The Sky Throne

by Chris Ledbetter

  I let out an audible sigh and Metis rubbed my back.

  “Any moment now, Selene’s moon chariot will eclipse Hyperion’s chariot in the sky. She’s going up to help bring him in.”

  “Then who’ll steer the sun chariot?” Meter asked.

  Pontus shrugged.

  Shade huffed, “That’s not good.”

  “Nyx will likely shade the heavens until it’s sorted out,” Pontus said.

  “Or perhaps Helios will have to drop out of Othrys and assume his father’s duties.” Don crossed his arms. “In any case, our first and foremost concern is the safety of everyone right here.”

  “Everyone?” Hera cut her eyes at Metis.

  My mind raced. Even though I’d mentioned Hyperion in that interrogation, part of me thought they’d never actually go after him. Visions of the attack on Crete splashed through my mind and my body flashed unbearably hot, as if I were still in the fireball’s presence. I rubbed my arms.

  Meter approached. “You all right? Your cheeks, neck, and arms are red as saffron.”

  I nodded, checking myself over. “Just had a wicked memory.”

  “The point I need to emphasize,” Pontus said, “is that we still haven’t found Tia or Ouranos, which leads me to believe that they were taken or otherwise detained.” Pontus closed his eyes and shook his head while massaging his fingers through his thick beard. He led us to the last Hurler in the semi-circle. “Look, I found drops of blood here near this Hurler post as well. It must have been someone leaving though, because if they were arriving, the Hurler would’ve stitched them up.”

  Meter bent down to inspect. A severe expression hardened her normally soft features. “Does the Khaos Council know about this?”

  “I don’t think so. Or else they would’ve secured the area,” Pontus responded. “I’ll have to divulge it soon. But first, we search. According to a map I found in Hestia’s cabin, she could’ve been researching something out in The Thick.”

  “What was she looking for?” Don asked.

  “Something to do with dragon’s blood, maybe?” Pontus replied. “I know that dragons and wolves run amuck in this valley area known as The Thick. And, I’m certain that Hestia would not have explored these wild lands alone. The only problem is, I have no idea where to begin.”

  “So we’ll need to pair and split up.” Don stepped to the center of the circle of us. “Let’s gear up and go get our friends.”

  “Why not stay together?” I asked. “Strength in numbers, right?”

  “Don’s correct,” Pontus said. “You’ll never be able to cover enough ground in one group. You’ll be fine as long as none of you wanders off alone.”

  Heads nodded around the group.

  “Here we go then.” Pontus herded us into the armory. “Get some gear and set out. I’ll stay here to provide a home base.”

  I stepped into the narrow hallway that led to the interior, rectangular chamber. Farther to the left, a darkened corridor stood. A sign above the arch labeled it as the baths. I dragged my palm along the stones as I approached a line of bronze and leather breastplates that hung along one wall to the left. They reminded me of what the Kouretes wore back home. I ran my fingers over the musculature, the Omega symbol prominent across the chest.

  I slipped it on and my skin tingled. When I inhaled deeply, my chest pressed against the inside of the breastplate, conforming to it. Filling it. I took another deep breath, staring into the domed ceiling above.

  “Fits you well.” Pontus’ voiced boomed through the space. “Like it’s your own skin. First though, grab a team battle tunic.”

  Five long benches stood in a line in the middle of the floor. Pontus pointed to the one that displayed mesh tunics. I reached for the first one I saw. It had a ‘ψ’ symbol across the back of it.

  Don grabbed it before I could. “That’s mine.”

  The other tunics displayed different symbols, except for a few that were blank. Η, Σ, and Δ. Hera grabbed one with ‘Α’ on it. She looked at me and deadpanned. “Alpha.”

  All of the rest of the tunics were snatched up except the one with ‘Η’ on it. I assumed it was Tia’s. I picked up a blank one, as did Metis.

  “Now get yourselves a helmet, greaves, gauntlets, a battle skirt, and some weapons,” Pontus ordered.

