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Chapter 9
"It's even more beautiful on the inside," Lina said, so fascinated she couldn't stop staring around her.
They entered the palace from the rear, going through an intricately carved wrought-iron gate and then crossing a wide hal that led to an impressive courtyard that seemed to have been built in the center of the palace. In the middle of the courtyard there was a huge fountain, as intimidating as Rome's Fontana di Trevi, except that the god depicted rising from the waters in the back of the chariot wasn't Neptune, it was Hades in al of his grim splendor, pulled, of course, by the famous steeds of dread. White flowers grew in clumps around marble benches - the ever-present narcissus, as wel as a delicate blossom Lina didn't recognize.
"What is that flower?" she asked the god.
"Asphodel," he said, giving her an odd look. "It surprises me that you did not recognize it, Persephone."
Oops. Lina avoided his keen gaze by bending down and pretending to study the little plant. The Goddess of Spring should know her flowers.
She laughed nervously. "Of course, I recognize it now. It must be the unusual light here that made it appear strange to me." She held out one arm so that the soft, blush-like light glowed off the alabaster of Persephone's skin. "It's so different from sunlight. It makes everything seem somehow changed, even things that should be familiar." She smiled at the irony of implying that the arm she held out was anything like familiar.
"The light in my realm was created by me, and it is as different from Apol o's orb as I am from the God of Light." Hades' voice sharpened and he became instantly defensive.
"Oh... wel ..." Lina said uncomfortably. "I didn't mean to imply that I didn't like it. On the contrary, I think it's beautiful. It's just different, that's al ."
Hades didn't reply, he just watched her steadily with those intense, expressive eyes. Lina thought it was little wonder that he didn't get many visitors; his moods were like an amusement park ride. Up and down, they changed with dizzying speed. Maybe she'd talk to him about that before she left. She might as wel help Hades out while she was there, as wel as whatever she needed to do for the dead. Actual y, the thought was satisfying. What little she had already seen of the Underworld was far too beautiful to be buried in superstition and misinformation. And Hades was nothing like the uninteresting god Demeter had described. Lina looked slantwise at him. He was a sleek panther of a man, volatile and intriguing. What Hades needed was a good marketing campaign to bring about a change in image. Lina couldn't help smiling secretly to herself. She had always been excel ent at marketing.
The three of them walked slowly across the large courtyard. Soon, Lina found herself completely engrossed in her surroundings. Beautiful statuary of nude gods and goddesses dotted the area. They were crafted so expertly from cream-colored marble that they appeared to be living flesh. Lina hoped that her temporary job wouldn't keep her too busy to enjoy the garden. It would be the perfect place to sit, sip wine and daydream.
"After your journey I imagine you would enjoy some refreshments," Hades said suddenly. "I would be pleased if you would join me." Then he added hastily, as if he expected her to refuse him and he wanted to provide her a credible excuse. "Unless you are too fatigued, which would be understandable."
"I'm not tired at al , and I am very hungry," Lina smiled at the somber God, wanting to put him at ease.
"Very wel then," Hades said, his expression relaxing a little. "I wil have you shown to your room." He nodded at Eurydice. "And you to yours, child, which you can be certain wil be near your Goddess."
The little spirit grinned happily and Lina felt a rush of warmth for Hades and the compassion he was showing Eurydice. As they continued through the courtyard Lina searched her memory. What did she know about Hades? She couldn't remember reading much about him. He was the King of Hel who had abducted the young Persephone. What else? Persephone's reservoir of knowledge stirred and whispered: Hades... somber, reclusive, stern... the gloomy god enriches himself with mortal tears.
Lina tried not to frown as she listened to her inner voice. He certainly didn't act like Eurydice's tears would in any way enrich him. Actual y, it seemed as though the opposite were true. Confused, she shut her mind to Persephone's echo and smiled distractedly at Eurydice who was chattering merrily about the beauty of the white flowers.
The massive courtyard final y ended and they came to two large glass doors, which swung open without Hades touching them.
Magic, Lina thought, trying not to appear startled. She couldn't al ow herself to be surprised at magic. She was supposed to be a goddess... she was supposed to be a goddess... she was supposed to be a goddess... Reminding herself, she kept up the silent mantra. While Lina chanted to herself, Hades stepped aside and motioned for her to enter the palace.
She stepped into a dream.
The floor was the same smooth, seamless black that made up the road and the exterior of the palace, but the inner wal s were miraculously changed. They were ebony veined with the palest of white; day and night merged harmoniously together. Silver wal sconces held torches which burned joyously. From tal ceilings hung chandeliers - Lina's eyes were riveted upward - made of faceted stones and candlelight. The flames caught the jewels and sparkled like the sun on water. Directly above their heads was a waterfal of amethyst. A little way down the hal hung another, which looked to be crafted from topaz. Farther on another chandelier winked with the pure green of perfect emeralds.
"Jewels!" Lina shook her head in wonder. "Are the chandeliers real y made of jewels?"
"They are. Do not be so surprised, Goddess. Are precious stones not found deep within the earth?
And is not the innermost realm of the earth the Underworld?" Hades sounded amused.
"I didn't realize you were God of Jewels, too," Lina breathed, stil unable to tear her eyes from the wondrous sight.
"There is much the other immortals do not know of me," Hades said.
"Lord, forgive me for being late. I expected you to arrive at the front of the palace." The new voice enabled Lina to pull her eyes from the jeweled chandeliers. A man was hurrying down the hal to them. He was wearing a white, toga-like robe, much like the one Hades wore, only less voluminous. He approached the God and bowed deferential y.
"It is no matter, Iapis. I thought the Goddess would enjoy entering the palace through the courtyard."
"Certainly, Lord." He bowed again to Hades before turning to Lina. "Goddess Persephone, it is truly a pleasure to welcome Spring to the Underworld."
His bow was precise, but his smile was sincere, and Lina's first impression of him was of an oh-soperfect British valet, like Anthony Hopkins in The Remains of the Day, except that he wore a toga, had more hair and was dead. She smiled graciously, trying to remember to forget the part about him being dead.
'Thank you. From what little I've seen of the Underworld I am already very impressed."
"Goddess, the trunks that your great mother sent have already been unpacked and arranged in your chamber. If you fol ow me I wil show you the way and see that you are settled in." He glanced at Hades. "If that suits you, Lord."
"Yes, yes," he waved his hand dismissively. "You know best in these matters, Iapis. Oh, and find a room near her Goddess for this little spirit. She has chosen to stay by Persephone's side." Iapis nodded solemnly in acknowledgment.
Hades turned to Persephone. "You have only to cal Iapis when you are ready for refreshment, and he wil show you the way to me." The God inclined his head slightly, spun neatly on his heel and strode quickly away, cloak bil owing in his wake.
Lina felt her eyes being drawn after his retreating form. She watched as he disappeared around a corner. The last thing she saw was his cloak. Batman. She couldn't help it. He real y reminded her of Batman. And she had to admit that she'd always been ridiculously attracted to Batman, especial y the one played by pouting, angst-ridden Val Kilmer. He and Hades had the most sensual lips...
"Goddess?" Iapis said.
