by Anne B. Cole
“Correct, my exquisite queen. The girl is quite stupid.” Then Kadir’s intoxicated smile faded. “Wait. You said ‘father?’” Terror streaked across his scarred face. He raised his palms, gesturing surrender to the gods. “If you grant me permission to leave, I will bring you a suitable father.”
“Exactly where are you going?” Zeus pressed.
“The Purgatory of the Unlucky. The gatekeeper will allow my entrance.”
Poseidon folded his enormous arms.
Aphrodite continued to stroke Zeus’s hair, flinging rainbows of sparkling showers into the air.
Asclepius stepped forward. “Granted.”
Kadir’s soul dissolved and disappeared.
All three gods began arguing over who would father the child. A feeling of abandonment and despair filled Gretta. For the first time, she missed Kadir’s presence and wanted him back.
Chapter 39
The Trials Await
Gretta
“We agree the girl is safer alive than dead,” Asclepius said. “The unborn needs a male influence, one who will guide with strength and understanding.”
“Kadir obeys my every command.” Aphrodite twirled her fingers through Zeus’ florescent locks.
“He is a blundering fool.” Poseidon gestured cuttingly.
“Don’t I have any say in who will raise my child?” Gretta blurted. “Sam is the father, making him the best choice.” Sensing a need to be respectful among the towering gods, she bowed her head. “Please, help Sam escape Tartarus. You’ll see how much he already loves our baby.”
Poseidon frowned and appeared to disregard her pleas, scanning the area behind her. “What is Lubber up to?”
“And who accompanies him?” Asclepius added.
Gretta whirled around. Three men approached and her heart swelled with love for each one.
“Here is the ugly American and the other, an even uglier American.” Kadir presented Lorenzo on his right and Sam on his left. “Choose one to raise the girl’s child. I have a duel scheduled in ten minutes.” He bowed and retreated to the edge of the crowd.
“I’m not finished with you, Kadir Haty,” Poseidon growled. With a wave of his hand, a colossal wall of water appeared in front of the pirate’s escape route.
“Sam?” Gretta ran into his open arms. “I thought you were in Tartarus.”
“I escaped. I’m so sorry I left you behind.” He clutched her and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Hades tricked me into thinking you remained with him. Lorenzo figured out you were really in Tartarus.”
Gretta eased from Sam’s embrace and stood in front of Lorenzo.
“My lady, I felt your spirit in Tartarus and recognized you from your time entwined within Anya.” He bowed and took her hand, pressing her fingers to his lips. “I’ve come to return Kadir Haty to the Unlucky Purgatory. I have no doubt Sam will ensure your safety.”
Gretta smiled and hugged the man she fell in love with during her time travels. “Is Anya safe?” She watched his blue eyes twinkle at the sound of his wife’s name.
“She is waiting for my return so we can enter the Elysian Fields together.” Lorenzo clasped her hand into Sam’s.
“Thank you for everything. Hurry, you two have waited far too long to be together.” Gretta squeezed their hands and let go. “Kadir?” She took two steps to the pirate’s side as Sam’s fingers curled into fists and Lorenzo shifted to a protective stance.
Black eyes darted from her to each of the men and back. He fidgeted beneath Asclepius and Poseidon’s stares before bowing his head. “My lady, I apologize.”
“No need. You were willing to remain in Tartarus with me until I trusted you enough to forgive you. You rescued me.” Gretta paused and glanced at Sam. Lorenzo’s steel grip held him by the arm. Her heart burst with the security and love she felt. “I have forgiven you, Kadir. You’re far greater than the self-centered, cold-hearted pirate of the past. You are my friend.” She stepped directly in front of him.
“I’m not worthy of your kindness.” He took a backward step. “I desired both Gretchen and Anya because of your influence within them. You’re a strong and beautiful woman who deserves happiness.”
