Kyros' Secret (Greek Myth Series Book 1) (21 page)

Twenty-nine

Kyros cradled Thera and the baby in his arms, rocking them, crying and no longer having the courage or strength to carry on without the woman he loved. They’d come so far together. This was just the beginning of their life as a family. And as much as he loved Lippio, he didn’t want to raise him without Thera.

The boy deserved a father. A human father who could watch over him and protect him, and not have to worry about transforming into a beast every time the sun set. The boy also deserved a mother. He needed Thera, and so did Kyros. He would never forgive himself for what happened. He cursed himself for the day he jumped in front of Ares’ beam. He never should have gotten involved or fallen in love with the god of war’s daughter.

“Arrrgh!” cried out Kyros. “Damn you, Ares, for starting all this!” The baby wailed louder and Kyros looked to the ceiling. “Your daughter is dead, Ares. Don’t you even care? Look what you’ve done to her! Look what’s happened.”

Suddenly there was a blast of light and Ares, frown on his face, stood before him with his hands on his leather-clad hips.

Startled at his sudden appearance, Kyros had the feeling he shouldn’t have cussed at the god of war.

“How dare you talk to me like that, Kyros. I ought to kill you for your disrespect.”

“Go ahead, kill me. Kill me just as you did Thera.” Kyros clutched the crying baby to his chest and watched Ares raise a finger.

“Ares! Don’t you dare touch him.” The old blind weaver stood in the corridor, threatening Ares as if she had the right to. Chiron and Nemos arrived in the passageway behind her, watching the drama unfold.

“Old weaver? How’d you come back from the dead?” asked Ares.

“Dead?” Nemos bravely trotted forward. “She’s not dead. But she should be for betraying us. She led us into an ambush with Pittheus’ men.”

“I didn’t betray you,” said the weaver. “Pittheus had already sent his men. I didn’t tell them you were coming.”

“It’s true,” added Kyros. “Thera gave her the sword and she thankfully brought it to you. It was Pittheus who got the information out of Thera as to where she’d taken it.”

Nemos nodded his head in acceptance. “In that case, I’m sorry for accusing you.” Chiron nodded his head as well.

“You’re dead, old woman. I saw you myself when I visited my brother Hades just yesterday. He showed me the Elysian fields and you were there weaving clothes for everyone.”

“It can’t be,” said Kyros. “She’s been with us for the past few days.”

“Unless she’s not who she pretends to be. Let’s find out.” Ares threw a lightning bolt at the old woman and if Kyros hadn’t been holding Lippio, he would have dived in front of it to save her. History repeating itself of his mistakes.

The bolt never hit her. Instead, the old woman raised her own hand and sent it back to Ares. It hit him square in the chest and he fell against the wall. To Kyros’ amazement, the old woman shifted shapes, turning into Thera’s mother.

“Aphrodite!” yelled Ares. “I should have known you were involved. I thought I warned you to stay out of this.”

“You did.” She smiled and it lit up the room. She smoothed down her flowing white garment and it clung to her voluptuous curves. “That’s why I disguised myself as the old weaver. No one had even known she’d died and I knew it would be the perfect way to get people to trust me.”

Ares got to his feet. “You look much better now.” He eyed up her body and Aphrodite glowed, obviously knowing the power she held over him.

“I’m glad to be out of that wreck of a body,” she admitted. “It was really becoming disturbing.”

“Thera is dead!” Kyros interrupted. “And you two are rambling on about your appearances?”

“No!” said Chiron. “She can’t be.” He and Nemos rushed over to Kyros’ side.

“Here,” said Nemos, handing Kyros his father’s sword. “I watched it well for you this time.”

“Thank you.” Kyros took the sword in one hand and used it to sever the cord that connected the baby to Thera. He felt that action was so final. That he’d severed Thera from his own life as well.

“May I hold the baby?” Nemos stood with hands outstretched. Kyros handed it to him and Lippio calmed down and stopped his crying immediately.

“Maybe Lippio likes centaurs after all,” smiled Kyros.

Kyros hunkered down and picked Thera up in his arms. Her head fell back lifelessly. Blood dripped from her wounds. Her body was a mess from birthing the baby.

