3.1 In Achaea

In which Zeus does a terrible thing.

‘My singing daughters,’ Zeus said easily.

Atropos walked through the temple’s bronze doorway, rigid with resentment. The doors were standing wide open for them.

‘Come. I have more news for you.’

He was seated on his throne, reclining against bronze and ivory. His robes flowed to his feet, white in the flickering of the golden torches on the columns. Darkness lay in stripes on the floor, and Zeus glowed like the sun. The stone floor smelt new. Even the dust in the corners was shiny.

He was smiling.

‘This is my temple, Atropos. You will kneel.’

She ignored his command, and his sigh. The weight of his hand forced her to her knees. Klotho and Lakhesis were beside her, watching Zeus closely. She could only glance quickly at them from the corner of her eyes, but their faces were expressionless. Klotho’s white gown was torn and crushed, and Lakhesis looked drenched with sweat. Had she been in the sea?

Zeus continued to speak, ignoring their silence.

‘It was a good feast. The people liked my gift. It was a surprise to them, of course. But I knew they would be glad. Were you?’

His question was a thrust to the heart. Atropos could not answer, but Klotho was ready.

‘Of course, great Zeus, it was a surprise. You have not spoken to us about your wishes in this great matter. For it is a very great matter.’

Her deliberate voice cut like ice.

‘You have consulted with your brother Hades, and with the other great gods, I am sure. They share your rule –’

‘No one shares my rule.’