As she reached for the next handhold, her foot missed the crevice she had aimed for, and her legs went into space. Heart pounding, she swung, holding on with her upper body until she gained a foothold again. Clinging to the rock face, she rested until her frantic panting slowed. That was close.
After a while, she pulled herself over the ledge. I’m okay. A little bruised from scraping my feet, but my injuries will heal as soon as I reach water.
With trembling muscles, she struggled to stand. The terrain is more level here which should make for easier going. Though flat, the ground was a weird orange color, still desert dry. Nothing grew. Rocks littered the ground, most about the size of her fist, though some were massive, and some were no more than pebbles. The landscape continued this way for as far as she could see. Nothing living. No birds or insects. The pervasive silence strained her nerves. How can Thorne climb such a steep rock face? But I can’t make sure he’s all right. I’ll keep faith that he’s following me.
Though the temptation to check for Thorne’s whereabouts pulled at her, she forced herself to stride forward. If he’s not there, Gelion violated the agreement. If that’s the case, I can go back and insist he free my mentor.
For a few minutes, she progressed with no incidents, but her thirst grew, and her muscles cramped repeatedly. This dress isn’t helping any. The black absorbs heat, and the crystals reflect the glare into my eyes.
As if in response to her thought, the garment given to her by Styx transformed into a white reflective robe, like ones worn by Bedouins in the desert. The fabric cooled her and made the temperature more bearable. A little less miserable overall, she turned her attention to her scraped and swollen feet. These sharp stones are shredding my feet. “I wish she’d added shoes, too.”
The hem caught on a rock. As she pulled on it, two pieces tore off the cloth. That’s good. Once I figure out how to make them stay on, these will protect my feet. She sat and wrapped one around her right foot. The material molded to it and clung as if with Velcro. Perfect. She covered the other foot, and the material stuck on that one as well. No more scrapes. She stood. The charmed fabric provided a cushion for her feet and eased the pain in her legs and back. She sighed. So much better.
Would this become a flying carpet if I asked? “Um, Styx, if you can hear me, I would love a ride.”
As she trudged along, she eyed the robe. Nothing. Well, it was worth a try. At least walking is a lot less difficult.
Tilting her head to listen for Thorne behind her, she continued on. Not a sound, but I can’t judge by hearing.
When she reached a fork, she stopped. Both roads look alike. No markers, no indication anyone uses one more than the other.
A fetid odor like garbage mixed with death wafted to her. Goddess, what an awful stench. Until now, this place was so sterile I thought nothing had ever lived here, but this reeks worse than a human landfill.
For the first time in a while, something besides her own footsteps disturbed the silence. A noise like helicopter blades thumped in her ears. Open-mouthed, she stared at the sky. An immense flying creature approached her. What is that thing?
A nude full-breasted figure with wings twice the length of the body landed. The half human, half bird had fingers and toes that ended in clawed talons. The hair was so matted it made a nest, and the foul smell emanated from it. As she approached, the miasma intensified.
Though Athenia covered her mouth and nose, her eyes streamed from the noxious fumes, and her stomach clenched. Goddess protect me.
The creature screeched a caw that grated, not only in Athenia’s ears, but over her entire body.
When the bird thing landed beside her, Athenia froze. What does it want? Cautiously, she held her hands out, palms open, to show she wasn’t a threat.
The creature cocked its head. “What is this? A human in the land of the dead?” It peered behind Athenia. “With a shade following, if I can believe my eyes. Who are you?”
Despite the disgusting and frightening monster in front of her, Athenia’s heart leaped. Thorne is behind me, but in spirit form. I’ll figure out what to do about that when we reach the surface, but at least he’s there. Thank you, goddess.
The creature extended a spiked claw toward her. “Can you speak?”
Athenia backed away. “My name is Athenia. What are you?”
It preened. “I’m a harpy. You must have heard of us.”
Oh, yes, I should have recognized it. She bowed. The harpy seems proud of what it is. Maybe if I show respect, it’ll let me be on my way. “Yes, indeed. All Nerei know of you.”
