by Cate Masters
Her assessing gaze went to his wrists and ankles, then let out a hiss. “They never tell me anything.”
“Please let me go. I have to make sure they don’t hurt Joss and her family.”
Slime dripped out of her orifices as she stood pondering.
“I’m begging you. Look, I’m a veterinarian. I have ointments to clear up your…” He had to be extremely careful, treading this uncharted territory. “Your wounds.”
“I have no injuries. What are you saying? That I’m hideous? Unbearable?”
He gulped. “Of course not. But wouldn’t you enjoy using a nice moisturizer or cleansing cream? You’ll love what it does for your skin. My patients always do.”
She dragged a paw across her putrid cheek. “Do you think me a fool?”
“Never. I merely suggest you treat yourself like the goddess you are.” Every female deserved to do the same.
“How would you deliver these wondrous creams and ointments?”
Oh. Good question. “There must be some messenger between worlds. Isn’t there? I’ll fill a package and leave it on my back doorstep. Yellow Breeches Road in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. Mine is the only veterinary practice on the road, so—”
“Silence!” In a blink, a swarm enveloped her and drifted up to the tower. When the cloud of insects alighted on top of the wall, Tisiphone appeared for a moment, then swirled away.
His hopes dashed, Eric debated whether to argue. He could offer nothing to the Erinye. Begging was useless. Glancing back, he knew returning to the inner realm of Tartarus was also useless. He had nowhere to go, so he stood. He’d stand here until he became a pile of bones, a forgotten monument to Joss.
Clicks sounded, then metal grating metal. A low groan emitted from the wall. Beneath the tower, the wall shifted, drawing inside itself.
“Go, Eric Hendricks. And try not to return.” A loud cackle filled the air. A strange coin clanged to the ground near his feet. “Keep this amulet as protection in the River Styx.”
It took a moment to register. She was opening the gate. Freeing him.
He palmed the coin and took off at a jog, then ran through the parting expanse of bronze.
“I’ll send a courier for the package.” Her voice echoed after him.
Silence filled the path as the gate ground to a halt. He ran for what seemed like miles. How thick was the wall anyway? Did the gate never end? Or had she tricked him?
The low grate of metal spurred him faster. Trick, hell. She meant to squash him. She was closing the exit, and the light grew dimmer. He couldn’t see the end, if one existed. The tunnel narrowed ahead to nothingness. A moment of self-pity slowed his pace. He was so damn hot. And thirsty. A glass of Joss’s lavender lemonade would hit the spot. He’d drink a gallon, then kiss her until that thirst was sated too.
Joss. He had to find her. His feet pounded faster. He couldn’t even see now where he was going. Still he kept on, certain the gate must be nearer. The air smelled different now. Not better, but different. It must mean he’d drawn closer. With a last push, he surged forth, though it grew darker with every step.
Finally, the last light faded, and blackness surrounded him. His steps no longer echoed off enclosing walls, and space opened up around him. Had he cleared the gate? Chest heaving, he jogged to a stop. Turning back, he held his hands to his knees to catch his breath. Far away, a light shone, narrowing every second until it became a single ray. Then it, too, was snuffed out. The gate was closed.
For better or worse, he’d escaped Tartarus.
Standing straight, he struggled to get his bearings. No freaking idea. He wished he’d paid closer attention to the babbling man. Outside the wall of Tartarus—what lay there?
Oh yeah. Three circles of night.
Another long walk. He’d better get started.
* * * *
Screams echoed through the night. Joss clutched her stomach. Beings of light fell to their slaughter. She had to stop this insanity. Now.
Beneath her feet, the ground buzzed and shifted with crackling energy. Aroused by the commotion, no doubt, and by the opposing factions wanting control. An occasional crack, like the sound of lightning underground, left visible splinters on the face of the earth.
Plouton grinned, waiting for her decision. If she didn’t offer herself in exchange, all would be for naught. What if she did? She would surely be lost. Would Eric? And her family?
She steadied herself. “If we forge an agreement, will you honor your word?”
