Kore slowly adjusted herself on the cushions beneath her. She kept her tired legs under her dress, as she lay the over on another.

The tent was awfully large for someone in the army… or rebellion. Red cushions were on one side of the tent, lying on the many fur rugs that also littered the ground. All the dark-wood furniture was low. It was rather strange to Kore. The table was one that you had to sit or lay at, while the bed was so low that it was almost on the ground.

She rubbed her trembling hands together. The leader had had Arista escort her into the tent. He said that he would be here soon.

What did he want with her? Why did he bring her here? What was going on?

Apollo, where are you? Hades-

Did she just think of Hades? She shook her head, breaking her out of her thoughts.

The tent flap opened, revealing the dark-haired leader. He gave a grin, as he strode into the middle of the large tent. Kore stood, preparing herself to run, if necessary. Then again, where would she be able to run?

The man was staring at her, his smile never wavering. His eyes scanned her form, up and down. It made the girl all the more nervous. Ever so slowly, the man walked over to a tall, skinny table that held wine and glasses. It was the only piece of furniture that actually allowed you to stand at without having to lie down or sit cross-legged.

He looked away from her only to pour the wine into two, bronze goblets. His movements were so gracefully and trained which was quite amazing for a male. His clothing consisted of a light leather jacket that landed at his calves, a black tunic, leather breeches and boots. On his coat were gold buttons with strange symbols on them. Kore couldn't make out what they were or what they meant, but she could only guess that they represented a sort of rank.

He must have been at least forty five years of age. Although he was older and his hair was flecked with gray, he had youthful qualities about him. Who was this man?

Again, with his slow stride, he walked towards Kore. She took a step back. Strangely, he stopped. For a very long and agonizing moment, they stared at each other. The leader finally lifted a glass towards her.

"It will refresh you," he said, his voice flowing with an undeterminable accent.

She didn't move. How could she possibly know what was in that drink? It could have been poisoned for all she knew.

He seemed to read her thoughts and chuckled. "You were not brought here for your execution, my lady. In fact, you must drink this. I am sure that you are parched of thirst."

She swallowed, actually feeling parched. There was no more saliva or any kind of moisture in her mouth. A little wine shouldn't be so bad. Then again, he might be trying to intoxicate her and-

Her head shook.

The man sighed, setting down the goblet. "As you wish." He walked over to the table, lounging against one of the larger pillows. "I suppose that I should not be surprised. You are the daughter of Head-Strong Demeter, after all."

Kore didn't respond, but watched him from the corner of her eye. He seemed very sly. She thought of a fox when she looked at him. No, perhaps a serpent.

"Despite what you believe," continued the man, "you are not here as a prisoner… quite the opposite, actually."

Her brows furrowed as he sipped at his wine. She swallowed again, thinking of a cool liquid falling down her dry throat.

"You will not be under guard, as long as you behave," he explained, setting the goblet on the table. He looked her over again, sinking back deeper into the pillow. "Knowing your obedient tendencies, I am sure that will not be a concern."

Was that a compliment or an insult? She was too confused to understand. The man studied her for a long moment, before chuckling.

"Perhaps if I introduced myself, you would be more comfortable, hmm?"

Kore didn't answer, lowering her eyes, slightly.

"I am Minos Orion," he said, clasping his hands together. "I am the lieutenant general of our rebellion."

She didn't recognize his name. Was this a problem?

"You would not recognize me, on account that I am not a part of the Olympian army, Lady Kore," he explained, seeming to read her mind. "I am actually a lord from the south. A… mutual friend of mine asked me to lead some of his army, for him."

She tried not to gulp. Whoever this "friend" was, he was powerful. If Minos wasn't the leader, then what frightening male was?

Minos stood up, moving slowly towards her. Kore started to back up. However, she found that she had to stop herself in order not to trip over the many pillows behind her. The older man stopped about a few inches in front of her. She tried not to look nervous or feeble, but the trembles were hard to stop.

"I assure you, my lady," he said, his voice slightly husky, "no harm will come to you. You, after all, are the future Lady of Messina."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. He chuckled and then sighed, running a finger down her cheek. If she wasn't trembling before, she was now.

"You are a beauty, aren't you," he murmured, "Kore."

How could saying a name seem so wrong? She nearly jumped out of pure fright, but managed to contain herself.

"You're shaking," he observed, looking her over. "Your clothing certainly plain, but also unable to give the warmth that you need."

There was a slight distaste in his voice. He withdrew his hand, smiling wryly. She tried to calm her breathing, but seemed to be failing.

