"Minerva!" Jupiter exclaimed. "Listen to me well, my child."

"Yes, FatherЉ" Minerva sighed. Slouching on the stone bench before her father, her head propped lazily in her hand. She gazed thoughtfully at her Father.

"Listen to me , please," he paused. "I shall tell you what you will mean to our people and the people of the world." He paced before her, nervously.

Minerva perked up, interested. She had been waiting for this moment, for her father to tell her of her purpose here. She gathered her robe, and sttod to her full height, face to face with Jupiter.

He looked her in the eyes and began, "You were born for a purpose, Minerva. It will be you who will manifest strength to the women of the world. You shall be the Patroness of wisdom and strength. You must reveal to others that women too have strength within them. YouЉMinerva, are my daughter of defensive war. Go with you, show it to the world. Reveal it, and manifest strength!"

Minerva looked Jupiter in the eye, without a flinch. She gave him a rare smile and said, "I will not let you down, Father." He nodded in response. Grabbing her weapons and her shield, she raised them to the sky, "I am the Goddess of Wisdom and War!"

And her job has been complete, she manifested strength for all women...
by Zandra Nightmoon •