Chapter 12: Katabasis: The Captain's Third Dream
by Ivy Rangee

Disith
21 Dekembris 3037
Fifth Day of Saturnalia
Feast of the Winter Solstice
0300 Hours
The Village of Sirm
Amita Maya's Cottage

With Euris' papers and documents strewn about him, Alexander Row sat cross-legged on the hard wooden floor of Amita Maya's tiny cottage. Following a futile attempt to remain awake, he nodded, his head drifting forward until his chin came to rest on Yukino's lustrous, fragrant hair. Using his chest for a pillow, she cuddled with him as the two shivered, huddled under a tattered quilt. Outside, the katabatic winds howled like a legion of demons, shaking the cottage to its foundation. So far the little house had withstood the intense gales, protected as it was by the mountain, and the wire cables that held it down.

Alex and Yukino had managed to get a corner of Amita Maya's kitchen nook to themselves. The rest of the cottage sheltered Nikator's people, who slept on the frigid floor, huddled around portable claudia heaters. Always a light sleeper, Alex woke when the Kirell's flight crew rose at zero three hundred for the change of watch duty. With noisy complaints, they trudged unceremoniously to their positions, relieving their weary fellow sentries. Deciding he too should get back to work, Alex cautiously disentangled his body from Yukino's grasp. Stealth was imperative for if she woke, he'd get nothing done. After freeing himself with ninja-like ingenuity, he smirked, setting to work, just as she sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"Are you still angry?" she whispered through chattering teeth.

"I'm never angry," growled Alex, wishing she would go to sleep and leave him in peace. Instead, he pulled her closer for warmth, wrapping the blanket tighter, feeling guilty at the meanness of his thoughts.

"Spare me… I know when you're angry."

"I'm not angry – go back to sleep. I have work to do. Drink some of this," he said, holding a cup of ice cold tea.

"No, that sleeping draught is for you. It's powerful enough to knock out a centaur. How long until daylight?" asked Yukino, stretching her long slender limbs.

"It's start of third watch – four hours at most."

"Such a long night."

"Long enough to get lots of work done."

"I'm sorry, Alexander," she said abruptly changing the subject. "I simply do not have the skill and knowledge to act as an anchor."

"Anchor? Whatever do you mean?"

"You know very well what I mean."

"I do not."

"Alright, if you insist," said Yukino, impatience clear in her voice. "To act as your anchor for an exploratory morgana."

"You took the Sylph Initiation."

"That's true, but I only had the funds for the first degree; I hope you will reconsider my suggestion."

"I've had time to reflect; you have a point. I'll accompany you to Jiguzagu Estate, and seek Lord Zoi's aid," said Alex, lying with facility.

Yukino put her arms around him. "Thank you, Alexander. If our connection had been broken during the trance state, I might have lost you."

"You could have done it. But now, I beg you; go to sleep. I have work to do." He twisted his face into friendly, placating smile.

"Don't show me that fake face," said Yukino. "Remember, I know you better than anyone."

"Leave me alone, Yukino," said Alex, losing his temper.

With a mocking laugh, Yukino gazed at him, slowly releasing one of her radiant smiles; the kind that bedazzled weaker men. Alex, however, was immune to her tricks.

"Cut the crap, Yukino," he said with derision. "I'm not one of your victims."

She got to her knees and straddled his lap, gazing at him with her most bewitching come hither expression. He had to admit; he was curious about what she would do next. Maybe he had spoken too soon.

Pulling his messy black hair to the nape of his neck, she whispered in a breathy voice, "You know, Alexander …"

"Don't talk that way and stop calling me Alexander."

"Don't interrupt, Alexander." At this she ran the tip of her tongue over his lips while she snaked her body against his.

"Yukino … that feels… um …" stammered Alex, as a shiver ran down his spine. "But given our circumstances ..."

"I can always tell what you like …"

"Can you?" His smile was real this time. "What's my tell?"

"That look you get…"

"As do you," he said, putting his arms around her.

They smirked at each other in profound understanding for a few moments after which Yukino stole a kiss and then sat on the floor next to him, where she commenced shivering. In sympathy, Alex gave her the entire blanket, wrapping it snugly around her.

"You know, Alexander, I do believe Amita Maya disapproves of me," pouted Yukino, leaning on his shoulder.

"Well, she is not alone, is she?" Alex said this as he searched through the papers looking for his notebook.

"That was mean," snapped Yukino, hurt evident in her voice. She sat up and stared at him.

Alex turned to see tears course down Yukino's cheeks. Surprised he wiped them away; Yukino rarely cried, no matter how vehemently they fought.

"This has been a difficult mission," said Alex in an attempt to comfort her. "But you know how I feel; how I have always felt, and shall always feel. In regard to marriage, Anatoray's customs vary greatly from the Disith's; I wouldn't expect Amita Maya to understand."

"What would have become of me on this side of the Grand Stream?" sighed Yukino, leaning on his arm once more. Apparently all was forgiven.

"You would have married me when I asked you so long ago," said Alex, shuffling papers impatiently.

"Perhaps – but I am not your true wife. We never would have been happy; you would have always longed for Euris, and I for freedom."

Alex shrugged; he did not want to think of the many ways Yukino's wayward ideas regarding freedom had derailed his life. "How can you speak of freedom? You ran away at eighteen, indentured yourself to the Enclave, and were sold into concubinage, all within a matter of a year."

"Everyone makes mistakes," she grumbled, resting her head on his shoulder.

The magnitude of this understatement set them both laughing.

"You have me there," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders, and kissing her cheek. "Go back to sleep; I have things to do."

