| Fantasy Science Fiction posted March 3, 2024 | Chapters: |
...23 24 -25- 26... 
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Hermes takes on a task to help the cause.
A chapter in the book Return To Concorde Valley
Hermes' Quest
by davisr (Rhonda)
| Background Years after a fire took her parents lives and devastated her home, Echo worked at a small town newspaper. She was rescued from danger by her old friend, Theo, who took her to a new life in his world. |
End of Last Post:
"Sparrow has a point," Georgios said. "This battle may well be fought by unusual means. I say we find Apollo and see what insight he gives."
Theo's eyes suddenly lit up. "I have an idea that'll allow us to stay here and prepare troops and find Apollo at the same time. Follow me."
"Hermes," he called out as they walked towards his house. "I've got a job for you."
New Chapter Begins:
Hermes crunched his food. For a moment, he didn't respond to Theo's suggestion. A deep breath later, he looked at those seated at the table.
"What you're saying is that you want me, the guy with a 14-foot wingspan, to go to the outside world and look for Apollo, a god who has chosen to recuse himself from his duties as one of the Twelve, and convince him to join us here in Concord Valley to fight Hades."
"It was your idea to find him."
"No, Theo, it was my idea for you to find him. He doesn't like me very much. There was a little misunderstanding about his former girlfriend and me in a garden."
"Hermes!"
"It was a misunderstanding," he said. "I was merely helping her find a lost kitten or something. It was perfectly innocent. I can't help it if Apollo took exception to my presence. I'm the victim of an erroneous reputation."
"Which we don't have time to discuss."
"Of course we don't, Theo, but, really, I don't see how I can be of much help on this."
"I need you to go find Apollo so Georgios and I can finish preparing the army for battle, and so we can get the citizens of Concorde Valley to a place of safety."
"I can't imagine such a place exists, Cousin," Hermes said. "Hades is the god of the Underworld. There aren't many places to hide he can't find."
"That's true, but we can at least shelter them long enough to give us a chance to fight him."
"It's possible you might pull it off, but why don't you give me the job? I'm very clever at hiding things."
Theo shook his head. "While I don't doubt what you're saying is true, time is, as they say, of the essence. I don't have wings and Georgios is harder to disguise than you are. We need you, buddy."
Hermes put his head in his hands and shook it so hard the table vibrated. With a deep sigh, he looked up.
"It was your idea to find him."
"No, Theo, it was my idea for you to find him. He doesn't like me very much. There was a little misunderstanding about his former girlfriend and me in a garden."
"Hermes!"
"It was a misunderstanding," he said. "I was merely helping her find a lost kitten or something. It was perfectly innocent. I can't help it if Apollo took exception to my presence. I'm the victim of an erroneous reputation."
"Which we don't have time to discuss."
"Of course we don't, Theo, but, really, I don't see how I can be of much help on this."
"I need you to go find Apollo so Georgios and I can finish preparing the army for battle, and so we can get the citizens of Concorde Valley to a place of safety."
"I can't imagine such a place exists, Cousin," Hermes said. "Hades is the god of the Underworld. There aren't many places to hide he can't find."
"That's true, but we can at least shelter them long enough to give us a chance to fight him."
"It's possible you might pull it off, but why don't you give me the job? I'm very clever at hiding things."
Theo shook his head. "While I don't doubt what you're saying is true, time is, as they say, of the essence. I don't have wings and Georgios is harder to disguise than you are. We need you, buddy."
Hermes put his head in his hands and shook it so hard the table vibrated. With a deep sigh, he looked up.
"You'd think it was enough for me to risk life and limb to deliver your summons. Now, you want me to seek the one person I fear more than Hades."
"You're being dramatic, Hermes."
"Yes, Theo, and you're being unfair."
Echo broke in by clearing her throat. When everyone looked at her, she reached over and patted the reluctant immortal on his hand.
"You don't strike me as the sort to be afraid of much, and if truth be told, I don't buy your story about slipping through Hades' minions undetected to deliver the missive. I've encountered Specters, myself. Not much gets by them."
She ran her fingers across a fresh gash on his arm. "And I recognize their work."
"Investigative reporter, right?"
"Right."
"Not much gets past you, either. Go with me, Echo. Apollo wouldn't think of yelling at me with you there."
