Blind Fury

Ares wanted Eden to join him and Caesar in celebration of a job well done, but Eden declined the invitation, saying that she was too exhausted to party after they had fooled around all night, and wanted to get some rest. Ares was disappointed, as would be Caesar, however he agreed and went on to Rome without her.

He arrived to find Caesar waiting for him with wine, food and entertainment in honor of the god. A private little celebration planned just for the three of them. Caesar frowned when Ares arrived alone.

“Ares! I’m so glad you could come. But … where’s the little woman? I really wanted to thank her personally,” he said, disappointment clearly visible on his handsome face.

“She couldn’t make it. She was … ah, a bit worn out from last night.” Ares chuckled as he remembered the wild sex they had in the bed alongside Bartholomeus’ dead, bloody body.

Caesar assumed he was talking about Eden and Bartholomeus. “Oh, I see. I guess the rumors were true about ol’ Bart being a wild lover. But obviously not a wild as Eden. I only wish I could have witnessed her in action.”

Ares narrowed his eyes at the emperor, but kept his anger in check. He decided to let it pass. It really wasn’t necessary for Caesar to know the details of his private life.

“Yes, well, I guess you would be. Eden’s quite a woman!”

“Woman, warrior, assassin. You really know how to pick them, mold them to your will. You always surprise me with your ability to turn the most righteous of souls into someone who can do your dirty work. It’s so fucking awesome!” Caesar said with true admiration for the god.

“What do you mean, turn righteous souls? I didn’t turn her . . .” Ares paused as he pondered Caesar’s words.

“Oh, come on, Ares! One need only look at her and can easily tell that she is, … or was a good little girl. That’s why she was so perfect for the job. You were absolutely right about it. I must apologize for having such little faith in your ability to choose the right person for the task, my Lord.”

Caesar walked to a table and refilled his goblet. “Wine?” he offered to the god. Ares nodded, and Caesar filled a second goblet and brought it to him.

“I don’t know how you do it, turn those sweet souls into killers. And not just on the battlefield either. You got her to slay a defenseless man, all for your good name. You must have one hell of a cock, Ares. I must say, I’m a bit jealous.” He laughed as he held up his goblet in a toast. “To you, my Lord. Cheers.”

Ares suddenly felt angry. Why hadn’t he seen what was happening? Caesar was right.e Ede Eden he had met in Karr, the one who had his son, who cared for his injury, she would have never murdered someone in cold blood. And he was so thrilled by it, so turned on, that it never even dawned on him.


“I’ll be back later!” Ares said suddenly, and disappeared.


****************

The war god reappeared in one of Aphrodite’s temples in Delphi and called for her. The love goddess appeared right away, in her usual bubbly entrance, wearing a huge smile for her brother.

“Ares! How’z it goin’ bro? You look good!” she boasted.

“Thanks. Things have been . . . okay. But I . . .”

She cut him off. “Cool! And how are things with Eden? Listen, you don’t have to thank me for helping you out, bro. I did it for you both, and even a bit for me, too. You know, it took months for me to put everything back together after your little tantrum the first time. I couldn’t let that happen aga…”

Ares interrupted this time. “Dite, I didn’t come here to talk about that.”

“You mean you didn’t come to thank me?” Aphrodite seemed shocked and even a bit hurt.

“No. Thanks for that and all, but I’ve got an important question to ask you,” Ares said seriously.

Aphrodite saw the concern on her brother’s face and stopped to listen. “Sounds serious. Go on.”

The war god began to pace. “Dite, does love change people? I don’t mean where someone who has no love suddenly finds it. I mean if you love someone one way, can it change you? Can it make you into something your not?”

The love goddess crinkled her nose and furrowed her brows in confusion. “Ares, sit down. You’re driving me nuts.” He complied and she sat next to him. “Now, I’m not quite sure I understand what you’re asking me, bro. Wanna try it again?”

Ares sighed, clearly frustrated.

“Is this about Eden?” she asked.

