Seeds Volume Two

by M. M. Kin

  “They are already dead. Their bodies lay buried in the earth or lost at sea or burned up. Atropos has cut their threads, and here all must come. If Fate has decreed it, nothing can change it. But see? She shines with righteousness, and a good afterlife awaits her. Do not feel sad about it.”

  So Persephone watched silently. These people came from all walks of life. She saw types of people that she had never encountered before – sailors, wealthy merchants, royal servants, hunters, priests, warriors and the like – and listened to their commentaries and pleas. After a while, she started to feel restless. She had watched a good amount of people being judged and felt that she had seen enough for the day.

  “Thank you for taking me to see this, but I am ready to move on,” she whispered. He nodded and took her hand, helping her off her chair.

  “Might we go for a ride in your chariot?” she asked. Hades grinned at her.

  “Why not?”

  o0o

  Judging souls was no easy task and had he still been mortal, Minos knew that he would have had a much harder time in his task. Judges in the realm of the living could be bribed or lied to. No matter how good or fair a judge was, there were also skilled liars and manipulators who could worm their way out of a guilty verdict, or those who escaped justice altogether and never came before a judge.

  As one of the trifecta of ethereal Judges, Minos had no need to worry about lies, for a soul's sins showed plainly under Justice’s divine light, and down here, she was not blind. Those who were unfairly punished in life were assured justice in their death, and those who had been confident that they could escape consequences in death as they had in life were swiftly corrected by judges who could not be bribed or lied to.

  Though he would not say it out loud or boast to the ones that he judged, Minos could freely admit to himself that he loved this job.

  o0o

  The horses sped along the path, their hooves churning up a cloud of dust as the chariot careened along. Persephone was holding onto the rim of the vehicle for dear life and enjoying every moment of it. Hades stood proud and tall, his cloak billowing out behind him, the wind whipping through his hair. The horses moved at a speed that their mortal counterparts were never able to achieve, and still she laughed for more, her grip white-knuckled as she stared up at him.

  “Hyah!” Hades carried no whip, but his command was just as effective, and the horses pushed forward. In front of them, several slopes defined the path, and every time the horses sped over one, the chariot was actually up in the air for a couple of moments before landing as the steeds of Hell made their downward descent. At such a dizzying speed, Persephone knew she should feel concerned. Mother would no doubt break into conniptions if she saw her daughter in such a recklessly speeding vehicle!

  With one of Hades's arms wrapped around her, the goddess did not feel afraid at all. She found the whole experience to be one exciting thrill ride – literally and figuratively. The path grew more interesting when cliffs appeared at either side, showing off layers of various thickness of mostly gray, but interspersed with a brief flash of black, blue, or purple. One side fell away, revealing a great expanse of blue-black ocean, its waves crashing solidly onto the ebony-and-gray sands.

  “The Sea of Eternity,” Hades pointed out as the chariot slowed down for a bit so that Persephone could better appreciate the vastness before her.

  “Does it really go on forever?”

  “Indeed.”

  Persephone took on a suitably impressed expression as she looked around.

  “You can also see the sea from Elysium, though over there, the water is much lighter and bluer than this," Hades explained as Persephone stared out at the shore, where the waves continued to lap at the sand rhythmically.

  “It is hard to not stare, is it not?” he asked gently.

  “Mhm.”

  “I find it a good place to meditate. There is a shortcut from the Palace if you would like to try that. I can show you when we get back. Shall we keep going or do you want to stay a bit longer?”

  “Keep going.”

  One moment they were at the bottom of the cliffs, then Persephone found herself on top, speeding along the edge as the ocean spread out below. At her left was a forest of black trees with leaves that looked as if they were made of iron, glinting a dark gray under the light of Dis.

  “Faster, please?”

  She felt a squeeze around her middle before a loud “Hyah!” boomed from Hades's lips. The chariot jumped forward, making several sharp turns that added to the thrill of the ride. Suddenly, the vehicle approached the edge, and she felt her heart pound. Surely he wasn't going over, was he?

  A short shriek escaped her lips as the horses careened over the edge. Their hooves clipped neatly onto the face of the cliff, finding purchase as easily as they had on a horizontal surface. Persephone now stared at the approaching ground with stunned silence, but the horses and chariot righted themselves as soon as they hit the level surface. She jerked backward with a surprised gasp, feeling the adrenaline pounding through her.

  Oh, gods! It had been so frightening... but incredible! She offered no objection when the chariot bolted up the cliff and back down before the horses sped across the water, their hooves making small splashes on the Eternal Sea. She kept one hand on the chariot rim with a firm grip and with her other hand, held onto the arm wrapped around her middle.

  Persephone had never been on the ocean, having been confined to its shores. The vastness around her impressed her into a respectful silence as the chariot made its way across the waves. The sky brightened, taking on hues of deep golds, reds, and blues filling the sky as if it were sunset. The sea no longer looked so black, and was now more of a deep blue-violet. A glimmer of gold revealed a sandy shore, its grains rich in amber hues. This shore was large but not overly so, providing more than ample space for the chariot and its horses. Persephone glanced up and down the coastline.

