A new title

This Temple of Ares is much like the others you have been in. The center of the the sanctuary is dominated by the fighting ring easily big enough for as many as twenty men to face off against each other. This ring is nowhere near as bug as the one in the main Temple in Polares, but the purpose remains the same. To prove one's worth in the eyes of Ares, a warrior must demonstrate martial skills of all types. However, today this sandy ring is empty except for a figure that you recognize immediately.

"Hermes!" You leap forward eager to sweep the handsome messenger god into your arms. To your surprise, Hermes stops you with a raised hand.

"Bruce, son of Athena and Ares." The booming voice coming from the slender frame of what appears to be a youth of only 15 or 16 is proof for all the others accompanying you that this is no ordinary lad. "Zeus sends his regards, and has asked me to present to you your Birthright." Behind you, you sense Ares' growing anger. You too are a little annoyed that the King of Olympus could not be bothered to be here in person, but unlike your divine father, you've been trained all you life to expect the capricious whims of those in power.

From a gold mesh messenger-bag that is slung over his slender shoulder, Hermes fishes out a pair of matching bracers. The pair of arm guards are made of a bluish silver metal that is almost certainly some alloy that Hephaestus has worked up in his forge.

"With this birthright, Bruce of Kalion," Hermes continues with a formulaic delivery, "comes a title and a power all of your own." There are gasps from the assembled group, some like Alexia's were gasps of anticipation, but there were more than a few gathered around you who had never truly believed in your claims of godhood. The goldenboy of Olympus ignores the murmurs of surprise and takes your hands in his. "Let it be known that this is The Light Bringer, and the city of Kalion shall henceforth be known as Polithephos, the City of Light." Hermes smiles and his tone becomes a little less formal as he lectures the assembled. "Do not confuse this god with either Helios who draws the Sun chariot, or even Apollo whose lantern lights the world of study. This new god is the bringer of the Light of Compassion and Goodness, he is the champion of humanity and defender of the oppressed." With that Hermes pulls you into his arms and hugs you in delight, the formality of the moment over.

"Just so you know, you big goofball, I'm still calling you Bruce." And with a flash he is gone leaving you to face Galeon, Alexia, and your father alone. Behind three of the most important figures in your life Lord Marshal Raxius and over two dozen grim-faced hoplites are staring at you with a new level of respect.

"Bruce?" Alexia is the first to speak, "What does this mean?" Ares is the first to answer.

"It means your Loverboy finally has his godhood acknowledged, and that he is free to leave this mundane world and come to Olympus."