The Nine Muses

By Aisha Urooj

Something strange is going on with the Muses.

They can't write. They can't sing. They can't dance.

They can't do anything right.

They say Muses inspire the greatest of artists, artisans, thinkers, and poets, but what will inspire them?

Zeus sees his nine daughters struggling with their talents, so he orders them to go to a mortal high school. Perhaps, he reasons, they will find inspiration there under the careful guidance and tutelage of Headmistress Ehtel.

Zeus hopes his idea works... that the visit sparks his daughters' interests again or this will be the end of creativity, as we know it.

The muses are not amused. Thalia, the muse of Comedy, proclaims that 'High school is where creativity goes to die'. With the headmistress, and their father, dead set against anything remotely fun, her sisters agree.

In the mortal world, the humans meet the Muses for the first time but the nine sisters have biases against them. Calliope, the leader, vows to turn anyone who annoys her into a bird. Her sight is set on Henry, the insufferable human with the cute smile.

 

Can the mortals survive the feisty nine daughters of Zeus or fall victims to their immortal prejudices?

Despite all their efforts, things go from bad to worse. Even with their lessons, the muses are forgetting their talents. But when they start disappearing, one by one, perhaps there is actually something or someone behind it all?

Is there a dark and sinister nemesis they are unaware of?

Can they find out who it is before they all disappear?

Don't miss this fun new release!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aisha Urooj
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201960438

Aisha Urooj

Aisha Urooj is a multi-genre writer who writes captivating coming of age fiction, and fantasy. Check out her writing journey at aishauroojbooks.wordpress.com

Book preview

Something strange is going on with the Muses.

They can't write. They can't sing. They can't dance.

They can't do anything right.

They say Muses inspire the greatest of artists, artisans, thinkers, and poets, but what will inspire them?

Zeus sees his nine daughters struggling with their talents, so he orders them to go to a mortal high school. Perhaps, he reasons, they will find inspiration there under the careful guidance and tutelage of Headmistress Ehtel. Zeus hopes his idea works... that the visit sparks his daughters' interests again or this will be the end of creativity, as we know it.

The muses are not amused. Thalia, the muse of Comedy, proclaims that 'High school is where creativity goes to die'. With the headmistress, and their father, dead set against anything remotely fun, her sisters agree.

In the mortal world, the humans meet the Muses for the first time but the nine sisters have biases against them. Calliope, the leader, vows to turn anyone who annoys her into a bird and her sight is set on Henry, the insufferable human with the cute smile.

Can the mortals survive the feisty nine daughters of Zeus or will they fall victims to their immortal prejudices?

Despite all their efforts, things go from bad to worse. Even with their lessons, the Muses are forgetting their talents. But when they start disappearing, one by one, perhaps there is actually something or someone behind it all?

Is there a dark and sinister nemesis they are unaware of?

Can they find out who it is before they all disappear?

Copyright © Aisha Urooj, 2021 

All rights reserved . No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Chapter One: Family Meeting

Zeus called his daughters for a family meeting. He was a dignified, mature man of stalwart build; a powerful figure among the mighty Olympians. Perched in his grand palace, he lived above the clouds and the paths of the stars.

Normally he radiated supreme confidence, but today he was nervous.

All nine teenage daughters in one room! Zeus thought, plucking nervously at his beard. This is going to be a tough day. Heavens, help me.

There was still a chance he could skip this meeting altogether. He could be saved by Mnemosyne!

He looked pleadingly towards his wife, hoping for compassion, but Mnemosyne only nodded her head and gave him a reassuring smile.

Zeus sighed.

Guess he had no choice but to talk to his daughters.

Zeus could feel a headache building up. He could deal with his brothers, Poseidon and Hades, who ruled the oceans and the underworld, respectively, but for his daughters... he needed a different sort of strength.

He needed patience.

Lots and lots of patience.

Using my lightning bolts to settle things is so much easier, he thought wistfully.