Gretta closed the gap between them and touched his ringed fingers. “I believe your intentions are no longer self-serving, but for the good of all.” She dropped his hand. “I’m not going to be able to raise my child and—”
“No,” Sam and Lorenzo shouted in unison.
Before Gretta could react, Lorenzo clutched Kadir’s shirt with one hand and popped a fist into the pirate’s face. With a crunch of his nose, Kadir dropped into a pile of rocks and debris from ancient ruins.
“Gretta may have forgiven you, but I’m not finished giving you the justice you deserve.” Lorenzo yanked Kadir back to his feet. “The first beating was for attacking my wife. This is for all the other women you’ve damaged physically and emotionally throughout the years.” An uppercut to Kadir’s stomach and a final blow to the chin knocked the pirate senseless. “Sweet dreams, Kadir.”
Poseidon laughed so hard the entire island trembled.
“No, Lorenzo. You don’t understand,” Gretta cried and struggled to escape from Sam’s hold.
Aphrodite’s lips curled. “I believe the girl’s intentions are based on love for Kadir and what is best for the unborn.”
“Gretta? Is this true?” Sam held her away by her shoulders and peered into her face. “Even if you do love Kadir, I refuse to allow him to raise our child.” His lips quivered before forming a thin line.
“You don’t understand.” Gretta twisted in his arms.
“I love you and our child too much to allow Kadir to father him in any way. I don’t care if he did rescue you and you have feelings for him. I swear to the gods, I will fight him or anyone else to prove my loyalty and love for my family.”
His fierce declaration and the fire in his eyes warmed her soul. “Please, let me finish. I love you, Sam.” Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his. She felt him relax before he gripped her closer, returning her kiss.
“I’ll never let you go, Gretta. You are everything to me.” Sam’s soul wrapped hers into an intense hold.
“The baby, Sam. She moved. Feel here.”
His hands flew to hers. The baby stirred again. Sam’s face lit with excitement before he devoured her lips in a hungry, yet tender kiss.
Gretta lost all ability to think.
“Enough. The mortal woman had something to say,” Zeus bellowed.
Gretta ignored the mighty god as Aphrodite sighed, “Ah, true love is unbreakable.”
A thunderous bolt of lightning split Sam and Gretta apart and brought Kadir to consciousness. Lorenzo ground the heel of his boot on the pirate’s chest.
“Finish your thought, woman,” Zeus demanded.
Zeus must have read her mind and now knew what she intended to say to Sam. Gretta narrowed her focus on Aphrodite before choosing her words with care. “I was going to say, I won’t be able to raise my child and search for Aphrodite’s other two rings.”
Aphrodite’s perfect lips perked into a smile.
“There were three rings in the treasure,” Lorenzo pointed out.
“All three were mine.” Aphrodite turned away from Zeus and eyed Lorenzo and Sam. “It was you, both of you, who stole my jewels.”
Gretta quickly stepped between the angry goddess and her men. “Kadir Haty has proven his strength and commitment during his search for me in Tartarus. You said earlier Kadir would do anything for you. Acquiring the rings is a simple task compared to enduring the trials of Tartarus.”
Lorenzo removed his boot and helped Kadir to his feet.
“I know little about the treasure Lorenzo stole,” Kadir began. Gretta stomped her hee
l on Kadir’s foot, and he hastily amended, “But I know far less about parenting a child.”
Asclepius squared his shoulders. “Father the unborn or search for the rings. Choose.”
Kadir shifted his beady eyes around the group and landed on Aphrodite. “I will do everything in my power to find and return your rings, most beautiful goddess.”
“Humph,” Poseidon muttered. “I have yet to forgive you for your blundering inability to find the treasure, even with a book full of hints leading you straight to it. Searching for the other two rings is a fitting punishment.”
“I agree,” Asclepius chimed.
Zeus narrowed his eyes at the gods and the men surrounding Gretta. “I make the decisions. A mere mortal, especially one as stupid as Kadir isn’t capable of buckling his boot.”