He turned around and held her for Ares and Aphrodite to see. That’s when he noticed Harmonia, Thera’s twin sister had joined them.

“No!”  Harmonia rushed over to cradle Thera’s head. “Father, do something about this.”

Aphrodite walked over to Thera’s body and with a wave of her hand, she’d cleaned and redressed her in a beautiful warm robe. Kyros looked down to her and realized her wounds were gone as well.

“Bring her back to life,” he said.

“I can’t or I would,” answered Aphrodite.

“Then you bring her back,” he demanded of Ares.

“Don’t you dare demand anything of a god!” He raised his hand to throw another bolt, but Aphrodite stopped him.

“We haven’t treated Thera all that well,” she said to Ares.

“She wasn’t the warrior I wanted her to be.”

“And you weren’t the father she wanted you to be either.” Aphrodite actually sounded sorry. “Just as I wasn’t much of a mother.”

“Is that why you took care of her in that old weaver’s form?” asked Ares.

“It’s the least I could do for our daughter. Mayhap she was foolish enough to ask Zeus to take back her immortality and goddess powers, but you were fool enough to try to start a war by getting her pregnant with a centaur’s baby.”

Ares looked over to the baby in Nemos’ arms. “Even that didn’t work, of all the rotten luck.”

Harmonia reached out and let the baby grab her finger. “He may be human, but he sure is cute.”

“One of you must be able to do something to bring her back to life,” said Kyros. “Do it for your daughter; do it for your grandson.”

“That’s it?” asked Ares. “No one else?”

Kyros hated to admit it to the god of war, since he knew Ares hated him, but he admitted it for Thera’s sake. “Do it … for me.”

“Never!” said Ares. “Or have you forgotten I don’t like you? Must I remind you, I’m the one who cursed you in the first place?”

“He can’t do anything to bring her back,” interrupted Aphrodite. “Neither can I. The only one who has that power is the god of the dead himself.”

“Hades.” Kyros wondered why he hadn’t thought of it sooner. He brought Thera’s body over to Chiron and put her across his back. “Chiron, take Thera’s body to the hovel. Nemos, you watch Lippio. Follow the string from the shawl and it’ll lead you out of here. Stay away from Pittheus’ men. They may still give you trouble.”

“And what about Pittheus?” asked Nemos

“He won’t be giving you any trouble,” Kyros said sadly looking over to the dead beast that lie not far from them. “My brother is dead as well.” He picked up the golden bow of Artemis and the quiver of arrows. The bow and arrows had saved his life but sadly, it didn’t save Pittheus or Thera.

“And what are you going to do?” asked Chiron.

“I’m going to go see Hades.”

“But no mortal is allowed in Tartarus unless he’s dead,” stated Harmonia. “Uncle Hades doesn’t like visitors.”

Kyros looked at Ares and the god rolled his eyes and looked the other way. “Don’t even ask me,” Ares warned.

“What about you?” Kyros looked to Aphrodite. “Will you take me to Tartarus to see Hades?”

“It’s the least we can do,” Aphrodite said while looking at Ares. “And if we go pay him a visit, maybe you can convince him to give back your raven.”

“I agree,” piped in Harmonia. “Let’s go see him, Father. We’ll all go together.”

“Women!” snapped Ares and raised his hand above his head.

It all happened so fast, Kyros’ thoughts spun. The room turned white and Chiron, Nemos, Thera’s dead body and Lippio were gone. There was a fog around them and he couldn’t even see Aphrodite, Ares or Harmonia. He clutched the bow in his hand and his side ached from the new wound he’d received from Demogorgan. He smelled the distinct odor of sulfur and the white light in the room suddenly turned red. The room stopped spinning with a jerk and he fell to his knees from the sudden force. When he focused on their surroundings, he realized he was no longer in the labyrinth.

It was dark and eerie in this place. Cold like a dank cave and yet hotter than the fires of summer. Torches were stuck into the cracks of the stone walls all around him and he heard the wailing of lost souls, trapped with nowhere to go. He lowered his head, not liking this place at all.

