Where am I? What is this place? Who is that crying?
A scream rings out of the silence, shattering the absorbing darkness. A murky light appears; off in the distance the shapes become solid.
My eyes, I can see...
A large river stretches out as far as the eye can see. The air around it gives off an eerie fog, muddling the shore line. There's a figure in the fog. A child; no, an adult, but he's kneeling...or is it a she? No, it's a male. His arms are chained to the river bed; waist deep in water; his face in shadows. Another scream...it's me!
Misstelate sat straight up in her woolen blanket screaming. Her brow was covered with cold sweat and she was panting. This was the third week straight that she was plagued by the dream and each time it becomes a little more clear. The chained man was new this time, though she couldn�t make out his face. Who was he? Looking down at her hands she realized that she was shaking profusely. She was used to the shake, but she was not used to the fear that came with it. It wasn�t that she never felt fear -- she wasn�t a god after all -- but most of the fear she felt was due to a physical enemy, one that she could eliminate. This dream was illusive; unseen; it could not be rationalized, and Miss did not like what she could not rationalize.
Miss and her family were members of a long dead organization of warriors known as the TAHH (Trained and Hired Hero). As TAHH, the Auden Family travel the globe in search of their next job and the Auden�s were the best. Matianate Auden was the founder of this family, even though her duties as leader to the Asarian people had brought her away from her children. Now is was Miss who lead the TAHH siblings. She, along with her younger sister and brothers, traveled from town to town doing whatever they were paid to do. This form of work tends to numb ones grasp of fear.
Taking a deep breath, Miss turned to her sleeping siblings for comfort. Manena, the next oldest Auden, lay with her hands up over her head and her short black hair lay sprawled across her face. Next to her lay Auron, the third oldest Auden, laying with his long fox tail twitching and his arms and legs running through the air as he dreams of chasing rabbits. Auron was 19 years old and half fox demon. Raith was the youngest Auden at 16 years old. He lay with his eyes open and un blinking, staring into the starry sky. Sleeping with open eyes was, in Raith�s words, �a good tactical advantage�. He didn�t seem to appreciate it when Manena pointed out that whether a good tactical advantage or not he would still sleep through a stampede or wild boar.
It was amusing to Miss that she was the only Auden child to show no resemblance to her father. She and her siblings all have different fathers and looked much like each of them. Miss, on the other hand, looked like her mothers twin. Her stark white hair hung past her hips and her eyes were ice blue -- a vast contrast to her fathers dark appearance. Her father was a fire demon/human hybrid and passed on his fire manipulation to her; along with his hot temper.
In an effort to shake the last reminisce of the dream from her head, Miss quietly stood up and walked from the protective warmth of the fire up to the shallow hill nearest them. Sitting in the midst of a small patch of bushes, Miss looked out over the small valley below her where a poor family of Eldarians slept in their small cottage. The family had offered the Auden�s the best room in their little hobble as payment of their help with the flesh eating termite problem they were suffering but the TAHH warriors refused. They always preferred the outdoors anyway; it was more free. She sighed. The images of the dream were still haunting her. Who was the man in the river? He looked like he was in trouble. If so, she had an obligation to help him. It was part of her oath as a TAHH.
�What am I saying?� Miss asked, startling a small chipmunk next to her.
Why was this unknown man so important to her? Why was it that, when she looked at him, she felt a bond with him? Why was she so willing to save him? He could have been a villain, and deserved to be chained up; but then why did he keep appearing to her? The sooner this matter was settled, the sooner she could focus all of her attention on her real job: Assisting those in need. Taking a deep breath she stood again.
�Tomorrow is another day.�
Morning came like any other. Orin, the golden sun, rose from the east followed shortly by its scarlet cousin, Ocrin. The TAHH arose, quickly packed what little gear they possessed onto their horses and were gone before the family had even stirred.
It was their mother who always said, "The journey is half the fun" and Miss was inclined to agree. It was during this time she and her siblings were able to be themselves. Traveling such long distances gave the Audens a chance to bond, a chance that Miss never missed out on.
"Did you finally get rid of your fleas, Auron?" Miss teased.