"So you keep saying. But I can't sleep; it's too cold, and the wind sounds as if it will tear off the roof. Are we safe?"

"We are; take my jacket," said Alex, starting to remove his coat.

"No, Alexander, you'll freeze," she said, lying down beside him.

"I'll wake you at dawn; Nikator says the katabatic storm will have passed by then. We depart at first light."

"It's Winter Solstice, isn't it?" asked Yukino, popping into a seated position.

"I guess," replied Alex, absentmindedly as he resumed his search for the infernal, missing notebook.

"Sophia will be worried."

"Yes, but she'll wait for us."

"Will we make Jiguzagu Estate in time for the rites?"

"We'll set course as soon as we board the Silvana."

"Do you remember that prayer we sang as children on Solstice Eve?" asked Yukino, taking his hand. "When we gathered evergreen boughs and pine cones in the meadows at Jiguzagu?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "No." But he did.

"What do you suppose Miyako is up to tonight?" Yukino asked. She sounded bereft.

"Undoubtedly she's asleep." He picked up a sheaf of papers and flipped through them for signs of the elusive notebook.

"Maybe not, perhaps she is awake in anticipation of the Solstice celebration or maybe she is lonely, longing for her mother." Yukino leaned forward, resting her forehead on his back.

"She is not expecting you until later today."

"Still, we are rarely apart; I hope she's not had any more nightmares."

"Do you think Lady Hippolyte would allow her only great-great granddaughter to endure such distress?" asked Alex, giving up the search to hold her close.

"No… I remember how well she treated me when you brought me home, and I am no relation."

"You are an Alwet; our clans are kin."

"I miss Miyako, Alexander; she's my baby," said Yukino, smoothing a tear from her cheek.

"You will see her in a few hours," replied Alex, kissing the top of her head.

"Will your great grandmother have decorated the fur trees in the courtyard?" Yukino drew closer, circling her arms around his waist.

"It's tradition." Alex understood Yukino's anguish so he indulged her; but, in truth he preferred to keep these warm, fuzzy memories at bay.

"Do you think she allowed Miyako to help?"

"Why would she not?" laughed Alex.

"Your nephews …"

"Lady Hippolyte does not play favorites."

"You idiot. You're so blind," laughed Yukino.

"Me, blind?"

"Your Polli does play favorites, and I am looking at him."

"Me! How can you say that?" scoffed Alex.

"Because it's obvious. To begin with, you are the only one allowed to call her Polli."

"Not so … and you mustn't fear for Miyako; Polli will spoil her as she does all her great-great grandchildren."

"No, she won't."

"Polli has begged you for years to allow her time alone with Miyako. She wants nothing more than to indulge the girl's every whim."

"You misunderstand me. Lady Hippolyte will favor Miyako because she is yours."

Alex leaned against the wall, staring at the ceiling as a gust of wind sent a shudder through the house. It was true; he and his great-grandmother shared a special bond. In fact, he had no doubt that Polli would put aside her differences with Yukino, and look after both her and Miyako after his death. He planned to work out the details with his great-grandmother next he saw her.

"What was that note you gave Sophia for Lady Hippolyte?" asked Yukino, shivering as she snuggled closer to him.

"I asked her to run some genetic tests on Miyako."

"Genetic testing?!" asked Yukino, raising her voice and pushing him away. "Alexander, how could you? You should have conferred with me! You have overstepped. Why? What for?"

"To search for certain markers. And keep you voice down."

"Do you doubt her paternity?" whispered Yukino.

"How can you ask me that?" asked Alex, taking her hand even as he tried to hide his irritation. "I requested it because you are an Alwet, and I am a Yokujin."

"So?" she demanded, pulling her hand away.

"It is complicated; please trust me," said Alex, taking her other hand firmly in his. "Miyako may have gifts similar to mine – before the Grand Stream."

"But I thought only boys had those abilities, and I have seen no evidence of anything like that in Miyako."

"Girls exhibit the trait later than boys. It is rare in females, but, given the right gene configuration in the parents, it can happen."

"But if she carries the Yokujin trait, the Guild will be after her," said Yukino, her dark eyes full of fear.

"Agreed," replied Alex, his tone imperious. "That is why you will remain at Jiguzagu Estate." He squeezed her hand hard for emphasis.

"I shall not!" she said, folding her arms, and turning her back to him.

"Damn it, Yukino!" growled Alex, his voice low. "Why not?"

"I'll lose Miyako to Lady Hippolyte," wept Yukino.

"That is the stupidest thing you have ever said!" growled Alex, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her so she faced him.

"Really? What about you and Hestia?" She shrugged, pushing his hands away.

"Explain." Alex crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. His lips pursed, he brought his knees to his chest and tapped his foot, impatient.

"Lady Hippolyte took you away from your mother and father. You bonded to her as a mother figure. You hated your parents for years."

"There is no parallel." He really couldn't understand how she could be so obtuse.

"I'll not lose my baby." At this Yukino broke down completely. Relenting, Alex reached for her, but she dodged him.

"Polli will respect your bond with Miyako," he said, leaning forward and running his hand down her back.

"As she respected your mother's with you?" she sniffed.

"The circumstances are completely different!" He wished she would stop harping on about his childhood.

"So you say!"

"Why are you pushing me like this?"

"I will not have my child taken from me," hissed Yukino, turning on him with an angry glare. "Even by you!"

"Bloody hell, Yukino!" growled Alex, in a low whisper. "You know the story. My mother and father abused and neglected Hestia and me. At four, I almost starved to death. I ate food out of the fucking garbage, sometimes the dogs' bowls. My father's first wife tried to kill me three times, and her son drove Hestia to near madness. There is no comparison! Miyako is a well cared for child. I envy her!" Alex pulled away from her, seething. Why did she make him reiterate what she already knew? "Are you trying to humiliate me?"

