Souls Endure (The Souls Trilogy Book 3)

by Anne B. Cole

  Poseidon snapped his fingers and a huge wave of water surged from the sea and hovered above them.

  James felt his body freeze in place. Unable to move, he noticed Kadir’s paralyzed confinement, identical to his. Their eyes darted to one another.

  “There is no advantage. Both men are wounded and my trident is more powerful even in foolish hands.” Poseidon pointed a finger in Kadir’s direction.

  “You’re mistaken, Lord of the Sea. Only one man is wounded,” Asclepius corrected. “Shall we wager on the outcome?”

  “Release me. I want a better view of the two imbeciles,” Aphrodite demanded. Struggling resulted in the gods tightening their hold. Changing tactics, she blew into Asclepius’ ear. When the god giggled and let go, she nuzzled against Poseidon’s chest.

  “Sorry, beautiful one. The sea nymphs have taught me how to avoid falling under your charms. Snap out of it, Asclepius. I refuse to place a wager if your judgment is impaired.” Poseidon waved a hand in front of the other god’s face without letting go of Aphrodite.

  Asclepius blinked and resumed his hold on Aphrodite.

  A crack of lightning split the colossal wave and water rolled back into the sea.

  “Thank you, Zeus. Now, order my release.” When neither god let go, Aphrodite stamped her foot in frustration.

  Rumbling thunder developed into laughter. Poseidon and Asclepius also found her tantrum amusing.

  “Zeus, show yourself. It has been far too long since I’ve seen your handsome face,” Aphrodite cooed.

  “You really think Zeus will fall under your charm?” Poseidon snorted.

  “Don’t doubt her powers. I heard she influenced his decision to wear—” A bolt of lightning slashed over Asclepius’ head. He leaned closer to Poseidon and whispered something James could not hear.

  Poseidon’s eyebrows rose in interest. “Does his wife know?”

  “Of course. Hera asked for my help in the matter,” Aphrodite boasted. “We agree he looks much better in celadon than in the horrid beige he has worn for years.”

  “Celadon?” both gods questioned.

  “A lovely shade of green. It brings out the color in his eyes,” she added.

  All three burst into laughter.

  “Enough.” Rolling thunder surrounded them. “I’m curious to see the outcome of this mortal fight. I agree with Asclepius. Longworthy is intelligent and experienced in battle. Although, with your trident against him, the odds are not in his favor,” Zeus rumbled, still concealing himself.

  “I’ll show you the power of my trident.” Poseidon snapped his fingers.

  Suddenly, James regained control over his body and focused on the pirate, also able to move.

  “Kill him and get me my jewels,” Aphrodite screamed.

  Kadir jabbed the trident at James, who pitched to the left and escaped the razor sharp tines. He growled and swiped again, this time at the knees.

  James leapt into the air and slammed a fist to Kadir’s jaw while keeping the dagger ready to ward off the trident. The pirate fell face first to the ground. He cautiously approached as the trident glowed in Kadir’s hands. It wedged under the pirate and lifted him to his feet.

  “Unjust, helping the mortal,” Asclepius cried.

  “I don’t care who you help. End the fight so I can have my jewels,” Aphrodite whined.

  James grabbed hold of the trident with his free hand. To his surprise, Kadir had recovered and reached for the dagger. The two locked into a physical standoff.

  “With hands on each other’s weapon, the strongest man will win,” Poseidon declared. “I bet on Kadir.” He tossed a gold coin into the air. Instead of falling to the ground, it hovered over the pirate’s head.

  “I remain with Longworthy,” Asclepius dug into his robes and flung his own coin to the sky. It hung a few inches above James.

  James felt his muscles twinge. Sweat poured into his eyes. Despite his best efforts, Kadir manhandled the dagger’s point to his throat. Brute strength overpowered James. The tip of the dagger pierced his neck. Unable to push his foe away, he twisted Kadir’s wrist so the flat of the blade pressed against his bleeding throat.

  The cut sizzled.

