Who is Mackie Spence? (24 page)

“Apollo always has you in his heart. Do we know the boy who helped you?”

“He is Aleksander, of the house of Nikos. You have met him. He pulled me from the water.”

“You should know that Aleksander is with you now and forever. By Apollo's wish, your fates have twined together and you must care for him as he cares for you. Do not ask more of him than his abilities allow. He cannot help you heal, only prevent you from dying young.”

“When will I have full power?”

“I do not know. Your brothers and sisters have achieved greatness at different ages. You may, in time, heal very large beasts or many at one time. This will take an extraordinary amount of energy, beyond what you can provide today.”

“What should I do for now, when I am compelled to heal that which is beyond my strength? What if I must heal two more dolphins tomorrow?”

“Then your protector will hurry to your side and retrieve you, that you may refresh your vital energies out of harm's way. Now, come. Let us thank my father for providing you with Aleksander.”

The girl and her father directed words of praise and appreciation to Apollo for his greatness.

When Hades, the god of the underworld, was upset, his mood ranged from stormy gray to deepest black. This day the lower realm quaked.

“The gods of the sea and of prophecy have gone too far!” he thundered. Pacing in his dark den, Hades grew more and more angry.

“Zeus!” he called out. “First, Apollo creates his son, the healer Asclepius, who interferes with Death. Now, he recasts fate when he alters his granddaughter's path to my door. And Poseidon bid Apollo to save her! What gives them the right to snatch those destined for my gates? What allows Apollo to create a boy-protector, saving the girl from certain death? I demand justice.”

He continued thundering until Zeus responded.

“Hades, my brother, you will have your wish. I, too, would like to understand their actions. I call upon my fellow Olympians to hear of this matter.”

The twelve major Greek gods and goddesses assembled at Zeus' home on Mount Olympus. It was the first time in many years that Hades had left his underworld to sit with them.

“My greetings to all,” said Zeus. “Hades, as Keeper of the Dead, claims that Apollo and Poseidon have rearranged the natural order. That they deprived him by saving a dying girl from her fate and have granted a mortal the status of protector, that she and he may never reach the underworld. Poseidon, Hades believes you encouraged this scheme.”

Poseidon stood immediately to speak, trident at his side.

“We have reason to rejoice,” he began. “Today a great tragedy was averted. My beloved dolphins, that bring me messages and cheer me with their companionship, were wounded. The girl, Apollo's granddaughter, a healer with his energy in her, saved them but would have died herself if he hadn't interceded. Apollo gave a mortal boy the status of protector to her, that she may continue her good works.

“What if, instead of the dolphins, they were your animals: the owl, the eagle, the deer, the crow—yes, Hades, the crow—who had been dying? Would you reward their healer with death for saving your companions?

“Apollo's son, Asclepius, the healer taught by Chiron, is the girl's father. She is still young and doesn't have her full powers. Yet she saved my dolphins. Such noble courage should be commended. How can we do otherwise?”

Only Artemis, goddess of the hunt and Apollo's sister, looked on with sympathy.

“Apollo, what is your response to Hades' accusations?” Zeus asked.

Apollo's handsome face showed no concern as he stood in splendor, the light of the sun radiating from his being.

“The girl will, of course, die. However, because her existence is tied to me she can never be claimed by Hades at his gates.”

The Olympians leaned forward with interest.

“Because her father Asclepius is my son, her life force comes from mine. Therefore, she will never meet Hades in the underworld. Her fate is to live infinite lifetimes, curing the sick and wounded. So Hades' objections are irrelevant. He has no claim to her soul.

“As to the protector, he has no status other than to appear next to her when she needs aid. He cannot heal. His service is to retrieve her when her energies become depleted, that she may continue her work on our behalf in any one of her lifetimes.”

Each member of the tribunal nodded except for Hades, who abruptly drew to his feet.

“Wonderful speech, Apollo. Just wonderful. But you're forgetting one thing: it was your own folly that created Asclepius and his spawns. Now you grant them immortality? That goes against our laws. Only we, the high gods and goddesses, may remain immortal. Zeus, shall Apollo be absolved for what he has done?”