"I'm sorry, Alexander," she whispered, her back to his. "But you too are being dense."

"How is that?!"

"When I was the same age as Miyako, my mother took me to Jiguzagu Estate and committed suicide in Lady Hippolyte's apple orchard. She left me to die in the snow, a stranger in a strange place. Miyako is my only family; perhaps I love her too much."

"Yuki … Miyako is not your only family," said Alex, gathering her into his arms. "But you are right about one thing, your suffering is greater. Mine cannot compare; however, if Polli hadn't nurtured my sister and me, we would not have survived. It was out of necessity, not a desire to supersede and possess. And remember, she did not stand in the way when I reconciled with my mother. "

"Hush, Alexander … this is not a contest," replied Yukino, her calm returning as she embraced him. "I have been insensitive; I will consider your suggestion."

"Good!"

"And thank you, Alexander, for the wonderful Solstice gift."

"Gift?"

"For saying you envy Miyako."

"It's true. There is no way that Polli could take Miyako from you. Now you must rest; I have much to do."

"But Alexander …"

"Please, Yuki," he pleaded in desperation.

"As you wish. But it's Solstice, let's have one song."

"You know I can no longer sing." Alex frowned at her. Music, his solace since childhood, had gone the way of everything else on that fateful day in the Grand Stream.

"Do you ever try?"

"… I cannot make sense of melodies … Now, leave me alone; I have a great deal to prepare …"

"Just recite it with me then, after that I'll go to sleep."

Alex hung his head; he found these sentimental, holiday remembrances unbearable. "Do you promise?"

"On my honor."

"You start …"

"No, together … one, two, three …"

"Light of the sun so clear and bright,
Enter our hearts on this darkest of nights."

Rekindle our spirits benevolently,
That we may grow to be brave and free."

When they finished they gazed at each other with soft smiles. "It's been a long road," said Yukino, her eyes glistening.

"It has…" he whispered, drawing her to him and kissing her deeply. "Now go to sleep."

Encased the tattered quilt, Yukino lay down, resting her head on his thigh. "Wake me if even the slightest thing happens."

"Yes, yes."

At that, Alex recommenced the search for his notebook, sorting through documents and maps until he finally found it under Euris' sketch of the Guild stronghold. Opening the notebook to Dracori's poem, he studied it. He'd made some progress, but inspiration escaped him. All he could think about was the bleakness of his checkered past. Though he should be comforted by the bright, peaceful times Yukino described, he could not remember them without a sense of desolation. He'd failed at life; he could not see a way out of the mazy darkness that possessed him. Overcome by a sudden wish to spare Miyako and his young nephews his fate, he re-wrote a poem he'd composed as a youth:

To the children of my lineage born and unborn,

Listen, you little children. You, the lucky ones.
Cherish those guardians who love you, shield you,
Allow you the luxury and blessed bliss of a childhood.
For 'tis a curse to apprehend the sorrows of this world too early.

Stay in the protective bubble of their hovering.
For all too soon the heartbreak of this predatory realm intrudes.
But take the advice of a solitary wanderer who envies you,
'Tis better to remain shielded too long
Than undergo life's vicissitudes prematurely.

Finishing with a painful flourish, Alex leaned back, resting against the cold wall. How much longer before he reached the end of this harrowing road? What would come next? In all honesty, he did not care. But he sensed the end approached and before that he must find Euris. Why did he resist using the boon, prolonging his pain and more importantly that of Euris? An exploratory morgana made no sense when all he had to do was call on Queen Persephone. But then it did, or, perhaps had was a better word.

Ten years ago, just after tragedy in the Grand Stream, when he had been convinced of Euris' death, he'd contemplated using Lady Persephone's boon to bring Euris back from the Hades. He'd even discussed the possibility of resurrecting Euris with his teacher, Lord Zoi, who had refused to help him, saying it would render Alex soulless. After that he'd given up, descending into the haze of alcohol and drugs, forgetting the boon entirely.

Alex gathered the papers and notebook scattered around him, stuffing them into his bag, which he laid beside Yukino. He wrote her a short note, placing it in her hand, and then, reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he checked for the two totenpass. The cup with the sleeping draught lay beside him, and he picked it up, recklessly gulping down the ice cold mixture. Drowsiness overcame him immediately. He barely had time to bow his head and whisper a short prayer to Queen Persephone, asking her to grant his boon. With Ourea's name on his lips, his eyes closed, and fell into a deep dream state.

"Alexander … Alexander, awaken."

Slowly Alex became aware of Ourea's presence. She stood against a background of utter darkness; however, she had changed since the last time he'd seen her. Her dark hair had a red tinge, and though she was pale almost gray, she seemed a bit happier, for she smiled at him.

"You should not have drunk that potion. You will be groggy for a while."

Gradually the blackness behind Ourea receded, like the aperture of a camera opening. They stood in the meadow just outside of Amita Maya's house; a gentle snow fell from the infinitely high dome of the sky. The pungent smell of pine needles drifted on a soft breeze, which sent snowflakes whirling through the rustling branches of the tall, circling evergreen trees. A thick cloud cover glowed greenish-gray, and Alex wondered at the source of the strange coloration even as he became enthralled by its result. Under the magical haze, he could make out in amazing detail the crystalline shape of each snowflake as it glistened a pale aqua while wending its way through the frigid air. The sight took Alex' breathe away and he spun three hundred sixty degrees, to devour the view. But as he turned, the sky cleared, revealing the sparkling, uncharted constellations of an unknown and mysterious world.

