CHAPTER 23: HADES
Someone stood leaning against column: Hades, it had to be. Except, much like Cerberus, he looked nothing like she’d imagined him. The cruel, impenetrable leader of the underworld in a checked black and red shirt, black skinny jeans and dark brown biker boots (at least he wasn’t stuck in the past). His hair was in messy thin black curls to his shoulder and he had a small gathering mass of facial hair around his beard area.
“Persephone” he chorused “we have guests” Persephone trotted over. She had dark olive coloured skin, piercing brown eyes and long flowing dark hair. The dress she wore looked like some sort of black wedding dress. It had a netted skirt and the top part was a tube style. Despite looking around her 40’s she was a beautiful woman, like legend had said.
“Welcome to hell” she smiled sweetly, and Athena detected a hint of sarcasm.
“These are no ordinary guests” he sneered, walking slowly forward “these are the apparent ‘elite five’ who can bring me what I desire” as he moved a cloud of shadows flocked around him and as they dispersed a black cloak hung from his broad shoulders and a silver sceptre was clutched in his palm “and they want to speak with me, am I right?” A gulping Athena briefly nodded her head. “Thought so, follow me” He led them through the arch into a vast open space, with the same flagstone flooring. There were some leather sofas round a concrete coffee table near a pounding fire place, clearly the fires from the depths of Tartarus.
“Persephone get me a drink” he ordered, the hurried woman rushed off out another archway. Hades strolled on out the initial lounging room and led them to a set of double oak doors. Thrusting them open majestically he swaggered in, with the others hot at his heels. “This is the throne room, we’ll discuss what needs to be discussed here” the floor was a bright mosaic of reds oranges yellows and creams. Athena couldn’t make out the picture, but was sure that it wasn’t very appealing. The vast silver rimmed black cushioned throne was on a raised platform at the head of the room, in front a scary stained glass window. Hades sauntered over to it and sat down in an intimidating manor. On a hook next to the throne was a black knight’s helmet, it looked rather worn and dusty, yet important. It had to be, why else would Hades keep it next to his precious throne? Hades clapped his hands twice and four billowing black clouds of mist shot down from the ceiling and as they landed they transformed into pale-faced, ill-looking cloaked men. They pulled Emma, Tom, Robbie and Liam’s hands behind their back, leaving Athena stood alone.
“Haha, the Soulless, they used to be under Diávolos’ command until he ‘stepped down’, then they came to me, marvellous, don’t you think?”
“Let my friends go” Athena tried to shout, but it was more of a slightly dry raised voice.
“When we’re done”
Persephone backed into the room with a silver bejewelled goblet and a bottle of crimson liquid that she presumed was wine. She poured the glass, handed it to Hades reluctantly and deposited the bottle at his feet with a sour expression, dropping a tiny curtsey before she went to stand by the door.
“It is my brother that you’re here about isn’t it, my forgotten brother”
“Diávolos, yes”
“I thought so” he smirked “I was the only one who ever had anything to do with Diávolos, he was so hated amongst the ancient Greeks that they daren’t speak his name, he has no place in Olympus”
“Why
“He’s not like the rest of us, something wasn’t passed on fully”
“What?” Athena quizzed, Hades gave a slight throaty laugh.