Zeus raised his hand, signaling his understanding of the issues.

“Hades, Poseidon, and Apollo have stated their views and concerns. Hades, my brother, as the god of darkness will you accept my decision as supreme in this matter?

Hades did not object.

Zeus continued, “For any child of a god, rebirth is a birthright. And so it is true also for their children. For that reason, the children of Asclepius, son of Apollo, are not destined for the underworld. That includes the girl who was saved today. She will be reborn with her healing powers intact each time she meets with Death.”

Hades' harsh breath shook the room. Zeus, a commanding presence among his fellow gods, directed waves of calm to his brother. Hades' breathing slowed and order prevailed.

“Still, Hades, you have given us something to think about. Apollo has granted another, not of his line, status to die and be reborn as protector to the girl.”

Zeus paused and looked at Apollo and then at Poseidon.

“Apollo, I will allow it this time, because I believe your intentions were pure and you meant no offense to Hades. Poseidon, I believe you also meant only goodness in your advice to Apollo. Let us view this outcome as a benefit to all of our realms.”

The gods and goddesses nodded at Zeus' judgment. Hades scowled, and withdrew to his underworld.

After meeting at Olympus with the gods and goddesses, Hades returned to his world below ground, vexed. Zeus' decision had usurped his authority as Lord of the Dead. Zeus was the arbitrator, but his ruling was not just. And Apollo, that peacock of the sun, had spoken in such an insulting manner.

Furious, Hades considered calling for the Erinyes. The three Furies had avenged him many times, torturing the lives of mortals who murdered each other and deprived Hades of death's natural order. But this assignment required a far broader reach than their powers.

He sat for several days, lost in deep thought. His pride had been wounded by Apollo's actions and condescending attitude.

Hades reasoned, “Apollo has provided a protector for the girl. Let's see how good a protector he can be. I shall provide an agent to test his, and her, mettle. Perhaps the protector and girl will live long and fruitful lives. Perhaps not.”

Aleksander ran, laughing, to the beach with his two friends and their dogs. The weather was hot and dry, a perfect afternoon for swimming and diving from the rock cliff.

He thought about what had happened the day before, how he'd rescued the girl. He'd never swum out so far before. His older brothers had warned him to stay close to the shoreline. The pull of the tide could be dangerous. Still, he'd been able to push her toward the shore ahead of him, kicking with his strong legs and feet at the water.

“Last one in is a rotten fig!” yelled Mentes, as he dashed past Aleksander and Philetor.

“Right. Prepare to rot!” Philetor retorted as he sprinted after Mentes.

Aleksander grinned, knowing he could outrun both of them. Today, it didn't matter. He'd proven himself yesterday, though he had not said a word about saving the girl to anyone. He kept silent, as if the rescue should remain just between himself and the girl.

A little later, the boys hiked up the slope that led to the diving ledge. Aleksander dove first, accurately throwing himself into a deep section of water. He bobbed up to see Mentes, and then Philetor, dive and surface near by. The three boys swam to the beach, splashing each other on the way.

As he blinked from the saltwater in his eyes, Aleksander saw Archer in a stiff-legged pose. Archer's ears were flattened back as he growled at Dismas, a boy from their village.

“Ho, Archer,” Aleksander called to get his dog's attention. Archer didn't back down.

“Sorry,” Aleksander, called out. “He's never acted like this before. Usually he's so friendly he won't stop licking your hand.”

“He's a dangerous dog. If he bites me, both of you are dead meat,” Dismas snarled.

Aleksander and his friends stared at Dismas as he made his way up to the diving ledge. What had just happened? Aleksander patted Archer, but the dog vigilantly watched Dismas climb the embankment.

Artemis didn't like what she'd seen. After the group meeting at Olympus, she caught up with her brother, Apollo.

“What was that about?” she asked, throwing an arm around him affectionately.

Apollo kissed the top of his sister's head. He loved her, but she worried too much.

