Ch. 144: Return To The Forge
I crossed down the bush path with my mind racing to different thoughts as to what had become of Talos. Regrettably I felt a deep sense of guilt and pain, similar to when I had lost contact with my daughter in my past life.
We were the only two that came back in time so naturally I took responsibility over her but more than that I felt a deeper sense of responsibility. She was impulsive and overconfident in her own skill, and also a self centered person but she was also a genius that I could not discard.
Her mental prowess was far better than mine and perhaps on par with Me Anonymous. But that was not why I was feeling guilty, I was done seeing her as a weapon. I had seen the other side to her, or should I say the more lighter human side. Even if she wasn’t human I could say that was exactly what I saw in her face the day she laughed.
If Talos was hurt or worse— dead then I would not hesitate to bring Poseidon and his empire down to the ground. My eyes flashed with raw rage and malicious intent.
It was just like back then when Hecate died in my arms and Eris too, Herms then Hephestus and the otherworlder. I was powerless to save them then but now I would not take it lightly with myself if I failed to protect them.
Talos who once was my fated rival now became my valued ally. Since I was the only one she had trusted with her secreat and true life then could I call myself her best friend?
“No, stop all these needless thoughts.” I said to myself as I stood there in the forest oath, the shadows of the sunlight on the leaves and branches falling on me. The butterflies flutterwd in front of me and the leaves rustled to the gentle wind.
“I can not stop till I find Talos, no matter what so I’ll have to be a bit more drastic.” I sighed and walked down the path and steeled my resolve.
What was Talos to me? I did not feel any sense of ownership to her, nor was it a emotional attraction rather it was mutual acceptance.
Or maybe because I had spent a great deal of time with her that we had become close as friends. “I truly am an idiot thinking she would sit still.” I challenged myself.
Compared to the others I had been with Talos was very similar to a spoilt child rather than a matured person it made me worry constantly about her. But that aside she was much smarter than anyone else smart enough for me to belive she managed to get away from Poseidon’s circle.
She did send me a message to meet back with her. Perhaps it was back at her place but due to my long time training that place became compromised. The fact that they had weaponized black amber made things much more handed to deal with. Talos was not strong as a god so I worried more.
But perhaps what is she shifted the meeting point to somewhere else, somewhere only we would know off.
And that would be here, the workshop of the god of craft and fire. I stepped out of the forest path that led to the back of the factory known as The Forge. It was the same back entrance Talos had took me through when we first came here, if she was alive I doubted this would be the first place on her mind meaning it would be the best place to start.
I replayed the scene in my head and avoided all the security measures and traps as I made to the back of the factory where I found the secret hatch that led into Hephestus’ private forge. The hatch wasn’t open so I had to use a bit of force to snap open the lock.
I prayed that Talos would be here as I climbed down in and closed the entrance. I walked further down the familiar tunnel beneath the smell of metal and burning coal I had come to know washin over me. The temperature seemed to rise with each step I took, my posture carried power as I advanced further .
Very soon I reached a room that was vast and filled with countless contraptions with their detailed workmanship. The humming of power couplings loud in the air. The walls were lined with tools that gleamed with a dark, oily sheen that clinked into each other.
Being here again brought back old memories.
I heard a loud thumping sound of someone approach and looked up to see the huge build of Hephestus approaching. He was still as bold as he was rude, I remember him tasking me with the protection of his daughter.
On sighting me he bellowed a compalints. “How the hell did this rubbish trigger the motion sensor? Makes me look mediocre.”
Did he just call me rubbish? My eyes went to his stained cloth smeared with oil and his dark googles over his head.
I reached up and took off my cap allowing my real image to materialize before him. His expression was a loud gruff sound and his eyes squinting in disapproval. “I have no soul for you to collect so shoo.”
Now I knew he was kidding but I had no time for such. My power made my hair glide in the air as I boomed. “Where is she?!”
Hephestus balled his hands into fists and said. “You come in here and order me around like you own the place? You higher gods come in here and act like you own the place. When last have any of you cared about me more than my works.”
I raised my head and started to advance further. “I won’t repeat my self.”
“Likewise”, he said as he made to meet me.
If I revive a magic castle I will mass release 10 chapters
