Aphrodite's War

by Donna Milward

  Aphrodite shed her anger and remorse. Here in the embrace of the Energy she found peace.

  Could she be forgiven after centuries away? After meddling in human lives for power? You are not like Ares and Strife, the Energy said. You did not seek to hurt mankind. You gave your existence for them without concern for your own fate.

  A tingling sensation washed over Aphrodite, the feeling so odd she laughed.

  Laughter. She heard her own euphoria. Her hands took shape before her. She turned them over in disbelief, pressed them to her wet cheeks. A quiver from behind caught her attention. She spun to greet the sound, abruptly realizing the source. An experimental touch revealed soft feathers and strong sinew. The Energy had gifted her with long-lost wings. For the first time in centuries, Aphrodite took flight. She soared through the emptiness, screaming her ecstasy.

  The Energy blessed her. Her Lord had returned her ability to fly. Eternity would be bearable after all.

  Aphrodite. She halted, hovering, prepared to comply. For this boon she would do whatever the Energy requested. Anything to earn the favor of her creator. You belong in Eden. Clouds parted to reveal skies the color of ripe peaches. Burbling waterfalls covered in lush greenery framed vast gardens of sweet scented orchids and tulips.

  One angel strolled amongst the lake of blooms, a single pink rose held between long graceful fingers. His blonde curls haloed his bent head. Hermes raised his perfect face, his mouth forming the word that shattered her.

  Mom. Aphrodite placed a hand over her lips, but a sob rasped, exposing her heartache.

  If she could just touch him… Go, Aphrodite. Your son awaits. Welcome home.

  Acknowledgements I would first like to thank the Edmonton Kendo and Naginata Club, as well as the Edmonton Japanese Community Association. Special mention to Sensei Dustin Bjorkquist, Tully Pinkerton, Steve Hladky and Keiko Marumo. Thank you for making me feel welcome from Day One, and for your mentorship. These great memories will last me a lifetime. I learned so much from everyone.

  Thank you to my beta readers, Rebecca Bartlett-Reid, Karen Maquire, and Cathy Rogers.

  Thanks to the blogging community for all your support. Thank you to my publisher Heather Savage, my editor Sara PetersonJohnson, and my cover designer Terra Weston-Koster. Your stellar work is much appreciated.

  And thank you to my readers! I love you all! And last, but sometimes the most important, thanks to my Dan, who assures me I’m brilliant no matter how bad the Idiot Mode feels.