Its gaze sharpened. “Ah, so that’s what you are. Our kind bears no issues with yours. You may pass.”
Goddess be praised. Athenia took a step.
The harpy moved to bar her way. “However, I must take your lovely robe.”
I can’t give her my garment. I need its protection. Besides, I’ll bet Styx wouldn’t want this thing to possess it. Athenia folded her arms across her chest. “You can’t take it.”
The harpy screeched, blasting terrible breath into Athenia’s face. With its powerful wings, it knocked her to the ground, which drove the air from her lungs. Lying in a heap, she tried to simultaneously inhale and keep the contents of her stomach down.
The bird-human hybrid stalked to her, then hooked the robe with a claw, reared back, and tore a hole in the fabric.
Fighting to control her lungs, Athenia hummed, amplifying the sound as she regained the capacity to sing. First, she tried a soothing lullaby.
The harpy stopped pulling.
Next, Athenia increased her range, adding notes of contentment and happiness.
The halfling removed its talon and settled to its haunches, tilting its head left, then right in a birdlike gesture.
Athenia sang on, but she changed her song to one of yearning for home and fear of something happening to a nest. As she continued, the harpy’s eyes widened, its feathers ruffled.
When the tune reached a crescendo, the harpy flapped its wings and beat against the air, rising and flying away.
Athenia sagged. I did it.
When the adrenaline drained away and she stopped shaking, she rose and started walking again.
The harpy took off toward the left, so I’ll go right. I don’t want to run into it again.
She took a few steps down the path. As she scanned the sky to make sure the harpy didn’t come back, she caught her foot on a bowling ball sized rock that she somehow hadn’t noticed.
She tripped and fell. When she hit the ground, she rolled. Without meaning to, she turned her head and glanced behind her. A spike of pure terror pierced her. “No, no. This can’t happen.”
Transparent and ghostly, Thorne’s shade stood behind her. For a moment, he reached for her, but then he faded. As if pulled by some unseen force, he moved backward, farther and farther from her until he disappeared.
“No.” She howled in pain and grief. “That was an accident. You can’t take him. I didn’t mean it.”
Only her voice echoed back to her.
“Gelion, come here. I want to talk to you.” I’ll convince him. I’ll make another deal with him, something, anything to save Thorne.
Nothing. What can I offer him? Now, he’ll own me, body and soul, I’ll be compelled to do anything he orders me to do, and Thorne is lost too. This is the end. I failed.
Though she sobbed, no tears came. She was too dehydrated to produce them. Thinking back on the entire experience, she accepted the bitter truth. All of it was my fault. I was destined to fail. The moment he met me Thorne was doomed to this, because I’m nothing but a menace. It’s for the best I remain in Hell. This is where I belong.
ΨΨΨ
When Gelion appeared, she didn’t stand or try to defy him. Utterly defeated, she sat staring dully at the ground with bowed head. “Go ahead and take my soul. This is the fate I deserve.”
Gelion took her hands and eased her to her feet. “Don’t look so dejected, my dear. Hell
won’t be as bad as you think.”
Forcing words through her aching throat, she asked, “Will you let Thorne go? That will make this whole debacle bearable for me. I would…” Sagging, she wrapped her arms around her middle. After a second, though, she stood tall. “I would cooperate. Otherwise, I’ll resist every single thing you ask me to do with every fiber of my being.”
“Hmm…it would be much easier for me if you’d go along willingly with what I ask. Also, I like you better proud and feisty, but you’re too intelligent. Without Thorne to keep you here, I’m afraid you’ll figure out a way to escape.”
Though weary, she forced her expression into a fierce frown. “I promise I won’t try to leave if you let him go. If you don’t, I’ll spend every second plotting a breakout.”
Gelion pursed his lips. “I’ll think about your request. In the meantime, sing me the same siren song you gifted me before. I loved that sound. So did all the denizens of my kingdom. Such a peaceful day. No revolts or assaults. Almost Heaven.” He smirked.
