by Anne B. Cole
“Something three gods were unable to do,” Hera gloated.
“Together, we’re ready to claim our twins and return to a human life.” Gretta gave another jolt to Sam’s ribs, snapping him out of Aphrodite’s love trance.
“I passed the trials, earning the right to raise my children.” Sam strode to Aphrodite and removed his son from her arms.
Gretta hurried to Hera and bowed in a low curtsy. The goddess placed the infant girl into her arms and stood by her side. With their children in hand, the need to flee overwhelmed her.
“Gretta earned the right to raise the children by finding her husband. Both have proved their worthiness and ability to parent the children.” Hera eyed each god and goddess present, ending with her own husband, Zeus. “I approve the request.”
“Overruled,” Zeus roared. “Where have you been hiding, mortal man? I condemned you to Tartarus to see if you could escape from the depths a third time.”
“An impossible feat.” Hades spat fire.
“I bet this mortal man can do it.” Poseidon smirked and tossed several coins into the air.
“There will be no more trickery. The human is doomed,” Hades growled and flicked dozens of coins into the air.
“Raise the bet, Zeus,” Aphrodite giggled at his side.
“How about it, Brother?” Hades narrowed crimson eyes at Zeus.
“Enough.” Hera swiped a hand in front of the gods. The sound of the supreme goddess’s voice mesmerized all and brought the brothers under her command. With a snap of her upheld fingers, the gold coins tumbled to the ground.
“There will be no more bets placed with regards to the mortals.” Hera stormed to Zeus and grabbed the scroll out of his hand. “Samuel and Gretta Daggett earned the right to raise their children.” She handed the scroll to Gretta and it vanished.
Zeus balled his hands into fists at his sides. “Trickery.” He glared at Hera. “You approve of these scheming mortals to parent the twins?”
“I admit, I’m uncomfortable with the current situation. Animosity between the mortal parents and the gods may bring future conflicts. The children must be brought up in a loving and nurturing environment.”
“As they most certainly will be. How dare you consider us unfit, unloving parents?” Gretta interrupted. “We’ve proved our worthiness. Come on Sam. We’re going home. With our children.”
Zeus ground his teeth. “No mortal or god tells me what to do.” A blast of lightning flared from his hands.
Electricity paralyzed Gretta and she watched her son and daughter float safely to Aphrodite’s arms.
Zeus lowered his arms and she collapsed to the sand at his feet. “Upon death, this mortal woman will spend eternity in Purgatory–In-Tartarus.”
“My apologies. Hera raises a valid point.”
What? Sam’s words ripped Gretta’s heart in two.
“We’ve proved strength, intelligence, and commitment to each another. Yet, neither one of us have experience in parenting.” Sam lifted Gretta’s trembling hand and kissed her fingertips. He eased her to her feet and supported her at his side. “I love this woman more than life itself. I believe our love for our children is even greater.” He took a deep breath and glanced at Asclepius, who blinked in approval. “May I humbly suggest a truce?”
“One between the mortals and the gods.” Asclepius hurried to Gretta’s other side.
“A truce focusing on the children’s best interest,” Hera added.
“Absolutely. They are adorable, don’t you think, Poseidon?” Aphrodite cooed. “Did you see him raise his arms, Zeus? The boy thinks he is holding a lightning bolt.”
“Or a trident.” Poseidon regarded their son fondly.
“And the girl can’t take her eyes off Hades,” Hera noted.
One by one, the three brothers approached Aphrodite. Each god appeared mesmerized by the twins.
“Is it Aphrodite’s charm?” Gretta whispered.
“I can never love anyone but you.” Sam placed a trail of kisses from her cheek to her lips.
Gretta sighed and bit his lower lip.
“I’m talking about how the gods appear to be mesmerized by our children. We need to set the rules of the truce.” She nibbled his lip, then feathered kisses across his chin. “Quickly, before they come to their senses.”
“Right. Since Aphrodite’s holding them, you keep an eye on the twins. Let me do the talking.” Sam pressed a kiss on her forehead and faced the gods.
“Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and Aphrodite.” All eyes focused on Sam. “If you pardon Gretta’s soul from Purgatory-In-Tartarus,” Sam paused and tightened the squeeze on her hand, “we will allow the twins to be educated under Zeus and Hera’s direction.”
“Accept the truce so we get to keep them,” Aphrodite squealed.
“No.” Gretta’s firm rejection startled the babies. Her daughter began to fuss.
Aphrodite handed the baby boy to Poseidon and lifted the girl to her shoulder. “Quiet, mortal woman. Your husband earned the right to raise the children. You have no say.”
Gretta’s fury escaladed when Aphrodite winked at Sam.
“I’m suggesting a truce. Gretta and I will raise the twins through their childhood. Zeus and Hera will oversee their higher education,” Sam clarified.
“After they graduate from college,” Gretta added.
“I believe the children will be ready for Olympian training much earlier,” Hera interjected. “Demigods enter our schools at twelve human years.”
“We agreed the offspring are not demigods,” Asclepius replied in Gretta’s defense. “They will need at least six additional years of maturity.”