"Come," Ourea whispered. "It is time …"

Alex tried to speak, but he could not, feeling only an overwhelming awe at what he beheld.

"The effects of the draught will lessen soon, and then you will be able to speak."

Ourea held out her pale, almost translucent hand, and led him across the meadow to a path that climbed the mountain behind Amita Maya's house. In this alternate world, only a light snowpack covered the ground so they had no trouble following a narrow path through tall stone canyons filled with juniper trees until eventually they reached a small rocky grotto.

"This place belongs to Euris," said Ourea, solemnly.

Alex examined the grotto, touching the rocks lightly with just his fingertips. The stones glistened beneath the strange light of these new constellations, and he was reminded of Euris' poem and their first night as lovers. Swallowing hard, he did battle with the salty tears that threatened to overwhelm him as he came upon a rock shelf where he found a dried and pressed, savagely red flower. A narcissus, perhaps, though he'd never seen one that large. He picked up several blossoms, slipping them into his pocket.

"Over here," called Ourea. Lost in his exploration, he turned to her in confusion. She stood at the entrance to a cave, and beside her hovered a small black and red dragonfly with iridescent wings.

"Have you readied the words?" asked the insect.

"Dracori," whispered Alex with trepidation; he'd never finished the poem.

The dragonfly fluttered to Alex, landing on his ear. "This is as far as you go. That is, unless you're prepared to recite the poem in its totality. Well?"

Well indeed, thought Alex. He had no choice; he'd have to wing it. Thus, after murmuring a short prayer of supplication to the Muse, he gathered his thoughts as he spoke slowly in a low voice.

"Heaven, hovering far above, watched with curiosity
The roiling, ever-questing, radiant blue Sea,
And, after eons of observation, fell utterly in love.

Dreaming, imagining and magnifying the pleasure
Of containing – of holding and possessing the swirling, fecund fluent,
Heaven conceived a mad desire to capture the turbulent flow.

Seeking a solution, Heaven traveled on the ley lines of attention,
Eventually finding a dark, frigid, silent place that held Sea's fluid nature fast.
Not even a drop spilled, though Sea sought a way out in its quest to be free.

Heaven resolved to rain forever wintery darkness upon the world.
But how?
For wherever Heaven traveled, a wake of light and warmth followed.
Without intention, enthralled by frozen, lustrous blue-white Sea,
Heaven unwittingly released Sea from its crystal prison.

In ecstatic contemplation, Heaven failed to notice Sea's slow awakening.
First a trickle, then a sluggish flow, at last a wild torrent.
Simply by Heaven's presence, Sea regained its iridescent essence.

In sorrow, yet drawing ever closer, possessive Heaven released Sea.
And grateful, loving Sea, ever wild, yielded to Heaven's radiance, rising as a vapor to greet its lover on high.
Thus, Heaven, moved to the depths of its soul by Sea's generosity,
Wept, raining love upon the swirling waters."

Alex hesitated, at a loss to continue.

"So beautiful," murmured the dragonfly, a tear visible, which surprised Alex. He had thought insects incapable of weeping, but then he had been wrong about birds too. "Did they stay together?"

"Of course," whispered Alex, relived that Dracori had accepted the incomplete poem. "They belong to each other."

"You may pass," said Dracori. "Will this be the last time?"

"Perhaps not. There's a chance I'll survive."

"May your quest succeed; I wish to hear more of the exploits of Heaven and Sea when next we meet."

"Like Sea, you are very generous, Dracori."

"Keep that to yourself, human," fluttered the insect, before disappearing.

Ourea beckoned from the cave's entrance, and Alex followed her into the utter darkness of the cavern, his resolve absolute.

"Stay close," she whispered, taking his hand. "This cave connects to the chthonic world."

"How will we find our way?" murmured Alex. "It's dark as pitch."

"Hold to the left wall, eventually we will enter the underworld, which, as you must recall from our first visit, has a light source of its own."

They walked a heavily worn, rocky path as if blind, the darkness was so complete. The trail sloped ever downward, and Alex wiped his brow as the air grew warm and sultry. Three times they stopped while the ground shook, forcing them to crouch, and cover their heads, loose dirt and pebbles raining down upon them.

"Ourea, you are a spirit of the air. How are you managing to find your way?" asked Alex, who had the distinct sense they traveled in circles.

"Hush …"

"But it's as if I've been blinded."

"Please be silent, Alexander, I need absolute concentration to follow Queen Persephone's emissary."

"The queen's emissary? You mean Lord Hermes leads us?"

At those questions, Alex collided with Ourea, she having stopped abruptly. In the silence, he could hear the fluttering of wings, and, as the sound grew louder, Alex felt a light breeze.

"You must feel your way," said a deep, resonant voice. "To do that you must remain mute and rely on your sylph."

"Lord Hermes," said Alex. "I am humbled, Master of Thieves."

"As you should be; now, maintain silence, as your lovely sylph requested, so we may make headway. Time is short, and I am overdue. My uncle and I have urgent matters to which we must attend; most likely Lord Hades has been forced to start without me. All due to you, human," said the Lord of Trickery, impatience clear in his wonderful voice. "Should my uncle take umbrage at the late arrival of my father's dispatches, you will find yourself spending a great deal of time and energy placating me, Alexander Row. And you must admit how vital my inspiration is for so many of your cunning plans."

"Of course, My Lord," said Alex, feigning meekness; he did not wish to get on the god's bad side. For, though Alex felt closer in temperament to Lord Hades, he always sought Lord Hermes' favor on matters of strategic and tactical cunning.

