Chapter 86 - Escorted

Theoric and the girls took the time to enjoy the view all to themselves since everyone was now inside trying to talk to the Head Priestess.

Io somberly spoke, feeling now was the best time to remind her- "Anna, remember that Zeus (saying his name spitefully) ordered the gods not to interact with their children, I don't want you to get your hopes up."

Anna brushed it off- "I know already, but I've never met my parents, my father having died before I could even look at him and remember who he was, but my mother is alive and I would like to meet her even if the odds are slim, I'll still wish to try."

Sigyn rubbed Anna's back- "Don't worry Io, Anna still has us, we'll be here for her."

Theoric- "So this Zeus character is pretty bad right?" he asked looking at Io for confirmation since she seemed to have direct beef with him, still unclear what exactly happened between the two. Sigyn having kept their private talk a secret considering her new friend's feelings and Io having yet to open up to him, but he still had a general idea of what happened.

Io scowled while nodding- "That's right."

"Then are you not putting Anna and yourself in danger by being here?" he asked, thinking how easy it was for the temple personnel to be able to sense Anna being more then what she was, then he could only imagine what the gods who temples they reside in would be able to feel and tell.

"You don't have to worry about that," Io said unconsciously rubbing her bracelet, though she did wonder if her protection was enough while being inside the temple. She just had to count on the fact that it was Athena's temple and she wouldn't let any harm come to her daughter.

At this time there was a commotion coming from the porch entrance as they looked over to see people being blocked from following the Head Priestess out, who was now heading towards them with her 4 young priestesses by her side.

Sigyn whispered for Anna to hide.

Anna- "It's okay Sigyn, I think I have already been found out."

The old Head Priestess was now standing before Anna with sparkling eyes at having found who she was looking for, and it was more then she could have ever imagined. She could feel something very familiar and even see a little bit of divine brilliance coming off of Anna now that she was standing so close to her.

Head Priestess- "Sorry to intrude but I was tasked by my lady to bring you to her, I believe you will have much to discuss together."

Io still feeling protective of all things Anna spoke up first- "And who exactly is this lady that wishes to speak with her?"

The old woman grinned- "The great lady Thena of course."

Anna misunderstanding exclaimed- "Mother!?" receiving weird looks from the 4 Priestesses.

The old woman receiving a shock of her own at hearing the word mother, felt things cl.i.c.k.i.n.g in her head as it all started to make sense to her. "I'm sorry but I wasn't told much, only that she requires your immediate presence."

Anna looked at the others who were also waiting for her response.

Io gave her support though she was also thrown off by the thought that Atena may actually meet her could only hope this was good news- "Don't worry Anna, we'll be right beside you."

Anna receiving the support she needed took a deep breath before replying- "I want my friends to also come with me."

The Head Priestess paused before giving a grin- "Shouldn't be a problem, but I must warn you to stay close and not to wander, We'll be taking a secret path that not many know about and wish it to remain so."

Theoric and the group gave an accepting nod.

Head Priestess- "Good, then follow me." she said turning around towards the temple.

One of the 4 young Priestess leaned over to whisper- "My lady, are you sure it's fine taking all of them?" she asked while glancing at Theoric.

"I know of your concerns, but I think an exception can be made in this case, I'm sure our lady already knows what is happening."

Theoric catching that could only wryly grin while quietly following along, he was excited to meet a Goddess if he could, but he also had the same concerns as Io, hoping this didn't lead to anything dangerous.

They were led to a secret tunnel that brought them up and out into the private area's private Athena temple. It was 3 times the size of the public one, built out of the best marble and other materials. It was solely dedicated to Athena, depicting her entire life's story on the walls and statues that decorated it. Inside they were met with the biggest statue of Athena yet that dwarfed the one in the public area. Looking at it made one feel as if you were standing in her divine presence.

It should be noted the private area still had a slightly smaller temple dedicated to Zeus, situated not too far away.

A fat man who was making his temple rounds spotted the group as he was making his way out. Seeing Theoric among a few others he didn't know being escorted by the Head Priestess set off his instinct that something was up and he knew just the man to sell this information to.

The Head Priestess led them behind the giant statue, through an entrance into another area that housed the most important person in all of Athens.

The old Head Priestess then took her position at the bottom of the stairs with the 4 younger ones flanking her.

"Lady Thena we have arrived with the one you seek and her friends." she loudly spoke before they bowed and patiently waited with heads lowered.

A voice then spoke from the side entrance on top that directly led to the throne- "That's enough, your dismissed."

The 4 priestesses hesitated to leave, wishing to stay and continuing guarding as they were always trained to, but the Head Priestess took action to see them out knowing lady Thena would want to speak to them in private.

"As you will my lady, girls follow me, we have other things to attend to."

Anna and the group waited on pins and needles wondering if they were about to see a Goddess. Closely watching the side entrance to the throne as the Lady who spoke finally appeared as the others exited.