Smart ass. “All right.” Imbuing her melody with every ounce of enchantment she possessed, she sang. A moving enough aria might convince him to let Thorne go.
With arms folded, Gelion leaned against a rock. As before, many of Hell’s creatures ventured out as she sang.
On his short bulldog legs Cerberus padded from a cave.
Her pulse flaring, Athenia eyed him until he whined and lay down.
Demons, which looked almost human until she noticed their clawed feet, slunk from behind rocks and sat in front of her, forming a bizarre but attentive audience.
Shades gathered at the back of the crowd, the spirits of the dead so transparent they were little more than outlines. She craned her neck, trying to find Thorne, but didn’t see him.
From above, Satyrs on their nimble cloven hooves picked their way down toward her. Short horns poked from thick, shoulder-length hair. Their upper bodies, male and of human form, were muscled and taut. If not for their goat-like lower halves, they might be romance novel cover models.
Preceded by a foul odor, the harpy flew to the clearing and landed. Every being there moved as far away as possible. Some gagged.
The hybrid didn’t appear to notice.
I’ll bet it does care though. And I should think of the creature as “she” not “it”. Obviously, she’s female. Clearly, she feels emotions, too. Athenia’s heart melted a little. The poor thing can’t help the way she is. I know what being an outcast is like.
She infused a little extra tolerance and love into her voice. Some smiled and made room for the bird woman among them. At least, I helped her a little. With a feedback loop, she tried to make the goodwill permanent. I can’t predict how long the effect will last, but a little time is better than nothing.
She surveyed the assembly. Some of them might make good allies. Guess I should think about collaborating since I’m going to be here forever. Sadness overwhelmed her, and her throat clogged. The melody drifted to an end. “I can’t go on anymore now. Can I have some water to drink and to rejuvenate? I’m dehydrated to the point where I’m weak and shaky.”
Gelion stood. “I’ll provide you with a beverage and something to rehydrate you without submerging in water. Swimming isn’t possible here.”
She sneered. “Can’t you do anything you want since you’re the king of Hell?”
He fisted his hands. “Why do you think I’m so determined to obtain your talents? If I had unlimited power, I wouldn’t need yours. Suffice to say no one wants to stay here or obey my rules. Coup attempts occur all the time. Though none have succeeded in the eons since we arrived, the possibility exists. I’m always searching for ways to secure my eminence.”
“Sounds like a miserable way to live, constantly paranoid about who’s conspiring against you.”
He grimaced. “Since I’m stuck here like everyone else, I make the best of things. Believe me, I’m anticipating the rare pleasure of draining you.” He leered at her.
She winced. Goddess help me endure.
“Now, rest. When you’re rejuvenated, we’ll consummate our agreement. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself, and I’ll totally satisfy you. Maybe for the first time in your life.” He walked away, followed by his subjects.
A table on which sat a silver pitcher filled with liquid, a chalice, and a container of dried, crushed plants materialized in front of her.
Athenia’s thirst roared through her once again, making her dizzy. Grabbing the carafe, she sloshed the contents into the goblet. This may be poison or drugged, but what’s the difference at this point? I’m at Gelion’s mercy, and I doubt there’s much of that. She tasted. Pure, cold water. Like nectar of the gods. In one gulp, she downed the entire cup.
After she poured another glassful, she sipped, forcing herself not to guzzle. As she drank, she examined the additives. They’ve been ground to a fine powder. She picked up the bowl and sniffed. Can’t identify the origin, but I don’t think I’ve encountered anything like this before. Fresh, kind of like cilantro, but more pungent. This must be to help me rejuvenate without immersion.
She sprinkled the contents of the container into her glass and refilled the water. After she stirred a little with her finger, she took a mouthful and rolled it over her tongue. Tangy. Not bad.
When she finished the drink, she set the empty vessel on the little table. It immediately disappeared, taking everything away. Weird, but efficient.
When the concoction hit her stomach, gut spasms bent her over. Holding her belly and moaning, she sank to the ground. Poison.