"Do not think you tricked me with that paltry display," replied the ingenious god. "Perhaps you have forgotten that I am the master of pretence. It is a gift really; I was born with it. Just ask my brother Apollo, that is if you can get him to stop whining about his bloody cattle. He has a peculiar obsession with them, but you did not hear that from me."

"Please accept my apology, My Lord," said Alex, as the ground beneath him rumbled to life.

"That was without a doubt the most insincere, pathetic apology I have ever heard; you are very lucky I find your schemes artful and intriguing. Now, I repeat, follow your sylph and maintain silence," commanded Lord Hermes, ignoring the earthquake.

"Is this much seismic activity usual?" asked Alex, unable to suppress his curiosity.

"You will maintain silence!"

With that, the fluttering moved away, and once again they commenced their journey, Alex took Lord Hermes' advice and felt his way along the passage, imitating the fire ants he'd observed outside the Sanctuary of Sankta Cygnus Cadens Rubricata in the Ivy Keys. This, of course, led to another question.

"Lord Hermes, can you see in this darkness?" Alex thought he heard a sigh, but then the answer came.

"Of course, human," laughed the god. "I am to you as you are to those fire ants you contemplate. Now be quiet or I shall strike you as dumb as they are."

Alex felt a bit unsettled by the god's reference to fire ants, but the Immortal Guide was well known for his intuition. Then too, Alex did not accept the comparison as entirely valid, since Lord Hermes was the very archetype of obfuscation. However, he did not dwell on these thoughts; instead he threw himself into feeling his way through the darkness just as fire ants do. After a while he became quite adept. In fact, the sensation was remarkable as he gained a mental picture of his circumstances through a hitherto unknown sense of spatial awareness separate from his visual faculty. Thus, the trio now moved quickly through the darkness, though the way presented many twists and narrow passages.

"We are close to the Shaft of Souls, and I must fly," said the keen-sighted god, after several hours of travel. "You will find it if you hold to the left side of this passage. As you approach, you will feel a current of warm, dry air and hear the fleeting hiss of the passing shadows of the dead. Ignore them, and they will ignore you. Follow the shaft until you reach the Field of Asphodel where a pale silver-gray path will open before you. Beware the road that intersects it; turn neither to the right nor the left upon it, but continue on straight ahead until you reach a bridge carved out of rock that crosses over the abyss of Tartarus. After traversing that treacherous arch you will be met by a new guide."

"My Lord…" said Alex with a bow.

"You do not have much time, so make the most of it, Captain Ant. I lead you at the request of Lord Hades and his lovely queen, on whom I myself once had designs. Your decision to use your boon at this time is most serendipitous. Perhaps I may inspire you one more time. Now, I must make haste; the Lord of the Underworld awaits my advice. Farewell."

"Lord Hermes?" said Alex, kneeling.

"Captain Ant?"

"I am looking for my wife who may be in Hades. Perhaps you led her here?"

The God could not contain his laughter. "Captain Ant, this question is so trifling compared to the magnitude of our situation, and yet it is utterly vital. Indeed, I led her as I have led everyone who has ever died. You cannot expect me to recall your Euris."

"You know her name?"

"Lord Hades and Queen Persephone explained what you seek. It seems I have led your wife, and others like her, though I do not recall any of them specifically."

"So she is here."

"I cannot say."

"But … "

"The queen will explain. Expect to pay a mighty price for the granting of this boon."

"But the boon has already been granted."

"True, the boon has been there for you to take, but what you ask is beyond the scope of a standard boon."

"There are categories of boons?"

"Indeed, there are! Really Captain Ant, most request wealth or fame. What you ask and have asked in the past reaches the limits of even a god's abilities."

"I'll do whatever is necessary."

"Then you will be seeking my aid …"

"You said you led her here."

"Yes, yes … So I did … but apparently she, and some few other shades like her, are temporary guests."

"Isn't everyone temporary?" asked Alex.

"So they are, but these shades are extra-temporary," explained Lord Hermes, as the chthonic earth shook. "My uncle awaits; I shall inform him of your intentions. Farewell." With that Alex heard the ever increasing fluttering of wings followed by a stiff breeze.

"Lord Hermes has departed," confirmed Ourea. "We must move on."

Alex stood stock still, ignoring her; Euris inhabited Hades and yet she did not. He recalled the reanimating machines she described in her letter. Could it be true? Had the maestro found a way to raise the dead? And, if true, what sort of side effects resulted from such a procedure?

"Alexander, I know this is a shock! But we must go. Now!" ordered Ourea, taking his hand. "I have a bad feeling. Frequent quakes are not natural to the chthonic world. Concentrate as you did before so we may find our way out of this cave."

With her words, his resolution returned. "Lead me, Ourea," he whispered, clearing his mind and resuming the state of spatial awareness.

Ourea ushered him through the subterranean passageway in an ever tightening downward spiral, but he made no protest; this was the way into Hades, and the route would be bound by chthonic natural law. In this he must be led or he would be lost.

"Do you feel it?" whispered the sylph, as a light wind ruffled Alex' hair.

"I do," he replied, squeezing her hand.

"We are close."

"Then let's not delay. Show me the way, Ourea."

They followed the breeze, and, after a few meters, Alex heard the fluttering of the shades. Feeling their way along the wall, Alex and Ourea completed one last spiral which stopped abruptly at the edge of a wide shaft illuminated by a flat copper glow. There they waited, their eyes adjusting to the dull light.

Once their vision cleared, they found they stood at the entrance to a mineshaft, but instead of veins of precious metals and gems, the dead flowed through its seams. The near vertical drop forced the two to climb down narrow ledges made more treacherous by intermittent earthquakes. The spirits, however, simply floated past, and Alex saw hundreds of vacant eyed soldiers drift by him.