  The beach was held in by cliffs that appeared to be sandstone, revealing intricate layering of reds, golds, and browns further illuminated by the warm hues of the sky. Within a nook of the cliffs, she spied an opening.

  Hades dismounted and she let him help her off. The horses stood where they were as he led her down to the shoreline. The air here was pleasant, with a bare yet enticing hint of warmth.

  “Perhaps you would like to go for a swim?” he asked with a fond smile. “I know that ride was thrilling.”

  “It was!” Persephone nodded eagerly. “But I do not feel like going for a swim.”

  “No?” He frowned with some concern. “I was so certain that you would enjoy it here.”

  “Oh, but I do!” She tried to not blush. A swim here with Hades did sound like a wonderful idea, but then he would know, and... “I would be happy to swim with you later, I promise.” She found herself touched by the sadness she saw in his eyes.

  “Something troubles you,” he said as he ran his fingers along her arm. She hated the certainty she heard in that soft tone, so she simply looked away at the horizon.

  “I would like to know what is wrong, so I can help you feel better,” he continued.

  “It is nothing you can help me with.”

  “Are you certain?”

  “Very much so.” Hades was silent after her response, and she felt his hand slide up to her shoulder before he spoke.

  “The opening you saw leads back to my garden. That is the shortcut, whenever you want to come out here...”

  “Thank you.”

  After standing out there for a while, the couple approached the opening while shades attended to the horses, unhitching them from the chariot and leading them back to the stables. As they emerged into his garden, Persephone looked over her shoulder, seeing a doorway that looked no different from the others that led to the other gardens. Oh, this place just got better and better. This was what Hades offered her. All of this, for her commitment to him. Was the rest of the surface world as glorious or enjoyable? As they walked along the path, a sha
de approached them and said something in that faint, shadowy hissing whisper she sometimes heard.

  “The Erinyes are bringing a soul to be judged," Hades explained.

  Ooh. She had wanted to see the Furies, and here they were. “Why would they bring a soul themselves?” she inquired.

  “Sometimes they drive one to their own end. When the person dies, they grab the soul from the body then and there so that it cannot attempt to escape them."

  “And what are you going to do?”

  “Go to the Judges and decide his fate.”

  “I would like to come with you.”

  “Very well.”

  The indignant cries of a soul rang through the air of the Underworld, and Persephone heard a brassy, rasping sound. The source of this sound was revealed to be the wings of the three women who had the wailing soul in custody. They were beautiful in a savage, deadly way, their eyes slitted, teeth fanged, hair writhing around their heads like snakes atop a Gorgon's head. Their hair and lips were both the black-red of fresh and deep blood, and shone like it as well.

  They were clad in black leather and dark linen, their torsos and bottoms modestly covered while tempting expanses of their arms and legs were visible amidst the straps of material. Their hands and feet were not human, terminating in talons and sharp, curved black claws that appeared capable of tearing through anything.

  Despite the lack of density that the soul generally had, the Furies were able to restrain and handle him as easily as if he were solid. The grating beat of their wings quieted down as they steadied themselves on the ground, holding the condemned soul before the Judges. From what Persephone had seen earlier today, she expected the soul's appearance to darken and was not disappointed. She was surprised when the gray became even darker, even more so than she had ever seen. What evil must weigh upon this soul!

  “Clytus of Thebes, the suffering you have known at our hands will only become worse. Your sins will be paid in full, over and over. The pain of your victims will be yours. Their screams will come from your throat.”

  “No! No! Lies, all of it! My neighbors and competitors slander me!”

  “You escaped the justice of the mortals. But there is no reprieve from divine justice.” Minos stared at him, his face set in a hard scowl. “Your name and crimes are thus recorded here.” He tapped the open scroll in front of him. “The only place fit for you is Tartarus.” The judges turned to the King of the Dead. “Have you anything to add to our judgment, my lord?” Aeacus asked.

  “You have judged ably.”

  The Judges nodded before the Furies lifted Clytus into the air.

  “Off you go,” Rhadamanthus stated levelly before he beckoned the next soul forward.

  The soul wailed as the Furies carried him off, and Persephone shivered. She offered no protest as Hades led her away.

  o0o

  Hades took her to the library, where she eagerly listened to more stories and lessons from him. She liked hearing about the other gods, and Hades spoke in a candid manner, sparing no virtue or vice as he spoke about the family from which he had detached himself. It was through the way he spoke of them that Persephone got the impression of how he viewed another god. Many of them, he regarded with disdain. Several he was neutral about, such as Hestia or Poseidon. There were precious few for whom he had a real liking.

  He had also been teaching her about the symbols that she saw on maps and scrolls. Each symbol stood for a sound, and strung together, formed words and names. She could not read a scroll yet, but she had learned to write out her name as well as Hades's own and several other words.