“I knew it was risky to make the boy a protector. But Poseidon agreed with me that the girl will need someone. I can't always be there for her.”

“I understand, but Hades didn't take it well. He stared ten kinds of wrath at you after Zeus made his ruling. What makes you think he won't retaliate?”

Apollo shrugged. “These are small matters for the ruler of the underworld to trouble himself about. Are you worried he will come after me? Let him try.” Apollo flexed his biceps and laughed.

“Oh, my brother, do not underestimate Hades. He won't pick a fight with you. He has other ways of getting even when he feels disrespected.”

Apollo considered his sister's words.

“He would have to go against Zeus, and that could be a disaster for everyone,” he said.

“Exactly.”

“Well, we will see. I haven't heard from Hades since he left. Be optimistic. I like you best when you smile.”

Grimacing, she shook her finger at him, but kissed his cheek as a goodbye.

Leaving her brother, Artemis considered her options. She could do nothing, and see what happened. Maybe Apollo was right and Hades had no time to spend on revenge. Or, she could watch over Hades herself. But that would be impossible. Hades would feel her presence. No, she would go to Zeus with her concerns.

Entering Olympus, she marveled as always at the beauty of Zeus' house. The temple-like façade with stone columns was lit by a golden sun in an azure sky. Grapevines provided cover above open-air porches, and olive trees offered a fragrant scent.

Zeus greeted her from his lofty perch. She presented him with a stag for his banquet.

“Artemis, thank you for such a bountiful gift,” Zeus said. “What brings you to my house again so soon?”

“Concern for the situation that was last discussed.”

“Ah, the spat between my brother and your brother. It may come to naught. I have faith that Apollo has given the boy-protector survival skills. This protector already saved the girl in treacherous water.”

“He's just a boy. What if Hades sets some demented soul upon him? How could he, or the girl, cope with a wraith from the underworld?”

“Oh, Hades knows better, and he is capable of restraint. However, your warning does not fall on deaf ears. Hades has two sides, light and dark, both of which I am well aware. I will look in on the situation from time to time.”

Artemis thanked Zeus, and bid him goodbye.

Zeus sighed. He did not wish to further irritate Hades. Perhaps he'd have a word with Hades' wife, Persephone. No, that would only upset her mother, Demeter, again. Such complex family politics. The boy-protector and the girl-healer would have to take care of each other.

Aleksander hadn't seen the girl for several weeks. Summer had drawn to an end when he chanced upon her, as he carried a jug of water from the village well.

“Hello. How are you on this day?” he asked.

“Very well. And yourself?” she countered.

“Been swimming lately?” he responded, trying to suppress a grin.

“No. Have you rescued any half-drowned goddesses lately?”

“Goddesses, mortals, I'll save them all. You know, you really weren't all that heavy.”

“I'm big enough,” she answered with a mock pout.

They continued together on the pathway leading back to their homes. Archer ran ahead, frisking as he caught scents of cats and other dogs. Aleksander and the girl didn't see him suddenly shift into a low crouch and growl.

Dismas stood in a doorway as the trio passed, covertly watching the girl and Aleksander. His heart filled with a volume of darkness that he could not understand. He didn't really know either of them that well, not enough to explain this overwhelming antipathy. But he could not deny the rage he felt. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. A bitter taste for revenge.

I feel fortunate to have Jacquelyn Mitchard as my Merit Press editor. When an author/editor of Ms. Mitchard's caliber gives you the nod, optimism about life in general soars. I also thank Sam Bardelson for his early editing insights, and test readers who offered feedback or professional expertise: Gavin Hollyer, Patrick Amo, Maddie Gander, Elena Fox, and Susanne Bardelson. Many thanks to Field's End, a writers' community, especially fellow authors Barbara Clarke, Margaret Nevinski, and Margaret Chang for their ongoing counsel and camaraderie. Special thanks to Tim Richards for keeping me strong with core training as I wrote
Who Is Mackie Spence?
Finally, I'm indebted to my enduring friends who encouraged me to publish, including wildlife photographer Dottie Tison and members of the No Guilt Book Club.