Rufio, the Mountain Raiser by Aminah Santos (unputdownable books TXT) 📕

Long ago, The Mighty Sky Lord, Zeus, created Greece with immense beauty. The sunset, driven by Lord Apollo, beautifully drifted beneath the horizon, filling the people of the land with awe. The goddess Demeter allowed flowers to grow freely everywhere. Even though the land was filled with beauty, the people were easily attacked. Nothing challenged invaders on the way to Greece, and the Greeks had little time to prepare for war. During war, the villages of Greece would come together as one. In one village, there lived the offspring of Athena, a demigod named Rufio. Although Rufio was not as bright as a child of Athena should be, Rufio and his father, Jason, lived peacefully as farmers. One day, after a long days work, the old farmer clutched his heart and collapsed to the ground. Having deeply loved his father, Rufio grieved greatly. In his misery, Rufio traveled to the underworld to convince his uncle, Hades, to release his father. “ Uncle!” he cried once he reached Hades throne, “ why have you caused me such pain?”
Hades snickered, “ I am the king of the underworld, boy! I say when a mortal’s time has past. Besides, you should know better than to come here!”
Rufio sobbed vigorously, “ O Dark One, make me your servant and let my father live!” Hades’ eyes swept across the palace floor. Everything was in a tornado of chaos.
“Fine, boy,” Hades replied calmly, “ your father may live… however! If your service ends to me, your father dies.” Rufio eagerly accepted his fate, and, as his father was sent back to his farm, Rufio was sent right to work.


Rufio worked for his uncle for seven long years, and every year he grew wiser and stronger. One day, Rufio found himself at Hades’ feet.
“ O Dark Lord,” he asked humbly, “what would you have you servant do?” Hades looked once more around the palace. Everything was in an order that had no been seen for a millennia. Hades then made his biggest mistake he could.
“ Rufio,” he commanded, “ polish my Helm of Darkness!” Rufio smiled inwardly, for he knew the invisibility power the cap gave to the wielder. So, he did his chore without hesitation. Seeing Rufio hard at work, Hades left the throne floor to his bed. With no time waste, Rufio polished the last of the cap. Then he quickly fastened it to his head. He hurried up the maze that separated the over world from the underworld. Finally he reached the fresh air. “ RUFIO!” Hades exclaimed. Rufio dashed out of the open and into a nearby collection of trees. “YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM ME, SON OF ATHENA! GIVE ME MY REALM, AND PERHAPS I WILL LET YOU AND YOUR FATHER LIVE!”
“Oh no, I nearly forgotten! How will I save Jason?” Rufio said in concern. Hurriedly, he dashed toward his farm. Looking behind him, Rufio saw that Hades racing towards him, a huge mountains rise every time he pounded his foot against the earth. Ahead of him he saw war and hatred at it’s best. Looking back again, Rufio ran between the warring peoples, leading Hades between them. As he did mountains separated the villages and the people cheered for Rufio. Rufio flashed the crowd a wicked smile and led Hades all around Greece, providing protection for people everywhere. Finally, Hades gave in.

“You win for now, son of Athena,” Hades scowled, “ but we shall meet again.” Hades vanished in a ball of fire.

On Olympus, Hades bowed before his brother. “ Zeus, that boy, Rufio, has stolen what is rightfully mine. Punish him!”
Zeus nodded and raised up his master bolt. But before he could strike, the goddess Athena raised her hand.

“Look, father! Before you strike my son down!” She exclaimed. Zeus cast a look at her.

“ Father, look what Rufio has done for your people!” She explained, “ See, he has provided your men
with protection!”
Surely, the wise goddess was right.
The mountains protected each of the villages from invaders.
“Well then,” Zeus said cheerily, “ Rufio and his father my live after all!”
“Wait!” Hades argued, “ The boy still deserves punishment!”

“You are right brother,” Zeus paused, “the boy will not be able to get to his father and will be separated from his father by a mountain in which he himself created. But, to honor this hero, he shall visit his father on this day of every year.” And so goes the story of Rufio, the Mountain Raiser.

Publication Date: 07-02-2010

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