Gretta’s hand throbbed from Sam’s grip. She felt his anguish as the gods argued over the terms of the truce. After several rounds of debate, Asclepius gestured them to approach and pointed to a parchment hovering in front of Zeus.
“Since the mortals do not read Ancient Greek, I will translate,” Asclepius announced. “Gretta Lucille Dobbs Daggett will be pardoned from Purgatory-In-Tartarus in accordance to the following. One, at the end of their eighteenth year, the offspring will be trained at the Olympian School. Two, during the years under the care of their human parents, the offspring will be closely monitored. Three, the offspring will be cared for in their first year by Aphrodite and Persephone.”
“All in agreement?” Hera questioned.
“Aye,” the gods and goddesses spoke in unison.
The babies began to cry. Gretta struggled to go to them.
“Wait.” Sam approached Asclepius with a restraining grip on Gretta’s arm. “Allow us to raise them their first year as well, and we will accept the terms.”
“I tried. Aphrodite is in love with the babies. I’m so sorry.” Asclepius handed Sam a quill pen.
The twins continued their wailing despite Aphrodite’s attempts to calm them.
“Isn’t there something we can do?” Sam implored.
“I’m afraid not. The decision is final. Sign here.”
Gretta watched her daughter struggle in Aphrodite’s arms. She slowly approached the beautiful goddess and stroked her baby’s back. The infant settled immediately.
“Please, take good care of them.” Gretta reached her other hand to her son. Tiny fingers wrapped around her thumb. “I trust you will ensure their safety and—”
“My apologies, Aphrodite,” Sam interrupted. “I’m afraid my daughter has vomited on your lovely dress.”
“She what?” Aphrodite shrieked and thrust the baby girl to Gretta. “Eww. My gown is ruined and it smells.” She cringed. “Someone wipe it off.” When no one stepped forward to help, she squealed, “One of you, do something!”
“Poseidon could conjure a damp towel,” Hades snickered.
The baby boy continuously kicked and punched tiny fists into the air while Poseidon attempted to swaddle the blue blanket around him. Deep lines creased the water god’s forehead. “Uh, I think the little guy needs a dry blanket.” He hastily handed the wet baby to Sam.
“Addendum to the truce.” Hera hid a smile. “The offspring will be cared for by their human parents from this hour until they return to Delos for training the first day of their nineteenth year.”
When no one objected, she handed the parchment to Gretta. “Sign here.”
Chapter 57
Just Like Old Times
Gretta
Sam signed his name below Gretta’s and handed the document to Zeus. Gretta cradled her daughter with one arm and held her son’s tiny hand with her other. Sam bowed his head to the gods.
“It is done,” Hera exclaimed and snatched the parchment from her husband. “When the children turn eighteen we will train them for seven years. At the age of twenty-five they will choose a human life or—”
“They are not demigods,” Hades growled. Sizzling drool escaped his lips.
“True. After training we will better understand their abilities,” a male voice from behind the group announced.
“Being born on Delos, I believe great things will come from the twins,” a female voice continued.
Everyone turned to stare at the approaching couple. Gretta tightened her grip on her babies at the sight of the woman’s longbow and sharp arrows.
“Welcome, Apollo and Artemis.” Zeus gestured to the newcomers. “It is appropriate for you to meet the second set of twins born on Delos.”
Artemis touched the cheek of each child and a smile softened her warrior features. “As godparents, we will assist in choosing their names.”
Apollo tilted his head slightly and began playing his lyre. A beautiful melody filled Gretta’s head, emptying it of all previous notions of baby names.
“Si, for the boy. Short for Poseidon.” The water god lifted his chin with pride.
No one countered Poseidon’s announcement and Apollo continued playing.
“I believe Di will suit the girl. Short for Aphrodite.” The goddess of love stepped forward in a new, sparkling, pink-champagne gown.
“Diana, a strong name.” Artemis looked at her twin brother. “How about Apollo for the boy?”
“Diana is your Roman name.” Aphrodite sneered at Artemis. “The child is gorgeous and obviously takes after me.”
“Strength surpasses beauty at all levels,” Artemis countered.
Hera narrowed blazing eyes at the two goddesses and they quieted.
Gretta boldly approached the Supreme Goddess with her daughter. “Diana Juno Daggett. It is our hope our daughter will be blessed with Artemis’ strength and skill, Aphrodite’s beauty, and Hera’s wisdom.”
“Juno, my Roman name.” Hera approved with pride.
Apollo continued his serenade and Sam stepped to Gretta’s side.
“Silas Apollo Daggett. It is our hope our son will be blessed with Poseidon’s strength, Apollo’s talent, and Zeus’ leadership,” Sam announced. At Zeus’ frown, he continued, “No mortal is worthy of your name, Zeus.” He glanced at Hades. “Yours either.”
“Agreed.” Zeus looked to his brothers for approval.
Hades fumed, but didn’t object.
“The offspring are officially named. We need to assign chaperones to carefully monitor the children,” Hera mused.
“Good point,” Asclepius replied. “May I offer my assistance in this task? Poseidon, Aphrodite? Overseeing the twins’ first eighteen years with you two would be an honor.” He winked at Aphrodite. “Just like old times.”
