Wrath "Rise of the Fallen"

Although the terrible scars of war could be seen all over, the signs of renewal and prosperity were also everywhere as Zeus made his way through the market square. Baskets of apples and almonds and figs from the lush orchards, stalls packed with meats and cheeses and all manner of spices and sundries. The clash of aromas and the humdrum of a lively marketplace were intoxicating. But more wonderful was the general air of happiness, a delightful perfume of smiles, laughter, and song that danced along the streets, trailing after Zeus as a joyful puppy might.

Eyes followed Zeus too. Women—and men—slowed and watched the blond hunter navigate the crowded market. Most lost interest quickly, but some stares lingered. He ignored them as he usually did and continued on his way west toward the Bay of Acanthus, toward the island and the palace where he knew Hercules would be training his men.

Zeus left hustle and bustle of the market square and entered a short quiet street dominated by an inn on the right and taller residences on the left that cast a soothing shade. A black hound was curled up asleep in front of the inn’s door, and an old man shuffled his way toward the market, tipping his head to squint at Zeus as he passed. Two young women strolled down the center of the street with their heads tilted toward each other lost in a private conversation. Someone turned the corner at the other end of the street in a full run, sandals clapping loudly. A woman. As she neared Zeus, her sandal caught on the edge of a limestone paver, sending her sprawling to the ground. The large satchel she’d been carrying ruptured, spilling an impressive amount of polished stones over the street in a chattering explosion that echoed off the buildings and woke the hound, who sat up with ears perked high. The two ladies turned to look back with startled looks, but didn’t slow as they took in the scene and returned to their chat.

A shocked look on the woman’s face melted into sorrow as she realized that the entire contents of her bag now covered a good portion of the street in a riot of color. Zeus stopped, dumped the deer from his back, and walked toward the young woman as she sat up. She wiped feebly at the dust on the front of her white tunic and rubbed at the scrape on her knee. Meanwhile Zeus had started gathering the beads.

“Thank you,” she said meekly, lip quivering as she fought down the tears glittering in her brown eyes. “You are kind.”

“Not at all.” Zeus gently took the satchel and dumped a handful of beads back into it. “Who would not stop to help?” he wondered as occasional people traveled the street, stepping around or on the beads without stopping.

She pulled a tendril of golden brown hair away from her face and began grabbing at the beads closest to her, casting glances at the passersby who ignored her. “I need to get these beads to the market for an impatient buyer. He won’t wait long, and this sale can feed us for a month.” Although pretty enough, the woman’s face showed delicate lines of strain. Likely from all of the recent turmoil.

“Ah.” Zeus poured another handful into the bag and offered a smile. “Well, let’s see if we can’t get you on your way.” He moved along the street, scooping up beads that had rolled away. The woman too roamed about, collecting beads. More people passed to and fro; none stopped to help. The sleepy hound in front of the inn watched Zeus work with a slightly bored expression on its long face. Though most of his godly powers were muted while in human form, Zeus’ eagle eyes worked just fine, and he found every bead that had skittered away from the poor woman, including those kicked by clueless passersby.

“That should do it,” Zeus said. “By the way, what is your name?”

“Selene,” she said absently.

“I am Thaddeus,” Zeus said, using one of several aliases he preferred when among humans. “Happy to have met you.” But Selene seemed not hear. She scowled up and down the street. “They all just walked by.” She shook her head. “There was a time, a dark time for sure, but a time, when everyone would’ve stopped to help.”

Zeus smiled sadly. “With the troubles over, people find themselves once again drawn into their own concerns. It is not ill intent. It is human nature. It is most people.”

“You helped me, Thaddeus,” Selene said, and her scowl softened to a smile that erased the stress lines and made her face radiant.

“I am not most people,” Zeus said. “You best be off to the market. I too must be on my way. Goodbye, Selene.” Zeus clasped her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. He hefted his deer back onto his shoulders and continued toward the fortress, feeling Selene’s eyes and smile tracking him as he strode up the street toward the docks.