The gods’ vanishing acts took time to get used to. Early in my childhood, their entrances and exits had startled me. But now, I didn’t even flinch, though I did sometimes envy them that power. I didn’t usually bother with goodbyes or hellos either.

“You’ll see,” I answered.

I crossed my shin over my thigh and leaned back. The sun heated my shoulders. Smitter and I had forged a plan to dismantle The Black Hollow’s defenses as soon as we’d realized King Delphi’s folly. Out of all the things to rid The Freedom of, he’d chosen the weapons. I chuckled at the idea, but I understood Lou’s dismay. It was exactly why the gods had no business dealing with powerless humans.

“Come on. We don’t have all day.” I spoke in the general direction of the sky, knowing my uncle would hear me.

Lou frantically looked under her desk, opened her closet, even looked out the tall window—like Uncle were a bilge rat or a cockroach. Shock did funny things to a soul. The mind always fought its damndest to make sense of a nonsensical situation.

Smitter reappeared with an expansion of air that popped the eardrums, sitting on Lou’s desk with his legs crossed. He clasped his hands in his lap. The glow around him rescinded. I almost expected him to say, Tada. But he just sat there smiling like a fool.

Lou rubbed her eyes. When she dropped her hands, she gawped like a hooked fish. Having a hard time watching her struggle, I said, “Captain Lou, let me introduce you to the god Hermes.”

Lou wobbled, eyes rolling back, and before I knew it, her body slumped to the floor.

“Well, I did not expect that,” Smitter said, cocking his head at her prone form.

I rushed to the captain’s side and reached for her wrist. My two fingers found her slowed pulse. “Lou?” I tapped her cheek. “Lou?” I peered up at my uncle. “Maybe we should have explained first, then let you show off. At least you stayed in Smitter’s likeness.”

Smitter scoffed. “Your father is God of Prophecy, not me. You should have asked him to reveal himself if you wanted the matter done with delicacy and forethought.” He tilted up his chin. “I’m the god of tricks, at the mercy of my own farcical whims.” He motioned to his appearance. “Plus, I happen to like this form. The scar and the tattoo are nice touches, don’t you think? They give me a certain… flair.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, they’re charming. Can you please help me get her to the bed?”

Smitter harrumphed in a “diviner than thou” way. “You’ll manage. After all, you have your uncle’s strength.” He winked. “Let me know when she comes to, and we can try this again.” With that, Smitter disappeared for a second time in so many minutes.