Chapter 3

“James, I’d like you to meet Captain Mars Roberts, USMCR,” said Blakeney as he introduced the newest member of the team.

Mars Roberts was of average height, dark-skinned with an ath-

letic build, and was maybe in his young thirties. The man held out a hand in greeting, the morning sun glinting off his polished bald head. “Good to meet you James,” he said as James shook his hand. He had a slight New Englander accent.

“You too, Captain Roberts,” said James.

The man smiled warmly, his dark eyes crinkling. “Please, call me

Mars.”

“Eliza, I believe you’ve met Captain Roberts?” ventured Blak-

eney.

She nodded. “Yes, sir. Nice to see you again, Mars.” “Likewise,” Mars stated.

“Alright, James,” Blakeney continued with all eyes on him, “as I’m sure you’ve noticed, we are going to change things up a bit. What with Eliza here as a new trainee and myself taking you as far as I can, it was time.”

James nodded mutely in agreement.

“Captain Roberts will mainly be working with you on hand-to-

hand combat techniques while you also impart a little wisdom regarding swordplay. Sound good?”

“yes, sir,” responded James.

Mars nodded once. “Yes, sir.”

“Ms. Romero and I,” Blakeney went on to say, “will be working

with Eliza to bring her up to speed.”

All gathered nodded in agreement of the training groups. “Eliza?” asked Blakeney seriously.

She quickly met his eyes. “Sir?”

“You are a descendant of Athena and as such, I’d like you to train in the art of the spear.” Blakeney paused to pick up a gleaming spear which had a razor-sharp head and was approximately six foot in length. “This specific weapon has three uses: one, it can be thrown; two, it can be used to thrust; three, it can be swung in attack of any enemy within its reach. The spear is a multipurpose weapon and will take much dedication to master, but I have full faith in you.”

Her eyes showed something like anxiety as she took in the deadly weaponry. When Blakeney held out the spear for her to take, she slowly reached out for it and felt a tingling throughout her body as soon as her skin made contact. She hoisted it in the air to test its weight, the fine tip glinting in the bright sunlight, and found it not to be uncomfortable. Sure, it would take some getting used to, but it’s not so bad, Eliza thought. She could feel her confidence building and smiled wickedly. “Nice,” she proclaimed.

James winked at her as she took in the stares of the group. So

hot! he mouthed when he had her attention.

“I saw that,” barked Blakeney. “This is serious James—”

“Yes, sir.”

“—Now, you and Captain Roberts grab a sword and shield and

head off.”

July 4th, Independence Day, had crept up swiftly on them like a win-

ter squall at sea. What with all the training going on, and he and Eliza hanging out, it was easy to understand how it had happened. James and Blakeney had been invited by Eliza’s parents to spend the day celebrating the birth of the nation at their home. So, that morning the trio had woken up shortly after sunrise, the sun still streaking the sky with hues of pearlescent pink and creamsicle orange, loaded up in an Academy Mercedes and made the trek to the Masters’ estate. For most of the ride, Eliza had lain asleep on his shoulder. After the last few days of heavy training, he couldn’t blame her. Her body had not yet adjusted to such a tenacious schedule; she took the opportunity to nap whenever possible.

James laughed to himself as he thought about what Captain Rob-

erts had told them: A soldier never stands when he can sit and never sits when he can lay down. Basically, in a nutshell, always conserve your energy because you never know when you’ll need it.

One good thing that came out of the nice, quiet ride was him having some time to think. Eliza’s birthday was coming up in a few weeks— July 28th to be exact—and he had yet to finalize any of his plans. Originally, he had pondered on taking her to a formal restaurant in D.C. but he knew that just wasn’t her style. Ironically, for someone who grew up with wealth, she enjoyed simple, heartfelt things much more than extravagance. The best idea, and more than likely the winner, had been a picnic out on the water. Nothing too crazy. Simplicity is best. Some type of Italian food, her favorite, and some dessert. Just a nice, informal picnic out on the water. Seeing as he had quite a bit of money saved up, he also wanted to buy her a decent necklace and earring set. Maybe something with emeralds. She’d love that, he figured.

Blakeney turned off the highway to head down the Masters’ long

drive and he drug himself back to earth.

James looked down and smiled at her peaceful, sleeping figure. He moved his hand to her chin and gently raised her face. He kissed her softly, then pulled back. “Eliza?”

“Hmm?” she sighed groggily.

“Wake up, we’re here.”

She opened her dazzling hazel-green eyes and smiled sheepishly.

“Did I sleep the whole way?”

James chuckled under his breath. “Yeah.” “Sorry,” she muttered, looking around.

“Don’t be,” he shook his head. “you needed the rest.”

Eliza sat up and arched her back up into a stretch as best as possible in the tight interior. She reminded James of a feline after a rejuvenating sleep. No matter how much he saw of her, her beauty still held him captivated.