"Are you ready, Alexander?" asked Ourea when they finally reached the bottom where a rocky arched portal opened before them.

"I am, Ourea."

"Are you afraid?" she asked, pointing her toe and making an O in the pale powdery dust.

"No."

"What then?"

"Sorrow tinged with a sweet anticipation. And you?"

"Joy."

"Joy?"

"You allowed me to show you the way. You have not done that since you were a child."

"Then perhaps this will increase your happiness. Lead on. Let's see what awaits us."

Hand in hand they stepped through the portal entering the chthonic realm of Lord Hades. Before them spread a vast bowl-shaped meadow of asphodel, shades of the shrouded dead wandered dreamily among the pale flowers, their faces devoid of expression, and Alex wondered how their eyes perceived what to him appeared as colorless blossoms.

Overhead hung heavy gray mammatus clouds that stretched into the distance where they met the summits of a range of craggy black mountains. To the right, the meadow ended in a distant forest of white poplar whose branches swayed gently in the dry, crackling wind. To the left the meadow ran down to a vast lake, the waters of which moved like the spectral lines of liquid mercury.

Ourea tugged his arm, and, as he turned to her, he noticed for the first time they each wore shrouds, blending in with the dead. The pale linen cloth wrapped their bodies, hooding their heads. Alex' right arm remained free of the wrappings, and he watched as the tattoo, bestowed upon him by Queen Persephone so long ago, reappeared, encircling his upper arm in a beautiful pattern of intertwined pale copper barley sheaves.

"The ward of the Queen," whispered Ourea, admiring the mark. "How exquisite."

"I had forgotten it," said Alex. "What is wrong with me?"

"Nothing," said Ourea, touching his face. "We had better keep moving."

"I don't think I can walk in this shroud."

"I shall fix it," said the sylph, loosening the wrappings. "Try that."

"Better," he said, after walking ahead. "Lead on."

Ourea took him down a gradually sloping trail as they picked up their pace, running through the pallid, though not unpleasant terrain, shroud wrappings fluttering behind them. Unnoticed by the shades, they swept along the track, making the crossroad without incident, but as they tried to cross the intersecting road a young and very beautiful woman blocked their path. Dressed as a maiden in a short fringed skirt and soft doe skin boots, she held a four-headed Eleusinian torch aloft. At her right side stood a tall black menacing dog and at her left a huge, ferocious-looking ferret. Aware of her identity immediately, Alex fell into a full kowtow, pulling Ourea down with him.

"Lady Hecate …" he whispered, for though she wore the costume of an innocent girl, she was in fact a powerful goddess, daughter of Titans, her father Perses, the Destroyer, and her mother, Asteria, the Starry Night. From these two she had inherited power over Heaven, Earth and Sea. Lords Zeus, Poseidon and Hades held her in high esteem for she fought valiantly at their sides in the war against the Gigantes. She presided over the mysterious and hidden: witchcraft, the night, the new moon, ghosts, necromancy and crossroads.

"I see you wear the mark of one blessed with the favor and protection of Queen Persephone. You must be the travelers I have been sent to waylay. You took long enough …," said the lady of crossroads with a frown of disapproval.

"We apologize, Brimo Trimorphos," said Alex, eyeing the snarling dog, who glared at Ourea and him as if at prey.

"Quiet, Hecuba, these are Her Majesty's guests; it would not due to present them to Queen Persephone marred by teeth marks," laughed the goddess, at which the dog whimpered, settling at her side. "Hmm… Brimo Trimorphos?"

"Did I err, Zerynthia?"

"No, but both of those epithets are very ancient. I have not been addressed in such a formal manner in centuries. But then, Queen Persephone did indicate that you are learned in ancient lore."

While Lady Hecate mused on her various titles, her ferret circled Alex and Ourea, its nose held high as it took in their scents, and, after several rounds accompanied by a great deal of loud sniffing in various inappropriate places, it raised its stubby leg as if to mark them.

"Gale, put your leg down immediately and return to me," ordered Lady Hecate.

Her leg held high, the great ferret, Gale, gazed stubbornly at the goddess.

"Do not make me repeat myself. We cannot bring them before Her Majesty smelling rank."

Gale eyed her mistress sheepishly and obeyed, circling the goddess once and then resting at her feet.

"Rise and follow me," ordered the Lady Hecate. "We make for Her Majesty's temple in the White Poplar Forest. You must make haste."

"But the White Poplar Forest is to the right, Night Wanderer," contested Alex with a great deal of trepidation, for like all deities, the Goddess Hecate could be dangerous when her authority was questioned, but he thought he must, remembering Lord Hermes' warning.

"Are you in the habit of babbling like an idiot?" asked the goddess.

"How perceptive of you to notice my idiocy, Lady Hecate, but it was Lord Hermes, himself, who instructed us to remain on this road, going neither to right nor left at the crossroads."

"And is Lord Hermes Guardian of all Crossroads?"

"He is not. But that was his warning," said Alex, knowing he did indeed risk punishment.

"You presume to correct me?" asked the goddess with such menace that Hecuba resumed her growling, and Gale her inspection.

"No, Delicate One," replied Alex, diplomatically.

"Then follow me."

Alex considered what to do. Lord Hermes had been quite explicit; however, he was nowhere to be seen. On the other hand legend was quite clear, Lady Hecate was the Guardian of All Crossroads, and the companion, some even said the sister, of Queen Persephone. Alex looked at Ourea, who rolled her eyes with a lopsided, ironic smile as she reached for his hand, nodding in the direction of Lady Hecate.

