Titans of Chaos

Everyone jaw-jawing at once. If I had been the bouncer, I would have had us all arrested." I drewa deep breath and gave them all the basilisk eye. No one decided to talk back to me, not then.

To Quentin: "And what were you about to say, Quentin?"

"Deimos. That was Deimos, son of Mavors. Terror is his other name. Miles is just a word for

'soldier.' He stops fights because he is the god who causes one side to panic and rout, so thatspearmen can cut them down from behind as they flee." Quentin breathed a sigh and wiped hisbrow. "He is not Mr. Nice Guy. Really. Not. Did none of you recognize him?"

Vanity said, "Why a harpoon?"

Quentin said, "Not sure. Maybe as a symbol? Terror, once it strikes, leaves its hook in your heart,and slowly pulls you in. Even the hugest creatures on earth cannot escape."

Victor said, "What now, Leader? I suggest we break into the club and wait for Mr. Archer toreturn-assuming he is actually gone."

I said, "Why would Mavors' son help us against his father?"

Quentin said, "Greek gods don't love their dads. Saturn castrated his father and ate his son, ortried to, and he, in turn, threw him into Tartarus." Quentin shivered again. "I have no love for theWhite Christ, but at least the God of Jerusalem was adored by his son."

Victor said sardonically, "Who adored the son enough in return to have him tortured to death forcrimes he did not commit."

I said, "We are shelving the theology discussion. Advice on a course of action? We have one votefor break in and surprise him."

Colin licked his lower lip and said in a thoughtful tone, "That big guy? I think I can take him.

Let's break in."

I had sudden insight into male psychology. My theory: Guys are idiots. Keep this theory in mind. Itexplains the phenomena while assuming no unnecessary agents.

Vanity said in exasperation, "Beggars can't be break-in-ers! We're trying to get ourselves freefrom Mavors' curse. If we disobey his direct order, then it's a Quentin thing again, right? Likepoor Mr. Finklestein looking at Phoebe bathing. So we are coming to this guy for help." Sheturned to Quentin. "Deimos is really Archer, right? There are not two gods running around in L.

A."

Quentin did not answer her, but said, "Leader, I cannot trespass, or break rules like that, or elsemy Art will endanger me."

I said, "If you were wearing a tux, could you break in? Think about the words Deimos said. Heinvited you back in, if you were dressed right. He did not say anything about going in through thefront door."