Discord's Apple

Athena scowled.

Ares said, “Abandon him, Athena. He’s just a mortal. Let him free himself, if he wants. I’m betting he’ll just give up and live out his days in Calypso’s arms.”

Athena’s lips thinned. “A bet? How much?”

“My finest war stallion.”

Athena gave a full-blown smile. “Anyone else? I’ll wager a golden lyre that he fights for freedom until he reaches his home.”

Hermes hopped up so he crouched on the seat of his chair. “A bottle of wine from each of the four corners of the world says that he reaches home.”

Aphrodite: “A casket of pearls that he surrenders.” She and Ares exchanged a glance.

Apollo gestured for Sinon, who crouched by his master’s chair. “It’s terrible. Half of us admire Odysseus’s persistence. The other half want to see how much he’ll take before he gives up. What do you say? What will Odysseus do?”

“He will not give up. He’ll die trying to return home.”

“You know him better than the gods, who can read his thoughts? The thoughts of Odysseus are racked with despair these days.”

“I fought beside him, my lord. He does not give in to despair.”

Apollo said, “If I take Odysseus’s part, if I ensure that he is able to return to his home and wife, will you come willingly to my bed?”

Sinon would have thrown himself off a cliff to help Odysseus. What Apollo asked—it was little enough. “Yes.”

Voices volleyed around the theater. “I say he fights.”

Another said, “I say he doesn’t!”

“Enough!” Zeus stood. Now his voice thundered, echoing against the stony hillside. Everyone fell silent. The slaves cowered behind their masters’ chairs. Sinon was on his knees, head bowed. “I will not stay silent while you gamble on the lives of mortals. They are not our playthings, however much some of you might treat them as such. We destroyed one of the greatest human cities because of our rivalries. Isn’t that enough?”

Apollo stood slowly, as if he had come to a momentous decision. “You are right, Father, of course. Our sister Athena is right. You should send Odysseus home.”

Athena bowed to Apollo, but her gaze was narrowed, her brow creased with curiosity.

Zeus said, “And you take this position because—?”

“Because it wins us nothing to keep him away from home. I’m sure he prays to the gods daily for release. Why not answer his prayer and win a bit of faith?” He returned to his seat and rested his hand on his chin.

Ares gripped his armrests. “I want to see if I win my bet!”

“Ares, be quiet,” Zeus said. “Hermes!”

The messenger god sprang from his seat and, moving so quickly he was a blur of light, crossed to Zeus’s dais and bowed. “Go to Calypso and tell her she must set Odysseus on the path home. No arguments.”

“At once, Father.” In another flash of light, a breath of wind blowing with his passage, he was gone.

Athena bowed. “Thank you, Father.”

Zeus waved her away. “You should all know that as many mortals hate us as worship us. They know it was the jealousy of vain goddesses that destroyed Troy and ruined the kingdoms of Greece. A time will come when they find they do not need us. And if they do not love us, what will they do with us then? I’m tired of listening to you lot. Leave me now.”

Thus the council ended. The gods and goddess rose, bowed to the King on his throne, and began to disperse.

Apollo said quietly to Sinon, “Do you see the woman there in the white veil and sea-green gown? She is Ino, one of the sea goddesses. Go tell her I wish to speak with her.”

Sinon blinked. “You want me to tell a goddess?”

“I want you to deliver a message. Now, go.”