"Fleas!?" Auron gasped.
"Oh yes!" Manena chimed. "We wouldn't want you loosing anymore fur than you already have." She laughed.
"What? How dare you! My tail has never looked better!" Auron yelled, flicking his tail in outrage.
"Or course, keep telling yourself that." Miss joked.
"Raith, give me a hand here, man!" Auron pleaded looking over at his half-Elvin brother.
Raith didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on a point on the horizon. Miss slowed to a halt and watched his eyes.
"Raith, what do you see?"
"Riders, coming up over the eastern hilltops."
Auron's ears twitched. "Yes...I can hear the horses now."
The others turned and looked. After a few moments two black dots swam into view. Miss dismounted and met the riders a couple of yards from her siblings. The riders, a man and a young boy, were clothed in black cloaks. The man shorted when he reached Miss and studied her.
"Are you the Audens? TAHH from the land of Asaria?" His voice boomed through the countryside.
"Yes, we are they." Miss replied.
"Here" He clapped his hands and the boy rode up and handed Miss a scroll of parchment before riding off followed shortly by the man.
"What is it Miss?" Manena asked when Miss came back to them. "I sensed they came with bad tidings."
"It's a message." Miss said looking up at her sister.
"Read it." Auron whispered.
Miss unrolled the scroll and read:
"Attention TAHH,
Time and time again you Audens have proven to be a formidable foe, but my patients are running thin. I purpose one final test. Prove to me that you are worthy of remaining in Eldar."
"A test?" Raith asked, more himself than anyone.
"What kind of test?" Auron asked.
"And what are the terms? What would we be risking?" Manena added.
Miss continued on:
"I have taken into my custody four men whom I understand are very close to each of you. Your fathers will not be harmed if you can reach each of them in time. I have hidden each of them at the four corners of the world -- Dante to the south, Norgrath to the East, Asa to the west, and Zunya to the north -- and will expect to see each of you prove your loyalty to them. Each of you will start walking; one to the north, the south, the east, and the west; until you receive individual instructions. Should you succeed, I will admit defeat and you will never be bothered by myself nor my men again.
Your fathers are waiting.
~ Rayless
"Rayless..." Raith sighed and shook his head. "It's a trap, but what choice do we have?"
Manena nodded and Auron grew silent and stared at his tail. One last look was exchanged between them; the Audens; before each turned from the other and walked. Raith to the north, Auron to the west, Manena the East and Misstelate the south.
* * *
Many days had passed since the Auden's parted company and Miss was beginning to loose hope. Part of her wanted to stop and turn back. Another part told her to press onward. Still another part wondered if her siblings were any better off than she. Her horse had died a while back -- maybe from the heat, maybe from starvation -- so she was left to carry on alone in the heat of the desert. Every time her feet wanted to stop her mind nagged about quitting and every time her mind started giving up her feet pressed harder.
She and her siblings had come into contact with Rayess before, but never had they seen his face. His schemes never succeeded against them, but they were starting to wonder if they were supposed to. It was as if he had been taunting them. This time was no other, though Miss knew that Rayess never struck the same way twice, so there was no way in telling what would happen.
The sun of the Southern Desert bared down on her and she was beginning to wonder if she was seeing things. A moment ago she could have sworn she saw lake, but it vanished; just like the beggar woman in the quicksand had only after Miss was ankle deep in the soft sand. The allusions were starting to get to her. How much longer was she going to have to walk?
Until you find someone, her inner voice muttered.
"Or I die trying" She mumbled aloud. "Which ever comes first."
She paused. Now she knew she was loosing it. She was arguing with herself! Her legs finally stopped moving and she looked around. Nothing but the sand and the occasional cacti as far as the eye can see.
"Feeling discouraged, TAHH?"
Miss turned, unsheathing her boot knife to face the voice. A man, all in black, stood not five feet behind her. His face was in shadows but his pearl white fangs glowed when he grinned and shook his head. He clicked his tongue with a chuckle.
"I'm surprised at you Miss. You should be more aware of your surroundings. I could have killed you."
I know that voice...Miss thought.
