Page 19 of The War is Coming

“It will be on the council website. I’ll investigate it once we’ve finished here,” Paris said.

Thanks, uncle.

“Blake, I’ve had a request from my three younger brothers asking to come for a visit; they will also be bringing me more of my things. Any objections?” Atticus asked.

Blake shook his head. “No, this is your home now. Your family is always welcome. That goes for all of you,” he said, looking at everyone.

“I’m glad we dropped in now,” Zeus said, appearing in the kitchen with Battle.

“It’s keeping you away that’s the problem,” Ares replied.

“Gramps,” Kieran and Maddy shouted at the same time, both jumping up and running to him.

Zeus laughed and wrapped his arms around them.

“Thank you, children. One day Demi might even do this,” Zeus said, looking at his grandson.

“How about I don’t, and we pretend I did,” Demi said with a laugh.

Zeus pulled back, and Kieran and Maddy returned to their seats. He looked at Battle. “See, I told you my family was mean.”

Battle laughed and rested his hand on Zeus’ back. “Yep, your family is so mean, the presents haven’t stopped appearing, and Hera has taken over organising our mating banquet.”

“I don’t think Olympus has ever had so much to celebrate,” Baylan said.

“We haven’t, but I see many more parties and banquets in our future,” Zeus said.

“But not now. I’m off for team training,” Battle said, looking at Zeus. “Try and stay out of mischief today.”

Zeus pointed to himself, feigning innocence. “Me? Causing mischief? I would never.”

Everyone laughed at that, the Gods laughing the loudest.

“He’s got your number already, father,” Dask said, raising his mug to Battle.

Battle grinned, leant in and kissed him. “See you tonight.”

“Or sooner if I’m lonely,” Zeus said.

Battle just shook his head. “I’m off, or I’ll be late. See you all around,” and with a final quick kiss, Battle was striding out the door.

“And that’s my cue to leave as I’m leading the defence training this morning,” Ares said, standing up

Zeus looked at his son. “Have fun and remember Battle is a demigod now.”

Ares grinned. “This should be fun,” he bent down, kissed Jason, patted Kieran’s shoulder and vanished.

Cyril looked at Forrest. “I’m so confused. Are they actually real gods?”

Forest nodded. “They really are.”

“I thought they were just named after the gods.”

“Zeus there is actually the King of the Gods, Ares, the God of War, Demi, is Deimos, God of Fear and Dask, is Daskalos, God of Education, and Hades, is the God of the underworld,” Forrest explained.

“Wow,” Cyril breathed out in surprise. “Mind-blowing.”

Forrest nodded. “It really is.”