  “There was once a time where man did not yet draw pictures, much less symbols and words. Life was very different back then. All the stories were passed down orally – and still are – but already man has realized the importance of recording things. They painted pictures of their spirits and gods, of their animals and people inside caves or on animal skins. Now the people of Hellas make statues and paint pictures on their walls and pottery, but as civilization advances, that will not be enough.”

  “Hellas will... change?” It was hard for her to imagine a different world, one that existed after this one, or before. Painting on cave walls? She had never heard such a thing.

  “Not just Hellas – the world. I have seen these changes. Your mother brought secrets of farming to Hellas so they could have crops that they could rely on. She gave them a gift that would help them flourish as a society. Other gods have also given gifts to mortals. Standards of living increase. New problems are created and solved. Change makes gods and humans grow.” He sounded so wise.

  “And there will come a day when everyone will use this... writing?”

  “Yes. It will take a long time for everyone to use language in such a way, but everything must start somewhere. The art will spread to more and more people... knowledge will become widespread through the centuries. Who knows how long it will take. Maybe one thousand. Or five thousand?”

  For a young goddess who was barely past a score of years, five thousand years was a stretch.

  “If... the world was so much more primitive before, then what will it be like in the future?”

  “Only time will tell,” Hades replied cheerfully.

  o0o

  “It would appear that our excursion has left us needing a bath," Hades said with a casual tone. Indeed, there was sand and dust on their sandals as well as the hemlines of their clothing. Persephone paused to wonder. She and Hades had worn such fine clothing, yet he didn't seem to care about what their activities might have done to their garments. She supposed that with a staff of shades at hand to perform any chore needed, Hades would never need to worry about his clothing staying dirty. How nice! She had always disliked doing laundry.

  “I will bathe myself in my room,” Persephone replied.

  “Come. That fountain in your room can hardly be as good as a nice, hot bath... I will rub your back too.”

  “Not tonight,” Persephone demurred, bowing her head shyly.

  “Come now. You would not go for a swim with me, and now no bath? Are you loath to have my admiration of your body?”

  “Mmm."

  “What is with the sudden shyness, my dear? You are not afraid of me, are you?”

  “Afraid? Not likely!” Persephone replied in feigned bravado. He grinned at her.

  “Then allow me to attend to you, my love. Let me remove these dirty garments of yours and wash your body. And if you like, you can return the favor.” The image of his nude body came to the forefront of her mind, as well as the memory of his hands on her flesh.

  Damnit, Hades! Why do you have to be so sexy! She was certain that if he tried, he could have anybody he wanted, male or female, god or mortal.

  “No, thank you,” she replied, trying to keep her expression and face neutral.

  “Come now.” He took her hand, tugging her into the direction of the washroom.

  “No.” She was now blushing.

  “What is the matter? You do not have to be afraid to tell me.”

  “I’m not sure you would understand.”

  Hades was silent for several lingering moments, and she bit back a sigh. “My body, it-” She paused. At her words, his gaze inevitably made its course along her body as he raised his eyebrow.

  “Are you in pain? Did something happen?” Hades inquired gently. She gave a brief, hesitant nod.

  “It happened the previous eve and I was hoping it might have stopped, but...” Her hands fluttered through the air in embarrassment.

  “I grew up with three sisters.”

  She looked up at him.

  “Your mother, she did not speak of this?” Hades sounded somewhat incredulous. She shook her head. He gave out a soft groan, and for a moment, she thought she’d offended him.

  “I’ve managed to take care of myself, but-”

  “Hekate will answer your questions.” He ran his fingers through his hair, pondering his next words, and she stared at him with nervous expe
ctancy. “If you want to ask her, that is. I am privy to much information but I must admit that as a male, I am ignorant of feminine matters, to an extent.”

  “You’re not upset with me?” she asked. He shook his head.

  “You’re still welcome to join me in the bath. I am sure you will find it soothing.”

  “You.... know what's happening. Yet...”

  “A hot bath cleanses everything.”

  “Hmm.” She frowned thoughtfully. A quiet sigh escaped her lips. “I would still prefer to bathe alone tonight.”

  “As much as I would like to have you join me, I would be loath to make you uncomfortable. Will you at least keep me company while I bathe? I will be quick, and then you can have the washroom all to yourself.”

  “Thank you.”

  o0o

  These words were filled with genuine warmth and appreciation, and Hades basked in that glow. When Persephone sat on a stool near the wall, he smiled before removing his chiton and sandals.

  “You do not need to sit all the way over there. I do not bite. Unless you want me to.” His eyes twinkled as he said this, and he noticed her efforts to hold back a grin.

  He felt her eyes on him as he stripped off his short tunic, and had to resist the urge to strike a pose for her. He was a modest person in both attire and demeanor, but it always gave him a thrill when he knew she was admiring him. Languidly, he stepped into the water, welcoming the heat. As he started scrubbing himself with a sponge, he started talking, asking her questions about what she thought of today's events, so he could keep her engaged. As he had promised Persephone, his bath was quick. Lazily, he dried himself with a towel before donning a robe.

  “As I have promised, it is all yours.” He bowed his head, making a sweeping gesture towards the inviting bath with his arm.