Hercules descends the mountain and follows the spring that leads to where the earth swallowed the pool beneath the world. The moon draws nigh overhead as he enters the restored chamber. He ventures across the rolling greenery as he sees where father waits.
“My son. Come near. I made this place of peace so I may relax amongst my thoughts without interference from any of the gods.” Zeus stares down in the still pond and smiles. “Yes, your son comes to me.”
Hercules soon sees whom father is speaking with inside the pool. His mother cries with joy.
“I knew in my heart one day you and your father would make amends. I am so overjoyed my dear boy.”
Zeus pulls Hercules close to his side with his affectionate arm. “This is my true son who I am not deserving of. He now fights alongside me for the power of my throne. I could never be more proud a father than I am now.”
Hercules smiles at his mother as his new pride raises him to the height of father. He looks up to Zeus's face to return his smile of appreciation. He looks down once more and says, “Mother...”.
Father interrupts him. “While she is still your mother, I have exalted her to the goddess of all goodness. When this is over, she will reign from Mount Olympus. Please address your mother accordingly.”
He sees mother acknowledge father affirmation by nodding her face up and down. “I am so happy for you Goddess Alcmene.” He bows in respect to her new title. “Please forgive me for my ignorance. How I wait to be in your presence and embrace you once more.”
“I too am very proud of you my son. Listen to your father. Take care to what you must do. I will see you then..” Her reflection drifts away beneath the still water of the pool.
“It is just you and me now son. No one may see in this place except by the pool. Come walk with me so we may talk.” They stroll through a flowery meadow as they leave the pond behind.
“Father. Will not my natural mother cause strife with Hera?”
“Who do you think suggested my action?” They smile at each other. “She knows now she does not compete with Alcmene. Hera sees your mother's heart is pure. Now, let us discuss matters at hand.”
Father and son negotiate each of their roles in what they must do. Hercules learns how father will determine those loyal and trustworthy and incorporate them against those who would destroy the order between gods and kingdom. He sets a trap that is more deceitful than their prideful imaginations.
Hercules's first instruction is to free Prometheus from his torment. Father warns his son, beware, for he complete this task alone. Father cannot give his approval without alerting the gods.
Hercules summons his steed as he wait at the mouth of the underground chamber. Both soar above the world that's painted with the brush of the moon. He uses the remaining darkness of the night to fly inside the hidden valley atop the Caucasus Mountains. Pegasus lands near the column table that binds the resting Prometheus. The moon dips below the horizon as the first blue rays of day push the stars up in the sky. He climbs down from Pegasus as he looks for the lock that binds the chains. The light turns orange but he still cannot see where the lock is located.
Distant screeching echos through the valley. Prometheus's chains rattle alerting Hercules he awakes. He sees the eagles swooping down as Prometheus prepares himself for the pain. The slack metal stretches taunt snapping every heavy metal link in place.
Hercules knows time has run out. He squats down and leaps up upon the startle Prometheus. A striking eagle attacks with its massive projecting talons. He bends to avoid its slicing swords. The beast misses him. It rises and begins to circle round as it prepares for another assault. He grabs and arrow and shots the eagle through just as another swoops to kill him. He leaps up while it thrust its razor beak trying to snatch him from the air. Hercules is too fast for the creature. He grabs the beast neck and breaks it with a sudden twist. One last eagle dives in fury. He pounds it with a mighty blow of his fist. The creature crashes into the adjacent cliff and falls dead upon the ground. Hercules turns toward the uplifted head of Prometheus.
“Good morning. Might you know where the lock is?”
“Thank you Hercules. It lay near my feet.”
Hercules climbs down the stone table and finds the lock. “My father Zeus has one condition in commuting your sentence. It's that you help me perform one thing. Do you agree?”
“Let me have a second to think about it. Should I stay here and have my liver torn from me everyday for eternity, or be free once again? I think I'll choose the later.”
Hercules uses the key that Zeus used to confine him. The chains drop to the ground as Prometheus lifts himself off the stone. Hercules tells him, “We must hurry and leave this place. I will explain what we are doing and where we are going on the way to our destination.” Hercules leaps upon Pegasus. “Away Pegasus!” Prometheus dashes away from his hilltop prison while rubbing his shackle free wrist.
