Page 22 of On a Pale Horse
She let him hold her for a moment before stepping away to check on Persephone. She was still in the same clothes he’d seen her in when he spoke to her. Grateful Dead t-shirt and jeans. No shoes. Fear gripped him again. What if Hel had only acted because he sought Persephone out?
He let that simmer a moment, then pushed it away. No, she was going to do this regardless as she wanted the Underworld returned to her. A war was inevitable. He wished some protections for Persephone, though. But they’d thought Hel dead until she revealed herself to be teamed with Odin.
Hades wondered if Tyr could talk some sense into the All Father. Maybe get him to recall his half dead army. If Hel would use it to end the world, and Odin only lent it to her to “stop” Ragnarök, then obviously something was off in that agreement. Or maybe Hel had found something to beat the All Father with. She seemed to have a knack for locating sacred items.
Something to consider later. She’d been able to get her hands on many things, most of which could be found in the Underworld, or by people residing in the underworld. Maybe Hel wasn’t as dumb as they’d all thought. Maybe her ignorance had been some kind of act to draw them into her twisted game of ‘hunt Hades.’
But Odin was a smart man. He’d have sealed the agreements in the old ways. Hel would have to hold up her side of the bargain or face the penalties of welshing, and one did not go back on a deal with the All Father and live.
Cloris had smoothed down Persephone’s hair and sat on the bed, whispering to her. Her eyes had drifted closed, and she’d rolled away from them. Hades gripped Cloris’ shoulder and waited. Once Persephone woke, then maybe she could shed some light on Hel’s plans.
He was about to go make some tea, since he didn’t know how long Persephone would rest. Then she gasped so loud it echoed in the room.
Her eyes snapped open as she grabbed Cloris’s hand and uttered one word: “Hades.”
Ten
Cloris
Persephone uttering Hades’ name upon waking did strange things to Cloris’ insides. It wasn’t jealousy or curiosity, but something simmered there. She didn’t think the pair even knew each other well. In fact, they’d only just met after Persephone took over the Underworld. It went without saying Hades had no desire to return there once Hel was removed. And was even relieved someone else took up the mantle so he wouldn’t need to.
Although now, maybe Persephone wouldn’t even want to go back.
Hades climbed around the other side of the bed so he could sit next to Persephone on the other side. His legs were splayed out, and he leaned over her like a lover might. “I’m here. What is it?”
“I made you a promise,” Persephone whispered. “We still on?”
Cloris watched the exchange and the panicked look that entered his eyes as he glanced up at Cloris. She refrained from commenting though, wondering how much more she could learn as they interacted.
He took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. “Yes, of course, when you’re recovered.”
Persephone sat up and pulled away from both of them. “I’m fine, you two. They knocked me out that’s all. No torture, no mind games. The worst part was when those soldiers took charge of me. They felt so awful to be around. I wanted to help them at the same time I didn’t understand how they could exist.”
Cloris wasn’t so sure about this whole situation. It seemed way too easy. Why would Hel just turn her over like that? A gesture of good faith wasn’t in the woman’s character. In Hel’s mind, everything revolved around her. So, letting Persephone go had to benefit Hel in some way they weren’t able to see yet.
“Did she say anything?” Cloris asked, carefully standing, so she didn’t jostle her on the mattress.
“No, she just waltzed in with her weird zombie army and sort of booted me. I don’t have the power to put up much of a fight anymore. The Norse are getting more these days with the popularity of Vikings running around. There isn’t much love for us Greeks anymore. I take what I can get, and I try to stay happy with it.”
Cloris nodded. She’d known Persephone in her heyday when families sent their daughters to study in her temples and the world worshipped at her altars. Every line on her face was the same. She was still stunningly beautiful, but part of her felt muted these days. As if that power radiated outward and only now started its descent.
Cloris gestured between Hades and Persephone. “So, is there something I should know here? Between you two?”
Hades glanced up; guilt written all over his face. She didn’t even bother trying to read the truth from him. He’d never been able to hide things from her. Not that he’d tried much. For a second she wondered if she should be worried.
Persephone answered. “No, I promised to help Hades with a task recently and I wanted him to know I still intended to keep that promise.”
Cloris tucked her hands behind her back to keep from fidgeting. “A task? I wasn’t aware you two kept in touch after the Underworld change over.”
She stared her down. Her directness was something Cloris already admired about her. “Yes, a task. That is none of your business. Now be a dear and get me some coffee or tea? I’m thirsty and I have a headache starting.”
“Some water?” Cloris prompted.
Persephone narrowed her eyes. “Did I say water? Now shoo. I’m a grown woman who knows when to hydrate.”
Cloris kept her chuckle to herself. It was bad to encourage her. “Fine, I’ll go, but make sure Hades is in one piece when I return. I’m rather fond of him.”
She left the room and headed toward the kitchen stopping dead remembering the scales. As long as Persephone and Hades were safe, she might as well get the scales to Katherine.
