Mother always emphasized the fact that Dea was the divine mother goddess. She came across as a motherly figure, someone who corrected the wrongs and made them right; she was also tender, loving and warm in nature, though at times, as I was told, ‘never make her mad. Her words take immediate effect, whether it’s a blessing or a curse’. She was someone very much older and wiser who overlooked all the Gods and Goddesses and decided who became a god. However, I was told, that although our God functions were specific and given to us, each God carried a unique power, only special to them. ‘That’s why we are curious to know what power you have brought with you, as you are the first mortal to be brought into this realm and that too, to be transformed to a God’ Agrona told me. Individuality had a lot to do with any additional strengths and weaknesses. Dea also decided on revocation of Godly status to either demon, forever banished to hell or human, to enjoy worldly pleasures with limited godly powers. I was told that although Dea had the power to revoke a God to a Demon, she had no power against Demons themselves. There were two major breeds of demons, a higher level and the lower level. ‘Once you are born as a demon or have some demon blood in you, it’s difficult to become a God. You can become a God from a demon, but it would all depend on your actions and circumstances’ Agrona continued as I began to show interest in what she was explaining to me.
Agrona led me to a table next to Dea. The table next to Dea was decorated with two big candles on either end. In the center of the table was a glass of cold water. ‘I’m sure you must be thirsty’ Dea said as she rose and offered me the glass of water. I was thirsty and drank it in one gulp. Agrona, Dea and I walked down from the podium. Dea then hands out her right hand. I bow down and kiss her hand, as a mark of respect for someone of her stature, her guards watching my every move. She then gives instructions to her body guards to ‘leave us alone. There are some private matters to be discussed’.
Once the guards reluctantly leave her side, without hesitating, I introduce myself, ‘I’m Aidan Connor’ I say as I introduce myself to her.
‘I know. Agrona has told me all about you. You have been chosen to be the next God of Thunder’ she answers calmly.
‘Yes, she told about that’ I answer while acknowledging Agrona who smiled at me in return.
‘You must be anxious and want to know the process as that seems to be on your mind now. But first, you must rest’
‘Oh, a mind reader, just great!!’ I thought to myself. ‘We are all mind readers Aidan, once a God, you will have many powers and ability beyond your mortal comprehension’ she continued further as we walked out the Stately Hall where Dea’s body guards came and stood immediately by her side.
‘That’s sounds a like migraine in the making and great at the same time too’ I tell her while thinking of all the possibilities of my new-found powers when I get it.
‘Great it is, but it comes with responsibilities. Aidan, responsibilities which could bear you down. You need to have a balance of discipline and control over yourself. This takes time and practice. You have a lot to learn’ She tells me in a serious, no-nonsense tone. You have had an eventful day. Agrona, show Aidan to his chambers’ Dea says, as if sensing my thoughts and need for some sleep.
‘Yes, Dea’, Agrona says and leads the way to my chambers along the corridor outside the Stately Hall. We exchange pleasantries before leaving, ‘thank you ma’am’ I say as I hand out my hand for a handshake, at least.
She takes my hand and says, ‘We shall meet at the break of dawn at your chambers for the transformation. Rest and sleep well now, Frank would bring your dinner to your chambers. There is no need to worry; you are in our abode now. All is safe’
Agrona led the way, turning at every corner, until we reached my chambers. It was obvious she was familiar with the palace and could find her way around. As if sensing my thoughts, she told me, ‘You will know this palace like the back of your palms, it’s massive in acreage but once you are familiar, it’s easy and unlike mortals, we do not depend on walking or horses as our mode of transportation. Anyway, more information tomorrow, here is your chambers’ she says as she opens both the doors simultaneously revealing a room made for a king.
