Souls Endure (The Souls Trilogy Book 3)

by Anne B. Cole

  “What is going on?” Katarina demanded.

  “He is being judged,” Sam announced. A thought jumped into his head. “Say ya. Why didn’t I think of the password before?” He ran to the edge and waved his arms at the pirate. “Say ya! Kadir, tell Gretta, ‘say ya’ and she will trust you.”

  The judges stepped away and dissolved within the mist.

  Kadir began screaming in terror.

  “Rats?” Peter questioned. Dozens of the vile critters swarmed over the pirate’s spirit. “The great Kadir Haty is afraid of rats?”

  “Tell Gretta, ‘say ya’,” Sam yelled.

  The rats began gnawing on Kadir’s spirit, tumbling him into the depth of Tartarus.

  “He didn’t hear me.”

  Chapter 37

  Trust and Forgiveness

  Gretta

  Terror seized Gretta within the depths of Tartarus. Her fear tripled when Lorenzo’s hand slipped from hers. She watched his spirit salute seconds before his naval ship exploded. Diving into the murky water, she searched for him below and above the surface. Smoke and debris surrounded her.

  The air cleared and she found herself at the racetrack in turn four. The Forty-One car slammed into the wall and burst into flames.

  “No!” She jumped the fence and skidded to a halt when the racecar changed into her father’s sedan. Flames billowed from mangled metal. She ran to what was left of the car’s driver side. Her father’s broken body stared at her with unseeing eyes. “Dad!”

  “Shut up, ye stupid girl.” Dirty, ringed fingers grasped her shoulders from behind.

  Deep fear shuddered through her spirit. Gretta broke free and ran blindly, terrified of the pirate who chased her.

  “Gretta, please stop.” The voice sounded so much like Sam’s.

  She glanced over her shoulder.

  A man with black, stringy hair gasped, holding his side a few steps away.

  Kadir Haty.

  She found herself standing at the top of the mountain in Virginia, near the edge of the lookout point.

  Jump or face the pirate.

  “Come with me,” he cried and held a hand to her. A gold watch glistened in the fading sunlight.

  “Sam?” Gretta stared at Theo’s watch.

  “I’ll take you to him.” Kadir Haty stepped closer as rats swarmed his feet.

  Gretta shrieked as he approached. Shiny black boots kicked at the scuttling critters. Despite her intense fear of heights, she jumped over the cliff.

  Falling alongside the cliff, the sun set over the sea. Beneath her, waves crashed over jagged boulders. Shadows surrounded her and she groped in the darkness for anything to slow her downward spiral. A limp hand grazed her cheek. She clutched it and felt familiar callouses.

  “Sam?” She brought fingers to her lips and kissed his knuckles. His head flopped in her direction. Dead eyes met hers. A putrid smell brought her attention to his shoulder. The red-streaked incision oozed bloody fluid. “No, this isn’t real. You survived the infection.”

  “The American is waiting for you.”

  Sam disappeared and Kadir’s spirit materialized in front of her. “Stop following me. I’m not afraid of you,” she lied. Finding her feet on firm ground, she fled.

  “Please, just stay still for one bloody minute.” Kadir raced after her.

  Gretta peeked over her shoulder and caught sight of him swiping more rats off his boots. Girlish shrieks escaped his lips when they sank teeth into his legs. She ran on. His cries faded in the distance. When felt she had lost him, she stopped and scanned the tormented spirits around her. Sam appeared at her side. She fell into his embrace, exhausted.

  “Escape from Tartarus through trust and forgiveness spoken.” Kadir’s voice reverberated inside her head.

  She raised her gaze to coal black eyes. Kadir’s hair fell in ringlets to his shoulders. Her screams bounced off his chest. “Let me go, you’re not Sam. Stay away from me.” She struggled against his hold.

  Kadir shook her in frustration. “I’m your passage out of this place. Let go of your fear and look at me.”

  Gretta squeezed her eyes closed.

  “Damn it, girl. Look at my face,” Kadir roared, releasing one of his hands to swat a rat crawling up his arm. “Lorenzo and Sam beat me for what I did to Anya.”