"Yes, you do child." The figure replied. He raised his hands and removed his hood. Miss gasped when her fathers face laughed at her.
"Father?" She asked.
The man laughed harder at her but ignored her question.
"I would have thought your mother taught you better than that." He moved to step forward.
"Hold it!" Miss yelled holding out her free hand, palm out.
The man stopped but continued smiling.
"If you were really my father, you would have blamed me for my mistakes...not my mother." She said, her palm flicking with flame.
The man chuckled low in his throat.
"I'm impressed TAHH. You have trained well."
"Who are you?" She growled.
"That is of little consequence to you, Misstelate Auden."
"Why do you wear my fathers face?"
"My true form can not be contained in this world."
"Was it you who sent the scroll? Are you Rayess?"
"I am."
"Then you have my father?"
"Indeed."
Miss breathed in deeply to calm herself. She was irritated with his short answers. Her eyes darkened as her temper flared.
"Why?"
"To test you, Miss Auden. To test you. For years now you and your siblings have saved, pillaged, resurrected, and murdered in the name of money and so-called Justus. Your skills are at their peek."
"Where is this going?" She interrupted, her blood pressure rising.
"That is what I want to see from you. How far can you get in the quest to save your father? Will you survive his current position?"
"And what is his current position?"
The man grinned evilly; his fangs dripping with anticipation.
"I thought you'd never ask." He swept his hand between them and the air clouded. The desert vanished and was replaced with an eerie blackness. The soft sand hardened into the rock and the blue sky turned gray. A stale and musky smell filled the air as the fog cleared.
"Do you know where we are?"
She did. Her father spoke of this place often, but it was more horrible than she had imagined.
"The Underworld." Her voice echoed in the emptiness. "Where is he?"
"In order to release Dante from his prison, you must travel over the river Styx, through Asphodel Fields -- the fields of passed children and the aged -- and the Vale of Morning -- those who died of a broken heart -- into the Plain of Judgment -- home to casualties of war -- until you reach the Palace of Hades."
"And my father will be there?"
The man laughed and his voice echoed in the shadows. His body faded and was gone.
"Wonderful!" Miss shouted in frustration. She sighed and looked around. As her eyes scanned the surroundings a familiar feeling came over her but she ignored it. She couldn't do anything standing there, and her father was waiting for her. She adjusted her brown leather halter top, tightened the strap holding her knife and started off into the shadows of the underworld. The stench of death became stronger the deeper into the underworld she walked. Her first step into an ankle deep puddle told her she was entering the marsh. It was on the south side of the marsh where those who were dead waiting to be brought across. Following the waters edge, Miss soon heard the sounds of people. Walking around a batch of deadened trees, Miss saw a small crowd gathered near a giant rock. Tiresian Rock towered over the weary souls below as they talked in hushed voices. As Miss walked among them she caught pieces of conversation.
"Where were you when it happened?"
"On my porch, can you believe it?"
"Did you hear anything? Fell anything?"
"Naw, it was just...over. Just like that!"
Souls of the dead...Miss thought.
Standing towards the back of the group, Miss saw a small child, no more than four. She looked very frightened. Miss pitied her and moved forward. She knelt to the little girl and smiled.
"What is your name?"
"Alexandria." She whispered with a heavy Greek accent.
"What a pretty name." Miss replied.
She must be Greek, Miss thought. She knew that once in the underworld language became universal. Everything Alexandria said would appear English to Miss and everything Miss said would appear greek to Alexandria.
Alexandria smiled and looked more at ease. Then she looked confused again. "You were not here before."
Miss shook her head. "No, I just arrived. I'm looking for my father. Someone has taken him here and I will bring him back."
"Are you going to stay here after?" She asked with hopeful eyes.
Miss sighed. "No, Alexandria. It is not my time to be here. And it is not my fathers time."
Alexandria nodded and then smiled. "I will help you get across the river." She giggled.
Miss smiled. "Why thank you, Alex Dear."
During their conversation, the Ferryman Charon had arrived and was not ushering people into his boat. When it came to Miss and Alexandria he glared.
"Coins?" He asked holing out his bony hand.