“Absolutely.” Hera scribbled an addendum on the document. “I cannot think of better chaperones.”
“I accept, as long as I’m not within a black bird,” Aphrodite muttered.
“The water is my domain, not the skies,” Poseidon interjected with an edge of disapproval.
“I will accommodate your requests.” With a swirl of the pen, Hera signed her name and handed the parchment to Zeus.
Asclepius directed Sam and Gretta to a rowboat on shore. “Hurry. Return to Mykonos before anyone changes their minds.” He settled Gretta in the bow of the boat with both babies. Sam took the oars.
Two dolphins flipped in the water a few feet away. Gretta smiled in delight. “Look, we have company.”
“Poseidon’s best will guide you to the mainland. Be safe and know I’m near whenever you need me.” Asclepius didn’t wait for a response and pushed the boat off shore.
“Asclepius?” Gretta squinted through thick swirling fog. “Where did he go?”
Sam started to row. “I don’t know. I can’t see the island anymore. Whoa, hold on.” He laid the oars into the boat when it cut through the mist at an impressive speed.
Gretta covered the babies’ faces with their blankets to shield them from the sea spray. She peeked over the side of the boat where the pair of dolphins pushed at the stern.
“Look, there’s Mykonos. The fog seems to be contained to Delos.” Sam wound a strong arm around her waist. “Once we get back to the island, we’ll return to our hotel room so you can rest.” He touched both squirming bundles in her arms. “I’ll watch these two.”
A wave of realization hit Gretta. “It seems like it’s been months since we left Mykonos. So much has happened.”
“When we died, time may have stopped.”
“I’m not sure since I returned to life and waited day after day for you to complete the trials.”
“Our honeymoon may have ended a long time ago.”
“My mom and your dad must be so worried.” Her gaze fell to a tiny fist, punching the blue blanket. A giggle escaped from under the pink bundle.
“Katarina told me she has been emailing our families under our names. She also placed a strong spell on them so they wouldn’t think our absence strange.” Sam chuckled. “Our lives will be much different when we get back, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” He stroked Silas’ chin with his thumb and kissed Diana’s head.
They admired their babies with tickles and laughs until the boat thudded into sand.
“There’s the hotel we stayed at.” Gretta pointed.
Sam took Si and helped her step safely on shore.
“Let’s see if we can book a room for the night. We’ll need to buy plane tickets back to the States and some clothes for the babies.”
“And diapers.” Sam refolded the wet part of his son’s blanket.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Daggett.” A uniformed man approached and offered two plush, white towels. “We’ve been expecting you. Your room is ready and if there is anything we can get for you or the little ones, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Uh, thanks.” Sam peeled the blue blanket away and bundled Si in one of the towels.
Gretta glanced at the man’s nametag. The hotel listed above his name wasn’t familiar. “Thank you, Carl. If you could please show us the way, we’d be much appreciative.”
Sam smiled at her quick thinking. Together, they followed Carl to the doors of an elaborate resort.
Gretta’s mouth dropped open when they entered the luxurious lobby. Marble floors, statues, fountains, and dozens of vases filled with flowers adorned the room. Beautiful architecture and lovely scents took her breath away.
Carl led them to the front desk. “Laurie, the Daggett family arrived.” A wide smile spread across the woman’s face and her eyes twinkled as she spied the babies.
“Welcome. Your suite is ready. If there is anything you need simply ring us at the desk.” Laurie handed a large envelope to Sam and two card keys to Gretta. “The babies are beautiful. How old are they?”
“Uh . . .” Gretta had no idea how mu
ch real time had passed since their birth. Time on Delos had never made sense to her. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what day it is.” She looked to Sam for help. He stood with the open envelope in one hand and several papers and official looking documents in the other.
“Well . . .” Sam held what appeared to be birth certificates. “The twins were born on June twentieth.” His attention moved to a handwritten letter.
“Ah, two weeks old. Such adorable little ones. And so well behaved.” With a toss of her short auburn hair, Laurie walked from behind the desk. “Follow me, you must be exhausted.”
“Thank you,” Gretta replied and took several steps after her. When Sam remained standing at the desk she called to him, “Is everything okay?”
The grin she loved appeared on his tanned face.
“It appears the twins’ godparents have taken care of the arrangements for our stay.” He showed her the letter.
“Apollo and Diana.” Gretta beamed.
“There’s more.” Sam showed her passports, birth certificates, and bank statements listing hefty accounts under each of their four names. “Money for completing the trials. I had no idea there was a cash prize.”
“You earned every penny. While the twins nap, you can tell me all about your adventures.”
“Here are printed copies of an email from Dad and one from your mom. They will be flying here in two days with Ruby. Your sister and brother will be coming too. They all can’t wait to see us and meet the twins.” Sam held the papers so she could read them.
“Our families will never believe this. What are we going to tell them?”
“I think I’ll email Ruby for advice.” Sam grinned.
Laurie held the elevator door open. “This way to the Presidential Suite.”
Within minutes, they entered elegant double doors and found their belongings, left in the other hotel. New clothes, diapers, and every imaginable item necessary to care for the twins lined the shelves and table.