Her brows stitched together. “What are you looking at?”

Apparently, she had caught him staring . . . again. “Nothing,” he

lied.

She rolled her eyes and turned away, but the blush rising up her neck gave away her true emotions.

Having gone through the gate, Blakeney pulled the car around to the south side of the house and parked in the courtyard by the fountain. They all clambered out of the car, stretching the way most people do after a long drive. The smell of grasses, manure, and horses immediately flooded his senses as James took a deep breath of the fresh country air. The Academy grounds were tainted by the scent of river water because the Potomac surrounded most of it. But out here, away from major water sources, the air was less oppressive and more pleasant.

Blakeney led the way up to the massive pair of intricately carved wooden doors; Allan—the head Secret Service Agent of Bill Masters’ security detail—opened the door before they could reach the heavy iron knocker. With a welcome for each of them, the man led them into the grand foyer, but before James could follow Eliza into the sitting room, Allan pulled him to the side.

James was nonplussed as he looked at the agent.

“I never got a chance to speak with you after Eliza’s . . . kid-

napping. So, thank you,” Allan finished with a serious nod. It was an acknowledgment of a man in his profession to someone who had been through the fire and come out gold.

“You don’t have to thank me,” he started. “I’d do anything for

her.”

The Service agent threw him a small smile, nodded once more, then headed down a side hallway which ostensibly led to their security room.

James watched the receding figure, grinning despite himself, and

turned on the rich, marble floors, wanting to catch up with the group.

“James!” called Bill Masters as soon as he had stepped into the expensively furnished sitting room. Eliza’s father sported a warm smile on his face at the sight of the boy who had saved his daughter’s life. Even though James was the reason she had been placed in danger in the first place, but never mind all that. Bill was a tall man, with just the hint of paunch, had dark hair and laughter-filled light brown eyes. The khaki chinos, loafers, and blue polo shirt he had donned only served to enhance his easy-going personality.

James smiled as he shook the outstretched hand. “Thank you for

inviting me, Bill.”

“Nonsense,” Bill said with a shake of his head. “You’re family

now.”

He flicked a quick sideways glance at Eliza only to find her bit-

ing her lip to deny a wide grin to her already reddening face.

“You been working out?” asked Bill, successfully grabbing his at-

tention once more.

James nodded sheepishly. “Yes, sir. Mr. Blakeney has been train-

ing me pretty hard.”

“It looks good on you.” Bill took them all in, then said, “I’m glad you both came. We’ve got a whole hog out on the smoker—Cathy has really outdone herself this year—the horses to ride, and of course football coming on later so make yourselves at home. Tonight, I’ve got us a nice fireworks display set up. Well,” he said with a clap of his hands, “I’m going to go find Liz and tell her you all are here.” Without another word, Eliza’s father exited the room heading towards the east wing of the mansion.

“you want to go for a ride?” Eliza asked James, hope coloring her

voice.

“yeah. I need to get reacquainted with my old buddy Shadow,” he

mused.

She giggled. “What about you Mr. Blakeney?”

Blakeney shook his head. “You kids have fun. These old bones can’t quite keep up with you teenagers anymore. If you need me, you can find me out back asleep in a deck chair.”

He and Eliza burst out with laughter and Blakeney walked

through the back door to settle himself in the rays of the morning sun.

At that moment Liz Masters walked into the room, Bill trailing behind her. “Hello James, it’s nice to see you again.” She wore a simple white sundress that accented her curves, sandals on her feet, and a single strand of pearls around her neck. Her features were an exact image of Eliza’s, but not quite as soft; she was an effortless, elegant beauty. She stepped to him and offered her cheek to be kissed.

As he kissed the regal woman’s cheek, her floral scent invaded his

senses. “It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Masters. Thanks for having me.”

“Of course, James. You are most welcome.”

Nothing like saving a girl’s life to alter the way in which some-

one treats you.

After Eliza had hugged and kissed her mother, she asked, “Mom,

we were going to go for a ride, would you like to come?”

Even though he knew that Eliza’s mother was an accomplished

horsewoman it was still hard to picture her riding. She was too refined. “You two go on ahead,” Liz stated with a smile. “I’ll catch up in

a bit.”

“Okay,” nodded Eliza. “You ready?” she asked James.

In response, he tilted his head forward and acted as if he was a cowboy out on the open range tipping his hat. “Yes, ma’am,” intoned James in his best impersonation of a Texas cowboy.

Eliza scoffed and rolled her eyes. Her parents were chuckling indulgently. “You’re so lame. Come on, cowboy,” she said, grabbing his hand and dragging him from the room.

“Your mom seems . . . nicer. I guess she realized us lesser mortals

are still human,” he offered and cocked a crooked grin.

