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

Chapter 9: New Direction

Kyra began walking back home too exhausted to run which gave her the time think about everything that had happened. She realized she acted like a child and was prepared for the consequences from her family.

“Is it selfish to want to release Atlas from that prison?” she asked of the air but was is only silence. She was an adult now and she cannot expect her parents to clean up her mess. “How do you a piece of chocolate cake? One piece at a time. I can do this. Let’s see, what are my problems?”

“Problem 1 is that my family is in danger. If I agree to take the trials and am successful, I will have the power to make them safe. If I fail … ok. That is another problem. I once read that if you think, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right too. Something in the universe thinks that I can do this so I must be able to do this. Back to Problem 1 that my family is in danger. Solution is to successfully complete the trials. Now that wasn’t so hard.”

“Problem 2 which is part of problem 1 is that Zeus has more enemies than one can count. How to figure out who they are? Can I use the strategy that the enemy of my enemy is my friend? He tricked my mother to sleep with her and now we all have to pay for the sins of the father. I may need to play that one by ear.”

“Problem 3 which is part of problem 2 is that Zeus imprisoned Atlas unfairly so as Zeus’ daughter, it is my duty to set him free. At least I know how to do that one. I just have to figure out how I can find the time to juggle that with the other 2 problems.”

“I think that is it for the problems. What do I know?”

“1. We are stronger together. Yep. This is definitely number 1.”

“2. I need to take those trials because that is my family’s only chance but I could be killed at any time during those trials or go mad like Hercules. Yep. Failure is not an option.”

“3. If all of those bedtime stories Zeus told us growing up are true, there are some scary beings out there. Crap. That makes problem 4 which is part of problem 1. How many of those scary things are angry with Zeus and want me dead?”

“4. I am not alone which is part of number 1 of what I know.”

“5. Zeus needs me to succeed because he thinks if I do, I can add to his strength. If he thinks that, he is delusional.”

“6. I may be underestimated because I am part human and a female. They are in for quite the surprise.”

“7. Zeus does not know about Atlas or that I have been given this bracelet.”

“8. Atlas and I have a connection and if I can survive…I don’t even want to think about that one. Nope. Not going there. At least not until my family is safe.”

“In summary, I have 4 problems but know 8 things. That is a good start I think.” Kyra felt her bracelet get warm and began to vibrate. When she looked down at it, she noticed that it was also glowing and she heard the female voices in her head.

“We are always here child. This journey is yours to take and you must make your own choices without our influence. You’ve made your decisions and we can tell you we are very proud of you. You are intelligent, strong, compassionate and humble. When you have doubt, refer to those for guidance.”

“Perhaps you would be willing to shed some light onto Problem 2? I don’t know who to trust with Zeus having so many enemies.  Phoebe said she is here as our guide. Is she friend or foe?”

“She is neutral but can be made into a friend. She has a connection with you that she is not aware of yet. Talk to her about your dreams and show her the bracelet.”

“What do I tell her if she asks about it?”

“Tell her who gave it to you. She will figure out the rest.”

Kyra smiled and continued her way home when Phoebe appeared after an hour of walking.  I tried to stop to talk to her, but the wolves nudge me forward. “Am I not allowed to talk to her?”

The wolves just shook their heads at me.

“I can talk to her as long as I keep walking?”

The wolves liked that one and they all nod their heads except for their leader who looked at me like I was stupid for asking. “Don’t look at me like that. I had a long night.” He huffed at me and I began to walk forward again with Phoebe. “You are becoming worse than an irritating younger brother,” I tell him. Phoebe looked at me and smiled.

“You do know that he cannot speak to you, right?”

“Yeah, I know. But he can understand what I’m saying to him.”

“Yes, they are very intelligent animals.”

“I assume you are here for a purpose and not just poof me back home, right?”

“I have several things to speak with you about, Kyra. First, you were very selfish to do what you did. Taking off like that without a word to anyone. You came very close to dying and where would that have left your family?”

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I was being selfish, thoughtless and really stupid. I will never put my family in that position again.”

“You seem different. What is it? What happened to change your perspective?”

“I met a man in my dream on my 18th birthday. He is the one who gave me this bracelet. His name is Atlas. Do you know him?”

