Power Draws Power Alternate Version of the Prologue

This is another version of the prologue of PDP. It's actually the version I wanted to put in the book, but I misplaced it.

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Olympus. The abode of the Greek gods. It is a place of beauty and power. Zeus is their king and Hera, their eternal queen.

Legend and prophecy fuel their paranoia.

Zeus sits on his throne remembering the words Fate spoke. “When light and dark meet on equal footing their power will draw power and the imprisoned force will be unleashed.

His father’s words pulse in the back of his mind. Alone, they make no sense, but couple with the prophecy made by the Fates, it promises a return and the death of his entire race. Zeus can’t, no won’t let that happen.

The feeling of cool confidence washes over him as his favorite daughter, Athena appears before him; a child in her arms.

“It is done father.” She says crisply.

Zeus nods and rises from his throne to take the child from Athena.

“She won’t be happy about this.”

“Let her be angry. It will cloud her judgment. We will need that.”

Athena nods. “I have no love for the woman … still.”

Zeus stops rocking the child and looked at his. “You know why we do this. Don’t forget it.”

“Never father.” She stiffened her pose.

“Please don’t do that.” He said softly. He hates it when she goes professional when they are alone.

She relaxes, if only a fraction. “What shall we do now?”

“Come back with him tomorrow and we will make the announcement.”

Athena nods and leaves.

Alone in the throne room, Zeus says softly, “Just eighteen more years until peace returns.” With a brief nod he finishes, “So be it.”