He smiles while thinking free at last. It so good to be free.
Both demigod and son of a Titan return to the mainland of Greece. Hercules briefs Prometheus on what father has planned to snare the wicked gods and goddesses. They travel to Thrace to enact their part of what Zeus has planned.
Zeus sits upon his throne. He watches Hermes approach him. “Have you delivered all my correspondence?”
“Yes my king. And I followed you instructions just as you requested.”
“Very good my loyal and faithful messenger. You must need a rest after all I have asked. You are dismissed.”
Hermes bows before leaving the throne chamber.
Hera enters the empty king's chamber. Zeus waves to her to come closer.
She smiles and says, “My king and husband. Have you finished your work?”
He smiles while nodding his head up and then down. His eyes search the chamber to see if any hiding ears listen. He whispers, “Tomorrow we find out all those whom remain loyal to the king.” He nods his head once more slowly up and then down.
Hera bows to acknowledge his revelation. She turns and leaves the chamber.
Zeus ponders the message Hermes delivered to most all the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus.
“This is to inform you alone of a secret King Zeus keeps. The gods whisper he has formed a weapon more powerful than his lightening scepter. I have heard who ever wields it will posses the combined strength of all the gods and goddesses. I urge you to join me in helping vanquish this tyrant. You and I alone will be able to rule all Olympus together. I do not tell you my name in fear what might happen if the king or his loyal subjects get wind of my intent. If you wish to continue this endeavor, join me at the temple in Thrace when the sun is high overhead tomorrow. We must act now!”
Pegasus gallops to a landing at the mountain base in Thrace. Hercules dismounts as he watches the long legs of his tall friend slow to a pace. He adjust his quiver as he awaits for Prometheus to arrive. His eyes search for the hidden entrance that leads to the belly in the earth.
“My legs are not what they use to be. They exercise to a magnitude they have not for many year. Please forgive me.” Prometheus slows his breathing as he bends over to relax and catch his breath.
Hercules waits a moment for Prometheus to recover from his long run. “We must hurry. The sun sets and we have little time to find the gates.”
Prometheus gains his strength and stands tall. He notices something over near the mountain.“Look there.” He points towards a shimmering light. “I believe Helios lights our way.”
Hercules sees the shimmer of the sun reflecting off something. “We will thank the god of the sun later. We must hurry before Helios withdraws his favor.” Hercules tells Pegasus, “Away my friend.” Both rush in the direction of the fading sparkle.
The last of the sun's light disappears as they draw near to the massive metal gates. Hercules grabs where the gates join. He sees the arms of Prometheus tower overhead. Both pull at the locked gate in their attempt to break it open. The lock snaps and the gate nudges open. Hercu
les looks up just to see Prometheus smiling face stare down. They quietly move down the corridor toward a light far beneath the world.
They reach the source of the light that opens into a vast world beneath the world. They marvel at all they see. They find there are mountains, forest, fields, and even an ocean in this land. Hercules points to where they must journey. It is the city of the giants.
Prometheus says, “I feel like an ant.” They walk through a field with corn stalks a thousand feet tall. They pass by wheat so tall that it cracks like a tree in a storm as their shafts blow in the breeze. They see a giant at the end of the row working his field.
Hercules calls up to him, but the giant does not hear him. He tries again, but his voice goes unanswered. He decides another tactic to get his attention. He grabs an arrow and pricks him in his toe. The giant leans down to grab his foot. Prometheus waves his arms trying to attract the giant as Hercules yells once more.
“What is this?” The giant sees the tiny men. He decides whether he should crush them with his foot, or try and see what they want. His curiosity gets the best of him. He cups his hand over the men and scoops them up, and then brings them before his eyes. “What do we have here?”
“I am the son of Zeus. I come to inquire the whereabouts of Porphyrion and Alkyoneus. Might you know where to find them?”
“Why does the son of Zeus desire these men?”
“I come to strike a bargain with them with the authority of my father.”
The giant thinks a moment. What could the king of Mount Olympus offer that I may desire?
Hercules sees he may need more substance to help him pry open his lips. “Zeus offers those giants immortality if they help him.”
“What do I need with that? I already have it.”