  Helmets hung on another wall to the rear of the room. I admired the Omega symbol painted on both sides. Hera brushed against my shoulder as she grabbed a helmet from its hook. “Don’t just stand there, pretty boy. Put it on.”

  Don, Shade, and Meter swarmed through the room, grasping various pieces of armor and weapons. Don strapped on his breastplate. The Omega symbol seemed to flash white when he put it on. Or maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.

  A gate stood to my right. Grabbing the iron bars, I looked through to the other room.

  “That’s the Othrys Armory,” Don said in passing. “There didn’t used to be a gate here. But the contests got so heated over the past two years that Ouranos and Kronos thought it best to separate us.”

  Metis approached the armor tentatively, running her fingers over the leather and metal. I walked over to her.

  “Have you ever worn armor before?” I asked.

  Her voice shook. “Certainly not. We never had War Games at Kithira. And it’s never been a required sport here or at Othrys.”

  I wanted to put my arms around her, but didn’t dare with the others there.

  “This mission is for the self-assured.” Hera walked over. “Pull on your big girl tunic and let’s go.”

  I clenched my teeth and looked at Metis, instinctively wanting to say something to comfort her. As our eyes locked, Metis’ fearful gaze softened and she began to slowly strap on her breastplate. I offered to help her.

  “Hey now,” Shade called from across the room. “No special treatment. Everyone puts on their own gear.”

  I stepped away, my eyes trained on Metis. When I turned, Hera’s gaze had locked onto mine. I looked away, gathering the rest of my armor, a sword, a bow, and a quiver of arrows. It was a good thing the Kouretes had taught me how to use these weapons. I then headed back outside. The air was clearer there.

  In the distance, some guys walked along the river’s edge. They approached like a pride of lions, barrel-chested and with swagger for days. As they drew closer, I recognized them.

  Atlas, Pallas, Perses, Epimethius, and Prometheus, with Kronos towering above the group from behind. My hands twitched around my sword hilt and I felt like my blood was nearly steaming through my pores.

  Pontus stood at my side. “Easy now.”

  “Do you really think it’s that easy?” I looked up at him, gripping and releasing my sword’s hilt.

  The rest of our team walked up beside me, their collective strength bolstering my courage. I relished the feeling of belonging to something larger than myself.

  Kronos’ voice rose above the crowd of ten. “Epimethius and Prometheus, what were you two thinking? You nearly got Atlas killed up there!”

  Epic looked up at Kronos, then back down. His face was vacant. Expressionless. Promo sulked, straightening his helmet.

  “For the love of Gaia, why can’t you follow the simplest of instructions? Do you want to be on this team or not?” Kronos barked. “I will replace you tomorrow unless you do what I demand.”

  Then Kronos’ glare landed on me, lingering on my face, before moving to encompass the entire group. “Well, well.” Kronos coughed. “If it isn’t Pontus’ Privates.”

  They all laughed. We just stared at them dispassionately.

  “Practicing a bit early, are you Kronos? The season doesn’t begin until next term,” Pontus said. “No matter, we have just the combination to take you down this year.”

  “What? The goat herder and the tramp?” Atlas said.

  I stepped forward. “Your parents don’t play for us.”

  “It’s a shame we didn’t meet under less crowded circumst
ances.” Atlas removed his helmet and flipped his shoulder length hair backward. A scowl darkened his features. “Like in a murky grove of trees somewhere.” He turned to Metis and half chuckled. “So, this is where you went, huh? You can take the whore out of the school, but you can’t take the whore out of the girl.” He looked into the air, feigning pensiveness. “No, that’s not right. How does it go?” He looked around at his teammates and laughed. Pallas and Perses sneered.

  Almost blinded by rage, I gripped my sword tighter and took another half a step forward. Pontus grabbed my arm.

  Atlas continued with a mock thoughtful expression. “No, I got it. You can hold a whore under water, but you can’t make her drink—”

  He took a step toward Metis. I whipped my sword toward his throat before he could blink. “One more step and I’ll feed you to the wolves in bite-sized pieces.”