  Kadir narrowed his eyes and let go of the dagger, gripping the trident with both hands.

  “It’s a healing blade, Kadir. You cannot beat me,” James warned in a low voice.

  “Tricks. All of this. All of them.” Kadir flicked his eyes to the gods and back. “You claim to be a gentleman. Fight fair.”

  James leaned closer. “You’re hurt. Allow me to heal you with the dagger to make the fight fair.”

  “Another trick,” Kadir sneered.

  “You witnessed the healing of my arm and neck.” James slowly raised the dagger.

  Kadir touched the tines of the trident to James’ chest. “If the blade doesn’t heal my arm, I will kill you.”

  James nodded and eased the dagger on Kadir’s wrist. Within seconds, not a scar remained.

  “You’re a man of your word, Longworthy. Now, prepare to die.” Kadir lifted pressure off the trident, but did not remove it from James’ chest.

  “I refuse to kill a man who saved my life.”

  Kadir rolled his eyes.

  “Enough idle chatter. Kill him, Kadir,” Aphrodite commanded.

  James leaned closer. “Are you going to let a woman tell you what to do?”

  “She is rather lovely,” Kadir considered with a tilt of his head.

  “The gods are placing bets as if we’re animals. I refuse to be their entertainment,” James continued.

  “Longworthy is up to something.” Asclepius tossed additional coins into the air.

  Poseidon roared, “He’s as weak as Kadir is stupid. I see your bet.”

  Kadir growled.

  James pressed forward. He winced when the trident’s tines pierced his coat. “The gods are the fools. We can beat them at their own game.”

  “Good-bye, Captain Longworthy.”

  James closed his eyes in defeat.

  As the trident plunged into his chest and he dropped to the ground, Gretchen’s scream filled his ears.

  Chapter 19

  No More Pain

  Sam Entwined Within James

  “We have a winner,” Poseidon declared. A clap of thunder reverberated through the first traces of dawn.

  “Longworthy’s not dead,” Asclepius countered.

  “True.” Kadir placed a shiny black boot against James’ shoulder and glanced at his victim. He winked before straightening. “I assure you his wounds are fatal.” He yanked the trident out and held it above his head in victory.

  Excruciating pain blinded James. He pressed his forearm against three gaping holes. Blood seeped through his shirt and over his arm. With his next breath he coughed, spitting blood in between futile gasps of air.

  The dagger. Where is the dagger?

  “Finish him,” Aphrodite cried.

  “A gentleman does not strike a downed man,” Kadir lowered his gaze to James.

  “What kind of a pirate are you? Kill him.” Aphrodite’s shrill voice filled the air.

  “Enough.” Poseidon raised his right hand and the trident floated to his outstretched fingers. All of the suspended coins sailed to his left hand. “The treasure is yours, Kadir.”

  Lightning struck the ground in confirmation.

  James rolled on his side and saw the mystical force release Gretchen. His vision blurred as she ran to him. He fought the urge to close his eyes forever.

  “James, stay with me.” Gretchen gently cradled his head in her hands.

  Her touch gave him the will to fight.

  “Kadir, dagger—”

  “Shh, don’t try to talk. You’ll be
all right.” Her hands shook in contradiction.

  “I believe those jewels are no longer yours.” Kadir reached for the diamonds around Gretchen’s wrist. Golden sparks shot from the bracelet. He recoiled in horror.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Aphrodite demanded.

  James watched the lovely goddess approach and wrap her fingers around Gretchen’s wrist. Flames hissed from the jewels.

  She screeched in agony and fled to Asclepius’ side.

  Lightning ripped through the air.

  Poseidon cleared his throat. “Brother, show yourself.”

  The skies rumbled. Rolling thunder evolved into ominous laughter. Behind Aphrodite, light glimmered and formed into an immense, musclebound man clothed in green robes.

  James gripped Gretchen’s sleeve and pulled her close in a feeble attempt to protect her from the most powerful and feared god.