His wince betrayed him. “Honor is a term I avoid. My agreements, as you surely must know, are legendary.”
“For their trickery,” Mom said. “Don’t do it, Jocelyn.”
When he held up a hand, Mom gagged for air, clutching her throat, panic in her eyes.
Helpless with terror, Joss froze. “Stop it!”
Shrugging, he opened his hand, and Mom gasped. He went on as if nothing happened. “We can come to a satisfactory arrangement, I’m sure.”
An amber glow appeared on the horizon, and spread across the sky.
“Who’s coming?” Joss asked.
Her fists clenched, Arkhe hissed, “Electra.”
A warm breeze twined through Joss’s hair and grew stronger. A cooler wind whipped through the trees, shaking loose leaves. Hot winds gusted.
With delight, Joss faced her mother. “Reinforcements.” The Four Winds. Iris’s mate had arrived and brought his brothers, as they’d hoped. Through the spreading amber skies, the four winged gods approached. More winged beings, their true hearts shining, followed.
The demon lord’s eyes narrowed. “No.”
“Oh, yes.” Joss’s smugness disappeared when his minions closed in, grabbing them roughly. “What are you doing?” she demanded, struggling to break free. The ground rumbled with something like a growl.
“Bring them. And remember,” Lord Plouton said to Joss, “if you invoke the power below, your beloved will suffer for eternity.” A theatrical whirl and he stalked off into the night.
Clawed hands tightened around Joss’s arm and dragged her along.
Ahead, Arkhe and Plouton appeared to be arguing. Because the winds grew fierce, Joss heard only snippets. Enough to guess the Lord of The Underworld was none too happy with the goddess or her estranged family.
Plouton shouted over the howling gusts. “You should have warned me this would happen.”
“I didn’t expect her to call our family to her aid.” Arkhe scanned the amber sky like a frightened child. Of course. Electra was her mother too. And wouldn’t be pleased with her daughter, Arkhe.
Halting abruptly, Plouton glared. “Who else might join in?”
“I don’t know. The Harpies?” Arkhe sounded desperate.
With a groan, he strode off. “Wonderful. I have no patience for those crones.”
So, his plan had hit a snag.
As their captors struggled against the gales, Joss shot a hopeful glance at Lydia and Gram. They’d have to stay on the lookout for an opening, anything they could use to their advantage.
Shrieks overhead caused her to cower. Three winged creatures swooped in, vultures with the faces of incredibly gorgeous women. Their long, sharp claws shredded the helmets of Lord Plouton’s guards.
The instant the monster’s grip loosened, Joss broke away, grabbing Gram’s hand, then her mother’s, who in turn grasped Lydia’s. Over the trembling earth, they scrambled through the melee toward a cloud of glowing figures. Safety.
Joss hoped, anyway. Below, the ley line almost roared with power, lashing wildly like a downed power line. It called and tugged on her psyche, and filled her head with wooziness.
“What do you wish?” came the wordless question.
Did she dare? She’d summoned the power accidentally before. Could she do it again? And would Plouton make good on his threat?
A scan of the destruction below urged her. A glance at Mom, Gram, and Lydia, whose faces held
fear and helplessness, convinced her. She had to try.
Closing her eyes, she silently beseeched the ley line to help. To remove the threat of the dark forces, sweep them away to The Underworld where they belonged. To halt any further destruction, no more harm to any. Especially Eric.
The instant she finished the thought, the world shook. Trees swayed, leaves fluttering. The air crackled with electricity.
“The inn. Don’t harm the inn. Or Eric’s practice.” Taz’s presence emanated strongly from there. “And bring Eric home safely.”
Iris flitted near, her golden wings brightened in the amber glow of the sky. “Quickly,” she called over her shoulder and gestured her staff toward them.
When the Harpies swept in, fear overwhelmed Joss. One lifted her, and the others grabbed Mom, Gram, and Lydia before the winds died down. Before her feet left the earth, a strong tremor vibrated up her legs. Ten times stronger than the vibrations beneath the inn.
“What’s going on?” Joss cried. The field below grew smaller, dark figures struggling against light. The fighting concentrated in a teeming line, too close to the inn.
