Chapter 1: Sentence of the Sun
The gods were already arguing by the time Apollo arrived. The marble benches of the amphitheater were set high above the world, close enough to catch the sharp ozone of the upper atmosphere, it rang with their voices, a chorus of accusation and derision.
Above, the sky rippled in impossible colors, aurora dancing to the discordant rhythm of their quarreling.
It was Dionysus who first noticed his approach. "Look who deigns to join us," he called, lips purple from wine and something darker. "The Sun returns to court!"
There was laughter, some genuine, some brittle. Apollo almost smiled. He had always admired Dionysus’ ability to make the unbearable things festive.
’Inspiring as always.’
Hera’s voice was cold as a glacier as it cut through the commotion. "Let us proceed, then. We all have better things to do with eternity."
Zeus sat at the head of the circle, radiating a storm’s worth of disapproval. His beard flickered with blue sparks. His fingers drummed a thunderous rhythm on the arm of his throne. "Phoebus," he intoned, "you stand accused of hubris beyond even your usual boundlessness, and of interfering... once again, in matters sacred to my office."
The gray in his gaze gathered, cold and roiling, promising downpour.
’I really messed up this time, they definitely won’t allow me to get away with it..’