Athena faced him across the table, gesturing to the miniature vessels. ‘Over a thousand ships have already congregated. Sea-trade to the Troad has been eradicated. Priam’s city will not survive on squirrelling supplies through Phrygia alone. Besides, the Trojans have only one great tactical general, Hector, whereas the Greeks are blessed with severalstrategists. Odysseus of Ithaca, in particular, is the most skilled –’
‘Odysseus,’ Ares drawled. ‘Your favourite pales in combat next to Hector. Now that Achilles has abandoned the war, you will see the mighty Greek army crumble against the power of Troy.’
Athena’s eyes flashed. ‘It does you little credit to dismiss the King of Ithaca. He has a brilliant mind.’
‘That won’t save him on the battlefield.’ Ares spread his arms and took in the room. ‘You will all bear witness.’
Apollo sighed. ‘Brother, I told you the last time you dragged us here, I won’t go to Troy unless Achilles fights. My priestesses say he’s the greatest mortal warrior that has ever lived. The others aren’t worth my time. Get him back, then I’ll come.’
‘Agreed,’ said Artemis.
Before Ares could rage against his siblings, Athena interjected, ‘It is already done.’ She met Ares’ stare with a soft smile. ‘And when Odysseus brings Achilles back to Troy, you will be forced to admit he is the greatest mortal mind of his generation.’
Tired of their bickering, Hera cleared her throat.
‘Mother.’ Ares’ disposition brightened as he paced to her side and guided her to the table. ‘Look at this.’ He gestured across the map. ‘Under the counsel of my priestesses, Agamemnon of Mycenae has amassed the greatest Greek allied army the world has ever seen. Won’t Father be pleased?’
‘I’m sure he will.’ Hera massaged the back of Ares’ neck.
From the shadows, Hephaestus barked out a laugh.
At that moment the doors were thrown open, and Zeus entered, followed by a quivering Hermes.
The King of the Gods paused at the edge of the map and took in each member of his family. Then his gaze fell on theraised segment of Troy. He advanced, eyes consuming every detail.
‘Father.’ Ares drew himself up to his full height. ‘The entire Greek force is now camped at Troy. I was just telling Mother, Agamemnon has –’
In one swift motion, Zeus gripped the underside of the marble and hurled it into the air. The Olympians scattered as the great slab came crashing down, chunks of glittering stone shattering across the room. Hera grasped Ares’ arm.
‘Typhon, the dragon, has been sighted above ground.’ Zeus spoke softly, yet his words rolled over them like a great wave.
‘No …’ said Aphrodite, her voice quivering.
‘Who set the dragon free?’ asked Apollo, clinging to Artemis’ hand. ‘Hades would never …’ he trailed off, the name of the dead heavy on the air.
‘This washerdoing, wasn’t it?’ asked Athena. ‘The creature who looks like a mortal girl. Father …’ she approached Zeus, ‘I do not believe Hades created her. When I faced her over a year ago, her power was so like our own …’
Zeus stood still as a pillar of salt. Hera’s chest tightened. Without realizing, Athena had laid bare the truth.
The King of the Gods turned his golden gaze on his daughter, and Hera watched his rage burn into pride.
‘My Bright Eyes, always the cleverest of my children.’
Beside her, Ares stiffened. Hera felt the barb like it was her own wound.
‘The creature I tasked you with destroying is a Titan.’ Zeus’ words rippled through the divine family like shockwaves, their eyes flicking to the fresco towering around them. Before anyone could speak, he continued, more lies pouring from his lips, ‘ShewasHades’ creation, her beastly flesh altered to appear mortal. He hoped to use her as a weapon against meto claim the throne of Heaven. Hubris led Hades down this path, and his own invention ultimately became his downfall. Like all Titans she is treacherous. She murdered him and Persephone and unleashed the dragon.’ Zeus looked down at the ruined floor before him. ‘Let this be a reminder, she will not stop until she has destroyed everything we have built. Everything you care about, your cities, temples, wars, worshippers, none of it will exist if she reaches Olympus. From this moment on, all you will think of is killing her. Nothing else matters.’
Hera watched the faces of her family change, shifting with tides of anger, confusion and fear.
‘But Troy …’ Ares stared at the crumbled remains of his map. ‘I must be there when it begins. All those sacrifices, all those mortals praying to me, all the bloodshed in my name –’
‘Nothing. Else. Matters,’ repeated Zeus, each word a shard of ice.
Ares did not question him again.
‘What will we do about the dragon?’ asked Artemis. ‘It will surely come here seeking revenge.’
‘Concern yourself only with the girl. I will deal with Typhon, just as I did before.’