But by then the Guardian of All Crossroads had already set off for the White Poplar Forest, her torch held aloft as her two familiars raced after her. Alex and Ourea had to make haste, for as it turned out, Lady Hecate was a remarkable athlete, and she set an exhausting pace. Alex had expected to feel dull and heavy as a result of traveling in the Chthonic world; however, instead, he ran as fast and free as he had when a child, Ourea keeping pace at his side. Within minutes they had traversed the upper plain of the Field of Asphodel and crossed over the threshold into the White Poplar Forest. At first they followed a wide avenue, but then Lady Hecate ventured into the pathless thicket, leading them among tall white trees whose sparse, dull silver leaves cast pale shifting shadows in the subtle light of the underworld.

Lady Hecate kept well ahead and several times Alex and Ourea found themselves alone and unable to discern the way. When this happened they simply stopped and waited, examining the flora and fauna of this strange, ancient forest. After a while Hecuba would trot out of the trees to retrieve them, taking Alex' palm gently in her teeth and leading them along until the trail became plain again.

After an indeterminate time, for Alex found it impossible to keep track of its passage in this forest, the path climbed into a darker forest where the trees grew thicker. The ever narrowing trail followed the edge of a steep cliff for several meters until it ended before an arch of a red rock, the entrance to a small, circular garden filled with telluric wildflowers alien to the netherworld. In the center stood a glinting, adamantine-garnet circular temple, of exquisite design.

Six marble pillars defined an inner sanctorum and, into each, had been carved ivy tendrils which climbed the stony columns in sensuous beauty. Lady Hecate ordered Alex and Ourea to prostrate themselves on the lowest of the temple's six circular steps where Alex was to pray for Queen Persephone's aid. The goddess added the admonition that neither Alex nor Ourea gaze at the queen once they felt her presence.

Alex bowed his head, but in that moment, cold fear of what he might learn consumed him, rendering his mind a chaotic tangle.

"Alexander, I have watched you enter battle after battle, resolute, clear minded and fearless. Why do you falter now?" said Ourea, taking his hand.

"I welcome my own death. It is the death of Euris I fear."

"You have your wish; you are here to receive your boon. Stop indulging in your fear or you will miss this opportunity."

Ourea's words had the effect of a spell, quieting the tumultuous noise in his head, so that he found the heartfelt words necessary to beckon the goddess.

"Queen of the Underworld, Lady Persephone,
Merciful Benefactress, who inscribed
The sacred wreath of barley sheaves upon my body.

Only Begotten One, so great is your love for your noble consort,
That, of your own volition, you found his vast orchards
And, in secret, ate the pomegranate seeds of Hades,
Sealing your fate as ruler of the dead and the living.
Now, on winter's darkest night, at Lord Hades' side,
You, in your compassion, bestow mercy upon the shades of the dead.

Benevolent One, as you love Lord Hades
So I love one who resides with you.
I beg an audience that I might plead for her pardon.

While Alex prayed the sweet, delicate scent of wildflowers gradually grew stronger. At first he believed it the fragrance of the queen's garden. But, when he felt a gentle breeze stir his hair, he knew it heralded Queen Persephone's imminent presence, and he pressed his forehead to the stone steps.

"Alexander Pieter James Petros Row, have you finally come to your senses?" came her lilting, beautiful voice.

"My Queen," he whispered, full of emotion. Her musical voice reminded him of childhood comforts. "That is not possible."

"Well, in that case, have you come for your boon?"

"I have."At that, Ourea squeezed his hand; he glanced sidelong at her, gaining encouragement from the sylph's smile.

"What is it you wish?" asked the Queen of Shades.

"My wife – I beg to speak with her – if she is here, Only Begotten One."

"She is here. State your intention."

"I speak truly; I wish to speak with her," said Alex, his forehead pressed to the cool, smooth red rock.

"You may speak truly, but truly you withhold. This is not worthy of one I hold close."

"I do not understand …"

"You intend to initiate her?"

"I do, Holy One."

"Such initiations are prohibited in Hades. Do you still wish an audience?"

"Yes," whispered Alex, disappointed.

"Before I grant such a forbidden petition; I must exact a promise from you."

"You have my unconditional promise."

"I hope you do not regret that statement. Your beloved, like many others from the world of Prester, comes and goes."

"Is that not true for all worlds, Holy Kore?"

"It is, but this is an aberration."

"An aberration?"

"By your reckoning your wife arrived here ten years ago. That is true; however, after a short stay she departed, but not to her next life. Instead, she returned to her previous one; since then she has come and gone several times in the same manner, and she is not alone."

"How is this possible?"

"Through the perversion of the one who rules your world."

"Maestro Delphine," growled Alex.

"The very one."

"What is it you want from me?"

"Destroy the preening usurper's diabolical machines. For those apparatus harm not only the humans who are revivified through them, but worse, they rend the very fabric of my Lord Hades' kingdom."

"Then these machines are real?"

"So they are, even now, my Lord works without rest, endeavoring to keep the Underworld intact. The Lake of Memory is polluted; it takes on the properties of mercury."

"The result of regeneration chambers?"

"Just so. They are an abomination that breaks time. And it is not the chthonic world alone that suffers – your world - the telluric world, deteriorates as well. You see the truth of my words, do you not?"

"I do, Holy Kore, even the constellations above Anatoray are no longer reliable."

"Will you take on this quest for your benefactress?"

"Your Majesty, why can't the Lord of the Dead put an end to the maestro and her machines?"

"He dare not; the very nature of those machines is anathema to the race of gods. For now, your maestro reigns unchecked even by the gods. We put our fate in your hands."

"You are aware of my record. Why would you entrust this to me?"