He saw a pair of sandaled feet in front of him and when he followed them upward he saw the tallest, eeriest man he’d ever seen. He was clad in a black cloak and was removing the hood from his face. His eyes were dark, yet burned with fire. His skin was pale, his lips very red.

“Who bothers me?” he ground out. A fog rolled in and covered the ground. Kyros got to his feet in order to answer.

“My name is Kyros,” he answered, hoping to keep his voice steady.

“Ah, yes. Kyros,” the man repeated. “I’m Hades, God of the Dead. Welcome to Tartarus.”

Thirty

Kyros didn’t know if he liked the idea of being welcomed to the underworld. Hades wasn’t the kind of friend he wanted. And now he wondered if coming here was such a good idea after all.

“He insisted on coming,” came Ares’ voice from behind Kyros.

“Since when do you cater to the whims of humans, brother?” Hades hissed out.

“I rather like having visitors,” came a woman’s voice. She stepped out from behind Hades and Kyros could see she was really beautiful. Red hair fell around her shoulders, her eyes were green like the trees of the earth. She was so full of life she glowed. And even her garments were cheery and vibrant. Not at all like the dead black that Hades wore. “Welcome, Aphrodite and Harmonia,” she chirped out and went over to hug them. “It’s been a long time.”

“I don’t usually like coming to this filthy place,” said Harmonia. “But this time I made the exception.”

“You’re here to see Thera, I suppose?” asked the woman.

“Thera’s here?” Kyros was shocked. “What is she doing in Tartarus? She deserves the Elysian fields!”

Smoke came from Hades’ ears and fire blazed in his eyes. “Don’t tell me where to put the dead. I ought to punish you for that.” Kyros was sure he would have if Ares hadn’t stopped him.

“Kyros is annoying, Hades. I can vouch for that. He tends to think he can order the gods around. But let’s just ignore his ignorance and get this over with.”

“What do you want?” Hades glared at Kyros.

“I want you to give Thera back her life.”

“No.” Hades word was so final. Kyros knew he could do nothing to change the mind of the god of the dead now.

“Why not?” asked Aphrodite. “You’ve brought people back before.”

“This is different,” said Hades. “She used the golden bow of Artemis. Artemis herself put the hex on that. If someone besides the king of the centaurs uses it, they’re eventually dead. Thera actually lived longer then I thought she would.”

“But she’s not the only one who used it,” explained Kyros, clutching the bow in his hand. “Pittheus used it, and - ”

“And he’s dead,” said Hades.

Kyros couldn’t argue with that. Maybe the bow was cursed after all.

“But I used it also,” said Kyros. “And I’m alive.”

“Not for long,” answered Hades. “You’re due to join them shortly in the underworld.”

“No, he won’t.”

Everyone turned to see Thera stepping from the shadows. She was bedraggled and dirty. Her feet were bare and she only wore a coarse, torn dark tunic around her. Kyros’ heart went out to her as he noticed the blood stains and the way she gripped her stomach. Also, the deep scratches across her face and chest were caked with blood.

“Thera!” He tried to run to her, but Hades held out his hand and an invisible wall with it. He wasn’t going to allow him to touch her. He wouldn’t let him near her - not while she was dead and he still lived.

“No mingling with the residents,” announced Hades.

“Why did she go here?” Kyros demanded to know. “And why is she still in pain and not even cleaned up?”

“This is Tartarus,” laughed Ares and his brother Hades joined him. “What did you expect to see? Hades serving Thera tea and crumpets?”

“She doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”

“She does,” broke in Hades. “She not only used the bow, but she killed. Anyone who kills another goes straight to Tartarus. Rule number 123 in Hades’ Book of the Dead.”

“Who’d she kill?” Ares’ seemed interested and somewhat impressed. “You didn’t count killing off those two goons I conjured up, did you?”

“Of course not,” snapped Hades and paced the floor. “She killed Demogorgan, the offspring of my beloved pet. Not to mention, she killed your raven.”

“But they were animals, not humans,” protested Kyros.

“Pets of the gods are considered sacred and more precious then humans in my book,” retorted Hades.