Theo's eyes and nostrils flared. "No, Hermes, she's not going anywhere with you."
Hermes laughed and gave Echo's hand a squeeze. "He's probably right. How about Hannah, then? Apollo is sure to like her."
"No, Hermes. You can't use Echo or my little sister as shields. Please go face your brother and come back with him to help."
Hermes stretched his hands out in front of him and cracked his knuckles. "In all seriousness, how about if I take Adam with me? He's 21 and old enough for a trial of his own."
"He doesn't want one. He has no aspirations to be a god of power at all, not even a minor one."
"Sometimes those who don't seek leadership are the ones best suited for it."
"Like you?" Theo asked.
"Exactly," Hermes said. His clear blue eyes sparkled in acknowledgment of the comment, "and in other cases, serious, determined people work out fine, too. So, what's your decision on Adam? I require your permission to take him, as he has not been summoned by the Twelve, or Ten, as it were."
"I give my permission in absence of our father," Theo said. "But whether or not he chooses to go is entirely between you and him. Either way, I'll meet you back here in the garden when you return."
"That works for me. I'll send a message when I'm on my way." Hermes stood up and took his empty plate to the sink. The others stood up with him. "Echo, it's been a pleasure to have met you. I'm sorry the circumstances weren't better. Later, when all the dust has settled, I'd like to get to know you."
"I don't think so," Theo said.
"What? Surely you don't think I was flirting with Echo? Why does everyone always assume I'm up to no good?"
"We don't have time to discuss that topic, either," Theo said.
"You're as boring as my brother." Hermes grinned and winked at Echo. "Work on him while I'm gone, would you?"
"I'll do my best," Echo said. She smiled in spite of herself. Hermes truly was just a little boy in a grown-up body.
Theo's eyes and nostrils flared. "No, Hermes, she's not going anywhere with you."
Hermes laughed and gave Echo's hand a squeeze. "He's probably right. How about Hannah, then? Apollo is sure to like her."
"No, Hermes. You can't use Echo or my little sister as shields. Please go face your brother and come back with him to help."
Hermes stretched his hands out in front of him and cracked his knuckles. "In all seriousness, how about if I take Adam with me? He's 21 and old enough for a trial of his own."
"He doesn't want one. He has no aspirations to be a god of power at all, not even a minor one."
"Sometimes those who don't seek leadership are the ones best suited for it."
"Like you?" Theo asked.
"Exactly," Hermes said. His clear blue eyes sparkled in acknowledgment of the comment, "and in other cases, serious, determined people work out fine, too. So, what's your decision on Adam? I require your permission to take him, as he has not been summoned by the Twelve, or Ten, as it were."
"I give my permission in absence of our father," Theo said. "But whether or not he chooses to go is entirely between you and him. Either way, I'll meet you back here in the garden when you return."
"That works for me. I'll send a message when I'm on my way." Hermes stood up and took his empty plate to the sink. The others stood up with him. "Echo, it's been a pleasure to have met you. I'm sorry the circumstances weren't better. Later, when all the dust has settled, I'd like to get to know you."
"I don't think so," Theo said.
"What? Surely you don't think I was flirting with Echo? Why does everyone always assume I'm up to no good?"
"We don't have time to discuss that topic, either," Theo said.
"You're as boring as my brother." Hermes grinned and winked at Echo. "Work on him while I'm gone, would you?"
"I'll do my best," Echo said. She smiled in spite of herself. Hermes truly was just a little boy in a grown-up body.
Hermes squeezed the back of Georgios' hairy neck. "Take care of them, old friend. And while you're at it, take care of yourself. This will be a clash of Immortals, and I don't need to tell you how perilous it is for all who bear that distinction."
Georgios uttered a sound very like the neigh of a horse.
"Peace be with you, too." Hermes said, then left through the front door. The sound of beating wings, 14-foot by his account, let them know the messenger god had departed.
"As I said earlier, you've now met Hermes," Theo said. "My father once told me that, in spite of his nonchalant attitude, he's one of the most deadly of the gods. He's reported to be an absolute master in archery and can outlift even Zeus in the gym."
"I think he's charming," Echo said, "but don't worry, I prefer the serious, moody type."
Theo squinted his eyes and frowned. "I'm not a bit moody, but the serious part I'll own."