"That is simple. First, you have already made plans to act on your fierce hatred of the maestro. Second, your love for your wife is so passionate that I have no doubt you will find a way to breach the aberrant one's stronghold to place the totenpass around your beloved's neck. When you have achieved this goal you must destroy the twisted one and her infernal machines. She usurps the power of the gods and fall she must. After you accomplish this task both you and your wife may pass freely through this world with our blessing."

"How will I know when Euris is at the maestro's stronghold and not here?"

"When she is here she is also there, and that is the root of all that ails us. Such dualistic events break the very agreements that make our worlds coherent; it threatens annihilation in every realm of this world system."

"Annihilation?" said Alex. "Now that is ironic."

"Irony? No, Annihilator, perhaps this is the role you were born to. There is one more thing – a burden you have placed on My Lord which only you can remove."

"What is that?"

"Your prayer to Lord Hades binding your wife to Hades, rescind it."

"I cannot."

"Then I must command you."

"But Lady Chthonia," pleaded Alex. "What if I do not succeed? Euris will drink from River Lethe and be lost to me forever."

"Do you hear yourself?" said the goddess. "Your grasping causes her suffering."

"Please, I lost her once. A second death is … I can't lose her again; I will not!"

"Death and loss are the lot of humans."

"Easy for you to say," said Alex, standing and turning his back to the goddess.

"Alexander, I will forgive your audacity."

"I cannot do it."

"Do you understand the result of what you have done? There is only one place in Hades where the inmates are forbidden the Waters of Forgetfulness – that is Tartarus, the deepest pit in the Underworld. Each time your wife returns here, Lord Hades must bind her in Tartarus to stop her from quenching the terrible thirst of the dead in Lethe's waters. Tartarus is a loathsome place where only those who deserve the harshest and longest punishments abide. That is the only way Lord Hades can answer your prayer. Even he cannot break the laws of this realm. Indeed, it is his duty to uphold them."

"Does Euris remember her stay in Tartarus when she returns to the Guild stronghold?" whispered Alex.

"For a short while, she does, but she is not sufficiently evolved to live with such memories. Mercifully, the aberrant one has other machines that induce forgetfulness; otherwise your wife would go mad. The waters of oblivion are not without purpose."

"Does she know I am responsible?"

"No, Lord Hades refused permission, but even so I went to her. When I could no longer bear your wife's undeserved suffering, I gave her comfort. Your Euris believes she has been sentenced to Tartarus for her actions against you."

"Against me?" Alex laughed quietly, sinking to one knee.

"While it is true she sinned, her deeds are not worthy of those condemned to Tartarus. The inmates of that terrible place have caused multitudes of sentient beings enormous suffering. Will you reconsider? I prefer not to order you."

"May I see her and then decide?"

"Granted, but if you do not do this of your own free will, I shall command you!"

Alex closed his eyes and knelt before the goddess. "Your Majesty."

"Prepare yourself, for Euris comes from the pit of Tartarus where insanity reigns. Avert your head from my direction and climb the steps to my inner sanctuary. Your sylph may wait for you on the lowest step."

"Fear not," whispered Ourea, who knelt beside him. "I shall await your return."

Alex climbed the steps, entering the blood red temple, his eyes cast down.

"Lady Hecate, come forth and draw Alexander's blood. Perform the incantation."

"Your arm, human," ordered the crafty Goddess of All Crossroads. "The one encircled with the wreath of barley."

Alex averted his eyes as Lady Hecate drew close, taking his arm in her slender, ice, cold fingers. With a scalpel she pulled from thin air, she carved a crescent shape deep into his skin, drawing a steady stream of blood from his median cubital vein, letting it flow dark and red into a simple clay chalice. All the while she murmured an incantation as, in fascination, Alex watched Euris slowly materialize before him.

Wearing an odd gray uniform, Euris stared at the red stone floor of Queen Persephone's temple – weeping. Alex moved to go to her, but Lady Hecate stopped him.

"A few more drops and I can render her corporeal for a short time," whispered the Goddess of the New Moon. "Would you like to hold her in your arms?"

"Do it."

"What is this place? It smells of blood," cried Euris, sinking to the floor where she rocked back and forth, her hands covering her face. "Or am I dreaming? That's it; I sleep, for my hands are opaque; they block the terrible visions."

"Take as much as is needed," said Alex, shocked by his wife's condition.

"You know, human, I can bring the dead back to life permanently. All you need do is give me your sylph."

Alex stared at Euris and then at Ourea, who gazed at him in return. Lady Hecate's familiars circled the beautiful air elemental, yet Ourea remained resolute, returning to her low bow. "What will you do with my sylph?"

"Devour her."

"Lady Hecate, do not mock Alexander; return to your duty," ordered Queen Persephone.

"I will find another way," said Alex. "But thank you for your offer, Brimo Trimorphos. And please call off your pets."

"Hecuba! Gale! Cease! I merely jest, human. Sylphs are too insubstantial for my taste, but yours might be quite sumptuous, cured as she is by all that suffering you caused her," said Lady Hecate, with a smirk. "The incantation is complete; you may go to your woman – too bad – she quite mad."

Alex knelt beside Euris and attempted to pull her into his arms, but she resisted, muttering to herself about the opacity of her hands which she now waved like fans before her eyes.

"Euris, it is I, Alexander."

"Be gone, Demon!" shouted Euris, slapping his face. The sharp crack of her blow resounded through the grotto as the earth rumbled beneath them.


The description of the Shaft of Souls comes from the poem "Orpheus, Eurydice, Hermes" by Rainer Marie Rilke. I noticed a few lines from this poem seemed to echo some of the dialog in Last Exile.