Zeus's Condition

Defiance

It's dark by the time we reach the base of the mountain, a mountain enriched in both myth and culture for centuries. It is said that Mount Lykaion is the birthplace of Zeus himself and the place where this night and all nights before and after's sacrifices take place.

Lightning flashes in the sky, illuminating the mountainous range for a brief moment before plunging the land into darkness again; thunder follows not far behind. Rain was imminent. I usher us along, hoping to beat it.

We follow along the pathway that snakes its way up the side of mount Lykaion, a rugged over-grown perilous journey in itself. Breathing heavily, I take a glance beside be at Alexion. The boy in question is whiter than a ghost but seems to be holding his head up with determination; I smile, almost proud of the boy. Very few face this fate with that much bravery.

I catch Alexion glancing up at the two peaks making up the grand mountain, and a thoughtful expression crosses his face, " Lysander, which peak are we going to?" he asks.

I respond, "The bigger of the two. We're going to the birthplace of the King of the Gods."

Alexion swallows, then wets his lips before asking his follow-up question, "Why do we need to do this monthly? Is Zeus never happy with us?"

Sighing, I tell him, "We have to do this once a month, on the night of the full moon, because it's the law. It's been a ritual since the dawn of man, or so I'm told." I pause. "A sacrifice has to be made during this time. This sacrifice is an honor to the god Zeus. Many years ago, when Peloponnese was starting out, Zeus decreed that all across our great land, we had to sacrifice a child because Zeus would trade a child's blood for his protection and a prospering land. So no, I wouldn't say he's unhappy with us; it's more of his 'conditions.' " I finish my speech and glance back at Alexion.

Alexion no longer looked pale; in fact, as well as determined, he also had an air of defiance about him. He suddenly asked, "How will you do it? The sacrifice that is?"

I sheepishly look over at him and pat my belt holding the Kopis, "With this." I say, "But don't worry, I make it as painless as possible."

Alexion nods and is quiet for a time.

I'm also silent, and a sick feeling enters my stomach; I'm suddenly gripped with regret, a feeling I know all too well after years of this job. I did this job every month, but it still didn't make it any easier. Alexion was one of the countless boys given this duty to his town of Arcadia and the surrounding area. A responsibility all were not prepared for, for most were not ready to meet death, least of all this early.

I speak suddenly, disturbing the silence, "Won't be much further now."

Alexion jerks as if splashed with cold water and whimpers, "Please. Please, Lysander, don't do this; we don't have to do everything he says."

I turn my head away from the boy, too ashamed to face him. "I have to, kid; you know the law. What is decreed of the Gods must be followed." I say, sounding like I've recited this a lot.

"But there is something that you can do, anything!" Alexion almost yells, a panic seeming to take on the once calm youth.

I take a moment and look back at the boy, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you, Alexios."

Alexios looks down in defeat, tears glossing his eyes.

The thunder continues to rumble overhead. "Come now. I'm tired of talking about this. You hear the thunder; Zeus is waiting."

At that moment, a bolt of lightning flashes overhead, illuminating the path and the temple ahead of them. Zeus's temple always took my breath away; it was no wonder why he was the king of the Gods. The temple was made of pearly white marble columns that reached towards the heavens and an enormous statue of the big man himself sitting outside glaring at all that went by.

I look back to ensure Alexios was keeping up and noticed that he was left in awe at the sight, his mouth gaping, "T-That's where we're going?" he asked breathlessly, almost forgetting about his fate for a minute.

"Yeah, kid, that's where we're going," I replied, almost chuckling.

We continue up the mountain, making it to the foot of the Zeus statue. The statue was that of a man with a flowing beard, cold, all-seeing eyes, and wearing a purple toga. The figure stood proud with his right arm raised, holding a lightning bolt.

We both look up into the eyes that seem to be boring into our souls; I snort and say to Alexion, 'that doesn't look anything like him."

He looks at me in awe".... Y-you mean you've met him?"

I nod " Yup, many times. And you will to tonight." I glance into the sky, "Come on, kid. We haven't got much time."

We walk past the statue and make our way up the white marble steps and into the temple entrance. The inside is even more captivating than the outside. The doorway opens into a grand hallway lined with columns decked out with torches, the fire creating spooky shadows along the walls. Beautiful art was carved into the ceiling, depicting a battle from long ago against what looked like a wolf creature, Zeus using his lightning bolts against it. The altar sat at the far end of the temple, and a man was seated in this area.

The man stood as they came closer. The man had golden blonde hair plaited down his back, wore a chiton coloured gold, and a himation in a royal purple. On top of his head, he wore a crown of olive leaves. The man's gaze was piercing, with his electric blue eyes and rugged eyebrows. His mouth was pulled into a condescending smirk on a clean-shaven face as he waited for the two to get closer.

We stop a few feet before the strange man, both of us feeling a power crackle in the air. "Lysander, nice to see you again. Ah… I see you've brought our latest celebrity." The man suddenly speaks.

I drop to one knee, pulling Alexios down with me, "Of course, Zeus, we'll do anything to appease you." I learned to treat Zeus like the king he is a long time ago, lest something terrible happen.

Zeus looks down at the two of us and tuts, "all right. Let's begin."

The altar sat cold and empty, except for a newly placed cloth lazily draped across the center. Still kneeling, we glance up at Zeus as he walks over to the altar; seeing the God wave his hand, we watch as a cluster of unlit candles appears. Alexios gasps in shock while I look on in indifference, having seen this many times before.

Zeus sets the candles down and turns toward the two, "You may rise," he says.

I stand and move to help Alexios up, already daunting the night's events. Zeus walks over to us and scrutinizes Alexios up and down; he lets out a grunt and waves his hand again. A poof of wind blows thru Alexios' clothing, cleaning and fixing all the wear the mountain trek caused.

Satisfied with his work, Zeus turns back toward the altar. He picks up the candles, sets four in each corner of the altar, and lights them; now, aglow, he beckons Alexios over.

Alexio shyly walks over to Zeus; Zeus grabs him and pushes down on his shoulders, forcing the boy to kneel in front of the Altar.

I gulp, already knowing my duty is near,

Zeus steps back a ways from Alexion and seems to draw in some of his power; a blueish glow illuminates his form, and crackles of electricity seem to emit from his body; he stands to his full height and starts to say his sermon, "This boy here is to be sacrificed to the Gods that watch over this great land, and all that reside here. His blood will keep unknown dangers at bay and bring wealth and prosperity for all who need it." Then, turning to Alexion, he asks, "Do you, Alexion pledge your life to the greater of humanity?"

Alexion gives a quiet "Yeah."

Zeus beckons me over, obliging I approach the two, unstrapping my Kopis and unsheathing it.

Zeus pushes and holds Alexions head down on the altar as I get closer.

I say the final line, "May the Gods take this sacrifice." And stab the kopis into Zeus's side.