_____Whatever. I looked among piles of rocks and shadows. Using the lighter, I tried to filter something among the shiny azure surfaces encircling her image. Maybe I could use her power source.
_____"For it was Zeus who brought you, here." She said.
_____I scoffed. "Don't mention that lousy bastard." How could he banish me through to this place?
_____Her arm moved effortlessly pointing directly at me. "Do you think it wise to mock my husband?"
_____A direct response? My eyes stretched open. Husband meant she was Hera! Alienating someone who might crush me with an eyelash was not a good move. Immediately, I dropped to my knees. I'm Catholic, I know where to find them.
"Forgive my verbal indulgences, Mother Hera. In my time, historical records depict Lord Zeus as a sexual philanderer whose hit-and-miss seductions generate an image of a male god belittled by his own mockery."
_____Her lips pulled into a crooked grin, enjoying my wise-ass company. I have that effect on educated people. She replied,"I understand your cavalier tongue. Beware of which truths you share freely, Daughter."
_____I rose to a humble slouch, taking a chance. According to Bullfinch, Hera was one of few protectresses of women. Sure, Hera could express me home in a blink. But, what if she could tell me something juicy about the past before I left? "Mother Hera," I said with a courteous bow of the head. "In the future, men share tales that don't jibe with what I hope to be true."
_____"Their myths, I'm aware." She moved to the rectangular boulder and sat as if usurping a throne of gold. "You have questions."
_____"Yeah--well. My professors know little about the Amazons. Some even believe that female warriors never existed.And I was wondering.."
_____"Many questions." Hera said in an ethereal tone.
_____Chills trickled through me, kicking up all types of memories. My lips twitched and burned. Suddenly, speach burst forth. "What kind of female god are you?"_____What! My hands flew to my mouth, trying to stifle another. "How could you let Zeus punish me? You know, I didn't do anything wrong."
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