Chapter 36

Zeus was in his study hunched over his pad, his brow creased in worry.

"Daddy, can I come in?"

He looked up, his expression slightly confused for a moment and then said, "Of course, Poppet. What is it?"

"The Tribe is back."

"Oh my God! In the village?"

"No, they're miles away yet and walking really slowly. But they're coming in this direction."

"Aphrodite!" Zeus roared, "Close the shield."

"She's right out by the viewpoint, Daddy. Even you can't shout that loud."

"Dammit," said Zeus, "Where did I put my helmet?"

"Wait!" Athena put her hand on his arm as he was about to stand up. "They're not dangerous."

"You don't understand. You don't understand just how dangerous they are."

"I do understand, Daddy. I know what you've been worried about all this time."

Her father looked up. He looked immeasurably tired.

"This is Home, isn't it? We can't ever go Home because we're already there. But it's in the past. That's right, isn't it?"