Phoebe stopped walking and stared at the bracelet. I know these stones and that metal is onyx. To answer your question, yes. I know him very well but have not seen him since the battle between the Titans and Olympians. Zeus banished him to a world with no name where he would bear the weight on his shoulders for eternity. I am just trying to figure out if this is the Fates doing or Nyx.”

“Somehow he ended up in my dreams but he referred to the place where we meet as the Fields of Asphodel, but I thought that was only for the dead.”

“Not necessarily. Having him sent there and you having access to it in your dreams is something that Nyx would do.”

“Before I passed out from the cold, I saw him again. He cried out to the Fates to save me and said that he loved me.”

“That is incredible. He has never said those words to anyone. And how do you feel about him?”

“Everything is so overwhelming right now. Agamede, the one who saved me said there is a chance that I can free him, but it will leave me very weak. And there is the fact that I have to find 3 rare plants while performing these trials.”

“You’ve made the decision to do the trials?”

“I have. I just hope my family agrees that this is our only chance.”

“The other reason I am here is that the Fates have learned there are at least three factions working against you and will try to keep you from succeeding. I have not been told who or how many but you need to be aware of those who are working against you. It will be a challenge to decide who to trust and not trust. The faction that I think is more dangerous is Gaea and Thalassa. They are furious with Zeus and want him off the throne. The only reason Gaea has not joined forces with any of the Olympians is that Zeus has always been kind to the Cyclopes and Centimanes and neither trust any of the Olympians because everyone has their own agenda. The Fates see them backing one of the original Olympians to take his place, but the decision has not been made yet. They have been cautioned by the Fates to wait a little longer before making any final decisions. Please, share that information with your family.”

“Of course. There is something else. What is it?”

“I understand the weight that is being put onto your shoulders but I think you should know the full amount of weight that is being put there. Nyx, Erebus, and Eros have grown very weary of all of the fighting between the gods and think humanity is hopeless. If you do not succeed, they will wipe out humanity and leave only the Primordials to rebuild.”

Kyra sat suddenly on the ground feeling dizzy from the overwhelming load put on her. The wolves watched but didn’t move this time. Phoebe knelt next to her and placed her hand on Kyra’s shoulder. “I know this is a lot to put on you, but you must not tell your family about the last part. The Fates have said there are other things going on, but you needed to be made aware of the scope of consequences. When you mentioned Atlas’ name, I believe they are referring to him. You know he was chosen by the Titans to lead the charge because he is the best at strategy?” 

“I only knew he was their leader. I could definitely use his help with strategy. I don’t know how much more I can take, Phoebe. I know I’m Zeus daughter but how does any one-person process that much weight?” Kyra asked as she put her face in her hands. 

 “I do not know your future, but I have seen your thread that the Fates have woven. It is strong, bright, and full of color. You are very strong Kyra. According to the Fates, there has never before been a family born with such potential power as yours. I know you are scared, overwhelmed and feel lost, but if you follow your path, there may be no limit to all of the good that you can do beyond saving your family. You are not alone. As many who oppose you there are just as many if not more who support you. You have to believe in yourself and your family.”

Kyra looked back up but she was gone. The entire wolf pack give a unified mini-howl which sounded like a very loud bark of approval. “Do you know how I’m supposed to do all of this?” As he shook his head no, Kyra stood up and brushed the dirt off of her backside. “You’re no help.” Kyra shook her head at them and continued her long walk back home.

#####

It was almost dinner by the time Kyra finally got back home. The long walk had given her a lot of time to think about everything, but she was still not able to wrap her head around what the trials may include and how to prepare for the unknown. As Kyra opened the front door, she was able to hear everyone talking from the library but it immediately quieted as the door squeaked closed. The first ones out of the library were Tessa, Cassie and Alexis.

“She’s home!” Tessa yelled out as they all hugged her tightly. “We’ve missed you and have been so worried,” she said.

As Kyra pulled away from their embrace, she saw her parents standing next to Uncle Chris and Aunt Emi, and they looked really pissed off. Kyra’s mom and aunt had their hands on their hips. “Do you have any idea how scared we were that something happened to you?” her mom asked in her most calm voice.