He nodded. “She’s everything I want in a partner. Since she decided to give us another chance, things have been going well. She really seemed to be getting into me – Ares – the God of War. She fights by my side in battle, and you should see her, Dite, she’s awesome.”

The goddess rolled her eyes. “I’ll pass on that one, thank you. Go on.”

“Okay, anyway, we’re getting along great. I’m not complaining about that. But you know, she’s not the same person as I used to know.”

His sister laughed. “Of course not, Ares. She’s growing up. People change all the time, that’s just how it is with those mortals, but that doesn’t mean that her love for you has changed. It sounds more like it’s grown if she’s willing to fight in your wars. Do you still love her?”

“I think so.”

“You think! Do you still feel the same way about her now, as you did in the beginning?”

“Yes and no. Not quite. It’s more comfortable for me, now. To have her by my side in battle – it’s exhilarating! I don’t have to pretend I’m someone else anymore, no lies. She takes me how I am.”

“Then I don’t understand what you think the problem is here, bro. Sounds to me like you two are a match made in Olympus. Dad isn’t still giving you a hard time about her, is he?”

“He hasn’t said anything to me. No, I don’t think that’s not a problem anymore.”

“That’s good. Listen Ares, if you think that just because she’s willing to do things now that she wouldn’t have been willing to do in the past is some indication that she loves you less, well you couldn’t be further from the truth. You need to quit thinking about it and just have some fun while you can. Time with mortals passes so quickly. Just enjoy what you’ve got, while you’ve got it. Okay?”

Ares thought about his sister’s words for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right, sis. I appreciate the advice.” Then he narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at her. “But if you tell one person on Olympus that I was here …”

Aphrodite winked at him. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” She blew him a kiss and disappeared.

Ares sat there a moment longer. Something Aphrodite had said echoed in his mind. ‘Time with mortals passes so quickly. Just enjoy what you’ve got, while you’ve got it.’ That sucked! He knew how true that was, since he nearly lost her before. He didn’t really like the sound of that.


*************

When Ares finally got back to his temple in Thrace, he found that Eden was still asleep. He crawled in bed beside her, trying not to disturb her, and just held her. His mind raced in thought for a long time.

He felt such a deep affection for her, a real closeness. When he met her, he was taken with her innocent eyes and kind heart. He loved to be in her arms then. She made him feel loved – truly loved for the first time in his very long life. He never wanted it to end. Then Zeus sent him back to work again, and things started to change. Or maybe they just went back to how they used to be.

He remembered how he had purposely gotten her pregnant, to keep other men away from her. A selfish act on his part, however, when Cashius was born, it had brought them closer for a while. But then, after the baby died, she changed. Her innocent eyes and kind heart were filled with pain and sorrow. He tried to fix it, tried to make things better for her, but that eventually backfired on him.

Then, once everything was out in the open, she became filled with anger and rage and he found himself attracted to that side of her, as well. He sighed and held her tighter. She stirred slightly, but didn’t awaken.

Before he drifted off, his last thoughts concluded that he must really love her if she was able to make him feel the things he felt with her, no matter if she was kind and gentle or hard and angry. He liked being with her all the time. And to think he almost lost her once before! He promised himself that he wouldn’t let that happen a second time.


****************

Ares awoke alone. Eden had risen much earlier and had gone out to the training field to get in some practice. A few of the new recruits had been watching her in awe, and asked if she might give them a few tips on handling a sword. When Ares appeared at the field, he found her instructing three of his trainees.

He remained invisible for a while and watched. At first, he thought the men were only trying to get close to her, to flirt with her. He knew how hard it was for mortal men to accept the fact that his best warrior was a woman. Most men showed her little respect in the beginning, however, once they saw her in action, they quickly changed their tune. But these youngsters actually seemed to be paying attention to what she was telling them.

After a brief demonstration, she urged the men to try it out on one another as she watched, critiquing their moves, offering advice and praise. The men responded and actually learned something.

Ares had to laugh. ‘She seems to have a knack for training. Why does that surprise me?’ he said to himself. He became visible, and the men suddenly dropped to their knees in worship of their god.

