Cauldron Anthology Issue 13 - Maiden 1st | Page 64

Zeus raged . The mortals were not worthy of such power . He found out Prometheus and tortured him . I heard the cost of kindness in the Titan ’ s screams .
Dionysus ’ s arrival was a welcome distraction . As if in redress , he brought with him a gi from the mortals .
The demigod rode in grape garland splendor to the flutes of satyrs and laughter of concubines . All smelled sharply and danced with abandon . Zeus welcomed his son with a round of nectar , but Dionysus declined . He chewed a cluster of grapes and spat them into his father ’ s goblet . Zeus tried it and reddened . “ My son !” he cried , roaring for more . Hera ’ s rage fogged her crown . But she checked herself . There were no thrones to spare . Dionysus had no place and would have to return to sailortown , where she could punish him like the other bastards . My sister did not see how low she was . I le my throne . I ’ d have the hearth , warm and murmuring , and Dionysus would sit tall and safe . “ To Hestia !” cried Zeus . “ The maiden who is more mother than anyone .”
Hermes , the gossip , told the mortals of my sacrifice . They did not raise temples or gather cults in my name , but they remembered me at their hearths . I heard through the fire and wished them safety and comfort .
One invoked my name . A Cretian girl , who wished not to marry . She did not know the man her father had chosen and prayed to remain a virgin as I had .
Her faith touched me . I sent Hermes to trick the girl ’ s father and fly her off to the mountains , where she would join the chaste huntress .
I should have known not to trust the trickster god .