Miss panicked. It hadn't crossed her mind that she would need money. She looked around at the other "passengers." Each one had his or her hand held out with a single gold coin placed neatly in the palm.
Well sure, she complained. It's easy for them, they're given the money for passage.
It is tradition to place a gold coin underneath the tongue of the body so the spirit can pay for passage into the Underworld. She felt her purse, only a few silver pieces and some copper chunks; not enough. Raith was the one who handled the finances. He was the one who had their latest reward.
Charon stepped in front of Miss and glared harshly.
"Coin?" He sneered.
"I have hers!" Alexandria shouted before Miss could open her mouth.
Charon looked down at her. "Why doesn't she have her own coin?" He growled.
"Because, silly!" Alexandria laughed. "She is my bestest sister and I wanted to hold her coin." The little girl held out her hand producing two shiny, gold coins.
Charon looked skeptical but took both coins anyway.
"Load up." He said and walked away.
Miss looked at Alexandria slightly startled and very confused. The child giggled and dragged Miss by the hand into the welcoming ferry. After everyone was loaded. Miss leaned over and whispered into Alexandria's ear.
"Thank you, Little Alex."
Alexandria smiled. "Of course!" She whispered back. "Everybody needs a daddy!"
The ride didn't take near as long as Miss expected and soon she was on the other side. She climbed out of the boat and onto solid ground, shaking off that last effects of seasickness. Before she could turn to thank Charon for ride, he was half way across the river again. She had more important things to worry about than chasing a cranky old ferryman.
With one last thank you, Miss said goodbye to Alexandria and ran with renewed strength deeper into the underworld. When she stopped for dinner -- a small roll she had leftover from Auron's cooking -- she was finally able to take in her surroundings. The scenery had changed dramatically since she had left the marsh. The rock had disappeared and was replaced by pearly green grass with tall trees decorated with golden leaves stretched across the horizon. The children laughing and playing with the elderly near by told her she was in Asphodel Fields. She didn�t stay long enough to have Alexandria catch up. Instead she ran straight through. The laughing children was a comfort to her as she passed into a place with blue-green grass and weeping willows surrounding a small pond. The sky was gloomy and darkening by the second. The sound of moaning could be heard coming up over the hill as Miss ran. Coming down over the hill she witnessed a sight that made her breath catch in her throat. Thousands, upon millions, of people were deep in the valley around the pond, all of whom were crying loudly.
�The Vale of Mourning...� Miss felt a twinge of pain in her own heart looking at the poor souls who tormented themselves with the grief of loosing a loved one. It was difficult, but Miss was finally able to pull herself away fro the horrible sight before her and run into the Vale. The people noticed her immediately and grabbed at her as she ran. They were calling to her.
�Please you must bring him back!�
�My poor baby!�
�Where is my grandmother?!�
�My wife! Where is my wife?!�
Pushing and shoving she managed to get free and she pushed her tired legs as hard as they would go to get her to the other side. Not daring to turn around to see how close they were, Miss ran until the hard sand stone started bringing sharp pains to her feet. She slowed and finally stopped to rest. She sat down on a rock and removed her boots to nurse her bleeding feet. She had ran straight for a day but she couldn�t stop. What would her father think if she stopped? No, she could rest a while, but then she had to leave. She slide down to the ground and leaned back against the rock.
I�ll just rest my eyes...then I�ll leave...Just rest my eyes...just rest...my eyes...
The darkness surrounded her again. Behind her a cry let out. Where did it come from? The cry is words...Daddy! Daddy where are you? I�m here, Sweetie! Come here! I can�t see you Daddy! Help, I�m falling! I can�t see!
Another scream. She turned. The same murky light appears again. The river is back, but it�s still foggy. The man in the river struggles to get free of his chains. He�s calling out, but to who? The girl maybe? But there is no girl. The scream again...it�s me!
Miss screamed herself awake again, but her scream was muddled by the sound of an explosion. Pieces of rock and dirt flew everywhere, covering her as she covered her head. When she dust cleared she looked up just in time for four arrows to fall around her. Panicked she jumped up and ran behind a large bolder. Looking out she saw a large battle occurring.