  She peered at him. He sported two blackened eyes and bruised cheeks. Dried blood encrusted his split lip. She shook her head in refusal and collapsed to the ground in an effort to escape his hold.

  Kadir groaned and fell next to her. Rats dove through his hair and crawled into his shirt. He shook one arm free of the varmints and shoved his wrist to her face. “Your Sam gave me this watch to prove to you I’m telling the truth.”

  Gretta recognized the timepiece. Anger replaced her fear. “Sam never takes the watch off. What did you do to my husband?”

  “What did I do to him?” Kadir sneered. “Did you not see what the fool of an American did to me? I attacked one girl and get beaten by two men.” He rolled his eyes in frustration. “Fine. Don’t believe me. Continue to suffer while you witness your loved ones die. Let me know when you come to your senses. I’ll be dealing with these despicable rats.”

  She watched the pirate storm away followed by scores of rats scampering after him. They dragged him to the ground and swarmed his body. Screams pierced the air as they feasted on his flesh. She witnessed the horror of being eaten alive. Terror overtook her soul and she found herself falling. Desperate souls, rats, and Kadir’s remains bumped into her as she spiraled downward.

  Her spine smacked against a hard packed dirt floor. Kadir appeared above her, tore her dress, and ogled her chest.

  “Get off me,” she cried and squeezed her eyes closed, not wanting to witness Theo slitting Kadir’s throat.

  Fingers pried her eyes open. “Forgive me and I can take you back to Lorenzo.”

  Kadir’s head snapped backward and a shiny blade ripped a gash from one side of his neck to the other. Blood poured from the wound. Gretta screamed and found herself running on the island of Milos. Within seconds, she reached the cliff.

  Afraid to live, afraid to die, her bare feet clung to the edge.

  “They told me to repeat the prophecy,” Kadir panted. “Escape from Tartarus through trust and forgiveness spoken.”

  “What’s the password?” she demanded.

  Kadir sighed and plucked two rats from his back. “Trust and forgiveness spoken.”

  “I will only trust you if you tell me Sam’s password,” she curled her toes over the side.

  “I don’t know what you’re squabbling about. Take my hand.” Kadir eased forward. The rats followed.

  “I’ll never forgive you.” Gretta jumped to get away, but he grabbed her ankle. Her body jerked to a halt and slammed against the side of the cliff. Ringed fingers tangled in her hair. Kadir hung over the edge beside her and lifted her face to his. Rats clung to him by their teeth and scrambling claws.

  “Say ya. I heard the American cry, ‘Say ya.’” Kadir writhed in agony. The rats continued to chew and his grasp slipped.

  Gretta finally comprehended his words and batted the varmints off his face.

  “I forgive you. Take me to Sam.”

  “Do you trust me?” He dragged her upper body over the edge to solid ground.

  “Yes.”

  The jeweled dagger sliced into his throat.

  Chapter 38

  Father

  Gretta

  “Get off me!” Gretta squirmed out from under the dead pirate. Sand stuck to her hands and face. Needing to rid herself of his blood, she ran to the shoreline and dropped to her knees. Water rushed over her legs. She thrust her hands in and splashed her face. With the final drop of blood rinsed away, the gentle wave ease
d back to the sea, leaving her kneeling in soft cool sand.

  No blood.

  No fear.

  No pirate?

  She cautiously peeked over her shoulder. Kadir Haty stood directly behind her. “Damn, I’m still in Tartarus.”

  Kadir’s black eyes darted, scanning the island. “Are the rats gone?”

  “They are gone.” She watched him collapse to his knees. Needing distance from the pirate, she stepped away from the water.

  “No more rats means we escaped Tartarus. Bloody amazing.” He stood and raised fisted hands to the air. “I’m free. Peter will allow me to leave once I deliver you to him.”

  Gretta sidestepped his advance. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” No longer afraid, she stood her ground. “Bring Peter here.”

  “Of course. Right away.” His face lit with excitement and he hurried into the distance. “Wait.” Spinning around, he called to her. “Where are we?”

