Treasure of Calliope: Chronicles of Zeus' Daughters - Book 1

ZeusZeus approached the bronze gates of Tartarus. He was confident he would convince the Centimanes and Cyclopes to help him. The war with the Titans was stale-mated. Oceanus the Titan would have tipped the scales for either side but stayed neutral. Tired of waiting, Zeus was going to do whatever had to be done to take the throne from Cronos. No one was going to stand in his way, not even the Fates. He had been warned that his actions would have significant consequences. As Zeus got closer to the gates, he got his first glimpse of the Centimanes assigned to guard the entrance and its occupants. He first heard about the creatures in stories told to him at night by his human mother. They were several feet taller than him, and with 50 heads and 100 arms, each one was individually dangerous. He smiled at the thought of how all three combined with the right strategy could take down the Titan force and bring a quick end to the war. Zeus stopped his approach when he saw 150 heads turn and face him and held up the offerings, he was bringing to them. “Gaea has permitted Tartarus to allow me entrance so that I may bring you a gift.” The two Centimanes closest to the gate did not move or speak but appeared ready to jump in and help their brother if needed. “You do not belong here. Leave now or find yourself on the other side of these walls,” the one Centimani closest to him answered. Zeus bowed low before them briefly before standing up again. “I am Zeus, son of Cronos.” “What do you want, son of Cronos?” Zeus walked forward slowly and held out the delicious treats, so they could be seen by all three. “I offer you and your brothers a gift of nectar and ambrosia.” The treats were quickly taken. “We thank you for the gifts. We will hear you out but make no promises beyond that.” The Centimani sipped the nectar and took a bite of the ambrosia before the other two beasts walked over to share in the sweet treats. Zeus nodded and allowed him to continue. “We are Cottus,” he said as he pointed to himself. “These are Briareus and Gyes,” he continued and pointed to the other Centimanes. “I offer freedom in exchange for your help.” Gyes stopped eating the ambrosia and looked at Zeus in consideration for a moment. “Our father told us it was our duty to protect this world and made us its guardians.” “He used that as a reason to keep you down here. The Cyclopes, who you guard, are also sons of Uranus and have done no wrong. Your father fears them, and so does Cronos, and that is why they were banished to this prison. Have you ever been offered to leave here?” The Centimanes glanced at each other for a moment, and then all shook their heads. “Then you are all prisoners here. The only difference is which side of the gate you stand on. If you agree, perhaps you will allow me to speak to the Cyclopes as well. You have all been mistreated, cast out to this place, and I offer freedom to all of you.” Briareus walked to the gates, and when Gyes and Cottus nodded, he opened the gates allowing the three Cyclopes to step forward. “These are Arges, Brontes, and Steropes.” “I ask for your help, and in return, I will lead you to freedom from this place,” Zeus said as he looked at the Cyclopes and Centimanes who stood in front of him. Arges and Brontes growled. They have heard this lie before. Steropes silenced his brothers with a quick look. “You say you would set us free. We have heard that promise before. Once by Uranus and once by Cronos. We help you, and as soon as you see us as a threat, we are right back here again.” “You are all very strong, but if I provide you with a life that you enjoy, would you threaten or betray me?” Zeus gave them a minute to think about the question before proceeding. “Agree to follow me and you may live where you can see Pontus (Sea) or Ourea (Mountains) and be surrounded by Hemera (Day). You can choose to stay together or find solitude in one of the many castles available to you. You have my sworn word on Gaea and on the throne that will be mine that I will never betray you. You are family to me, and I see family as sacred.” “We would be free?” Arges asked. “I have promised Gaia and I will promise you that you will never have to return again to this place.” The Centimanes and Cyclopes looked at each other. None of them trusted his words but seem to make an agreed decision. “A prison is still a prison, but what you offer sounds better and truer than what we have heard in the past. How can we help?” Gyes asked. “Brontes, Steropes, Arges – will you create weapons for my two brothers and me? I need something that will have such force that Cronos and the others will have to back down. We have been at war for many years, and it is time to put it to an end.” “For you, we will create a weapon that will wield lightning and thunder. It will light up the sky while the sound will stun your enemies all around you. Thrown at your enemy, the heat from the bolt will keep knock them down until they are able to heal,” Brontes said. “That will help them on the ground. For your brothers, we will create a trident to control the oceans and a helm of darkness providing invisibility,” Steropes said. Cottus stepped forward. “How can we help? We are okay with using swords, but we do not like them very much.” “You each have enormous strength. How do you feel about throwing enough rocks at Cronos’ army? If you can throw enough, it will distract them while the rest of us attack.” “We will shower them with so many rocks that they will not see anything else,” Gyes replied, and everyone laughed at the site that would be. Zeus nodded in appreciation and they all turned and followed Zeus out to their new lives. The