My chambers were decorated with blue velvet upholstery on its classic furniture. The lounge chair was enticing with its feather pillow and bolster. The bed’s headboard was huge and was covered in blue velvet. It was clear no extravagance was wasted. The bathroom had a marble sunken bath and Jacuzzi. There was a full sized mirror in the walk in closet which extended from end to end. The chandelier hanging above me was made from blue crystals with red rubies and green sapphires embedded in its frame. The rugs were of the finest quality. The dressing was made from mahogany wood with lacquer finishing. There was a walk-in closet attached to the bathroom and in the walk-in closet had a full length mirror. ‘We hope you like it’ Agrona said as she noticed me walking, turning and touching everything in my chambers. ‘It’s … it’s lovely!’ I answered; stunned at the room they had given me. I had always been used to sleeping on hard floors and makeshift beds but this was beyond my imagination. ‘What have I done to deserve all this’ I thought to myself. ‘Well, you have done a lot; actually, it’s a very long list. Oh! I’m sorry I read your mind. I really should stop that habit!’ Agrona said apologetically. I looked at her and smiled sympathetically and said, ‘it’s ok, no harm done. So, you Gods read minds of everyone on the realms or just me?’ I asked curiously. ‘Honestly, we can read everyone’s minds on the three realms, but Earth seems to be most fun, it’s really amazing what goes on inside a mortals head, mind! Anyway, you will get used to it and just concentrate on just a few people. Some of us have stopped reading minds as we feel it breaches the privacy of individuals. But, that’s all for another day. Get some rest now and Frank would bring dinner at sharp 7.00 pm. Feel free to wander the grounds. You will have plenty of time for that though. This will be your chambers until you buy your own place in the Realm of the Gods’ Agrona answered as she looked at me staring at her open-mouthed. I couldn’t help laughing and answered, ‘that’s a mouthful. Thank you Agrona, you have been really kind. I hope we can be friends’ I asked her curiously to which she answered, ‘we are already friends, silly!’ and we both erupt in laughter and smile happily. Agrona was a cheerful person and a friendly one too.
Agrona left me to rest and relax in my new chambers. As I walked towards the massive king sized bed, I lay backwards on my bed; it was the largest I had ever seen. Its mattress was made from spring while the pillows were made of feather. It was luxury at its finest. As I didn’t have personal belongings with me, I was glad that my essentials had been prepared before my arrival. I made my way to the sunken bath. It was cool and I switched on the warm water and gently lowered myself into the bath. ‘Boy, this feels good’ I thought to myself as the warm water flowed water, enveloping my body. I closed my eyes and gradually relaxed myself. There was an air of elegance in my chambers, something which I had never dreamt of receiving in my entire mortal life. After what seemed like the longest bath I had taken, I rose and placed a towel around my lower waist. There was a knock on my chamber door, I looked at the time and it was sharp 7.00 pm. I opened my door and Frank stood in front of me, holding a tray which contained my dinner. He placed the tray on the table, smiled and said, ‘enjoy your meal, Mister Connor’
~~
Through the slightly opened lace drapery peeking through the thick blue velvet curtain, the morning sun shone to my face gently waking me up from my deep slumber. I took my robe which was lying on the chair by my bedside and walked towards the window. I pushed the curtains aside to reveal the eastern gardens with the wooded valley and mountainous regions in the background. I opened the windows and for once, I breathed fresh, clean air. I could hear the birds as they sang their morning song happily. It was a peaceful sight with the winds blowing gently on my face as I placed it out the window. As I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up, there was a knock on the door. I opened the door and ther
e stood Dea and Agrona.
‘Good morning Aidan’ Dea said, ‘I hope you had a pleasant sleep last night’
‘Good morning ma’am, I slept like a baby. It’s peaceful here’ I continued as they both walked in. ‘Aidan, go freshen up, we will wait here’ Dea told me as Agrona and Dea walked towards my bed, which seemed to be miraculously set. ‘We will begin the transformation shortly’ she said while looking at Agrona who was removing the creases from the bed sheet. ‘There! It’s set!’ Agrona said as she smiled at me and Dea.
