Photo © Al Forbes 2015
It was a perfect storm, and there was to be no escape for anyone on the South West coast of Britain. The Atlantic Ocean, guided by Poseidon’s vengeful hand, swelled into a devastating, killing tidal wave.
Twenty four hours of driving rain had created floods that washed away bridges and railway tracks. Every major road was gridlocked by the sheer weight of traffic. Official appeals for calm went unheard, as damaged electricity lines blacked out the regional power grid.
There was no way of running, and nowhere to run to, so people took whatever shelter they could.
The sea level fell dramatically, a huge wave ready to strike. Only a miracle could stop a tragedy unfolding.
Zeus didn’t believe in miracles. What he believed in was not letting his subordinates make unauthorised decisions. He took immediate action. First, the rain stopped, and the clouds blew away. Then the sun made a reluctant, embarrassed appearance. The tide sulkily returned to its normal level.
Shortly afterwards, a nervous Poseidon was summoned to Zeus’ small tent on Mount Olympus, Greece.
“I’ve told you Poseidon, we don’t settle disputes like this any more! I know we’re all in reduced circumstances, but we can’t blame the UK for our austerity, they aren’t even in the Euro. This is your last warning. Any more stunts like this, and I’m replacing you with that Italian guy, Neptune.”
The story was inspired by Sunday Photo Fiction, January 18th 2015, hosted by Al Forbes. After 100 weeks, Al is moving to new pastures after this week’s challenge. Thanks for your hard work and support Al, and every success in the future! 🙂
Click the logo for more details of the challenge.
To view other entries click the link here.
This post is also entered in the Word Snap Weekly challenge, hosted by Amanda Lakey at UniqueArt Chic.com. Click the logo for more details, and to read the other entries.
Walk the Self-Talk 
I like a decisive god!
No more Mister nice guy from Zeus! 🙂
The god will clash and I’m glad to see there was healthy competition between their worlds.
I don’t think Zeus is an easy Boss to work for! 🙂
“the sun made a reluctant, embarrassed appearance” Love that line! Great story Steve, and best wishes to Al Forbes in his new pursuits. 🙂 ❤
Thanks, Amanda. Miracle, or not, Zeus did us a favour! 🙂
I enjoyed this conflict and the resolution. Looked up Neptune just for fun:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune_%28mythology%29
Also known as Neptunus Equester – I like this bit too: The etymology of Neptunus is unclear and disputed. The ancient grammarian Varro derived the name from nuptus i.e. covering (opertio), with a more or less explicit allusion to the nuptiae, marriage of Heaven and Earth.
Hopefully We’ll still play at the same place with a different host for a bit. Until Al returns.
I know I always go over 100 or even 250 words. I do try to keep it just to a page.
I appreciate your visit and your kind comment.
Thanks. I liked the idea of Poseidon getting a little worried, in case Neptune was offered his job!
I think that we may need Odin to step in and tame the unruly youngsters. 🙂
Enjoyed your godly tale!
Thanks. Gods will be gods! 🙂
I loved this fun twist to the prompt. It has been so many years since I was in school I need to re-read about the Myths. The way my mind has been acting the past few days, I’m not sure I would be able to retain it! LOL! I really enjoyed reading your story.
Thanks, glad you liked it. I think it might be fun to see how a few more of the ancient Gods would fare in the modern world. 😀
I noticed several people have brought in the mythical Gods in their post this week. It brings a different element to the stories that I rather like.
Such an interesting take on the prompt! I like how you incorporated mythology into an event which happened in the South West of the UK. That storm was awful and for a while it seemed as though it would never end.
Thanks. And who’s to say that’s not how it all happened? 😉
Oh no! Even Olympus was affected by Greek austerity. That’s a real tragedy; those guys have been used to excess for thousands of years. 🙂 I’m glad Great Britain didn’t have to take the fall for it at least.
Even the Gods are having tough times! I’m sure they’ll pull through. 😀
Best be wary of those Italian guys. They can be nasty.
DJ
Those Greek gods can pack a punch too! Let’s hope they all behave. 😃
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