Zeus's Arc

Chapter 2 of 2

The council chamber filled before Zeus could reach it. Themis had called the session early, her voice echoing through the palace before dawn. Every god already sat in the jury benches when he arrived, their faces turned toward the empty podium where he would stand. Hera watched from her seat, the golden scepter resting across her lap. The thousand eyes embedded in its lotus crown caught the morning light. Zeus tried to delay. He asked Themis for time to prepare his defense, citing the need to gather witnesses. She refused. The law did not wait on convenience, she said, and Hera's petition had been properly filed. The other gods shifted in their seats but said nothing. No one challenged Themis when she invoked procedure. Zeus moved toward the throne set above the council floor, but Themis stopped him with a raised hand. Today he would stand at the podium like any petitioner. The throne remained empty. Hera rose and approached the raised stage at the chamber's center. She carried two cuckoo birds, their bright plumage vivid against her white gown. Their yellow eyes held the same unnatural glow as the scepter's embedded memories. She set the birds on the stage's golden railing. "These witnesses observed Apollo, Hermes, and Athena in conspiracy," she said. "They planned to bury testimony. They spoke of killing to protect the throne." The birds turned their heads in perfect unison, their gaze fixed on Zeus. Athena started to speak, but Themis silenced her. Only the petitioner could present evidence until the council heard the full accusation. Zeus understood he had lost control of the chamber the moment Themis called it to session. He could not dismiss what he had not convened. He could not silence testimony he had not authorized. The throne stood empty above him, a reminder that authority meant nothing when the law moved without his command. Hera had outmaneuvered him completely. The birds began to sing, and their song carried visions that spread through the chamber like smoke. Every god would see what they had witnessed. Zeus stood at the podium and waited for his sovereignty to fracture in front of the entire council.