  “Is that so?” Atlas took an extra step toward me. My sword point dug into his throat. His glare was chaotic evil. “I’ll make you and this sword my bitch.”

  “Stand down, Atlas,” Kronos said. It sounded like he yelled the command from afar, but he stood only a few feet away. Atlas chewed the inside of his mouth, clenching and unclenching his fists. His nostrils flared.

  Kronos approached. “You know you’re on a losing team, don’t you, Zeus?”

  “Do I?” My glare never left Atlas.

  “Join my school. My War Games team. You and Atlas can fight it out for team captain. To the victor, the spoils.” Kronos pushed my sword to the side. “You want to be all powerful don’t you?” Kronos looked through my eyes into my soul. “I know. I can give it to you. All it takes is a little time.”

  “Zeus and Metis are on our team now,” Don said. “And Omegas stick together.”

  “That’s right,” Shade said as he and Don stepped to my sides.

  “You must be afraid of something, Kronos, if you’re offering such a plum spot—” Meter said.

  “Mind your tongue when you’re talking to me, girl,” Kronos growled. His eyes flashed anger.

  Pontus stepped in front of me. “That’s enough, Kronos. I’ll not have you stealing or threatening my pupils anymore. Take your team into the armory. We’ll have time to settle this on the battlefield next term.”

  Pallas stepped to the forefront, pointing his spear tip at me. “I owe you one, punk.”

  “One headache not enough for you?” I stretched my arms to the side. “There’s nothing but air between us—”

  “Enough!” roared Pontus. “Kronos, remove your team from the field at once or I’ll report this to the Khaos Council.”

  “We don’t need to pile anything more onto the Khaos Council. Apparently, they’re questioning Hyperion today. It’s supposed to be a rather heated affair.” Kronos shook his head and waved his team into the armory. Once they’d all filed in there, Kronos turned back to me, his bushy eyebrows wild. “I encourage you to carefully consider my offer, boy. I’ll not make it again.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Pontus pulled us to a spot several paces beyond the semi-circle of Hurlers and out of range of any perked Titan ears.

  “Pay him no mind,” Pontus said. “Do not allow him to discolor our mission.”

  Don straightened his breastplate. Meter rechecked her greaves. I steadied my breathing, though residual rage still warmed my skin.

  “Team up in twos … boy-girl,” Pontus said. “I don’t want two girls running off by themselves.”

  “Pardon me, coach,” Hera crossed her arms. “I don’t need a boy beside me slowing me down.”

  “No doubt you are as capable as your iron will, Hera, but I’m not bending on this,” Pontus said.

  Don put his arm around Meter. “Come here you feisty wood nymph. You ready to roll, partner?”

  She nodded and slapped palms with Don.

  Metis looped her arm in mine when she saw Hera take a step toward me. “Knowing what I know about Zeus,” Metis said. “He’ll at least keep me out of harm’s way.”

  Hera’s eyes bored holes through Metis. Her biting gaze shifted to me, and then back to her. She chuckled and turned to Shade. “C’mon, Shady boy.”

  “If you find anything, you are to report back immediately,” Pontus said. “I’m not leaving home base so you’ll be able to find me.”

  Don and Meter immediately took off on a light trot, shields on their left arms, right hands gripping their spears. I stood still for a moment to collect myself and began to consider potential strategies. The Atlas and Kronos confrontations still had me wound tight.

  Shade nodded approvingly. “Stand tall, Zeus. That’s all you can do.”

  Hera brushed by me on her way out, followed closely by Shade. “That wasn’t your fight back there with Atlas.” She shot an accusatory glance over her shoulder at Metis.

  “Wait,” I said. “What?”

  Hera continued jogging away with Shade.

  “What was I supposed to do?” I yelled at her. “Let him punk me?”

  “All right you two, better get going,” Pontus counseled. “Off you go now.”

  I glanced at Metis, who was still holding her shield and sword with delicacy and disdain. “Have you ever used a sword?” I asked.

  “Once, briefly. It wasn’t pretty.”

