"Now, boy, now, now! Didn't mean to startle you. Eh, just release the arrow - No! I mean, just return your arrow to its quiver. There will be other bucks, I assure you."
Demo turned red, quickly returned the arrow to its pouch.
"My apologies, Sire. You called me at an awkward moment. No offense was intended."
"Delighted, really delighted, to have you here once more. I look back upon our last little adventure together with fond remembrance. Fond remembrance? I like that combination. I'll have to use it again sometime."
Demo waited quietly. Zeus rarely spent time in empty conversation. Though it might seem like prattle, somewhere hidden was meaning - and danger.
"Have I talked with you of Cronus? No, I think not. Well, Cronus bore a grudge against us - myself, the other Gods. Some, they say, get mad, others get even. Not Cronus - oh, no! Cronus get mad? Never! Cronus get even? Perish the thought!"
Zeus stalked back and forth before the throne. His face was turning red in exasperation, and sweat trickled from his brow.
Already the dark clouds were beginning to form above Olympus.
"Now you stop that!" Hera exclaimed. "And quit rambling! Do tell the poor boy of Cronus' monstrous gift to the Gods! And do get on with it!"
"Hmmm, yes, my dear. Where was I?" He wiped his brow.