The shade finished its report and faded away.
Grimaulkin, the man who was called that, offered his old self – his name, his old demeanor, his past – to StarWyng, the harbinger of Hades’ wrath. Instead, StarWyng “punished” him by linking him with with two men that he loved. “One make mistake, all pay price,” she said.
Hades normal angry face broke out into a smile, something usually reserved for his wife. She’s very, very creative. I should send her out to exact punishment more often.
Persephone put a hand on his arm. “Husband, do you not think that was too severe? This Kael Marduc is not yours.”
“No. But Grimaulkin does not know that.”
The mahogany doors opened wide, and Charon entered, his staff adding an extra step, clopping on the marble floor. “The shade reported to you, my Lord?”
“Yes, he did,” said Hades, putting a hand on Persephone’s arm.
Charon looked around.
“He is not here.”
“What? She was to bring him–”
“She was to punish him as she saw fit.” With a near-angry countenance, that smile now gone from his face, Hades looked down at Charon. “It is writ: He is not yet to die.”
Charon knelt, sufficiently cowed. “I am sorry, my Lord.”
Hades added, “He has great good in the world to do yet, and still much to learn how.”
“What if his lovers abandon him, my love?” asked Persephone. “Abandon him like all the others?”
“He will be his own man by then,” said Hades. “He has given up his name. Grimaulkin has died.”
“What of the boy? He was not expected.”
“He shall go where he is meant to go, wife. His thread is still being woven.” Hades stood and gazed at Charon. “You will return to your duties, Ferryman. You will be released when I allow it.”
Charon rose, not looking up at his lord and lady, and left the chamber. Hades sat down. Persephone put her hand to his brow and let it fall, caressing his cheek. “You are too harsh with your charges, my love.”
“This is not his realm.” He turned to his wife and pointed at his own bare chest. “I choose what happens in my realm, none of the other Gods have such control over their realms as I.” He turned from her. “I will watch this mortal grow into what I wish him to be.”
“What is that?”
He said no more, but kissed her.
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