Fates“You summoned me?” Atlas asked as he stepped into the cabin and bowed low out of deep respect for the three women. As the daughters of Nyx, all immortals feared their wrath. Their powers were only surpassed by their knowledge of past, present, and future. “Atlas, son of Titan Iapetus and Nymph Clymene, we require your help,” Clotho replied. When Atlas stood up, he felt a difference within the room which contained strings hanging in very possible direction. Some were short, some were long, some were wrapped with others, and some were alone. There were candles everywhere and a large fire in the hearth. This was not the first time he was summoned here, but today something was wrong. Atropos was the only who moved. She had her shears in hand and had cut several strings well short of their pre-measured end. She wore a green chiton with a gold rope around her waist. Her black hair was braided and tied up in a bun with gold trim. “Your feelings do not betray you, Atlas. There is something very wrong.” Atropos proceeded to cut more strings, which then disappeared. “Lives lost as we speak, not meant to end yet.” It was unusual to see Lachesis stand still with sadness on her face. She was ordinarily busy measuring and moving threads from place to place laughing with her sisters. Her blue chiton was a little shorter than Clotho because he could see her ankles and feet. Her black hair was pulled back in a loose braid that extended down to her waist. “While the battle that Zeus waged to take the throne from his father has taken a toll. It was in the strings and should happen. But Zeus has decided to force his path to the throne, changing all the strings, past, present, and future.” “It is my understanding that we are evenly matched, and no side will ever win which will allow Cronos to keep the throne. Hera shared with me her fear for me and the Titans.” Atlas made sure to look at each of them for at least a moment while he spoke. “She said that Zeus’ only thought is to take the crown from Cronos. He does not care the cost.” Lachesis turned her gaze to the fire and stared for several seconds. “Zeus has found a way to put the odds in his favor ensuring victory over the Titans. He has gone straight to Gaea for her support to release the Cyclopes and Centimanes from Tartarus. Gaea was willing to help because she wants to see Cronos punished for breaking his word and imprisoning them.” Clotho was not spinning her thread as she usually did. The long chiton was red but not a bright red that it was the last time he was here. Her black hair was up in a bun and wrapped in a vine with white flowers. When she stood up and walked over to Atlas, she placed her hand on Atlas’ shoulder and gave him a look of compassion. “You have been leading the Titans as we have asked you to do even though two of your brothers have refused to join you because they fear Zeus. Your mate and daughters are angry at you for fighting this battle because they do not respect Cronos. We must ask more because you are the one chosen by Nyx.” Atlas was stunned. Primordials were always neutral and to be chosen by one was an honor higher than any other. He did not recall a time that it had ever happened before. “Sometimes you must be willing to lose a battle to win the war,” Lachesis added as she, too, walked over, taking Atlas’ hand in both of hers. “You know I will do what is asked. I beg you, do not ask me to allow defeat because that is something I cannot do,” Atlas pleaded. “We are telling you that Zeus will win this battle. Your destiny lies not in this fight but beyond with many more worlds and higher stakes. If you are successful, there will finally be peace,” Lachesis said and released his hands to walk back towards the fire. “May I share this information with those who stand with me for punishment?” “Only tell them what you must to provide them with peace, so they can endure their punishment until they are released.” “I understand. Thank you.” “You are a warrior but are not driven by power. When the Titans lose this battle, Zeus’ punishments will be severe, especially for you. He will have you sent to a place of complete isolation with the weight of the world on your shoulders. Nyx will protect you and send you instead into another realm only known to the other Primordials.” “I do not care for myself. What about my mate and our daughters?” “Your mate is already finding solace in another man’s bed,” Lachesis replied. “And what of my daughters?” “They will be filled with grief…..,” Lachesis started but was interrupted by Clotho. “Doing this is part of what Nyx asks of you.” She saw the look on his face and wanted to tell him more to put his heart and mind at ease. “Zeus will not harm them,” Lachesis said. “Is there no other path open, so my father, brother, and uncles are not punished?” he asked carefully so as not to offend them. “Atlas, your life is about to become very dark, and we wish another way existed so that we could spare you and the others from the consequences from this path. However, this is the only way to find peace for the gods and save many worlds and their realms, including the youngest world with humans,” Atropos said. “There will be a time when they will be freed, but before then, we will make certain that they will be allowed to live within the walls of a world where they will find some peace. You will ….” “Lachesis! We cannot favor one life over another,” Clotho scolded her. “Atlas has always been loyal and stands here ready to sacrifice himself on his faith in what we say. Surely you agree that deserves favor from us and know that there is hope for him after all of this.” They glanced at each other for just a few seconds, like sending a message to each other. “There