Hercules now realizes he speaks with one of the two he is attempting to contact. “Yes, you do. But, your immortality ends at the border of Thrace. My father offers to extend this power to travel anywhere they wish. Do you think that might interest them?” The giant lifts his other hand to his chin and rubs it. He knows he is contemplating this offer. “Do you think they might like to see all Greece? They could even visit Mount Olympus.” The giant begins to smile. “They could finally live atop the earth in the sunlight.” It seems that has loosen his lips.
“I am Porphyrion. What is it your father requires of me?”
Hercules explains what he must do and when this is required. He tells him he will need to enlist Alkyoneus for this plan to work. The giant promises his friend will help complete their task. They finish with all the details of the plan. “We spring the trap as the sun reaches its highest point tomorrow.”
Porphyrion carries the men to the entrance. “I go and ready what I will need. Till tomorrow then.”
The two journey back to the world above. They reach the gates to see the stars still twinkle in the darkness. They lay and rest in what remains of the cool of the night knowing they will need their strength for what lay ahead of them.
The sunrise warms Hercules, warning him to get up. He stretches out the sleepiness as the morning sun shines off the roof of the temple. “Prometheus. You must awake. It is time to go.”
“I was having such a nice dream.” He stretches his arms where he lay as his eyes adjust to the light. “Just one second more.”
Both journey toward the pristine white Thrace temple that shines like the sun. The heat of summer's day bakes them as they take their last step onto the temple's portico to enjoy its cool shade. Hercules looks up to see the sun is nearing its highest point in the day. “Are you ready Prometheus to fill your part? I am going to fill mine.” He whistles for Pegasus. “May my father be with us.” He rushes back in the sunlight to mount Pegasus. “Away!”
Prometheus watches them ascend to the clouds to wait for Zeus's order. He retreats to the inner chamber to prepare for the gods and goddesses. It is not long before the first of them arrive.
“Nemesis. It's been a good while since we last laid eyes on each other.” Prometheus sits in his throne as he stares at the approaching goddess.
She passes by the outer columns into the darker inner chamber. His voice sounded very familiar, but she was sure it could not be who she was thinking it might be. “Prometheus? Is that really you?”
“Yes. Come closer so we may talk.” He waits to speak until she comes in front of him.
She asks, “How is it possible you are here?” She feels this may be a trick. She looks around the room to see if any god may be hiding.
“You can rest assure, no one is here but you and I. Now I can spend valuable time explaining how I escaped, or I can tell you how we can steal the throne from Zeus. Which do you prefer?” His words have captured her attention. It also seems he is the perfect candidate to persuade her. For he is no god at all, and he has reason to hate Zeus.
“What must we do to obtain this new power that will allow us to rule all Mount Olympus?”
He smiles as he stands. “Follow me to the security and privacy of one of the chamber's inner rooms. There we will be free to discuss such matters.” She follows him inside a room with a door. He closes it as he asks, “Did you talk about this with anyone since I sent your message?” He stares at her face.
“No. I've kept this a secret. Why would I want to share this power with any one?”
He looks at her with raised eyebrows.
She changes her statement by saying, “That is, but with anyone but you.”
“Good then. Let us talk.” He informs her of his plan that will require her assistance. After she agrees he tells her, “Wait here. I go to get Zeus new weapon. I will return shortly.” He closes the door just as Typhon strolls between the colonnade. He quickly walks to greet him and repeat the same procedure. He leaves him in another room as another goddess arrives. Over and over Prometheus tells each and every god or goddess the exact same message. Over and over he leaves them as he goes to retrieve the new weapon of Zeus.
Ares stands at the entrance to the temple in the high noon sun. He wears his sword and carries his spear that glistens in the sunlight.
Prometheus bids him to come in from the heat as he sits in the temple throne. Ares stands fast looking over the temple. Prometheus senses Ares cunning ability to detect traps may be at play. He hurries to think of something that will lure him in the temple. For, he sees it is now time to spring the trap.
“I think you do not trust me Ares! If you come near I will show you the ultimate power Zeus intends to use.”
Ares yells, “You come out here!”
“I cannot show you what I posses. This must remain a secret from all the other gods.”
Enyo comes out of her room. Prometheus feels his plan falling apart.
“Is that Ares I hear?” The goddess of war walks toward the throne as she stares outside. “That is you.” She stops and stares at him. What Prometheus thought his undoing has turned in his favor.