Aphrodite winked at Kadir and blew in Zeus’ ear.
The great god sighed, “Done. Be gone with you both.”
Lorenzo clutched Kadir by the bicep and bowed to Sam and Gretta. Before another word could be said, they disappeared.
“As for you, mortal man.” Zeus focused on Sam. “How did you escape from Tartarus?”
Gretta tucked deeper into Sam’s embrace as he admitted, “I was cut by Asclepius’ dagger.”
Zeus waved a hand over Sam’s chest, removing his shirt without touching it. “I see. You suffered the pain of the blade and the evils of Tartarus all for this mortal woman?”
“Not only for Gretta, but for our child.”
“Ah, yes. The unborn. I sense more than strength and beauty within. Definitely something to fight for and protect.” A smile crept over Zeus’ face. “Asclepius, your blade.”
Asclepius removed the jeweled handled dagger from his robes and presented it to Zeus.
Zeus lifted it to the heavens. Lightning tore through the skies, striking the tip of the dagger.
“To keep the offspring safe from my brother, Hades, I return the mortal, Gretta, to life.” Zeus touched the ignited blade to the top of her head.
Blinded by the intensity of the light and an agonizing shock of electricity, Gretta collapsed. Zeus flicked the dagger into the air above her soul. She felt herself disperse into thousands of miniscule particles and float into her dead body. The dagger tapped her head, jolting her back to life.
She slid out from under Sam’s lifeless body and shook her arms and legs.
Her hands gripped her abdomen. The baby kicked in response. She took in a few breaths as the three gods, Aphrodite, and Sam encircled her.
Sam stepped forward and wrapped her in his arms. Instead of a warm embrace, a cold shiver ran through her.
I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?
Gretta watched his lips form the words without sound.
“No, I’m fine.” She tried to touch him, but her fingers parted his essence.
Our baby?
“Kicking like crazy. Feel her.” Gretta replied.
She closed her eyes and felt a chilly wave move over her belly.
He’s a strong one. So are you, Gretta. Know I’m always with you.
“But Sam, you’re dead. I can only see you because of my gift of being able to see spirits.” She turned to the gods who whispered to each other at this announcement. Unable to hear them, her heart quickened in panic. “Please, allow Sam to come back to life. My baby needs a father.”
The gods formed a tight circle. Sam’s face hardened as he listened.
“What are they deciding? Tell me,” Gretta shrieked with worry.
Close your eyes and feel my presence.
She obeyed and allowed his frigid embrace to encompass her. Several minutes later cool lips pressed against her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked to Sam’s soul for answers. Spiritual hands cupped her cheeks but failed in their attempt to wipe away her tears.
I have to prove my worthiness to parent our child. Three trials. No harm will come to you. He turned to the gods who were tossing coins into the air, placing bets. Shaking his head, he returned his focus on her. I love you. Instead of letting go, he held her closer.
“No, Sam. Don’t do this. The prophecy stated, ‘Challenged by the gods, victory cannot be the goal. A truce must be made to save her soul.’ You can’t go through with this challenge. You can’t win. Talk to them. Do anything except face these trials.” Gretta caught the goddess’s eye. “Please, Aphrodite. You’re above placing bets. The gods are using Sam for entertainment. There has to be another way.”
She watched the goddess float to them. Sam’s soul peeled away from her and stood by Aphrodite. He held the hand of the lovely goddess, bent on one knee, and kissed her fingers with adoration. Crimson lips puckered in approval.
Oh, there is another way. Aphrodite ensured Gretta’s understanding by speaking with slow, deliberate words. Let me show you.
Gretta trembled in horror as the goddess melted into Sam’s arms. He lifted strawberry-blonde locks and planted kisses along her pearly white neck.
“Sam?”
As if he heard her cry, his spirit flinched and tore away from the goddess. The gods tipped their heads back in laughter and continued tossing gold coins into the air.
I must accept the trials. No matter what happens, I love you and only you.