is a young woman raised as a mortal. You will see her on the eve of her 18th day of birth. You must warn her of the danger and then help prepare her for the trials to earn the powers inherited to her. She will bring light to your world,” Clotho said, weaving her hands to create the silhouette of a woman. “She knows nothing of the immortal world or the evil that is trying to find her.” The silhouette outline straightened and began to glow. Clotho sat at her spinning wheel, and soon there were multiple strings around the one that seemed to be filled with light, many also shining, just not as bright. “It is such an interesting story to watch. We could provide more, but it would reduce the level of our amusement in watching,” Atropos said with a smile as twisted as their humor. “The strings as you see them now are going to change because of her, but she will need your strength, wisdom, and guidance if she is going to be successful in her journey.” “Take this bracelet and present it to her on your first meeting. She will need it,” Lachesis stated as she held out her hand to him to take the gift. “Surely Zeus will see its power and take it as his own when we are defeated. How do I hide it, so I can do as you ask?” “You are correct. Zeus would take it upon your defeat. He cannot take what he cannot see. As soon as you place it on your wrist, it will become unseen to any immortal until it is ready to be seen.” “You will not see it, but you will still feel it,” Clotho added. “It was made from a special metal forged into two infinity symbols linked with black onyx by Nyx. Each component is powerful on its own, together even more so. It will only help the person who it was intended for.” “This woman is not born yet, but Nyx already favors her. May I know why?” “You will understand when you meet her,” Lachesis replied. “Do not underestimate her just because she is a human. She is stronger than what she appears to be.” Atlas nodded at Clotho in response to her statement. When he placed the bracelet on his wrist as requested, he felt a strange warmth and butterflies in his stomach. “I feel something.” “You were meant to wear it until you can present it to this young woman, and the bracelet is letting you know that you have a connection to her. This is what you will feel when you see her,” Clotho said. “The bracelet will help her with focus and concentration. When you meet her, it will be in the dream world. Nyx has allowed her to have all of her dream abilities at birth, but to dream, she must be asleep. This bracelet will allow her to walk into your world without being asleep. It will come at a great cost to her energy. Energy that she will need when danger comes to her door,” Atropos warned. “Time passes very quickly in the world you will be in, and she will not notice its passage while with you,” Lachesis said. “She is very intelligent but tends to follow her emotions instead of her brain. Her world will crumble in front of her, and she will struggle. Nothing in her world will make sense except for her family and you,” Clotho said. “The candle’s single flame is stronger when surrounded by mirrors which transforms a single flicker of light into many. Any path is easier to follow when light is added. As more reflections are added, the brighter the path will become,” Atropos added. “There will be others with her that she must protect who add to her strength as they come into their own. The threat that is growing against her begins to grow even today. The danger grows because of who she is, not because of what she has done. Many are afraid of what she will become if she lives, while others fear that her power will threaten the balance among the gods. You must warn her. Tell her of the danger before it finds her,” Lachesis warned. In a flash, Atlas was transported back. His feelings were all over the spectrum about what was to come. He could feel the warmth on his wrist from the bracelet, and it would serve as a reminder that there was hope ahead. AtlasAtlas, his father Iapetus, his brother Menoetius, and his uncles Hyperion, Coeus, and Crius were shackled to the pillars of Areopagus. The Titanomachy war ended just as the Fates told him, but his heart still broke seeing Pleione softly crying. She was surrounded by their daughters, the Pleiades – Maia, Electra, Taygete, Aleyore, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope. His daughters were strong, but he refused to allow them to get involved. He wished he could tell them what the Fates had said, but that was f*******n because it would negatively affect the course of their existence. The Fates only allowed him to tell those that would be judged by Zeus, so they knew not to fight the judgment. “You betrayed me, and for what? Your king that you are so loyal to has abandoned you to face judgment alone. He is a coward,” Zeus said, looking at each of the men before narrowing his gaze on Atlas. “We were not only protecting Cronos but also our families. Why would you betray your father?” Atlas asked, feeling his shackles loosen. He looked briefly at the others and saw their bonds slackened as well. When they made eye contact, Atlas shook his head, indicating that they should do nothing for now. They must heed the Fates and take the consequences Zeus gave. Zeus turned his gaze to his brothers and then to the other immortals, unaware of the interaction between the prisoners. “Atlas, you led this fight against me, and since your king has abandoned you, you must watch as the other traitors are punished.” Atlas looked at Zeus and then turned his stare to Poseidon and Hades. “These pillars were created by Oizys, daughter of Nyx and the Furies, to ensure those bound for judgment would be inflicted with