Goddess of Light by P. C. Cast Page A

think that modern mortals are all as empty-headed as you believe. Actually, they remind me of myself.” He laughed at his sister’s shocked expression. “They seem to be searching for something that is just out of reach.”
    â€œYou are a god. An Olympian immortal. Nothing is out of your reach,” she said severely. Then her eyes widened as they made their way past a huge fountain that spewed water around naked nymphs. The central feature of the monstrosity was an enormous, scowling statue of a naked Poseidon, clutching a trident and glaring down at the shoppers. “They are lucky that Poseidon has no interest in visiting their kingdom. This naked rendition of him is definitely lacking”—she glanced at the statue’s most intimate parts—“the god’s true stature.”
    Apollo grinned. “That’s probably why he’s glaring.”
    Artemis smiled back at him, pleased he was sounding more like himself. Maybe her words were getting through to him at last. “Just the same, it is a good thing that Las Vegas isn’t near the ocean. Poseidon can be so touchy.”
    They passed a large store that boasted the logo Disney as well as a life-sized reproduction of Pegasus flying from it. Artemis peered within. “Apparently modern mortals are obsessed with Hercules, Atlantis, and lions.”
    â€œAt least they’re colorful.”
    â€œHercules wasn’t really that handsome,” Artemis said, glancing back over her shoulder at the strange shop.
    â€œYou never liked him.”
    â€œHe was balding. I don’t find bald men attractive, no matter how many labors they perform.”
    They turned a corner and saw a large crowd gathered around what appeared to be yet another of the ostentatious fountains, and Artemis wondered what glaring god would be featured atop this one. She and her brother had not ventured into this particular part of The Forum on their other brief visits, and curiosity caught her as they drew closer. The fountain was situated in the middle of a large area ringed with ornately carved columns. The shops that flanked the area were different here than at the other end of The Forum. Here they seemed to be more focused on food and wine than on selling clothing and jewelry. One especially interesting looking café caught her eye. The cheap gold lettering that so liberally proclaimed the names of the shops and boutiques throughout the rest of The Forum was absent at this particular café. Instead ancient-looking carved travertine marble letters were interspersed with living moss and trailing vines. The beautiful travertine spelled out the name of the little wine bar, The Lost Cellar.
    Artemis elbowed her brother and lifted her chin in the direction of the café. “Let’s go there. I’m in the mood for a bloodred Chianti.”
    â€œWhen are you not in the mood for red wine?” He smiled at her as he took her arm and began steering her along the edge of the crowd.
    Suddenly, the lights that illuminated the cloud-filled ceiling dimmed and shifted colors from yellow to mauve and violet. The crowd murmured in anticipation, and Artemis and Apollo halted just outside The Lost Cellar. Though they were both well above average height, it was difficult for them to see over the closely packed people. Artemis made a frustrated sound. Just before she flicked her fingers, her brother whispered, “Be gentle with them.” She winked at him and waggled her slender fingers mischievously. The people who had been blocking their view magically lost interest in the show and moved away, and anyone who tried to take their place found that standing in front of the two tall, attractive Olympians caused them to have an uncontrollable urge to pass gas—so violently that they hastily excused themselves and hurried to the nearest restroom facilities.
    â€œDon’t worry, Brother,” Artemis smiled. “Each of them will find that