“True,” said Ares smoothing down his short beard. I hadn’t thought of it like that.”

“You two are acting like children,” interrupted the beautiful woman. “That doesn’t count and you know it. Now, I don’t believe I’ve been properly introduced to Kyros.” She walked up and smiled at him. “I’m Persephone, Hades’ wife.”

Kyros remembered Thera telling him about her. She was the only friend Thera ever had. Mayhap Thera wouldn’t be so lonely in Tartarus after all, with Persephone with her. And then on the other hand, mayhap she was just the ally Kyros needed in this dreadful place.

“Can you help her?” asked Kyros. “Can you bring her back to life?”

Persephone sadly shook her head.

There was silence for a moment and Kyros looked at Thera. Her eyes showed the anguish inside her. The sulfur was so strong now, it almost choked Kyros and he realized Thera must smell it even more, having her power of the senses. A bubbling noise came from the opposite side of the room and Kyros noticed a skeleton-type man sitting in a boat in the water. He wondered who he was and as if he’d spoken aloud, Hades answered.

“That’s my ferryman of the river Styx. He’s bored as you can see. I haven’t had many dead lately. I have many vacancies down here. Ares was supposed to start a war and send me some business, but as you can see, he didn’t keep his word.”

“How do you think this all got started?” Ares asked Hades heatedly. “If you wouldn’t have been hounding me, then Thera would still be alive.”

“As if you care,” said Kyros.

He was doing it once again. He was angering the god of war. Ares squinted his eyes. His mouth pursed in fury. That’s when Aphrodite stepped in to interfere.

“We all want Thera back in the land of the living,” she said.

“Why?” asked Hades. “She’s a mortal now and Zeus won’t give her back his gifts. He was angry at her in the first place when she told him she didn’t want them.”

“She’s still my daughter,” said Aphrodite. “And also the mother of my grandson.”

“And she’s my sister,” added Harmonia. “And although we haven’t been very nice to her, she doesn’t deserve to die. Living as a mortal is punishment enough.”

Kyros looked over to Thera and saw a smile flash across her face for an instant before it disappeared. She’d gotten the approval of her mother and sister. Something she’d never had before. Then Kyros noticed her looking at Ares. Ares folded his arms over his chest and looked away.

“This has to be unanimous before I’ll even consider it,” said Hades.

“Well, you know I want her back.” Kyros was becoming impatient. He wanted Thera out of there and he wanted it now.

“I vote to let her go back to her living form also,” said Persephone. She walked over and laid a hand on Thera.

“And what about you?” Hades spoke to Ares and Ares pretended surprise.

“Me? What about me?”

“Do you want her back?”

The room was silent and all eyes were on him. It seemed the decision lay with him now.

“She’s no good as a warrior,” he complained. “But I suppose someone should take care of my grandson - someone more capable than a cursed man. Maybe someday I can train Lippio to be a warrior instead.”

“So you agree?” Hades asked.

“I guess it wouldn’t be all that bad. But does this mean I get back my raven as well?”

“My pet Demogorgan is dead,” Hades reminded him. “You can do without that damned raven. We’re talking about your daughter here. Now what’s your answer?”

Ares looked over to Aphrodite who had her hands on her hips. He then looked over to Thera whose eyes begged him to cooperate.

“I agree,” he said, looking at the ground.

“All right,” answered Hades. Kyros felt his heart lighten. He’d have Thera after all. He’d have her back in his arms by nightfall. And even if he still was a damned cursed man, he’d do the best he could to be a good father for their baby and a husband to her.

“Thank you,” said Kyros.

“Not so fast,” snapped Hades. “I said I’d give her her life back, but things are a little more complicated than that down here.”

“What do you mean?” asked Kyros, shifting the bow in his hand and letting his fingers rest against the hilt of his father’s sword strapped to his waist. It felt good to have it back. Like it belonged there.

“What he means, is that there has to be a switch in order to let Thera live.” Persephone came back to her husband’s side. “It’s the balance of nature. If Thera is to go back, then someone has to take her place.”

Kyros felt his body tighten. “Are you trying to say that someone has to die in order for Thera to live?”