Ares finally decides to enter. He steps just inside the shade and stops. “I thought only I received this message. Why are you here also?”
Before Enyo can speak, Prometheus says, “I found a flaw in my plan. It required one addition to perform all that is required.” He tries to remain calm in his cleaver deception. Enyo helps to relieve him of his nervousness.
She tells Ares. “Come close so I may see you.” She seductively smiles at him to his undoing.
He walks toward the throne staring at Enyo. He smiles and warmly stares at her. “I guess I can trust this plan if you are involved.” Ares grabs her hands.
Prometheus stands. “I hid this weapon outside. I go to retrieve it. I will return in but one moment.” He calmly walks pass the flirting Enyo who holds Ares captive with her beauty. He walks out the front of the temple. He turns to the left out of their sight. He waves toward the sky as he screams inside himself Now! You must spring the trap Now! He hears clamoring voices in the temple. He knows the other gods and goddesses figure out what is really going on.
Th
e ground rumbles all around. Prometheus runs as fast as he can away from the temple grounds. The shaking becomes to powerful He falls to the ground as he looks to the sky.
“Mount Olympus!” Hercules dives down as the ground all around rises up. He reaches his hand toward Prometheus. “Quickly. Grab hold of my hand.” Prometheus snatches it as Pegasus strains to gallop upward. “Come on Pegasus. You can do it.” Pegasus flaps his wings with the whooshing force of a hurricane. He slowly rises, but more importantly, he carries them quickly away from the temple.
The ground opens up causing rocks, dirt, and dust to fly off in all directions. Hercules looks back to see the gods and goddesses staggering out the front portico. Prophyrion rises through the ground up to his waist. In his hand he holds something. Alkyoneus rise on the other side of the temple. Prophyrion swings the net round and round over his head and yells to Alkyoneus, “Catch!” The net soars overhead. Alkyoneus grabs his end of the net and spreads his arms out.
Hercules yells to Pegasus, “Give your all my friend or we will be caught in the net. Pegasus, huffs and lets out, “Heee.” The net lowers in front of them as Pegasus dives under it. He glides just past the edge of it right before it is stretched tight over the ground. He crashes in exhaustion as all three roll on the ground.
Distant screams and threats are heard beneath the net. They grow submissive and quiet as they look upward. Bolts of lightening thunder down toward the perimeter of the net. Hercules sees his father securely fastening the net to the earth. Those trapped are shocked by each of his hundred bolts of lightening. They try and move back to the safety in the sanctuary as the net becomes electrified.
Zeus descends in his fiery golden chariot to the earth. He flies like a burning meteor across the sky. Hercules waves toward his father as Zeus pulls back on the reins controlling his four white stallions. He lands next to Hercules causing dust to fly all around and the ground to shake. He looses sight of his father in the wafting dark cloud. From above it a hand moves down toward him. He hears Zeus's voice, “This is my son in whom I am well please.” Hercules grabs hold of his father's honored hand and is hoisted up to the bright clearing above. He stands on his father's shoulder as he speaks these words.
“To the giants that helped me imprison these traitors I grant you immortal power to travel the world.” He raises his scepter high. Lightening from all directions strikes his scepter. Zeus pitches the bolts toward Prophyrion. Lightening crashes over the giant. Zeus turns his scepter and thrust bolts upon Alkyoneus. He too is covered with a spiderweb of bright blue electricity.
“I have fulfilled my end of the bargain.” He watches as the giants as tall as mountains smile. He asks them, “Where will you go explore now.”
Prophyrion tells Zeus, “Our home is below. We go nowhere.”
Confused Zeus wonders why they would risk danger with the gods if they had no intention of using their new gift. “May I ask why you do not freely journey?”
“It was not that we wished to leave here. It was just for the power to do so.”
Zeus smiles. He bows his head. “Thank you for you service.”
Both giants bow before they descend back below the earth.
Those gods and goddesses still loyal to the king come down from Mount Olympus. Each stands around the perimeter of the tacked net looking at the trapped traitors. One god ask Zeus, “What shall we do with them?”
Zeus invites Prometheus to join him and his son on his giant chariot. He yells out, “Guard them closely until I return.” Zeus snaps his reins sending his chariot in motion. “Mount Olympus! Away!”
