect while on this mountain, by all parties.

Step forward, my grandson." The boy did as told. Zeus conjured forth a bolt of lightning, and hovered it slightly above the boys head. A moment later, his grey-ish cloths were turned into beautiful white leather, going nicely with the pelt on his back, and a small crown was fashioned atop his unmanaged hair. Simultaneously, Hercules's clothes were transformed to the royal garbs he once wore before the time of his journey, and even Euplo was given a ring, a signet depicting the great eagle of Zeus.

"You did well, my son." He said, facing Hercules. The god turned to address the Olympians, and all who could hear, one last time.

"And one last thing for those who gather here.

Let it be known, to those who lose their tongue and speak whispers of the Holy War, that the next shall know the true taste of battle."

The god's hands sizzled with radiant energy as he turned to face the other gods and immortals. As soon as his words rang throughout the throne room, he disappeared amongst a lightning bolt in dramatic fashion.

Years Later

Artemis took in the measure of the Grand Hall. The library was bigger than it needed to be, she knew. The amount of people who actually visited was hardly proportional to its size. Perhaps that is why she had been called here, she thought. Athena had given her little detail on the nature of this secret meeting besides the time and the place.

Upon entering the goddess saw that the hall was empty, just as she had expected. She had shown up earlier than the time she had been given, naturally, but still she saw no signs of the others she was supposed to be seeing.

"Within."

Besides the location and time of their meeting, that was all Athena's message had said. Artemis had found it strange, but hoped all her questions could be answered when she saw her fellow goddess in person.

She opened the door to find herself in a room halfway outside, giving full view of all along the cliffside of the mountain, and all below. Artemis slowly paced forward to the balcony railing, and peered down below.

"The view from here is quite exceptional."

The goddess had turned in response to the words, on edge, though she kept herself composed as she was still on Olympus. Her eyes found the source of the voice instantly, though the culprit had seemingly masked himself within the shadows of the room, undetected. He had not been here when the goddess had entered, she was sure of it.

"It allows the viewer to take in the activities of the folk below. The subjects.

I'm sure within the Great Hall, this room is occupied most frequently. An outpost of sorts, for those under the king." The man had finally stepped away from his spot along the other side of the balcony and stepped forward.

"My apologies. I forgot to present myself, Lady Artemis.

Drane, of the guard of Zeus." Said the dragon with a bow. His voice was rough, and Artemis found it hard to tell if he was sincere or not. However, she was familiar with this drakonis particularly. She knew his type, and how he behaved.

"I did not mean to frighten you." The dragon said lowly, avoiding the goddess's eyes as he took a seat in the far left hand corner.

"So you too, were called to this meeting then?" Asked the goddess, ignoring his words. She was struggling to piece together exactly what she was doing here.

The dragon nodded. "Though, I'm sure I know even less than you." He said. Artemis figured the dragon could sense her confusion. "I only go where my king has ordered.."

Artemis remained quiet for a moment before she turned fully to the dragon. "You called this place an outpost. Why?"

The dragon made an unpleasant curdling sound that the goddess assumed meant he was clearing his throat, though it made her cringe all the same.

"Because that is what this place is, more or less." Drane eyed the horizon. There were only a few immortals about at this time, but even from here, Artemis could see every single one of them with their angle.

Just as we must watch our enemy, we must watch our people all the same. Their joy and reverence of the king, that is our power.I believe that's why this place was chosen as the place to meet. As a reminder."

"But who is our enemy?" Asked Artemis, confused by the dragon's train of revelations.

Drane turned to her, loosely twirling the whiskers at his chin. "I suppose we'll find out today."

The goddess did not respond, and the silence grew until it was broken by small thuds. Footsteps down the hall.

She eyed the doorway as the steps sounded closer and closer. As soon as the sound reached the door however, they stopped. The door remained closed.

"The two of you are early. Artemis, and Ser Drane" Artemis turned and was only half surprised to see Athena between them. She took a seat at the nearest table. Drane offered a slight nod, but besides that the two hardly reacted to her arrival.

"I'm sorry if you have been waiting long, but worry not. The rest should be here soon."


1.4.1_1

Order of the Saints

Summary: Order of saints, the name given to those descended from the Children of the Night, the mortal children of Nyx who were later granted immortality to fight in a war of ancient times past. They hold a deep hatred for the drakonis race, a feud that is said to date back to the dawn of the universe. The truest nature of this rivalry has been lost to time. The order is based within Selsza, the City of Saints, located atop a frozen lake. They can also be found within the multiple Churches dedicated to the past First Marty's atop Olympus, centered around the original Church of Night, built shortly after the Treaty of Parlia.

Hierarchy:

First Marty

Grand Saints

Saints

Priest

The Adherent/Disciples


i love/hate this chapter, too much talking lol, but lmk what you think. story will pick up soon though, i promise