Eliza nodded, the crunch of the graveled path beneath their feet their sole companion. “I worked on her while we were at the island. I made her understand that no matter what she says about you, I still love you and I don’t plan on being without you.” She paused thoughtfully. “In the end she was forced to admit that you’re not that bad.”

He elbowed her playfully. “You really are too good for me, you

know that?”

“Obviously . . . doesn’t everyone?” she asked facetiously.

“Oh, shut up Pippy,” he muttered.

They arrived at the wooden barn where the horses were kept and set about to gather up blankets and saddles. Eliza hefted her saddle and smiled tauntingly at James. “Think you can handle it all by yourself?”

He was taken off guard for a moment but did his best to recover

quickly. “I . . . uh, I can try.”

“Good luck,” she giggled, strutting off to saddle her horse, Lucky.

James let out a weary sigh, stooped over to pick out a saddle and blanket, then headed down to his favorite horse’s stall. Well, not really his favorite, but close enough. As he approached the stall with Shadow on its nameplate, he set down his carried burden and opened the door.

As soon as the glistening black horse smelled him, Shadow neighed

and shook his mane.

He laughed. “Hey, Shadow.” Extending a hand, he ran it lovingly up and down the horses the neck. “You miss me, huh? Here,” James spoke while gathering up the treats that Eliza had given him.

Shadow gobbled them up greedily.

“Good boy. You gonna be good for me today?” The horse shook out his mane and neighed.

James snorted. “Not funny.”

Having quickly retrieved the saddle, he first settled the blanket onto Shadow and then placed the leather seat onto it. The horse watched him out of his left eye as if Shadow was asking, you sure you know what you’re doing?

That accomplished, James studied the straps for a moment be-

fore cinching them as Eliza had shown him. He nodded in satisfaction. To finish, he put a bit and reign in Shadow’s mouth and stood back to admire his handywork. Seems right, he reasoned. Only one way to find out. James took hold of the reigns and led Shadow out of the barn. The mismatched pair stepped out into the morning sun, the symphony of nature filling the atmosphere, and he saw that Eliza had already led Lucky out and was maneuvering the horse deftly around. “Show off!” he called.

She flicked her red hair around and grinned widely at him caus-

ing the breath to catch in his throat. Even after all these months, she still takes my breath away.

He shook his head to clear it.

Now focused—well . . . not really—he placed one foot in the stir-

rup and vaulted up onto Shadow’s back. He threw a triumphant smile over to her.

Not to be outdone in any way, Eliza whispered to her horse and clicked her tongue. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Lucky reared up just like a horse from the old western movies. “Yah!” shouted Eliza as Lucky landed surely and bolted across the field.

His shoulders sagged in loss. “Well, I guess there’s no room for

beginner’s around here, huh?”

Shadow shifted his large head and stared pleadingly at him.

“Alright, let’s go get our ladies.” With a light kick of his heels,

the jet-black horse bolted after Eliza.

The back door swung lightly closed with a muted thud causing Blakeney to look up into the now blazing sun to try and spot his visitor.

“Lemonade, Robert?” asked Bill, holding out and ice-cold glass

of cool refreshment.

He swung his legs around, sat up, and took the offered glass. “Yes, thank you.”

Eliza’s father sat in a chair opposite the Director. “I wanted to

talk privately for a bit if you don’t mind.”

“Oh, by all means.” He waved away the niceties.

“First,” Bill began, “how’s training going?”

Blakeney nodded. “Well. Eliza’s coming along nicely and soon she will be just as good as the rest of us. I’ve chosen the spear as her weapon. I think it will serve her abilities the best.” As he finished, he nodded slowly to himself.

“And James?” Bill inquired further.

He met the eyes of the accomplished man unwaveringly, with a hint of awe in his voice. “He’s another case entirely. I think I’ve taken him as far as I can. As it stands right now, I believe he could take on up to four attackers at once and still come out on top. He is truly remarkable.” Blakeney paused thoughtfully before continuing. “I have him training Captain Roberts to use a sword and likewise Mars is teaching him some hand-to-hand combat techniques, but honestly it’s really just things to keep him busy.”

Bill nodded appreciatively.

“I know now why Lord Zeus broke the decree to come and speak

with me.”

The DNI cocked a single brow inquiringly.

“James . . .” Blakeney explained delicately, “is Zeus’s son.” “What?” Eliza’s father was incredulous.

“Yes. He came to James the night after your family left and told him. Lord Zeus spoke with him for a while and explained a few things for him.”

Bill brought a hand to his chin and stared off into the distance, taking what was spoken in. After a pregnant moment, he turned back to Blakeney. “Then that means . . . that James . . . as the eldest of us, bloodwise, is in command?”

He sighed sadly and his shoulders sagged minutely. “Yes, that’s

correct.”

“Does he know?” Eliza’s father wanted to know.