After freshening up, I wore my boxers and covered my bare body with the blue silk robe that was in my bathroom. I came out to see both of them by my bed, both on either side. ‘What’s this all about? I have never had two beautiful women by my bed as a mortal and now, I have two Goddesses by my bedside’ I thought to myself. ‘Do not look puzzled’, Agrona said as her cheeks turned crimson pink with a laugh. ‘You have never been with a woman as you never had any interest in woman, though you had a few hundred at your feet. Agrona is a married woman who loves her husband and children dearly. I will conduct the transformation and Agrona is here to guide me. I know what you were thinking and no, that isn’t going to happen’ Dea said as she laughed and looked at Agrona and said, ‘Alan is a lucky man. You are happily married and are able to attract handsome men!’ as she looked at me and smiled. This time, it was I who was blushing. ‘Come, Aidan, lie down here’ Dea said as she took my arm and placed me gently on the bed. ‘Face up, look at the ceiling and close your eyes’ Dea said as she gently adjusted my head and placed her right palm above my face, immediately closing my eyes.
By the sides of my bed, I could hear Dea and Agrona chanting some Latin verses which I did not understand. All I knew was that it was making me drowsy and sleepy. I slowly closed my eyes to Dea’s gentle voice telling me, ‘sleep beckons Aidan, heed its call. Sleep. Sleep. Do not resist. Sleep peacefully’ Dea continued calmingly and soothingly. My eyes shut at the last word.
~~
I found myself awake. I was in a tunnel with flames on all sides. I heard Dea calling out to me, ‘Aidan, do not touch the edges of the tunnel, if you accidentally do touch the sides, remember, only your body feels the pain. Raise your thoughts higher so that when you touch the tunnel, you will not feel anything at all. Your soul is already elevated to a higher level beyond pain and mortal emotions. Now, raise your thoughts to match your soul and the journey to Godhood is complete’ she continued. As my journey along the tunnel continues, it seemed never-ending, with twists and turns, causing me giddiness at certain areas. I felt weak, as if all my energy has been drained. I stopped and as I touched the flaming tunnel, ‘Ouch! That hurt!!’ I screamed and started blowing my palms to cool it down, and just then Dea calls, ‘Aidan, its mind over matter. Raise your mind, emotions and thoughts to a higher level. The process is going to be completed. Be patient, we are with you. With those words, I felt a sudden burst of energy, ‘mind over matter, mind over matter’ I kept telling myself as I continuously touched the flaming tunnel until I didn’t feel the pain anymore. My consciousness and sub-consciousness had been raised to a higher level. I could now hear and see everything, in a slideshow manner, everything that was happening the three realms. On Earth, I saw farmers tending their lands; I heard and saw children running about carefree in the next village, little had changed, Earth looked as much as how I had remembered it to be. In the Realm of the Underworld, I saw Hades and his men, whipping and torturing the souls as their punishment. At the Realm of the Gods, I saw so many unfamiliar Gods mingling about, some giving instructions to move the climate to its next season, some listening to the calls of their devotees while contemplating and deciding the consequences of the wishes of their devotees.
Then, just as Dea said, ‘there is a light at the end of tunnel’ I saw the light but she didn’t tell me what I was about to experience next. Once I had reached the light, I stretched out both my hands and held the flaming tunnel; I didn’t feel any pain now. I closed my eyes and then suddenly, I was experiencing a free fall. I was going to hit the ground and real hard too. Now, my arms and legs were stretched. I was facing head down and bracing myself for the impact. ‘Dea didn’t say anything about a free fall. I’m going to break my bones and I’m not even God yet!’ I thought to myself.
Then, a few seconds before impact, I took control of all my senses and I gently landed with my feet on the ground. I was in a runner’s pose with both my palms touching the ground with my right knee bent and touching the ground. I rose and stood up. I felt energized, rejuvenated and alive as electrical currents passed through my body as I looked with my head upwards to the sky. I had never felt this good. I felt powerful as lightning bolts flew from my outstretched hands and thunder roared continuously.
~~
As I gradually opened my eyes, though still blue I was greeted by Dea and Agrona smiling. ‘Slowly now, the process is complete’ Dea said as Agrona assisted me and I moved to the side of the bed, suddenly feeling drowsy, sleepy and exhausted. ‘Slowly, there is no need to rush’ Agrona said as she held my arm and placed her right hand on my back and raised me gently. Once I had composed myself and my visions had become clear, Agrona led me to the full size mirror in the walk-in closet of my chambers.