  Seemingly unaware of Zeus’ presence, Aphrodite placed her hands on her hips. “He has absolutely no right to keep me from—”

  “Celadon?” Zeus roared.

  Aphrodite winced.

  Zeus stepped to the center of the group in a dazzling display of power. Lightning crackled from his fingertips as he spread his arms wide. “Beautiful one, you tricked me into agreeing to change the color of my wardrobe for the next millennium. Celadon is not a color of power and might. It is a shade of green. Hera knows how much I despise the color.” His voice shook James’ entire body.

  “A lovely shade it is and powerful you are.” Aphrodite batted her eyes.

  Poseidon and Asclepius stifled laughter.

  “I don’t see the humor in being ridiculed for falling under your charms and being tricked by my wife.” He flicked his arms in front of his robes. “I cannot change colors for another thousand years. This will cost you your jewels.”

  Aphrodite’s bottom lip quivered.

  Zeus fisted huge hands on his hips. Bolts of lightning encircled the goddess. “Aphrodite, you will come with me for a visit with my wife. We need to discuss what else you two have been up to.”

  Blinding light flashed and a gust of wind slammed the island. James clung to Gretchen as debris flew through the air. When the dust settled, Zeus and Aphrodite were gone.

  James slumped into Gretchen’s embrace. The pain had diminished along with his ability to remain coherent. When her hand stroked his face a burning sensation seared his cheek.

  Gretchen jerked back and attempted to remove the jewelry in vain. Without her touch, James felt his life slip away. His head lolled to the side. Through blurry vision, he watched Kadir pick up the dagger.

  “Kadir.” James locked eyes with the pirate.

  “Longworthy shall be buried at sea,” Poseidon commanded.

  Kadir lurched to attention and inconspicuously held the blade behind his back. “Of course.”

  “I must take care of some nonsense.” Poseidon sighed and stared over the sea. “Asclepius, once you wipe Kadir and Mrs. Longworthy’s memories, meet me at Mount Tinos. Mermaids are causing trouble off shore and I may need your help since a human is involved.” A tidal wave rose from calm waters and lifted the god into the air.

  “Of course.” Asclepius waved as Poseidon disappeared into the sea.

  A sudden stillness settled over James.

  Asclepius approached Kadir. “See to it that no one harms Mrs. Longworthy. I’ll be watching.” He held out his hand and Kadir returned the dagger to him with empty eyes. Without a glance in James’ direction, the god disappeared behind the third column.

  James witnessed Gretchen’s face take on an emotionless expression similar to Kadir’s. He tangled his fingers into her hair and tugged her head to his with every bit of strength he could muster. “I need Asclepius’s dagger.”

  “James? My God, what happened?” She spun at the sound of a key turning in the lock of the treasure chest. She ripped a section of his shirt and pressed it against his wounds. “Where are we? What is the pirate doing here?”

  James realized her memory of recent events had vanished. He craned his neck to see Kadir stacking gold pieces on a flat rock.

  “Ten, twenty, thirty, there must be over a hundred.” Kadir pulled fistfuls of gold from the chest. “All mine!”

  James grasped Gretchen’s hand and slipped three rings from her fingers. “Exchange these for gold coins.”

  “I don’t understand, the rings are not mine. Neither are the necklaces.” Gretchen’s face paled. “The bleeding won’t stop.”

  “I need the dagger. Get some gold coins and toss them above my head.” He thrust the rings into her hands.

  “James, you’re delirious.” Gretchen tore a piece of cloth from his pant leg and wadded it into a bandage.

  “Bribe Asclepius to return.” James pleaded. “Trade the rings for a couple pieces of gold.”

  “My gold?” Kadir stepped in front of the chest to block their view. His squinty eyes lowered to James’ abdomen. A satisfied smirk spread across his scarred face. “Captain Longworthy, you look quite dreadful. May I be of some assistance?”

  “He needs medical attention. Have you any experience?” Gretchen gathered James into a protective embrace.