The four horse gallop up and up. They breakthrough the clouds leaving the earth behind.
Zeus lands his chariot near the temple of the gods. “Prometheus. Would you be so kind as to go fetch the chest hind my throne?” Father looks at his son as Prometheus obeys the kings request. “I see your face is filled with wonder. Patients my good son. You will see what I have planned.” Prometheus lays the chest on the chariot. “I have given great thought to their punishment.” As Prometheus prepares to step on the chariot, Zeus asks, “Might you wait here and guard the temple? I give you permission to sit on my throne.” Prometheus is overwhelmed with honor.
“Yes my king. May your journey be safe and your justice swift.” He bows to the king as Zeus yells out, “Away my steeds!”
Hercules sees the fear on the trapped gods faces as the goddesses plead, “Mercy great King Zeus. Mercy I beg.” Father lands where the net ends as his steeds gallop to a stop. Zeus dismounts his cart as he waves to several of the gods to come assist him. Zeus loosens two latches on the chest and lifts the lid.. A bright purple halo shines from inside the chest. The interior is lined with glowing vials. Zeus stands and proclaims his verdict.
“I have given much thought to what I am about to do. I cannot destroy a god. How might the people believe in us if we go around killing each other. If I have learned anything as king, mercy changes everything.” He looks at Hercules and smiles. His son bows his head in appreciation. The trapped are relieved as a choir of murmuring voices sing out thankful praises to the king. “What I will do is take your power.” All the gods and goddesses moan at his extreme proclamation. A god's unique power is more valuable than even their very life. Great fear envelopes everyone accept Zeus and Hercules. For everyone knows this is a just punishment, but is a terrible and harsh decree. The murmuring settles as Zeus prepares to speak. “I am not a ruthless king as you might think. I will give you condemned of treason a choice and a chance. What hope would man have if the gods and goddesses where so cruel to each other.” Some of the trapped embrace another on the portico, as the others reverently listen to what the king has to offer. “If you decide to relinquish your power, that will commute your sentence. You will walk freely upon the earth as humans do. If you are willing to relinquish your power, I will give you a chance to pay your debt and regain your power. You must make your choice.” Zeus sticks his scepter into the net and raises it up from the ground. Slowly the trapped gods and goddesses walk toward their judge. The first in line is Erebus, the god of darkness. His shamed head bows before the king. “Since you were the first, my compassion will be the greatest. What do you choose?”
“I select your punishment and a chance to earn back my power.”
“You have spoken wisely.” The king hold a vial near Erebus. He lifts the lid. The sound of rushing wind sucks a dark halo from Erebus's body. He shrinks to the size of a mere mortal man.”
“Now your power is taken. Now I sentence you to perform a task.” Zeus has no joy in what he must do. “I sentence you to sow a field of wheat like the humans do. When your crop is ready, offer a portion to the gods and I will restore your power.”
Erebus seems to be relieved. His punishment is not as horrible as he imagined.
“You will plow your field only by the light of night, and you will sow your seed in the wind.”
Erebus now realizes this will be a challenging task. How can one see where to plant if he does it by night? And how will one know if his seed is tossed on his field if there be a constant wind?”
“Now go and perform your feat. May you learn what it means to be dedicated, much as mankind suffers.”
Next in line is the goddesses Aphrodite. “Out of all the gods, you are the last goddess I would have ever thought could possibly cast your lot in with this evil.” He watches her tremble in fear and embarrassment. Zeus grabs the next vial. He holds it near her. He removes the lid. The sucking force of a hurricane begins pulling at her golden halo. Zeus caps the bottle as she shrinks to the size of a human woman. “What is your choice? To walk as mankind upon the earth, or pay your debt and have your power restored?” He waits as she ponders her alternative.
“I choose to pay my penalty. May your justice not exceed the burden I am able to carry wise king.”
“I turn you beauty as plain as a blank tablet. I also take your lovely voice away. You will walk among mankind as a human woman does. Your
will feel hunger, thirst, pain, and suffering. When you have become a benefit to mankind and learn what true beauty is, I will restore your power and your beauty.”
“This seems unfair my king. Why must you take even my power to speak away? Do not even the people have the ability to speak?”