An icy hand grazed her cheek. She leaned into his touch. With a crack of lightning, darkness surrounded her. A warm breeze encircled her body. Her eyes strained to see Sam.
Gone.
“Sam? Where are you?” When he didn’t answer, she stumbled into a low rock wall. “Lorenzo? Kadir? Roxana? Katarina? Anyone?” Sliding to the ground, she hugged her knees.
Alone in the darkness of Delos island, Gretta wept.
Chapter 40
Beware of the Sphinx
Sam
“You can’t strand Gretta.” Sam spun and faced Zeus. “She’s with child and needs protection.”
“No harm will come to her on Delos.” Poseidon pounded his trident into the sand. Waves of water leapt from the sea into the air and surrounded the island.
“The skies are my domain, brother.” Zeus flicked his hand in disgust. Lightning sliced through the waters, creating a deluge of rain over the island.
“Stop this senseless arguing,” Sam roared. “Gretta cannot survive in these conditions. If any harm comes to her or my child—”
Asclepius took hold of Sam’s raised arm and twisted it behind his back. “Keep your emotions in check. Look, she is well protected.”
Sam stared at her from his lofty position in the sky. Gretta stood and held her arms out. Dry. She remained untouched by the wind and rain within the raging storm. An invisible bubble surrounded her, cushioning her from all adversity.
“Remember your prophecies, especially during the trials,” Asclepius added in a whisper.
Thunder rolled. Zeus and Poseidon continued their spat over power.
Sam bowed his head in respect to Asclepius. “I remember them. Any additional words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.”
“If you’re truly passionate, physical and emotional distress is unavoidable. Persevere, push through adversity and your reward will be great.” Asclepius’ gaze moved from Gretta to him and back. “Remember Gretta’s prophecy?”
Sam’s mind scrambled to the first time she received words of wisdom from Minnie in Purgatory-in-Tartarus. “Gretta needs to be strong and believe it’s possible to overcome evil. ‘Without faith, love may not exist. Without love, evil takes control.’” He watched her pace the ground, stumbling over the rocky ruins. Sam moved to catch her. Within an arm’s reach, he smacked the barrier face first and fell hard at Asclepius’ feet.
Pain sluiced through Sam’s soul. He struggled to his feet and stood next to the minor god as Gretta picked her way through the ruins.
“You need to
remember you’re in spiritual form, yet you have mortal limits. Use your wits to succeed.” Asclepius raised Sam to his feet. “Trust your intuition.”
Sam shook the god’s outstretched hand.
Asclepius snapped his fingers and stepped to the side.
Sam watched Gretta’s eyes meet his. He pressed a hand to the invisible barrier.
“I love you, Sam. Promise me. Nothing stupid.” Her voice rang loud and clear. She strode to the edge of her confinement and matched her palm to his against the protective shield.
“My love is and will always be yours. Everything I do is for you and our child.” He touched his forehead to the shield, matching her action. “Nothing stupid.”
“We must be on our way.” Asclepius gestured to the squabbling gods in the distance.
Sam squared his shoulders. “I’ll see you again as soon as I conquer the trials. I promise.”
He watched a wave of fear surge over her face. “The prophecy, Sam. If you’re defeated, what will become of you?”
The idea of his soul disappearing in the spiritual world had never crossed his mind. He shook off the possibilities. “Have faith, Gretta.”
“It is time for the trials to begin,” Zeus bellowed in the distance. “Approach, mortal man.”
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky and landed at his feet. Shimmering strands of electricity swirled to his knees and quickly encompassed his body, smothering his view of Gretta. Within seconds, Sam found himself hovering in front of the green robed god.
Gretta and the island disappeared, replaced by a lush forest filled with scents of fallen leaves and crisp rain. Sam spun in desperate search of the gods. Thick woods surrounded him with the sounds of crickets and chirping birds.
“Poseidon? Asclepius?”
Laughter rang in the distance.
