Goddess of Spring

by P. C. Cast

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. . .
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br />   "Goddess?" Iapis said.

  "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just so intrigued with the gorgeous. . . uh. . . chandeliers. " Lina realized she was babbling, but she couldn't seem to make her mouth stop. "They're so unusual. My breath has been taken away by the beauty of the palace. "

  Iapis inclined his head in acknowledgment of her compliment, neatly ignoring the fact that her cheeks had suddenly become flushed.

  "Hades designed the chandeliers himself. "

  "Real y?" Now she was intrigued.

  Iapis motioned for her to precede him down the long hal to their right. Lina walked slowly, and Eurydice stayed close to her side. The servant's voice took on a professorial tone as he walked and talked.

  "Indeed. Hades has overseen each aspect of the creation of his palace and the surrounding grounds. There was no detail too minute for my Lord's attention; nothing that was beneath his notice. He has an artist's eye for color and surface, and a fine sense of design. The Palace of Hades is a monument to the God of the Underworld. "

  Lina pondered lapis' words. So the stern, brooding, non-sexual, mortal-tear-loving God of the Underworld had fashioned the marvels that surrounded her. He had an artist's eye and a fine sense of design. Could a passionless, boring god have created such exquisite beauty with loving attention to detail? She didn't know about immortals, but she did have a mature woman's knowledge of mortal men, and she couldn't imagine a passionless man being capable of such an amazing creation.

  "I like the flowers that are carved into the wal s," Eurydice said, shyly pointing to the crown molding that framed each window and arched doorway under which they passed.

  "Yes, Hades is quite fond of the narcissus flower, and has added it to much of the palace detailing. " Iapis smiled at the little spirit.

  "I'm sorry, seems I've forgotten al my manners today," Lina said. "Iapis, this is my friend" - she paused at the girl's sharp intake of breath when she used the word friend and gave her a fond look

  - "Eurydice. "

  Iapis stopped to bow to the girl. Eurydice responded with a graceful curtsy.

  "I wil be taking care of Persephone," Eurydice said, surprising Lina with the determination in her voice.

  "I am quite sure that you wil do an admirable job," Iapis said patiently. "Perhaps we should meet daily so that you can keep me informed of your Goddess's needs. "

  "Yes, I like that idea," Eurydice said.

  Lina kept quiet. She didn't want to tarnish the happy expression on Eurydice's face. Like it or not, she had definitely acquired a keeper.

  "Shal we go on, Goddess ?"

  Lina nodded and continued down the spacious hal her right, the wal of windows afforded a wonderful view the palace's courtyard. She'd already lost count of the number of rooms that branched off to her left, but she had caught glimpses of ornately appointed chambers and an occasional semi-transparent form as it glided around a corner.

  Yes, the beautiful Palace of Hades would certainly qualify as a haunted castle. Lina thought about al of the A&E Specials she'd watched over the years: "Haunted Hotels of Europe," "The Top 10

  Most Haunted Mansions," "A&E's Haunted Bed and Breakfast List. " Another spirit-like figure flitted past the edge of her vision. The Arts & Entertainment Channel would truly loves this place. Iapis guided them down the seemingly endless hal . They made several turns, and Lina felt total y lost. Final y, they came to a halt in front of a large door that was covered with silver overlay fashioned in the form of a blooming narcissus.

  "Persephone, this wil be your chamber," Iapis an nounced.

  As with Hades, the door opened without the need for Iapis to touch the silver handle. The sweet smel of blooming flowers welcomed Lina as she stepped into the chamber. Large arrangements of moon-colored bouquets standing in crystal vases dotted the opulent room. One wal had floor-to-ceiling windows which opened out onto a spacious marble balcony. Creamcolored velvet drapes were tied back with thick silver ropes so that the view of the rear grounds was spectacular. A fire crackled cheerful y in a man-sized fireplace. Several wardrobes of dark wood stood against another wal , divided by an impressive dressing table, which was laden with al sorts of women's toilette items. But what drew Lina's attention was the huge canopied bed. It was the most magnificent piece of furniture she had ever seen. The linens matched the velvet drapes and were exquisitely decorated with silver embroidery. The curtains of the canopy were a pale color that reminded Lina of fog - almost insubstantial in their diaphanous delicacy.

  "Your bathing chamber is through that door, Goddess. " Iapis said, pointing to another, smal er version, of the silver-encrusted entry door. "I have had your clothing and other items put away. Please let me know if al is not to your liking. "

  "I'm sure everything wil be wonderful. Thank you, Iapis. This is an amazing room. " Iapis bowed. "I simply fol owed my Lord's instructions. When he received word from Demeter that you would be sojourning within his realm he ordered this chamber be prepared for you. "

  "But if there is something the Goddess needs, she wil inform me and I wil pass that along to you," Eurydice interposed quickly.

  "Of course, Eurydice. I wil always defer to your knowledge of Persephone's needs. " Lina noticed how neatly Iapis covered his chuckle, clearing his throat and making his voice sound sincere and serious. He real y was very kind, Lina realized. She smiled her thanks to him and he inclined his head discreetly in acknowledgment.

  "Goddess, wil you need assistance in dressing?" Iapis asked.

  "Oh, no!" Lina answered hastily, aware of the fact that Eurydice's mouth had already opened. "I can manage just fine on my own. At least this one time. " She added, noting Eurydice's disappointed look.

  "Very wel , Goddess. When you have freshened, you need only speak my name and I wil escort you to Hades. "

  Lina nodded and smiled like that was how she usual y summoned people.

  "Until then, Goddess, I wil leave you to your privacy. " He bowed neatly to Lina. "Eurydice, your chamber is just down the hal . Shal I show you there?"

  The girl looked nervous and Lina patted her arm reassuringly.

  "Go on. I'l be fine. If I need you I can cal you," Lina said, without thinking.

  "Of course, if your Goddess requires your aid she need only summon you with a word," Iapis said. Lina breathed a sigh of relief that her slip in wording hadn't been obvious. She'd meant cal her, like with a cel phone.

  "Wel , if you are sure you do not need me," Eurydice said.

  "Yes, yes, I'l be fine. You go settle into your room," Lina assured her.

  "You wil summon me if you have need?"

  "Yes, child, yes," Lina said, trying to be patient. Al she real y wanted was a chance to be alone and to col ect her thoughts.

  "Come, Eurydice," Iapis told the girl, which was the final push she needed to make her leave the room.

  Lina could hear them discussing "Persephone's needs" as the thick door swung closed of its own accord. She almost said "I need a drink" aloud, but she was afraid either or both of them would rush back to complete her request.