Lexi's Fate

~77~

Hades ran as fast as his divinely-enhanced legs would carry him, cursing himself for not flying a horse to work. With Lexi in the forest playing peacemaker with the minotaurs, and her earlier rebuff of the council's proposal, he should have predicted an emergency might come up. By way of Charon's scrying mirror, Hades confirmed that Ares insisted on being allowed to hunt with the sole purpose of ruffling fur. After which, Hades contacted Blythe and learned that Lexi had not returned to the palace. This definitely fit as an emergency. When he reached Hecate's cabin, he stood at the gate while he caught his breath. A moment later, Hecate opened the door, folding her arms to watch him.

"I would have thought a god who keeps the company of an eighteen year old goddess would be in better shape," she said. "If you are looking for Lexi, she is not here. It has been two turns of the glass since she and Anna went into the forest."

"Damn," he said, still panting. "You didn't happen to see Ares and two young gods pass by here."

Hecate scrutinized him as if he had been imbibing on the job. "No. I was not aware there would be gods visiting the underworld."

Hades finally regained full use of his lungs and walked the stone path toward Hecate. "It was a spontaneous decision on the part of Ares. He thought he would prove a point by being a jackass."

"Well, it comes naturally to him. Lexi told me she still hasn't agreed to any of the offers made by the council, after thanking me for sticking my neck out on her behalf. I don't suppose Ares' visit has anything to do with that."

Hades knew he wasn't required to answer her, having spent enough time around Hecate to recognize her sarcasm. She took his arm, leading him into the house and sitting him at the table. She immediately headed for the stove, putting a kettle on for tea. Hers was a modest home, suiting the needs of one. A palace had been offered, but she refused, claiming there would be too much to dust. Hades asserted she did it to mock his desire to live in a palace, especially when the only gods utilizing it would be himself and the occasional visiting goddess. As it turned out, even the goddesses preferred to meet him in the mortal world. Something about running into the deceased put them off.

"I cannot stay for tea, Hecate, but thank you," he said as he watched her continue to make the tea. "I need to find Lexi and make sure she doesn't get caught in the crossfire, so to speak."

"I know you do. That is why I am brewing you tea."

"How is tea going to help me find Lexi and save her from the hunter's arrow?"

"It is going to keep you here until Lexi returns, because it is a foolish prospect for you to go wandering into the forest under the circumstances. Wouldn't you agree?"

Hecate raised her eyebrows, daring Hades to argue with her. He hated that she was often right. It made arguing with her much less entertaining.

"What if she takes a different route home?" he said. "I might be sitting here all afternoon, annoying you."

"She won't take a different route. She will be walking back with Anna, and Anna's home is on this route." The kettle started to sing and Hecate poured boiling water over the tea ball in his cup. "You don't always annoy me, Hades. I have grown fond of you after so many years." A soft chuckle escaped her as she walked over and set the cup in front of him. "Although I have stopped counting the number."

Hades had stopped counting as well. It took a good amount of effort on his part to keep his mind feeling as youthful as his body. Seeking the company of young women had its benefits, but travel played a huge role in that effort. He enjoyed meeting new people, taking part in new experiences, and tasting the cuisine of the mortal world. He would never admit it to Lexi, but the thought of being trapped in the underworld, even with her at his side, would be like a death sentence, a death with no hope of crossing over.