Pointing her staff downward, Iris said, “Behold.”
To Joss’s horror, the ground split with a resounding crack. Lighted figures drifted upward like paper lanterns. Shadowy creatures tumbled into the widening gulf. Exactly as she’d imagined. Among them, she recognized poor Sheree. Riding his demon steed, Tom yanked the reins but couldn’t stop in time. They, too, disappeared into the abyss.
“The ley line answered my plea,” Joss whispered.
“At Gaia’s instruction. Mother Earth recognized your will as pure.” Iris nodded. “Thank you, Grandmother Gaia.”
Bowing her head, Joss repeated Iris’ words. From now on, she would have to be careful how she directed her mind. Immediately after giving thanks, she concentrated on healing thoughts: trees rooting in the nourishing earth, flowers lifting their faces to the sun, buildings sitting sound as they were before. She also repeated her earlier request for Eric’s safety, this time asking it of Gaia.
Standing at the crevice’s edge, Plouton glowered up at Iris in a useless silent threat. In a puff of charcoal smoke, he disappeared.
“Good riddance.” Iris frowned at Arkhe, who met her gaze.
“I am sorry, sister.” Arkhe hung her head. An amber light enveloped her. She disappeared as it spun into a whirlwind.
“What will happen to her?” Joss asked.
Iris sighed. “Mother will decide.”
Family ties must be hell when they lasted more than a millennium.
The abyss below rumbled, the two sides sealing shut.
To the Harpies, Iris nodded, and they descended to the ground.
Their feet touched the earth, and Joss thanked the winged creatures. To Iris, she curtsied. “We owe you so much. I can never repay you.”
Nodding royally, Iris said, “You are family. Your only debt is loyalty.”
No problem. “It is yours, always.” With a gasp, she remembered. “Eric. Is he safe?”
“I do not know,” Iris said. “We will do our best to locate him.”
“Thank you.” Please hurry.
Iris laid her hand atop Joss’s. “Remember to always honor the goddess within you.”
Might take a little more work. “I will try.”
If only her inner goddess could guide her to Eric, and assure her he, too, was safe. She shuddered at remembering Plouton’s warning not to invoke the ley line, or Eric would suffer for an eternity.
Oh, what had she done? Though she could never indulge in her desire to be with him, she wanted to ensure his safety.
“Eric,” she whispered. “Please come home safe.”
* * * *
The waters of the River Styx seeped through Eric’s jeans. With the amulet tucked in his pocket, he waded deeper, edging alongside a long gondola roped to a dock. Hooking his leg on the side, Eric hoisted himself up and over. The high backs of the chairs on the vessel allowed him to slip to the back, where darkness hid him.
At approaching footsteps, he stilled. A hooded figure stepped aboard off the dock, rocking the boat. Heart pounding, he forced long, even breaths in and out. If the ferryman discovered him, he might send him back to Tartarus.
The man hung a lantern on the front of the boat. He stood unmoving, as if listening for a few moments, then shoved the vessel away from the dock. Water sloshed its sides, carrying it along the current. The sound lulled Eric into shutting his eyes. The motion soothed his aching muscles into relaxing. Soon, the world faded away.
The end of a wooden staff poked his side.
With a start, he awoke to find he’d been discovered.
“Two obols,” the ferryman said.
Drowsy, he tried to clear his head. “What?”
“Your fare.” Crazed eyes glared at him from within the hood.
“I’m traveling away from Tartarus, not to it.” Eric hoped his reasoning would suffice.
“Ah.” The man took a moment to consider. “No matter. The fare is the same. Two obols.”
Slowly standing, Eric steadied his stance. “I don’t have it.” What the hell was an obol anyway? Besides, they’d already returned. What would the man do, take him back? Doubtful, if he had no fare to begin with.
The ferryman’s scowl gave way to a wide smile, revealing crooked teeth. “Well then. Off you go.”
