Fall of the Spectrum

Chapter Twenty, Part One

"Under the circumstances, I would say we have little choice." Athena heaved a sigh, drawing Gwen's inspection of the intricately-inscribed owl on the armlet she wore up to the goddess's face. "Given our inability to determine just where the last artifact—the Amethyst of Unity—is, I believe our only recourse is to seek out the artifacts stolen from us, and hope that we find Asclepius before Apophis does any permanent damage to him or his operatives."

"I don't mean to cast dispersions on your decision, Lady Athena," said Forneus, shifting next to Gwen in a way she took to be discomfort. "But with the Regulations Force being spread as thin as it is, how can we hope to infiltrate not just one of Apophis's headquarters, but both? And paltry as our forces are, I don't think even Apophis will fail to notice our presence. No matter how many are sent, you can take it for granted Apophis's army will be much bigger and stronger than our own."

"Then I would say the choice is obvious," Athena answered. "If an overt operation is doomed to fail, then our only choice is to be covert."

There was a pause as everyone considered this, Gwen glancing furtively at Forneus out of the corner of her eye. The transition from puzzlement to disbelief was instantaneous, his silver eyes widening as he said, "You can't mean to suggest—"

"You said it yourself," Athena's voice sharpened, though Gwen could see a sadness in her eyes too. "A large group of operatives would draw too much attention. What this mission requires is delicacy. If Gwen truly has tapped into the power you told us of, then there is no question as to what now must be done. Only a few hours ago you begged the council to consider the benefits of her power; now you would renege on our agreement?"

"It is not I who has reneged on anything," Forneus's voice was low, edged with steel. "As I recall, it was the council who made the terms conditional—and those terms involved not forcing Gwen into a dangerous situation against her will, as well as ensuring that if she did choose to undertake the mission, we would be granted the tactical support needed should things go awry. Now you're telling me there is no other recourse but to send Gwen, whether she agrees or not, with only myself to protect her?"

"What else would you have us do?"

"Keep your word, for a start."

There were audible gasps around the table, and Gwen found herself clutching Forneus's arm, both in surprise at his sudden frankness, and in an attempt to keep him from saying anything that would involve the council taking disciplinary action.

"Forneus, it's okay. I want to go on the mission. I want to save Asclepius and—"

"Resort to such insubordination again, guardian," Zeus's voice cut across Gwen's, lightning crackling over his knuckles as he slammed his hand down on the table, "and you will find yourself a resident of the lower levels. You are already held in contempt for your failure to prevent the artifacts' disbandment. I suggest that you not give this council further cause to strip you of your rank."

The anger drained from Forneus's face and he turned his head, breaking eye contact between Zeus and himself. He seemed about to say something, when Athena spoke up, her voice gentle.

"Peace, father. I do not believe Forneus meant any disrespect." Athena spared a glance in Gwen's direction, her expression softening. "As the guardian, he merely takes his duties seriously. And as the girl is one of the seals, he can hardly be blamed for seeing to her well-being."

"Be that as it may, he would do well not to overstep his bounds again." Zeus's eyes flashed, the already brilliant blue more striking in his anger. He turned those eyes on Gwen, and she took an involuntary step back, fingers tightening around Forneus's coat sleeve. "Under current circumstances, whatever foolish agreement my daughter made in my absence is forfeit. We simply cannot afford to be diplomatic at this time. The girl has already agreed to perform the duties expected of her. I suggest that you do the same and remember your place, guardian."