But, Blakeney shook his head. “No. I figured with everything else

going on, he didn’t need any more stress.” He held up a hand to cut off

any arguments. “I’ll tell him eventually, just not yet.”

“So, what’s next?”

“That’s the million-dollar question,” Blakeney chuckled without

humor. “Well seeing as we don’t know what plans Clurife”—the mention of that name caused Bill to clench his jaw reflexively— “has in store, we’ll continue to train and prepare as best we can. Oliver Burton is coming back from visiting his mother in London early to begin training as well. I figured with him already in the know it would be easiest. The more of us that are ready, the better.”

Bill smiled crookedly. “I do hope we survive this. It would be a shame for all that America’s been through just to have it come tumbling down.”

He snorted. “I’d say so.” Blakeney paused, then added, “But, I have faith in James, and Eliza gives him something personal to fight for in all of this.”

Her father seemed to study his hands for a moment before look-

ing back at Blakeney. “He’s good for her,” Bill admitted.” Ever since they’ve been together, she has been so much happier. It’s hard watching her grow up, but if I had it my way, James is the type of man I would want her to end up with. I would rest easy knowing he was there to protect her.”

Blakeney raised his brows causing his forehead to wrinkle as the smile on his face lit up his dark gray eyes. “Seeing them together . . . gives me hope for this world. Their beautiful, unforced love gives me a reason to fight for our way of life, a reason to die for it, no matter how chaotic it may seem at times. Regardless of all the evil in this world, a love like that,” Blakeney said with a nod in the direction of the small lake as James and Eliza could be seen riding on the nearest side, “lights up the darkness of this world and should provide all of us with a little more hope.”

Both men gazed out across the water as the young couple laughed

and chatted happily, so obviously in love.

“Clink, clink, clink, clink,” the champagne flute sounded, later that

evening, as Bill Masters tapped a silver fork against it.

Everyone present had gathered on the back porch as the smoked

pig was finally ready. The sun had just begun to set, cooling the atmosphere infinitesimally and painting the sky in wondrous shades of all the colors of an experienced artist’s pallet. Eliza’s father had even insisted that his four-person security detail join the family for the festivities. He had reasoned with Allan that they could all protect him just as good on the back porch and with food as they could scattered around the large manor. The compromise was that no one on the detail would drink alcohol.

Bill cleared his throat, all eyes on him. “Today, 241 years ago, our ancestors decided they had had enough. They were fed up with living under tyranny and oppression and after numerous attempts at diplomatic resolutions, they decided on a course of action of which war was their only option left. On this day they declared their independence from the crown of England and began to prepare for the hard fight which would be soon to come.

“Our freedom was paid for in blood and has been defended with the same sacrifices often in our nation’s relatively short history and more than likely,” his eyes flitted towards James, “we will have to fight for it again.” Eliza’s father paused heavily. “I guess what I am saying is . . . let us remember those who sacrificed everything to birth our nation.” He raised his glass in salute and everyone followed the example. “Sacrifice,” her father intoned.

“Sacrifice!” everyone sounded in unison as they each drained

their glasses.

“Alright,” Eliza’s father continued, “I’ve talked enough, everyone

dig in.”

The meal was simple southern fare: barbequed pork, corn on the

cob, potato salad, baked beans, and homemade peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream for dessert. As twilight pushed its way through and night descended, the delicious food was eaten and light conversation ensued, everyone waiting for the appointed time for fireworks. Finally, after the scraps had been cleared away—all accounted for having cleaned themselves up—Eliza’s father sent a text message. A few short minutes later, the first boom echoed across the ground from the direction of the small lake. James held Eliza as they lounged lazily on a deck chair, taking in the dazzling display of lights up in the night sky. The more they did it, the more natural it seemed, this affectionate physical contact in front of her parents. As much as he wanted to be respectful to them, he didn’t want to waste any time that he had with her. With all that is surely ahead of them, James never knew how much time they had left. “I love you,” he murmured as the brilliant explosions continued to fill the inky, black sky.

She shifted herself over and gazed up into his eyes. The fireworks

reflected off her irises as she smiled up at him. “I love you, too.”

“I never get tired of hearing you say that,” he whispered and

kissed her cheek.

“You better not,” she giggled, then wrinkled her nose playfully at

him and turned back to watch the grand finale.

As every eye was intent on the light show, James took in each

one of them surreptitiously. These were the people he cared about most in the world; add in Tres’s family and they all equaled up into one big extended family. These strangers had accepted him into their circle, and he was determined to protect each one of them, die for them if need be. He slipped his eyes back to the sky and thought idly about what fireworks seemed to represent. Each firework, after having been through a violent explosion, lit up the completely darkened sky, allowing one to find their way. That’s what we are, mused James. We, the descendants of the gods, were born not for ourselves, but so that when the world is at its darkest, we could provide the light needed to guide others back to where they belong.