Eden threw him a quick glace. “I would say good morning, but it’s a little late for that,” she said.

He approached her and hugged her from behind, giving her cheek a quick kiss. “Good afternoon. I missed you this morning when I woke up.”

She patted his hand. “Sorry, babe. But I had to get up and move around,” she justified. Then she yelled out to the boys she was instructing, and wiggled out of his arms. “No, no. You’re leaving yourself open on the left side. Lower your weapon to guard your body as you swing around from behind.” Her attention was back on the lesson, as if Ares wasn’t there any longer.

Ares stayed quiet as he observed for a while longer, and then said, “You’re pretty good at giving instruction, Eden. They really seem to respond to you.”

She looked at him, pondering his words and shrugged. “Yeah, they do, huh? And, you know, I kind of like giving out orders, too.” They laughed.

Another man came running up to them, shouting for Ares. “Lord Ares. Lord Ares,” he cried, out of breath from sprinting. “General Balicus is here to see you. He says there’s trouble a broad.”

Ares looked at Eden, raising his eyebrows in question, and disappeared.


******************

“What’s this trouble you speak of, Balicus?” Ares asked as soon as he materialized in the throne room.

Balicus bowed. “My Lord, it’s good to see you again. Unfortunately, I come with unsettling news.
It’s the Byzantium army, my Lord. They are trying to cross over into Greece at Constantinople, and some of their ships have been spotted in the Black Sea as far north as Odessus.”

Ares ran his thumb and forefinger down the sides of his beard in thought. “How many?”

“I do not know for sure, my Lord. I know only that their number is large. At least one hundred battalions on land, and fifty ships.”

Ares paced in thought. This was not a good time for a major war to break out along the border. He had some important business in Rome to attend to that, unfortunately, could not be delayed.

“Balicus, you’ll have to take command of the troops for a few days or so. I won’t be able to get there until later. I will, however, send reinforcements to aid you,” he said seriously.

“But, Lord. There is no way that I can control an army that is spread over the entire coastline. Will you also be sending other’s to help command the troops?” the general asked, clearly concerned.

Ares sighed. “Well, I guess I’ll have to go and call on some of the warlords that serve me, however, I’m really not that anxious to do so. They’re not as trustworthy as army commanders, but considering the situation at hand, I don’t see that I have any choice.”

“You could send me,” a voice came from behind him. Eden had come up from the field to see what was going on and had heard most of the conversation. “Put me in charge of the land troops at Constantinople. Balicus and a few others can take care of the coastline.” She nodded at Balicus, who returned the gesture.

“I don’t know, Eden. You’ve never commanded my men before. This is serious business. I don’t think it’s a good idea right now. Maybe next time,” he said gently.

His answer pissed her off. “Don’t patronize me, Ares! You know damn well that I’m capable enough to do it, and I’m also the best fighter you’ve got. It’s your only option. That is, unless you want to put someone less qualified in command.”

Balicus watched Ares face, waiting for a response. “I could use her help, my Lord. And she’s right about being your best warrior.”

Ares shot Balicus a hard look. “Did I ask for your opinion, Balicus? You’d be wise to let me make the decisions around here. Understand?”

The general bowed in apology. “Of course, my Lord. I’m very sorry.”

“Oh, Ares, don’t blow a fuse. He’s only got your best interests at heart, as do I. This shouldn’t be that hard of a choice for you.”

“I’ll consider it! That’s the best I can do right now,” Ares snapped back.

Frustrated, Eden brushed him off with a hand gesture and turned to leave. “Whatever. It really doesn’t matter what you decide. I’m going, weather I’ll be commanding your troops or not. I’m in the mood to kick some ass. Nice seeing you again, general.”

She headed back towards the training field. Ares stood there in fury, watching her as she left. How dare she speak to him that way, and in front on one of his generals! He had a good mind to whisk her back and teach her a little respect, but that could wait for the moment. He’d deal with her at a more appropriate time.

