I am on my way to my father tonight, having retrieved my birthright from the Alter of Zeus' strength. I travel alone along the coast, much to my mother's horror and likely my grandfather's concern. Yet it is the right thing to do to travel as the gods seem fit.
But I would speak of claiming my birthright. Upon my return from Delphi, my mother took me in the steps of my father, as it were, to the Alter of Zeus strength. It is but a a large rock in the shape of a Titan's bench. I have passed it in innocence many times before in my youth as well as quite recently. It is here my mother paused, her colorful robes catching up the dust of the bend behind us. We stood at a cross-roads, where the rock marked the intersection and for a moment, I thought she had forgotten the way.
Then she swept her hand at the rock, though she would not look at it, and I knew what I was to do. "I am to lift the rock to prove my worth?" She but nodded as I put my hand on her shoulder. I felt her distress. I understood it. She and I knew my time with her was short.
My mother took a big breath then looked up at me, her eyes straining in unshed tears. "Your father's sword and sandals lie beneath the altar. Move the altar and take your birthright and you will be set to the path you were always meant for. You shall see your father, Aigeus... but do not forget about me, son. You are a prince of Troezen as well as Athens."
I nodded subdued, though my heart leapt at the thought of beginning the journey my grandfather had spoken of since before I could remember. Adventure! The altar was large and dense, but I was the son of a god and the son of a King. Setting aside my cloak, I stepped forward and grasped the bottom of the rock then heaved up with all my strength- I felt the altar move with me. I jostled the rock aside then stopped and let the rock drop when Aithra gasped. I had revealed the sword and sandals.
I turned and looked in the shallow basin under the rock, and there lay the tribute of my father. I pulled the sandals and sword out and quickly took off my own footwea . Slipping the dark dusty wood and leather onto my feet I swear I felt the air around me tighten. I was claiming my destiny.
Of the sword, I grabbed it and placed it behind my belt. There was nothing grand about either of these articles, but that they bore the mark of my father's house and were the keys to the throne of Athens.
Turning, I gave my mother a hug and tried to console her though my thoughts had already flown ahead onto the road before me. "I shall take the coast road to Athens," I told her. Thus ensued an argument for the sake of delay as well as honest concern, but I am a man now and I am the son of a King. I could not be delayed. I finally pulled away and sent her with my men, back to my grandfather with the promise that I would take great care of myself. And I shall. My path and life are predestined. Come what may, none will deter the Moirai. None shall deter my fate!
