However, if she hears the truth from anyone
but you, that will all but destroy your chances of being in her
life. Do you really want to risk that?"

"Apollo, I'm trying to rebuild my
relationship with both of my daughters. I can't tell them the
truth right now. I need time."

"Hecuba, I can't promise you
anything, but I'll speak to Artemis." He took a couple of
steps back form her. "Please think about what I said."
The globe of light returned, engulfing the god as he disappeared
from sight.

"Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, your
daughter awaits."

A simmering light was the only signal that
announced the presence of the goddess. "Must you be so formal
my daughter?" Athena wrapped her arms around her only child.
"Is everything okay?"

"As well as can be expected." Sophia
waited for her mother to sit before continuing. "Hecuba came
today."

"She did? Good, she needs to be
here."

"Humph, I don't know about that, but
I didn't come here to talk about her." She reached up and
grabbed Athena's hands. "I just wanted to thank you for
loving me so much. Thank you for giving me up so I could have a
somewhat normal life. I know it wasn't easy. For years I
didn't understand why I couldn't stay with you. But, after
meeting Ares, I understand."

"You know I only wanted what was best for
you."

"I know, and I want to thank you for
choosing Poteidaea. One of the best things in my life was there. I
just wish things could have been different for her. She deserved so
much more." She turned to face her mother. "Can I ask you
something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Well, why did you pick Poteidaea anyhow?
Wouldn't I have been safer in Athens or in one of your other
cities? What is so special about Poteidaea?"

Athena looked away from daughter, as she tried
to figure out just what Sophia was thinking. "Nothing really,
just a small town where people minded their own business. That was
the main thing."

Sophia nodded. "Yes, I guess that quality
is important." She looked at her hands nonchalantly,
"Especially when more than one god is hiding their child
there."

Athena quickly looked at her daughter, shock
filled her gray eyes.

"Drop the surprise look from your face
mother, I know the truth."

"And what truth is that?"

"That I wasn't the only half-god
growing up in Poteidaea." She decided to spill the beans.
"How is Uncle Apollo doing? Tell him that his daughter turned
out well, especially for one whose father never looked her
way."