  Gretta sighed. “I have no idea.”

  With a frown, Kadir placed a hand on the hilt of his sword and strode to higher ground.

  She clambered up the rocky slope after him.

  “A small island, little vegetation, ruins. From here, I can see another island.” He pointed across the sea. “And another in the opposite direction. If I’m not mistaken, there will be a lake ahead. Let’s head inland.” He began scrambling over and around stone ruins.

  Gretta followed, maintaining more than an arm’s length from him. Storm clouds rolled in and darkness swept the barren island. They trudged through taller ruins. “These look familiar.”

  “Familiar, but not. I thought we were on Delos. But if we were, there would be a lake here.” Kadir scuffed his boot into dry ground.

  “You’re right. There was a lake here in the early 1800s.” She stepped around Kadir and rested a hand on a weathered statue. “This island is Delos. Gretchen Longworthy hid behind these lions.”

  Lightning lit the western skies, casting an eerie shadow on the ruins.

  Ringed fingers grabbed her arm.

  “How do you know Gretchen Longworthy?”

  “Let. Go. Of. Me.”

  With wide eyes, he obeyed.

  “You killed Gretchen and her husband, James. Their unborn baby, too. How many more innocent lives did you take?” Gretta poked him in the chest. “How many women did you rape?”

  “I-I didn’t rape Anya. I admit, I killed a few men.”

  “A few?” Gretta folded her arms across her chest.

  “Quite a few men, but only one woman and it was completely unintentional,” Kadir implored and sank to his knees.

  Gretta watched his tough guy façade melt away.

  “I became infatuated with Gretchen’s courage. Strong and beautiful. She was like no other. And I killed her.” He sighed. “Similarities in Anya attracted me to her. I wanted the girl even though she was nothing compared to Gretchen.”

  She watched his pained expression change to realization.

  “Katarina told me your spirit resided in Anya. You were within Gretchen, too.” He looked into the distance and a silly smile formed on his scarred face. “Beautiful.”

  Gretta stepped around him. “Keep your distance, Kadir. Just because you saved me from Tartarus doesn’t mean I’m automatically yours.” Shivers ran through her. Lightning crackled, illuminating four white columns in the near distance. “The Meeting Hall of the Poseidoniast is ahead. We can rest there and figure out a way to contact Roxana or Katarina.”

  “Lovely goddess, how may I serve you?”

  “Knock it off. I want to get out of here before it storms.” When he didn’t respond, frustration filled her. “Kadir?”

  “I like a man who takes his time.”

  The familiar tinkling voice sang in Gretta’s ears. She spun and faced Kadir, proudly escorting Aphrodite in her direction.

  “You like a man you can control,” another voice boomed.

  Gretta’s attempt to stifle her shriek failed. Stumbling, she slipped on loose rocks and landed on her backside. From this position, she eyed both Aphrodite and the handsome, yet angered, newcomer.

  “Correct, Poseidon,” Aphrodite cooed. Kadir gathered her trailing gown when she waltzed around a low rock wall and up to the second pillar.

  “You may be able to enchant this bumbling pirate, but not me. What do you intend to do with this, Lubber?” the water god questioned.

  Gretta watched Kadir’s eyes widen and shift uneasily from one person to another.

  “I believe Kadir Haty has become quite the hero to our mutual friend.” Another man stepped from behind the third pillar into the last traces of twilight.

  “Who are you talking about, Asclepius?” Poseidon squared his massive shoulders in her direction. “Ah, the unborn’s mother escaped the Underworld.”

  Gretta raised her gaze to Poseidon. Wavy, sun bleached hair framed a tanned face. His displeasure with Aphrodite dispersed, replaced with a sly grin. Her naughty eyes skimmed across his bare chest and bulging biceps. She felt saliva pool in her mouth.

  As if Poseidon read her thoughts, he flexed his arms and offered a hand. “Allow me to escort you.” He guided her to the rest of the group, assembled among the pillars.

  “Let’s discuss your visit with Hades. I hope it wasn’t too unpleasant.” Asclepius motioned to a group of ruins which magically formed into chairs.