"You may speak, my lady," said Minos, chuckling. "Silence from you is rather… unattractive. Although, it seems that nothing could taint your glow."

Kore tried to relax herself, although it was very difficult. She looked into her captor's eyes, as she asked, "Why am I here?"

Slowly, a wry grin appeared on his face. "I would have thought that you would have solved that riddle by now, my sweet." He ran another finger down her cheek. "Quite simply, you are now my future wife."

Her eyes widened, considerably. She stepped back, away from his finger, but started to fall backwards from tripping over a pillow. Minos grabbed her arms, pulling her back to him… right up against him.

The daughter of Demeter was appalled. First she was betrothed to Hades and now this man was forcing her to be his bride. She tried to back up again, but his grip was tight and hard.

"As frightening as this must be for you," he said, seeming to be unaffected by her struggles, "I must ask that you try to remain calm. A terrified maiden, my sweet, is not quite my idea of my young bride."

Kore shook her head, in disbelief. "You-you can't-

"I do believe that I can, Kore," he interrupted. "After all, that is why I had my soldiers retrieve you." When he leaned towards her face, she looked away. "You have always caught my attention, Kore, ever since you were a child. Your mother would not have allowed me to wed you, though. Therefore, I had to acquire a different solution."

She grew confused and even more scared, but did not dare look back at him. "How do you know me? How could you have known me when I was a child?"

"Ah, your mother never told you. I made a few visits to your little corner of Olympia, in the hopes of acquiring food from your mother. She was known for her growth of various crops. Of course, she refused me, knowing of my… caviler practices." His breath was nearing her cheek. "But then, you appeared one day. You were twelve, I believe. It was then that I knew who I wanted for my bride."

He wanted her when she was only a child? She was captured by a mad man!

"Of course, I waited," he continued. "It would be expected of Demeter to attend the Thousandth Feast of Harvest. However, I did not expect you to accompany her. I would have thought that you would have remained in your home." He pulled back, letting her go and walking away. "It does not matter now, though. After all, none in Olympus knows who we are or why you were captured."

Kore shook her head again. "You-you can't wed me. I'm already betrothed-

"Ah, yes to Hades. I see." He rolled his eyes upward at the Lord of Tartarus's name. "The Warden of the Shadowed Gates, some call him. Do you really wish to live in a dark castle filled with prison cells and torture chambers, my sweet? They say that the sun hardly shines there and if it does, there are no windows to view it."

The thought scared her, but she also knew that this man was no better. "He didn't kidnap me!"

Another sinister chuckle. "My dear, Kore. Of course he didn't. He knew that Zeus would order you over to him and you would have no choice but to become his imprisoned bride. Demeter was always protective of you, but not even she could protect you from the wrath of Zeus, sending you to the Underworld."

He took a few steps forward, his hands behind his back. "Now with me, in contrast, I control much of the Southern Sea and have ties to those in the North, where the most jewels and riches can be found. You would be a queen, compared to who you would be with Hades. If you willingly submit to my proposed marriage, you will have the wealth of the world… and much more."

Kore swallowed, knowing that she didn't want jewels and riches. She only wanted freedom. This man was out of his mind.

Just then, Astro entered the tent. "Sir, a messenger from the general."

Minos turned towards the Siren. "Send him in."

He opening the flap and nodding to someone outside. Another Human entered the tent, dressed in a black cloak that covered the rest of his dark shroud. A dark beard covered much of his face, although it was well trimmed. His eyes were strangely dark, his pupils unable to make out. He gave a slight bow to the Lieutenant General.

"The general wishes for your soldiers to move to Elysium," he said, his voice very deep.

The leader's eyes narrowed. "For what purpose?"

"He wishes to ensure that he has enough numbers to perform the next phase."

Minos was undeterred. "Your general was supposed to speak to me in person, when it comes to that."

"He would have, but the Seer will not allow him to leave Elysium," explained the messenger. "As you can imagine, she is not pleased when it comes to her orders being disobeyed."

The leader scoffed, annoyance filling his face. "Very well. We will leave immediately, since it seems that you're Seer cannot stand seeing her security blanket leave."

The messenger gave a bow and left the tent. Astro remained to receive his next orders.

"Make ready the men," ordered Minos. "We move out in an hour."

The Siren nodded and left. The Human leader looked back at Kore, giving her a wry grin.

"There is a dress on the bed for you," he said, nodding to it. "Do put it on. These men are not exactly respectful to women as I am."

Kore hid a shudder, as he disappeared outside the tent.

Author's Note; Reviews, if you please!