Zeus dreaded his daughters' reactions. He expected protests, glares, and tantrums, at the very least, after he told them their decision. He knew his daughters would easily forgive their mother, but that he would be the one to receive their outbursts.

To face all of their collective wraths.

It wasn't fair! Zeus thought glumly, but then again what creature, on heaven or earth, could be mad at Mnemosyne?

He held his breath when the girls came in noisily, one by one, into the grand room. They were the nine muses: Calliope, Thalia, Urania, Melpomene, Polymnia, Erato, Clio, Euterpe, and Terpsichore, who came in last, prancing in through the doors.

Zeus waited for them to settle down.

He waited patiently, but when he saw that would not happen anytime soon, he started.

I am sure you are wondering why I called you here... Zeus said, his voice booming. Your mother and I...

No, we don’t know why you called... but you are using your ‘you are in trouble’ voice. Calliope interrupted. Are we in trouble?

No, no trouble. Mnemosyne, her mother, corrected softly. "We called you here because your father and I are concerned..."

Sounds like we are in trouble. Calliope said, rolling her eyes. Might as well say it like it is.

Her sisters murmured in agreement.

Did someone die? asked Melpomene in a hushed voice. Being the muse of Tragedy, the subject was foremost on her mind.

No, dear. No one died. Mnemosyne answered kindly.

Is there a disturbance among the stars? Urania asked, consulting her globe.

No, dear. No disturbance... Euterpe, dear, can you play that later? Mnemosyne said. We have an important discussion going on.

Bored with the conversation, Euterpe was playing her flute.

"Yes, you said that... ages ago.. but we still don’t know why we are all here." Euterpe replied, pouting. She got moody whenever anyone stopped her from playing her music. Music was important to her, second only to breathing.

Mnemosyne’s attention was now on her other daughter. Same with you, Terpsichore.

Terpsichore stopped practicing her dance moves and smiled sheepishly.

Why are we here? Calliope asked, folding her arms.

Do you want to tell them? Mnemosyne asked her husband. Or should I?

Zeus hesitated. He clearly wanted to refuse.

Zeus wanted to be anywhere but here, when his daughters find out.

He took a deep breath and calmed his nerves.

Zeus reminded himself: I am the mighty Zeus. Their father. They should listen to me.

I am calm. I've got this!

Besides, we know what happens if I get too agitated. An image popped in his head of lightning falling on poor unsuspecting mortals... especially those carrying umbrellas.

There is no need for pointless casualties, he thought.

Might as well get it over with.

Your mother and I have decided to send you to a mortal school. I expect you all to comply. Zeus said. If you don’t comply, you will be grounded and you know what that means... there will be no more singing or dancing at the feasts of gods.

He was stunned to hear silence from his daughters, but knew it was a momentary shock.

You will leave for the mortal realm today. he added.

Why? No fair! This is tyranny! came outcries from all his daughters.

"Why? Because I am your father! Zeus said, sparks coming off his fingers. I know what is best for you!"

You still didn’t tell us why you are punishing us! cried Calliope.

This is not a punishment. Mnemosyne said. She raised an eyebrow at her husband. "Perhaps we should start by explaining why we are sending them to the mortal world?"

Zeus looked at her sheepishly. Yes, well... he cleared his throat, The other deities approached us. They had concerns about your well-beings, after your recent performances.

What’s wrong with our performances? Erato asked absentmindedly, as she looked in her mirror and adjusted her crown of roses.

What were their concerns? Clio asked. She took out a quill and started scribbling notes on her scroll. Being the muse of history, Clio was meticulous about keeping records... and noting any discrepancies.

"You and your sisters’ performances have been... lacklustre lately. Zeus said. He wanted to say disastrous, but reconsidered. In fact, you haven’t written a single new song, played new music, or created a new dance in well over a year. The other gods are growing tired of hearing and seeing the same thing at every party."

"You