The Pawn
Zeus was not having a good day and he made sure everyone knew it. Lightning bolts flew about Olympus as he stormed from his chambers bellowing Hera’s name. He threw open Hera’s golden doors, finding her reclining on a divan, watching an image of Hercules fighting Hades’ skeletal warriors.
She smiled mischievously, “My dear I’ve been enjoying your son’s prowess. I think he might defeat Hades’ forces.”
“I knew you were behind this, only you hate Hercules this much. I forbid you to interfere in his life again.”
“Why? You are jealous of Hercules, his handsomeness, his physical prowess, admit it.”
“This is a dangerous game, Hera. I will defeat you.”
The goddess taunted, “Try, Zeus, and you will lose.”
Zeus left knowing the game was afoot and poor Hercules was the pawn. He loved his son but how he loved fighting with Hera more.
Word Count: 145
Written for the wonderful writing challenge, Mondays Finish the Story. Each Monday, Barbara Beacham posts a picture prompt, along with the first line of the story. The stories must be between 100-150 words and must include the given first line, shown in italics in the story.
Special thanks to Barbara Beacham for sharing her excellent photography skills to provide such challenging prompts. Check out the MFTS blog… some great short stories posted. https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/
Direct link to this week’s stories… http://new.inlinkz.com/vie
d. a. ratliff 
I wouldn’t want to be in Hercules’ sandals right now! Such a shame when the parents use the kid as a pawn 😦
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Poor Hercules! Being used by Hera. Another good story! Thanks again for writing for theMondays Finish the Story challenge! Be well… ^..^
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“He loved his son but how he loved fighting with Hera more.” Well crafted last line that really delivers a punch! I also like that your story is told mostly through dialog which gives insight to character as well as moves the story.
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It seems that Hera wants to cause trouble for Hercules but at the end it seems to me that she and Zeus would rather fight each other. Someone must appease these gods and I wonder if it will be Hercules blood? Wonderful story!
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Reminds me of my parents – I think the only volume that they had was ‘shout’.
Thanks for stopping by ~ Jules.
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Great last line! I feel sorry for poor Hercules, having to be the pawn in their game. Good story. 🙂
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It makes you wonder what Hera did with Zeus other children. Great story.
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A wonderful take on the prompt~ I love the way you have brought the characters to life~ 🙂
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Thank you, John. So glad you enjoyed. Please forgive me for being tardy in replying. I had a kidney stone attack last week and it kept me down for a few days.
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Sorry to hear that CQ, I hope you are feeling better ~ 🙂
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Poor Hercules. Your title make perfect sense wheh I read the story. The gods watching humans was like an ancient version of reality TV. Well done TCQ. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Please forgive me for not replying sooner, I had an altercation with a kidney stone, it won and I was down for most of the week. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Um… the gods and humans and a reality TV show… someone needs to call TLC!
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Wow! I like it.
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Thanks!!!
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