“I ask you a question as your answer. Are there some that do not have the power to speak? Yet, do not they live in their humanity and still praise the gods?”
“Your judgment seems impossibly cru...”
“Silence! I ask no more of you than you should bear. Do you change your mind?”
She suddenly realizes how just a punishment this really is. “No my lord. I accept your punishment.”
He instantly administers his sentence. Her face becomes wrinkled and worried. Her body shows the weariness of a hard life of work. She caresses her throat as she feels her power to speak being taken.
“Go now and walk amongst the humans, and may you be all the better for it.” She turns away as her tattered garment blows in the wind. “May you learn humility as you toil, much as mankind suffers.”
The line of culprits dwindle to an end. All those that betrayed Zeus now have their power stored away. Each has been given a sentence that is no greater than their treachery. Each is given a chance at redemption containing a price no greater than what mankind is expected to bear. The last in the line is Ares.
Zeus speaks. “It pains me my son that you would have led this revolt. What have I done to cause you to act so?” Anguish fills Zeus's heart. “What do you say for yourself?”
Ares stands in defiance. He says nothing.
“I am your father above all else. It does not bring me joy but great pain to punish you. Please, I beg of you, tell me what I have done to make you hate me so!”
Ares hurries to draw his sword. “It is because of your love for him I learn to hate you so!”
Zeus restrains Ares arm as the other gods come and force his weapon away. They hold him at bay as Zeus draws the vial near to Ares. He removes the lid and sucks his blackened halo out of his body. Ares shrinks to the size of his brother Hercules.
“Because you have done this thing I will make your choice.” Ares has no more options but to look at his father and accept his punishment like a man. Zeus's eyes turn red and glisten with tears. “You will walk the earth as humans do. You will gain your strength as you plow with your ox. You will have no more power to war than a man does. Your back will break with the burdens of everyday life, and your heart will be filled with the pleasure and reward a hard days work brings.” Zeus looks down gravely at Ares.
Ares angrily yells, “Have you finished father!”
Zeus thinks a moment. “No. there is more. I will show you leniency that I have not shown the others.”
The anger on Ares face turns somber. He waits to hear what benefit his father will give him.
“I give you a beautiful loving wife to satisfy your heart and desires. May she help you with the caress in life and be a shoulder for you to lean on. I also give you two sons to help you with your strife. May you learn the joy of seeing their eyes open at birth and know you are responsible for their very existence. I fill your heart with love for your future wife and your two sons yet to be born.”
“Are you finished father!” Ares finally realizes his father's love for him. He knows his punishment is not nearly as terrible as it should be.
“No. As your two sons grow, one will learn to love you and the other will grow to hate you.”
“Why do you plague me with such a curse?”
“Even though you love each son equally, one will become jealous of your affection for the other. When your heart hurts for not knowing what to do, your father will know of it. When you finally realize the devastation a broken heart brings, I will hear your prayers. When you finally understand the pain I feel now and repent of it, I will save you. Then, I will raise you my very self up to Mount Olympus and give you my very throne. For then, you will be a great and wise ruler.” Zeus cries as he tell Ares his parting words. “Now go and walk amongst the humans and live your life. May you feel both love and rejection in your heart, and suffer no more than mankind suffers.”
Morpheus, the god of dreams asks, “Do you wish we place the chest on your chariot?”
Zeus waves the back of his hand to suggest he wait. He watches his human size son walk off in to the world and worries what might become of him. He resembles the small child he once was. Zeus knows what he has done is the best he can do for his small son. But this notion does not sooth his heart. He stares at him until he disappears amongst the crowd of people in the distant village. He whispers, “My heart truly goes with you my boy.”
“Yes. load the chest on my chariot and secure it properly. For it contains the power to shake Mount Olympus from its very foundation.” He looks down at his other son. He smiles as he says, “Thank you for standing with me through all the pain I've caused you and lifting me up when I fell. You truly are a treasure my good son.”
Hercules stands and watches as his father Zeus departs for the heavens. He turns toward his dear friend Pegasus. “My loyal Pegasus. You truly are my treasure.” He swipes his steed's face before he mounts. “To Mount Olympus. Away!”
CHAPTER 11: RETURN TO OLYMPUS