"As I said earlier, you've now met Hermes," Theo said. "My father once told me that, in spite of his nonchalant attitude, he's one of the most deadly of the gods. He's reported to be an absolute master in archery and can outlift even Zeus in the gym."
"I think he's charming," Echo said, "but don't worry, I prefer the serious, moody type."
Theo squinted his eyes and frowned. "I'm not a bit moody, but the serious part I'll own."
Georgios laughed and shook his head. "Brother, I'll head back to the barracks. Meet me there?"
"Sure. I'm going to show Echo around the house before taking her to Mary's."
Georgios gave her a warm hug and the gentle neigh he had uttered to Hermes.
"Peace be with you, too," Echo said.
She watched as the door closed, then turned to Theo. "I'd love to look around. I'm glad you suggested it. I've already noticed the fine cabinetry in here. Did you do the carvings on them?"
Theo nodded, a smile brightening his face.
"And are those chrysanthemums in the pattern?"
"Yes, they're my favorite flower."
"Mine, too. They've always reminded me of you. You brought me a bunch of them that morning in the clearing. Do you remember?"
"Of course," Theo said. He touched her hair in a light gesture, "and you put a sprig of them right here. I thought you were the prettiest thing alive."
Echo blushed. "Thank you, and I thought you to be the most exciting. In spite of all I'd been through that day, my experience with you was like an oasis in the desert."
She watched as the door closed, then turned to Theo. "I'd love to look around. I'm glad you suggested it. I've already noticed the fine cabinetry in here. Did you do the carvings on them?"
Theo nodded, a smile brightening his face.
"And are those chrysanthemums in the pattern?"
"Yes, they're my favorite flower."
"Mine, too. They've always reminded me of you. You brought me a bunch of them that morning in the clearing. Do you remember?"
"Of course," Theo said. He touched her hair in a light gesture, "and you put a sprig of them right here. I thought you were the prettiest thing alive."
Echo blushed. "Thank you, and I thought you to be the most exciting. In spite of all I'd been through that day, my experience with you was like an oasis in the desert."
"Pretty deep thinking for a five-year-old."
"I've had more time to think about it since."
"I'm flattered you did. Some day, when all this is over, we'll have to revist that day."
"Isn't that why you brought me to Concorde Valley?"
"Partially."
"Why else?"
Theo looked at her fondly, but didn't answer. She already knew there was much he couldn't yet discuss.
"Have you thought any more on your horse name?" he asked.
"Some. I'll figure it all out sooner or later."
"Aren't you curious?"
"I'm an investigative reporter," Echo said. "Curiosity is my normal operating condition. My mind has just been overwhelmed with so much else. For a beautiful valley, I've found little so far that's peaceful."
"You aren't exactly catching us at our best."
"Nor you, me. The funny thing is, we've only known each other when things were out of sorts. Do you think we'll like each other when they're normal?"
"I'm counting on it," Theo said. "Now, let me show you the rest of the house."
"Some. I'll figure it all out sooner or later."
"Aren't you curious?"
"I'm an investigative reporter," Echo said. "Curiosity is my normal operating condition. My mind has just been overwhelmed with so much else. For a beautiful valley, I've found little so far that's peaceful."
"You aren't exactly catching us at our best."
"Nor you, me. The funny thing is, we've only known each other when things were out of sorts. Do you think we'll like each other when they're normal?"
"I'm counting on it," Theo said. "Now, let me show you the rest of the house."
 Recognized |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for her help with the image of Hermes.
Book Summary so far:
Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help.
20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman.
After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work.
Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating.
At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day.
After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States.
Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family.
There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon.
The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family.
Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades.
He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals.
Characters:
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper.
Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest..
Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy.
Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat
Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again.
Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother
Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father
Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother
Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather
Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo�?�¢??s 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12.
Apollo: Hermes�?�¢?? elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical.
Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn
Henry: Rebecca's husband.
Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother
Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother
Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister
Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language.
Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Book Summary so far:
Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help.
20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman.
After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work.
Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating.
At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day.
After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States.
Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family.
There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon.
The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family.
Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades.
He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals.
Characters:
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper.
Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest..
Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy.
Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat
Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again.
Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother
Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father
Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother
Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather
Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo�?�¢??s 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12.
Apollo: Hermes�?�¢?? elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical.
Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn
Henry: Rebecca's husband.
Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother
Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother
Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister
Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language.
Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids.
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