  Lightning cut the skies followed by a tremendous clap of thunder. All heads snapped to the heavens, except for Kadir’s. Gretta watched him slink from Aphrodite’s side into the shadows.

  “Show yourself, Brother,” Poseidon announced. In a quieter voice he added, “No wisecracks, Asclepius. Hera had a little fun yesterday.”

  Gretta took notice of Asclepius’ raised brow and Aphrodite’s attempt to squelch a giggle.

  “Going somewhere, Lubber?” A bolt of lightning blasted the sand at Kadir’s boot. “I believe Poseidon lost a few drachmas due to your inadequacy in finding Longworthy’s book.” A second bolt of lightning zapped directly in front of Kadir, causing him to trot to Gretta’s side.

  “Join us, Brother. We have much to discuss with the mortal woman’s return from the Underworld.” Poseidon placed one finger to his lips in warning to the others.

  A blinding streak of electricity encircled the group. When Gretta’s eyes recovered from the glare, Zeus stood among them. A tiny giggle escaped her lips before ringed fingers clasped over her mouth.

  Aphrodite burst out in laughter. “Zeus, it’s been much too long since I’ve last been graced with your colorful presence.” Within seconds, Zeus lost interest in Gretta and centered his attention on the goddess in white.

  “Control yourself,” Kadir whispered in Gretta’s ear. “With this distraction we may be able to slip away.”

  For once, Kadir’s grip on her didn’t spread fear through her soul. She contained her laughter and nodded silently.

  “Love the new look, Zeus.” Asclepius fell into a coughing fit.

  “Who is your stylist? I must have his name.” Aphrodite ran her fingers through Zeus’ curled locks of bright orange, neon green, and hot pink. Static energy sparkled off the fierce god, illuminating him in a rainbow of dazzling color.

  “I’ll take you to Fernando, although your beauty is in no need of his talents.” Zeus kissed her hand, pouring a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues over her pristine gown.

  “Brother, we have important matters to address.” Poseidon stepped forward. “Gretta has returned from the Underworld. Fortunately, the unborn remains with her. We must protect him from slipping out of our hands and into Hades’.”

  “Her,” Aphrodite corrected.

  “Tell us, Gretta. How did you escape?” Asclepius queried.

  Kadir slowly removed his hand from her mou
th and stepped into the shadows.

  “Not so fast, Lubber. I lost a hefty sum on your failures.” Poseidon pointed to Gretta’s side.

  Kadir scuttled next to her.

  Poseidon moved his focus to Gretta. “Tell us. How is my wicked brother?”

  “I—we met Hades and Queen Persephone. They recognized my child’s potential and made plans for Persephone to raise him or her during her allotted time out of the Underworld. Since she has six days remaining before her release, he tossed me into Tartarus for safekeeping.”

  “How dare he attempt to raise a child? It is forbidden,” Zeus roared, spraying a shower of colorful essence through the skies.

  Aphrodite giggled. Poseidon rolled his eyes.

  “It’s forbidden for any of you to raise a child,” Asclepius retorted.

  “Forbidden to sire, not nurture a child,” Poseidon corrected.

  “We must keep the unborn from Hades’ depths.” Zeus made it a declaration.

  All nodded in agreement.

  “The window remains open for Gretta to return to her human existence.” Asclepius gestured in the distance to her lifeless body next to Sam’s. “Being alive would keep the unborn from entering Hades’ domain.”

  “I agree, but the offspring would need protection, a father figure.” Aphrodite stroked her fingers through Zeus’ hair. Her attention zeroed in on Gretta’s midriff before shifting to Kadir. “Send the pirate to father the child. He will do anything I ask.”

  “Lubber? This scoundrel proved his inability to accomplish the simplest task.” Poseidon’s growl made Kadir cower.

  “My husband will protect my baby.” Gretta faced Asclepius in desperation. “Please, help me rescue Sam from Tartarus.”

  “Your beloved husband isn’t there, stupid girl.” Aphrodite laughed. “Kadir will be an excellent foster father.”