What I saw amazed me. My height had not changed. I was as tall as before. As I removed my robe, I saw that my body shone, a shade of pale gold. My eyes were flaming blue. I looked at my body carefully as it was once filled with cuts, bruises, scars and wounds. My physical wounds had all healed. ‘Your eyes will remain flaming blue for some time; it could take days, months or centuries. Your now have the power to heal yourself and others. Your transformation is now complete! Henceforth, you shall be known as Taran, God of Thunder!’ Dea said in her powerful, commanding yet gentle voice signifying her authority to grant Godliness to those deserving souls. As I stood of the full length mirror, I began turning and twisting my body. My moustache, which was my pride as a mortal was now gone. I realized that I looked better without it. I wanted to test my powers, but without guidance, I didn’t want to try anything.
‘Welcome to our world, my dear Taran!’ said Dea. ‘You are eager to try out your powers. Be patient, your training will start tomorrow’ Dea continued as she hugged me and kissed me and kissed me on my cheeks. I turned to face Dea and thanked her ‘Thank you ma’am’
‘Dea’ she corrected me.
I then turned to Agrona, who had never left my side and was with me from the day I had passed on and with me throughout the transformation process. ‘Thank you Agrona for all that you have done. I really appreciate it’
‘Call me AG and you’re welcome, Taran. It’s been my pleasure but my work is not done yet. Still got lots more to do’ she said with a smile.
Dea then said, ‘Today, you need rest. Although you feel energized now, it is only temporary. Your sense and powers will need to adjust to you and you need to adjust to your powers. Please rest as much as possible today. We will meet tomorrow morning. Rest, dear Taran’
I yawned just as Dea had finished her sentence. I was feeling sleepy and drowsy and could do with a good sleep. I walked back to my bed with Agrona assisting me as she held my left arm. That day, the only thing I remembered was Dea and Agrona placing the blanket over me, Dea closed the curtains with a wave of her hands and Dea closing the chamber door as the room went into total darkness.
Chapter 3 - Training
That night, I slept like a baby. There was no disturbance and it felt as if I had not had a good sleep in ages. The next day, I woke up close to noon, feeling refreshed. I was energized and eager to start my training. I had not tested any of my new-found powers yet but my senses were beginning to take shape. When I opened the window, I could hear the birds singing, it was music to my ears, the winds were whispering gently at my window while the winds were howling a distance away, the palace maids chatter as they went about their work. I heard what the maids were thinking as well. ‘This needs getting used to’ I thought to my
self as I held my fingers to my forehead.
‘Do you know, my husband came home drunk last night and I gave him a slap on his cheek. He fell to the ground and I left him there, that old, good for nothing man!’ said one maid as she dusted the statue of Zeus which was a few feet away from my chamber door. I could see and hear the dust falling to the ground only to be swept away.
‘Men! That is the only thing they know how do to very well’ said another maid as she swept the dust which had fallen. They both continued their never-ending chatter until I heard a stern male voice, ‘Shhh … you two are talking so loudly, you might just wake up Taran!’ It was Frank who sounded the two maids as they quietly went about their household chores.
The unharmonious clamor of the chatter and the hubbub sounds of nature were too much for me to bear. I could see and hear everything, sometimes in zoom vision and sometimes the complete vision. I could not take it anymore. I closed my ears to shut out the noise which had become louder in my head but it didn’t work. I could hear their minds as well and this added to the already confused mix of sound I was hearing. I knew what they were thinking and if I focused, I could mouth the words that were coming to their mouth. My mind was pounding and I felt I a migraine coming my way. I ignored the sounds and got dressed. I wore my sleeveless tunic and skipped on the cloak. Frank had told me that Dea was waiting for me at the dining area and he led me to where Dea was seated. She motioned me towards her as Frank pulled back a chair for me to sit on. I thanked him and he acknowledged it and began poured hot tea and placed freshly made pancakes on my plate. He gave me the maple syrup and I dollop it generously on the pancakes.