They passed deep into the Underworld. This was a world with no stars, and Kore felt lost, other than afraid. They walked on naked gravel, every step reminding her of the far shores of the sea. Could Father see her here? Could he listen to her pleas? Maybe he would come down and rescue her, help her, save her.
Or maybe he would do no such thing.
The faint noise of rushing water grew closer, and stronger. Kore craned her neck to see. There, shining mercurial under the un-light of this place, a river waited for them.
"What is this?" Kore whispered. The hand holding her own pulled Kore gently closer.
She was not jut speaking of the far-off river. They were now passing through a forest of shades. Transparent, similar to tall pillars of smoke. They had arms, and legs, and shiny eyes in they shifting head.
"These are the spirits of the dead," the Elder King answered. "Do not be afraid. You are with me."
And indeed, the shades, or spirits, or whatever they were, parted in front of them like wind parts wheat. They did not speak, but a faint chorus of whispers reached Kore's ears.
"Are they… praying?"
"A plight. They know their judgement draws nearer. Trying to sway my heart."
Was her own judgement drawing closer?
Beyond the forest of shades, the river gurgled. They reached the shore, the Elder King still holding her hand. From the other bank a narrow boat approached. It was carved from black wood, and the ferryman was a tall, thin man, clothed in grey rags. Gaunt, and old, and frail, and full of greed.
"Charon," the Elder King called as he approached the two of them. "You will have to carry two, this time."
"Ah, I see, I see." The ferryman scrutinized her, curiosity in his beady eyes. "And who is this? No mortal shade. Is she a nymph?"
"Nothing that would concern you, ferryman. Come," he said, turning to carry Kore over onto the boat.
Kore followed him, on shaky legs. She had never been on a boat. Did mortals really used things like that to cross the seas? No wonder so many of them ended in Poseidon's halls. This thing was no more stable and no safer than a nutshell.
"Hold on," the Elder King commanded. He reached for her and sat both hands on her shoulders. Kore's body steadied as the ferryman pushed away from the bank and began to carry them across the river. "Charon himself makes sure to carry every shade safely. He would double his safety for you."
"Aye, aye," answered the ferryman. "No coin for poor old Charon this time, no coin! But carrying the King of the Dead is an honor, is it not? Yes, an honor. And his beautiful guest."
Kore did not know what to answer. She did not like the man. She looked down into the mercurial waters, onto her mirrored gaze and that of the Elder King, keeping her steady.
She did not know what to do, so close to him.
He was keeping her steady, though. Fear of toppling over slowly abated.
Then Kore blinked.
There was someone in the water.
She recoiled.
"Ah!" The King had said no dead mortals ended in the river, but…
"What is it?" He asked. He seemed amused.
How could he be amused?
"I saw someone. There is a face in the water!"
"Indeed."
The boat slowed down, stopped. Water rushed, caressing the wooden edge. Then a face appeared, made of the same mercurial water of the river itself.
"Hades," it chastised him. "Are you kidnapping nymphs now?"
He chuckled, a noise like rumbling stones.
"She is no nymph! Kore, dearest, meet Styx."
"A pleasure, I am sure." The face showed a large smile. Kore did not know what to do. Old habits kicked in.
"Ah. Yes. Pleasure to meet you, indeed." She bowed a little. "I am delighted to meet you."
"Where did you find this little flower, Hades? She is adorable. You fragile little thing."
"Fragile?" The King replied. "Fragile? Oh, now, my dear, I am afraid your judgment has dulled."
"Hades, she's the tiniest thing I have ever seen this side of my banks. Well, not around the chest."
Kore gasped and covered her chest with her arms.
The Elder King chuckled again, sweet mirth rolling down like pearls tinkling against rock.
"I am afraid you err, my old friend. She is no nymph."
"Then who are you?" Styx asked, pushing her watery head closer to Kore. "I know nymphs." A watery giggle. "I am one. Who are you, little thing?"
"Enough," the Elder King commanded. Styx withdrew her transparent hand, and seemed to linger on the boat's edge. "All will be made clear, quite soon. Go back to your business now, Styx. I will have you called when you are needed."
"Charming as always," Styx replied, but she did as she was told. "Hope I will see you again, Kore, not-a-nymph. Bye!"
She jumped into the river, and was gone.
They reached the bank with no more disturbances. It was covered by tiny white flowers. A meadow.
"Who was she? Why are there nymphs in the Underworld?"
And she was different from the nymphs she knew. Still a bit air-headed, but far more focused than the others.
"She offered her help to my brother, back then. Among the first, if not the first indeed. Zeus gave her one entire river."
"Back then?"
"Why, dearest Kore, of course."
"What do you mean, back then? I do not understand. I do not get any of this…"
The Elder King stopped. He regarded her with his black eyes.
"Your mother told you nothing."
"She… she…" Speaking of Mother, Kore seized the occasion. "She must be worried! She must miss me. Please, let me go! Bring me back to her."
"Dearest Kore. I thought I had made myself clear. No more crying."
He offered her hand once again, but this time Kore did not take it.
She still followed him further down the meadow.
Behind them, Charon the ferryman was already pushing the boat away, reaching for the far bank.
There was no coming back.