“That’s exactly what he’s saying,” beamed Ares. “So who’s it going to be? That new baby you two conceived?”

“No!” screamed Thera. “Never. Leave Lippio alone. Our baby deserves to live. I’ll stay here rather than to switch places with him. Just leave me here, I no longer care about myself.”

“Thera,” said Kyros. “Are you saying you don’t want to come back to me?”

Tears were in her eyes and Kyros felt her sadness and confusion in his own heart.

“Of course I do, Kyros. I love you. But I won’t let Hades take our child.”

“Neither will I,” said Kyros. Then he looked at Hades head on. “Take my life. I’ll switch places with Thera.”

“Kyros, no!” Thera tried to run to him, but Hades still had up the invisible wall. “You can’t give your life for me. Don’t do it.”

“Why not, Thera? I’m a cursed man. You could do better for yourself, not to mention our child. It’ll be relief for me to no longer have to worry what Lippio will someday think of me.”

“Oh, all this sentimental trash is so time wasting,” blurted out Ares. “I’ve got better things to do.” He raised his hand to disappear but Thera called out.

“Father, take the curse off of Kyros. Make him a man again.”

“No, no, no,” Ares muttered and shook his head. “Don’t involve me in this deal. When I dished out that curse, I had no intention of taking it back. And I still don’t. That’s all I need is the reputation of being soft-hearted.”

“It’s all right, Thera. Just let me take your place. Our baby needs you,” Kyros tried to convince her.

“I can’t stand this anymore.” Aphrodite stepped over to Ares. “You don’t need to break the curse. And Hades, you’ll get the switch you need. And everyone will still be happy.”

“Mother, what are you talking about?” asked Harmonia. “How can that be?”

“Give Thera the bow, Kyros,” said Aphrodite. “I’d take it to her myself, but as you know, a god can’t touch it.”

Kyros took the bow from his shoulder and the quiver of arrows. He handed it up to the wall and she tried to grab for it but couldn’t take it.

“Hades,” said Persephone. “Let the wall down so he can give it to her.”

With a shake of Hades’ fist, Kyros was able to hand Thera the bow. Her hand brushed against his and he felt his body tingle. He loved her. He wanted her to live, and as much as he wanted to live with her and Lippio, but he’d give his life if it meant her freedom.

“I have to admit,” said Aphrodite. “I’m surprised no one else has thought of this.”

“Of what?” asked Harmonia.

“Of the fact that all Thera has to do is kill Kyros as he’s transforming. That would take care of the death for a life. And it would also break Ares’ curse.”

“What!” Ares stood aghast. “No one breaks my curses.”

“Just watch and see,” smiled Aphrodite. “It’s just about dusk. In a moment Kyros will be changing into his centaur form.”

Kyros felt a pain shoot through him and knew that what Aphrodite said was true. He was going to transform - and with an audience. An audience of gods, yet. Something even more humiliating.

“Is it true, Mother?” Thera’s voice quavered. “If I shoot him as he’s transforming, I’ll break his curse?”

“You’ll be killing his centaur form,” she explained. “It’ll fill your void and you’ll get to go back to the land of the living.”

Thera fumbled with the golden bow. She knew it could work, but she also sensed there was something her mother wasn’t telling her. She wanted nothing more than to come back to Kyros and the baby. She didn’t like it in Tartarus. She hated the place and didn’t know how Persephone could put up with it.

She watched Persephone go over to Hades and hold his hand. Even the god of the dead had someone to love. Thera wanted that more than anything. She looked over to Kyros who was now doubled over in pain. It would be so good to see his curse broken. He would never have to go through this humiliation or pain again. He deserved to live a normal life and she had the power in her hands to make it happen.

“Shoot him, Thera,” came her father’s voice. “Do it just like I’ve shown you. You can kill. You know you can. Prove it to me, Daughter.”

So once again, her father was instructing her to kill. But this time she had a reason for doing it. She raised the bow and cocked an arrow. One release and it would all be over. It would all be so easy. But yet, she couldn’t help but feel something wasn’t just right.

“There’s something you’re not telling me, Mother.”