pain as partial punishment for whatever crime they committed. The Furies are relentless when it comes to justice. Why are we not in any pain?” There was a flash of doubt on their faces, and when he looked at his father, brother, and uncles, he nodded to follow him as he shook off the bindings. The men stood tall and did not move, knowing they were honorable in their actions and did not deserve the punishment they were about to receive. Atlas turned his stare back to Zeus, and it was filled with compassion. “This judgment is solely based on your vengeance and greed for power.” Zeus chose not to acknowledge the remark, but the pillars began to shake, and the foundation they stood on cracked from the pressure. The sky turned a dark black. Erebus was not happy. Those who stood in judgment began to have a soft glow. They were being given peace by Eros herself. None of the immortals moved. It was only the Titan Phoebe who showed no fear to Zeus and looked even more irritated as she watched the others still cower to Zeus. Zeus turned his glare to everyone else as if daring them to step up and question his authority. When no one moved, he passed his judgment. “Iapetus, you and the others are banished to Tartarus, where you will spend eternity. As I feel generous, I will spare your mates and young children since it was not them who chose to rise against me. When I find Cronos, he will be punished, and it will not be quick.” Poseidon stepped forward and placed a hand on Zeus’ shoulder. “Brother, you have gained Gaea’s favor for releasing the Cyclopes and Centimanes. Are you prepared for her wrath when you impose this sentence on the titans, especially seeing that the Furies, Erebus and Eros find them as innocent?” “It is an even trade-off.” Zeus moved away from Poseidon and gave him a look that his brother would dare not question him again or there would be severe consequences. No longer to stay quiet, Phoebe spoke up. “Does your greed for the throne make you blind? This is not justice and you know it. Gaea will not leave this move unanswered.” “Gaea will not do anything. You and the others should be thankful that you are not threats to me, or you would all be facing this judgment together.” Zeus waved his hand, and with a flash of bright light, the elder male Titans were gone. “Do you not want to plead for mercy, Atlas?” Zeus asked, looking for any fear and seeing none. “I know you have no mercy to give Zeus. Phoebe, please look after my family.” Atlas hoped she would not push Zeus too far and now focused on Zeus. “I accept your judgment, Zeus. My actions were my choice, and I knew fully the road it would take me.” Atlas saw a change in Poseidon and Hades. They disagreed with Zeus, and while they never challenged him before, they knew Zeus was wrong this time, and his actions today would have consequences. It was not a secret that the Atlas was favored by the Fates, and with the reactions by Erebus and Eros, they suspected that Nyx also found favor in him. Their realization showed shock on their faces which only Atlas could see since Zeus faced away from them. They looked at Atlas for any signal to act, but Atlas only shook his head. The Fates knew this would have started another b****y war with everyone losing. Atlas just smiled as the warmth on his wrist increased, sending it through his entire being. Out of the quiet and stillness of the air, Pleione cried out. “Atlas! Please beg him to spare you. Do not allow yourself to be taken from your daughters or from me!” Atlas looked at her and their daughters now with sadness. “If there was a way to avoid this and keep you all safe, I would do it. This is the path that must be chosen to keep peace and avoid another war between us.” “You are so concerned with the benefit of others. This punishment is fitting for you. You will carry the weight of the burden you bear for the world you claim to care so much about. And you will forever carry it in a place with no name in isolation and darkness.” Like before, Zeus waved his hands, and there was a blinding light. There were several loud explosions like dimensions were exploding apart or imploding together. Screams could be heard before there was a flash of light and a moment of intense heat before Atlas was sent into the darkness with a weight so heavy that he strained to keep standing. Within seconds, however, there was some light, and the burden he was carrying became bearable. He heard the voices of the Fates in his head encouraging and giving him hope. There was no difference in day and night to measure the passage of time, and suddenly he was very fatigued. He closed his eyes for just a few moments as he tried to envision the woman who would bring the light back to his life. He dreamed he was at Mt. Olympus, and there was a beautiful woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes standing next to him. He noticed he was holding their newborn son. Kneeling in front of this beautiful woman was Zeus himself, and his head was bowed. When his eyes opened again, there was a far-off light that grew and brightened and gave Atlas the feeling of hope that flooded through him. He stood in a field of wildflowers and long grass. The weight was no longer there, and the grass felt soft at his feet. A woman appeared, and his brain could not form any words to say or even make his feet move towards her. He felt his heartbeat in his chest and that same feeling from when he put on the bracelet. Her hair was blonde, straight, and long, and she was wearing odd-looking clothes. Standing several feet from her was another young woman who was very similar but for her curly hair. “Danger is coming for you and your family,” he tried to yell out but heard nothing but silence.