Chapter 4: The Flood

Dawn broke red across the valley, and Metis understood why ancient peoples read omens in the sky.

She stood beside Zeus at the command position, both armies visible below. Chronos's forces: disciplined, terrifying, certain of victory. The rebellion: desperate, hopeful, trusting her strategy would work.

"Review it once more," Zeus said, leaning over the map she'd marked with charcoal through the night.

Metis traced the routes. "We flood the northern valley at first light. Forces them toward the chokepoint here." Her finger moved across terrain she'd walked three times in darkness. "They'll see the high ground as salvation."

"But it's a trap."

"It's a choice." She tapped the eastern pass. "We leave this route open. Clear line of retreat toward the coast."

Zeus studied the gap in their formation. "That's where you'd position archers. Cut them down as they flee."