“Women!” Ares said in an exasperating exclamation. “So moody,” he offered as an excuse, so not to look weak in front of Balicus for letting her get away with it. But what was even more maddening to the god was the fact that she was right. She was his best, and she needed to be there, no question about that. But command? Well . . .

“Can you cover any attacks on the coast until I can get there?” he asked.

“Yes, my Lord. I’ll do my best for you, as always.”

“Fine, then. I’ll allow Eden to cover the land border.” Ares waived him off. “Go now. You have work to do. I’ll contact you in a few days.”

“Yes, Lord.” Balicus answered and bowed, leaving immediately to head back to their camp along the Black Sea.


*************

One moment Eden was on the training field with the new recruits, the next moment she was back in Ares’ throne room. He had one leg casually thrown over an armrest and acted like he hadn’t noticed she arrived yet, nonchalantly cleaning the fingernails on one hand.

“Ares, I was right in the middle of something. Put me back!” she exclaimed, angry at the intrusion.

Ares shot her a harsh look, quickly swung his leg around and placed it flat on the floor in front of him.

“Excuse me?” he snickered, “You did not just give me a command. I know you’re not that foolish, Eden.”

She was so preoccupied with what was happening out on the field, that she hardly took note of Ares warning tone and hadn’t heard what he said. She repeated, “Come on – send me back, now.”

He laughed at her audacity to demand from him a second time. That got her full attention – finally. She glared back. “Fine, then. I’ll walk,” she said boldly and took a few steps towards the door.

Instantly, she found herself being hurled backwards by a powerful surge of air until she slammed into the stone wall, hitting it with enough force to knock the wind from her. She slid down the wall and sat on the floor, gasping to catch her breath.

Ares calmly walked to her and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her until her feet dangled. He held her there for a few seconds before setting her back on her feet, but kept his hand around her neck.

“You’ve got a some nerve talking to me that way. How dare you insult me in front of one of my generals! You’re lucky to still be alive. If it had been anyone else . . .” He let go of her suddenly, turned around and slowly walked back to his throne.

“What has gotten into you lately? Has the praise of a successful assassination gone to your head? Or maybe it’s that ‘time of the month’ again.” He used his fingers to illustrate “quotations”.

Eden, still recuperating from nearly being choked, couldn’t say anything for a moment. She looked at him in confusion and finally squeaked, “What are you talking about, Ares?”

“I’m talking about your attitude as of late.” He stood again and started to walk the floor in front of his throne. “You know, ever since you got back from Africa, you’ve seemed different somehow. Distant. What the hell happened while you were over there, Eden?” he asked seriously.

“I already told you. Nothing happened. Nothing at all.”

He closed the gap between them and searched her eyes. “Don’t you lie to me, Eden. I can tell if you’re lying to me, you know.”

She looked back with assurance. “I’m not lying, Ares. Nothing happened in Africa.” Which was true. Nothing had happened in Africa. It was only after she returned that she overheard Ares and Manitos. Technically, she wasn’t lying. “What brought on all of this?” she asked.

“You did! You’ve been so disrespectful lately. I’m not going to tolerate it any longer, you hear? Now are you going to tell what’s been bothering you, or do I have to beat it out of you?” he said angrily.

Fearing that Ares might find out the truth, Eden turned on the charm, quickly slipping her arms around his neck and pressed her bosom against his chest. “Perhaps I just need a good spanking,” she flirted, trying to distract him. She nuzzled his neck, and bit him playfully.

Ares pushed her away. “Not now, Eden. There are more important things going on at the moment. I’ve decided to let you command some of the troops. Balicus will cover the coastline, and you will stand at Constantinople. Go and gather what you need. Meet me back here in half an hour.”

Eden smiled largely. “You won’t be sorry, Ares. I promise.” She cheerfully trotted away to get ready.

Ares watched her as she went, still angry about her behavior. He should not have given her a commanding position, as she wanted. It would only make her think that she could be disrespectful and still get her way. Unfortunately, he really needed her skills on the front lines.

“I’m already sorry,” he whispered after her and then disappeared.