  “Gold. I need ten pieces. Take the rings. Her necklaces too.” He nodded to Gretchen who removed three necklaces, all studded with diamonds and precious gems.

  Kadir accepted the jewelry and eyed the diamond bracelets gracing her wrists. “Three gold pieces for the rings and necklaces?”

  “Three.” James confirmed the deal. “Hand them to my wife.”

  Kadir scampered to his piles of gold and picked up three coins. He returned to them and bowed to Gretchen. “I fear your husband will not survive. Allow me see to your safe return home in exchange for your bracelets.”

  “James will be fine. His men are near. I have no need of your assistance.”

  James felt Gretchen tremble despite her words.

  “Suit yourself. Here are your coins.” He tossed three gold pieces to the ground and swaggered to the chest with the rings and necklaces.

  “Get the coins,” James gasped. “Toss them in the air.”

  “Gold won’t help you.”

  “Do it,” he cried through gritted teeth.

  Gretchen’s eyes filled with tears. She grabbed a coin and threw it above his head. Instead of falling, it hovered. She quickly tossed the other two. A silver essence swirled around the coins until they disappeared in thin air.

  James scanned for the dagger and found nothing. His last bit of strength dispersed and defeat filled him.

  “I will always love you.” He breathed his last and awaited death to take him.

  “James? James!” Gretchen’s voice rang in his ears. “What do I do with this?”

  He felt pain no more.

  Chapter 20

  Torn Asunder

  Sam Entwined Within James

  “Please, wake up.” Gretchen’s voice sounded muffled, yet he could feel warm breath on his cheek. When her lips trailed kisses across his forehead, his chest shuddered and air filled his lungs. Two breaths later, he opened his eyes.

  “What just happened?” she whispered.

  “You saved my life with the dagger,” he responded. “Who gave it to you?”

  “It appeared in my hand and somehow I knew I had to touch it to your wounds. James, I don’t understand.” She tossed the blade to the ground as if it were possessed.

  “What’s going on?” Kadir demanded from behind her. His face crinkled. “Longworthy? Why are you not dead?” He eyed the jewel-studded dagger and scrambled to it.

  “Your wounds, they’re disappearing,” Gretchen examined James’ side. “I must be dreaming.”

  “I’m fine. The dagger is very powerful.” He watched Kadir admire the bla
de. “Take care to return it to Asclepius, my friend,” he announced and stood beside Gretchen. “Take the treasure, the jewels, and the dagger. I only ask for you to allow me to return to my ship safely with my wife.”

  “Done.” Kadir spun on his heel. He scooped the stacks of gold and tossed them inside the chest. The key clicked inside the lock.

  A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky and struck the chest. Kadir flew to the ground next to James’ feet. Thunder roared through the air.

  “Gods do not like to be tricked,” Asclepius boomed from beside the second pillar.

  Gretchen and James watched the god pocket three gold coins.

  “They placed us in a situation neither of us desired.” James positioned himself between the god and Gretchen.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” When neither Asclepius nor James responded to Kadir, he shrugged. “No matter. I’ll be returning to my ship.”

  Lightning danced across the sky and encompassed the chest. The heavy treasure levitated and floated to Asclepius’ outstretched hand.

  “The three of you have disturbed sacred land and attempted to steal gold and jewels belonging to Zeus,” the god accused.

  Gretchen’s attention snapped to James. Her eyes demanded answers to several unasked questions.

  “The following has been decreed. James, because of your trickery and deceit you will be sent to Purgatory-In-Tartarus upon death and take on the appearance of an old man.” He winked and whispered, “There are ways of escaping.” Straightening, he continued in a loud voice, “For now, you each will receive what the other desires. You will be separated and the treasure will be hidden. Once the gold and jewels are acceptably concealed and a map of clues created, the gods will allow you to cross paths. When you meet, a fight to death will occur.” He faced each man. “This time, one of you will die. The winner takes all.” Asclepius gripped Gretchen’s hand.