"Oh, one minor detail. You'll be baby-sitting Cupid during our
absence. Venus left him here to keep us company. He's a
wonderful little chap. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
Was there a smirk on Zeus' face, a touch of facetiousness in
his voice?
"Boy, why are you sitting on the throne of Zeus?"
Demo turned, startled.
"Eh, you see, I'm in charge. Zeus is on vacation, and I'm
filling in for him."
"Indeed! A likely story. Let's see your credentials!"
For a moment Demo hesitated. Then he stood erect, shoulders
back, as kingly as he knew how to stand.
"Who are you to question the credentials of an appointee of the
mighty Zeus. See, here in my hands he has left his thunderbolt,
symbol of his power. And in a moment I shall become angry and
cast it at you. Begone! And when you are allowed to return, do
so with a better grace, or I shall send you trapping, off to
visit . . . well, off to visit his brother Pluto. Now, off with
you, and quickly!"
Demo took the thunderbolt in his right hand, raised it high,
and made as furious a face as a 17 year old might make.
Apparently it was sufficient. The lackey backed quickly out of
immediate range, bowing low and rushing madly from the room as
he reached the entranceway.
Demo smiled.
Well, he thought, I could have done worse. A little more
practice is all I need. This Zeus surrogate role could be quite
pleasant.
It wouldn't be.
The clouds were difficult.
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