  We jogged across the grass and rock area toward the river, and then stopped. Trees surrounded and towered above us. Below, the rushing water hissed. “Sheath that sword. It’ll be no good to you or me. Here, carry this spear. It’ll help give you distance from an enemy in a fight.” I handed mine to her. “Hold the spear overhand and fold your shield across your chest like this.” I moved her arm into position. I caught myself looking at her chest, picturing what was under her breastplate. Wrong place. Wrong time. Focus.

  “I know how to use a spear,” she scoffed.

  “Oh. Well, good then. Whatever you do, don’t throw the spear unless I tell you to. Otherwise, just thrust it.”

  She nodded. A slight smile turned her lips.

  We traced the river’s edge until we came to a wooden bridge spanning a narrow section. I stopped to consider each direction. Backward was the direction from which we came. Across the bridge is probably where Don went. Thick vegetation blocked any serious view to the other side of the river. There was no sign of any of our schoolmates. I swallowed hard at the thought of the dragon- and wolf-infested wilderness. And to think that I once wanted to be a dragon hunter. I chuckled.

  “This area is so vast,” Metis said. I loved the way she pronounced every word and syllable with intention. My ears danced to the sound of her voice. “Finding either of them would be like finding a strand of hair in a wheat field. Obviously they’re not going to just be out in the open.”

  “All right then, do you want to dance with dragons or wolves?”

  She snorted, holding out her hands like balancing scales, moving them up and down. “Flying, large-taloned and fire-breathing predators versus fast running, snarling, and toothy killing machines? How is a girl ever expected to choose?”

  We trudged forward through the dense wood, the treetops arching over our nearly silent footfalls. Not that our stealth would help us much. Any wolves would smell us long before they heard us anyway.

  I motioned to Metis to pick up the pace. I didn’t want to get caught out here too long after the eclipse. With keen eyes well adjusted to the gathering darkness, I led us farther into the Thick, our route hugging the river’s edge in case we had to use it to escape. Neither of us spoke. The quiet was serene. Too much so.

  Something rustled in the distance. I turned to Metis, and brought my forefinger to my lips. Wind whipped through the trees, swirling off the river. I tightened the grip on my shield and folded it across my chest. I gestured to Metis to move up next to me so that we could walk shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-to-shield. No way was I going to allow anything else bad to happen to her. Not on my watch.

  Metis snapped a twig beneath her feet and jumped.
Then a low growl rumbled past my ears. A howl ripped through the air, sending a chill down my spine.

  The hair on my neck rose. We were about to step into a clearing when I suddenly sheathed my sword and swung my bow around, halting Metis’ progress. I snatched an arrow from the quiver and nocked it. The string groaned as I pulled it halfway back.

  “Keep your eyes keen.”

  A heap lay on the ground by a gigantic cave entrance on the far side of the clearing. I looked at Metis and she returned my silent gaze, both of us wondering if it could be Tia or Ouranos.

  Around the edge of the clearing, beady, red eyes popped out in the dim light. Pairs of them. We were surrounded.

  My heart rose into my throat and hammered. “Remember,” I whispered. “Don’t throw the spear unless I say so. Thrust and shift. Jab and move.”

  She nodded; her gaze intent as she took in the pairs of eyes shifting and coagulating all around us.

  Immediately, I shoved her in front of me.

  “Run for the mass on the ground over there!”

  She hesitated for a moment before shooting off in a dead sprint across the clearing. I followed her with my eyes trained on the tree line. Within a moment, the beasts poured out of the trees. Wolves snarled, their fangs bared.

  I shot my first arrow about one quarter of the way across the clearing. It caught a wolf in the shoulder and he fell. I notched another shaft.

  Metis gasped and I turned my head. Beasts halted her progress. More wolves surged from the other side of the clearing. I shot another. And another. I heard Metis’ spear sink into a beast behind me and then felt her back into me, stopping my progress.

  I was almost out of arrows, so it was time to try something other than my bow. I unsheathed my sword, pointing the tip and swinging it in every direction. An ichor-curdling shriek came from the sky. Darkness had fallen in Hyperion’s absence, obscuring whatever patrolled above.