“I’m am really sorry. I know what I did was really stupid, careless, and selfish.”

“We were about to call in the authorities when Tessa said one of the wolves came back and somehow let her know you were okay. We wanted her to have them show us where you were, but they wouldn’t,” Aunt Emi said.

“If you were in danger, half of the pack would have been here, and they would have been anxious making us follow them, and we would have been at your side but when only the one came back, I knew we just had to wait,” Tessa said as she walked up to me. “I’m really mad at you too.”

“I know. I needed to clear my head. I thought the best way to do that was to go somewhere alone so I could think. One minute I am enjoying my run, and the next, I am lost in the woods with it too dark to find my trail back out.”

“I’m so glad you’re back, and you’re okay,” she said and hugged me again.

“We will discuss your punishment later young lady,” Kyra dad spoke up. But they all walk over and hug her, followed by the rest of the family just glad she was not hurt.

“As soon as I get a shower and something to eat, I will answer your questions okay?” Kyra asked as she looked around to everyone.

“That sounds reasonable, doesn’t it Alex?” her mom replied.

“Yes.”

#####

After a long, hot shower, Kyra got changed and returned downstairs. She answered everyone’s questions felt it was important to only tell them the just enough to make them feel better. She had no idea why she was compelled not to give Agamede’s name so she just referred to her as a nice older lady. Her sisters and cousins weren’t buying it though and she knew they wanted more details but would wait until the parents weren’t around, and she had a chance to sleep before giving her the second inquisition. “I guess that’s what happens when you spend almost every hour of every day together.  We have learned when there is something being left unsaid for the sake of the parents.”

Everyone agreed with her reasons for performing trials, but she would not start until they were at their grandmother’s home. By the time, Kyra got to bed it was really late, and she was completely drained. Kyra crawled into bed and laid her head on the pillow, quickly falling into a dreamless sleep. She woke up the following morning feeling a new energy but was disappointed that she didn’t get to see Atlas. She changed into jeans and a sweater before heading downstairs to breakfast. “Where is everyone,” Kyra asked after seeing Cassie, Alexis, Tessa, Helena, Ellie and Kat in the kitchen finishing up their breakfast.

“Dad and Uncle Alex were helping out Dr. Cooper finalize everything to ensure the reserve is handled while we’re gone. Mom and Aunt Rea are in the office making new travel plans. The only good thing about you being missing is that it has allowed them more time in preparing the reserve for our absence.” Cassie explained.

“Well, I’m glad there was a little good that came out of it.”

“Alright Kyra, spill it. What else happened?” Tessa questioned.

“When I got lost, I thought I was going to die out there in the cold. But when I fell to sleep, I saw Atlas. And he was really angry with me but at the same time pleading for my life. He said he loved me,” Kyra said quickly as she grabbed a piece of toast and took a bite.

“Wow.”

“Right.”

“And….”

“Everything went black and I woke up on this woman’s couch in front of a fire. She was so nice. I wish you could meet her. I know dad would love her.”

“Wait, why your dad?” Tessa asked.

“She is an expert at plants, all plants and their combinations with what they can do.”

“You’re right, your dad would love her.”

“She said something to me that really made sense. I had taken off on my run because I felt like I didn’t have control over my own destiny. It was written already, and I had to follow it or our family would suffer the consequences of me wanting to take a different path. She said that everyone has a destiny, but what really matters is how you live your life getting there.”

“She sounds wise.”

“After I left, with your guard dog wolves making sure I got home, I saw Phoebe.”

“Why do I get the feeling this is not going to be good?”

“Like I told everyone last night, she said that all of us have power and we need to work together. What I didn’t say last night was that she also told me there are different groups that want to see me fail, but didn’t go into too many specifics. She assured me that with as many who are against us, there are some who are supporting us. The trick will be in knowing who to trust and not trust, who is sincere, and who has their own agenda.”

“Why do they want you to fail Kyra?”

“Because I am the daughter of Zeus. He made a lot of enemies since he won the battle to take the thrown from his father. They see me as his weakness but only have a limited time to use me against him because once we successfully complete the trials it won’t be as easy. And I guess that his family is not as forgiving as you guys are,” Kyra said smiling at all of them.