After a few moments, though, the cramps receded, and Athenia’s thirst abruptly went away. Her skin went from ash colored to a healthy ivory, and her legs quit trembling. I feel so refreshed, like I recently enjoyed a two-hour swim. This is phenomenal. If only I could share this with my people. This infusion is the solution we’ve been seeking for generations. How ironic that I found the answer but can’t give this gift to the Nerei. Even if I do somehow get out of here, I don’t know what the herbs are or where to find more. They may not even grow on earth.
ΨΨΨ
Soft footfalls alerted her to someone approaching. Not Gelion. He doesn’t make any sound, just appears.
She stood and faced the direction of the footsteps. Please, not that horrible hound. Though she shuddered, she squared her shoulders. If so, I’ll deal with him. A lullaby will put him right to sleep.
She sniffed. No noxious odor, so not the harpy. Besides, she flies everywhere.
A tall woman with long, dark hair rounded an enormous boulder. Looks like Delphie. Probably another demon in disguise come to tempt me again for Gelion’s amusement. Not getting fooled a second time.
Athenia perused the being for claws. Always a dead giveaway. However, leather sandals protected delicate feet with manicured toes, light pink, just like Delphie used to wear. I’m not stupid. That can’t be her.
When the woman stopped in front of her, Athenia glared at her. “Don’t bother with the charade. I’m not falling for the ruse again.”
“Athenia, it’s me.”
The likeness to Delphie is amazing, including one of her favorite dresses.
The sheath was a buttery yellow, formfitting cotton with a possibly illegal slit high up the thigh. The top was sleeveless and low at the bust with narrow straps in front to show off her cleavage. In the back, a cutout highlighted her toned shoulder blades and back. The color complemented her skin and hair. Delphie called that her enrapturing dress for impressing a man, human or Nerei.
Athenia raised her arms. I so want to believe this is Delphie, but it’s another trick. Nothing is real here. “Begone demon. You aren’t my sister.”
The Delphie copy hugged Athenia. “I promise, it’s me. I got special permission to come and help you because you gave up.”
Suspicion still swirled in her gut, and Athenia backed away. “If you’re Delphie, prove it. Where did we keep the grimoire?” That question stumped the other de
mon. It’ll probably be too hard for this one, too. She’ll deflect and try to change the subject.
The creature stared into Athenia’s eyes. “In an antique chest in the bedroom, underneath a pile of clothes.”
Joy bubbled through Athenia’s bloodstream like fine champagne. “It is you.” Grabbing her sister, she enfolded her in her arms. Tears poured down her cheeks onto Delphie’s bare shoulder.
“Ugh.” Delphie wiped the spot. “No offence, but that’s disgusting, sis.”
Athenia stepped back. “But how can this be? Your sins didn’t force you to come to Hell, because you never hurt anyone or anything. Besides, you’re not a shade. You’re solid. I can touch and hold you.” She hugged her again.
Delphie held on to Athenia for a few seconds before pulling away. “You’re right. I’m not consigned here. I’m from a much, much better world. Though I’m not allowed to tell you about the place, it’s more magnificent than you can imagine. To come here today, I obtained a special dispensation.”
“Why would you do that? I’m overwhelmed, but this realm is terrible. No one in their right mind would volunteer to come here.”
Delphie stuck her fists on her hips. “Are you calling me crazy?”
“Well, maybe a little.” Athenia touched her sister’s cheek, awed by her presence.
Delphie chuckled. “I guess I am at that.” She perched on a rock. “Come sit down, and I’ll explain.”
Athenia sat beside her. “Okay, I’m listening.”
Her twin took her hand. “I’m here to provide you with support and encouragement.”
Athenia’s shoulders slumped, and she sobbed. “I tried so hard to rescue Thorne. He’s the mage I…” A lump in her throat stopped her words. She cleared it. “I’m apprenticed to him, and I owe him my life. I’m responsible for him being here.”
Delphie sighed. “I’m aware of the situation.”
“So, you realize the agreement was he would follow me, and if I looked back, we would both remain here, but I tripped and accidentally glanced behind me. I failed Thorne.”
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