Thinking himself dismissed, Eric moved to the side. “Thanks. I’m glad you—” A hard shove sent him overboard. He plunged like a rock into the cold river. Righting himself, he broke the surface and gasped. To his surprise, hands grasped his legs, his waist, his ankles, pulling him below again. Down and down and down he sunk, farther than possible. Water churned around him until he couldn’t tell which direction was up.
His lungs screamed for air. A voice froze him in place. “Eric. Please come home safe.” Joss spoke clearly, though he knew it was impossible. She was home in Boiling Springs, nowhere near.
Hearing her so clearly had to mean she was thinking of him. Missing him. The last push he needed. Desperately, he reached toward an amber glow. Invisible hands shoved him toward the light.
Sputtering, he emerged in Yellow Breeches stream. He climbed on the bank and collapsed. Overhead, the sky shone vivid amber, unlike anything he’d ever seen. No. Can’t…be. Too…late. Exhausted, he couldn’t move. Darkness enclosed him.
Sometime later, he awakened to sunlight, the trickle of the stream and the twitter of bird song. What am I doing outside? Sitting up, he glanced in every direction. Branches lay near him, the tops of trees sheared off as if by a hurricane-force wind.
What the hell happened? Rolling over, he pushed up to a stand. The destruction stretched toward town. Glancing back, he frowned in confusion. Between his veterinary practice and Lavender Hill Inn, everything appeared pristine. Untouched. The corridor continued beyond for about a quarter mile in each direction.
Must have been a helluva storm. He’d come to do something important. Why couldn’t he remember it? And why was he outside? Weird. Why couldn’t he think straight? He rubbed his head, aching like the worst hangover ever.
Just get home. Hopefully he could make it there without any notice. He trudged within yards of the entrance to the driveway and stopped.
Across the road, Joss’s lime green VW Beetle sat outside the back door. I need to tell her something.
“Dr. Hendricks?”
He turned toward the voice and his practice. His assistant stood in the doorway. “Yes, Terry?”
“We’ve been wondering where you were.”
Where had he been? Images flashed through his head of terrible beasts, ghastly figures moving through darkness. Too nightmarish to be real. “What’s up?”
“Patients are getting, well, impatient. We’re twenty minutes behind.”
“Better get started, then.” Another glance at the inn showed another car parked beside Joss’s. Must have
company. He’d go there later to talk to her. After her company left, and after his head cleared.
Something heavy weighed down his pocket. He pulled out a round, cold, metal object. Where did this come from? Like everything else that day, he had no recollection of it. He carried it inside to the store room, and without thinking, collected tubes of medicated ointments and creams inside a box. Before folding the top, he slipped the coin inside, and then set the package on the back step.
For a moment, he stared at it, trying to recall who had ordered it. All he knew was someone who needed these items would come for them.
He closed the door and wished all his problems could be solved so easily.
Chapter 23
The inn seemed strangely silent, with an expectant atmosphere, when Joss went inside with her family. Even Taz, who normally greeted them at the door, sat pensively atop the dog bed by the reception desk.
Joss rushed to hold him. “My poor baby. I’m sorry I left you alone.” The dog nuzzled his trembling body against her, and she hugged tighter. “It’s over now. You’re safe.”
Her mother crouched beside Joss and stroked the dog’s head. “Tonight, we must meet with Iris and Lord Plouton again.”
Dread iced her veins. “Why?” Would they punish her for using the ley line?
“To forge a new treaty,” Gram said. “One by which all must abide.”
“Already? So soon after battle?” Joss hoped never to see the Lord of The Underworld again.
Mom nodded. “The sooner the better.”
Attempting a wan smile, Joss said, “Okay then.” Easier said than done.
Gram headed toward the hallway stairs. “We’d better rest while we can.”
Mom followed. “Three o’clock will come soon enough. Come, Lydia.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Lydia shuffled behind.
Three o’clock. Joss stifled a groan and went to her room. She turned off the light and stretched onto her bed, trying to let the darkness absorb her thoughts. How could she sleep, knowing what lay ahead?
At some point, she must have drifted off. A glimmering light outside the window caused her eyes to flutter open. Glancing at the clock on the night stand, she threw the covers aside.