Zeus's Arc

Chapter 1 of 6

Zeus paced the marble floor of his golden palace, a blank tablet in his hand. He meant to draft the first divine law, a code that would bind even the gods to his rule. His eagle perched nearby, lightning flickering across its feathers. He studied the gilded banner of the docket and the bright scales beside it. He waited for the words to come. They did not. The sun climbed the dome, and still the tablet stayed empty. The hour arrived. Zeus walked to the great mosaic floor with his eagle at his shoulder. The council gathered in a quiet ring. His brother stood with arms crossed. His wife watched without blinking. His daughters traded careful glances. Themis rose from her seat of judgment. She asked for the draft. Zeus opened his hand and showed nothing. A long silence pressed down on the golden tiles. "You waste this council's time," Themis said. Her voice was cold and clear. She moved to dismiss the petition. Zeus stepped forward and raised his voice above hers. He was king, and the floor belonged to him. The session would continue. Themis bowed her head, but her eyes stayed hard. The council said nothing. Yet Zeus felt their doubt settle around him like cold air. His eagle shifted. He had kept his place, but not their trust. He would have to write the law alone, and soon.