This must be the Plain of Judgment...Only war heroes who die in battle come here. But why have an eternal war?
She didn�t have time to think of that answer a large fireball hurdled towards her safe haven. She dove just in time to watch the giant rock explode into many small pieces. Deciding not to stick around for the winner, she ran hard, dodging arrows, rocks, and fireballs as she went. Soon the sounds of the battle were far behind her and she was thanking her lucky stars that she survived. Continuing on her way, she soon approached what appeared to be a courtyard. It was covered with brown and white tiles and statues of Hades and his wife Persephone. She walked through them and soon came upon a castle that reached far up into the smog colored clouds.
�The palace of Hades.� She said softly and let out the breath she didn�t know she was holding. �It�s now or never.� Screwing up all her courage, she took her first step and before she knew it she was walking up the steps to the front door.
The doors opened before she could touch them and she was met with a startling sight. A giant three headed dog stood before her. As soon as all three heads realized she was there, their fangs started dripping with saliva and the throats growled. Miss took a step back. She wasn't sure she could handle Cerberus, The Guardian of the Underworld, all on her own.
"What are you waiting for Cerberus? Get moving!" A voice shouted from behind. Behind the giant dog, a man appeared. (description) He noticed Miss and looked almost confused before his eyes flared and he glared.
"I know you." He accused walking in front of Cerberus to look closer at her. "Your a demon hybrid. Fire demon if I remember correctly. Your..." He paused as if thinking.
"Misstelate, Lord Hades, daughter of Dante." She bowed in respect.
"Ahh yes!" He looked pleased with himself. Then he glared. "Your the daughter of the traitor."
Miss looked shocked. "Excuse me?"
"Do you have any idea how many demons your father has killed? He's putting me out of business!" He yelled.
Miss hid her smile and nodded. "I'm aware of that, Lord Hades. And I do apologize for your inconvenience. However, my father only rids the world of those who would give you a bad name. Many in this world do not respect death because of certain demons who roam free of your will. He fights to better your kingdom." She lied. She was very good at lying.
Good thing Hades wasn't one of the gods with the gift of mind reading. She thought.
"Hmm" Hades said. "Well, in any case, what are you doing here. As far as I know your not dead yet. In fact you still have..." He turned to look at a scroll.
"It's okay Lord Hades, I don't need to know how much time I have."
"Then what do you want?" He shouted.
Miss swallowed hard. "I am here to rescue my father. He was imprisoned in an attempt to test me and I am here to free him of this imprisonment."
Hades laughed; a laugh that chilled her very bones. "Oh yeah, I remember now. Well, don't let me stop you. I already agreed to let you in here and do whatever you want. But if you want to get out again, you'll have to get past Cerberus here." He motioned to the dog. "If you can do that, your welcome to leave."
Miss looked at the dog as all three heads seemed to grin at her and one even licked it's lips. Miss shivered and turned back to Hades. "Thank you, Lord Hades. Now please, where is my father?"
Hades turned and pointed east. "Down that way you'll come to Elysian Fields where the unborn wait to be assigned families. Across the river Lethe are the souls waiting to be reborn. Your father is imprisoned in the middle of the Lethe river. It's holy water has been slowly draining his power ever since he was brought here. If you can get to him before his power is completely gone, I'll conceder giving it back." He turned to leave. "If..." He stopped and turned back to her. "...you can give me something good." The doors closed on their conversation and Miss was left alone with Cerberus. The middle head snorted at her and then walked off to return to his post at the edge of Styx.
Miss shook furiously and had to sit down for a moment. She could hardly believe she had spoken to Hades the way she had -- or that she had spoken to him at all for that matter. When she contained herself she stood and again began running, this time to the east. It was another day and a half before she actually reached Elysian Fields and she was exhausted. She forced herself to go on so she trudged through the people around her. Part of her felt like she was being rude for not talking to anyone when they asked about her, but she was far to tired to deal with anyone at the moment. She collapsed right outside the Field panting. Her eyes closed and she drifted off.
She looked up. The murkiness surrounded her. The river was only a few yards away. She didn't hear the crying but she did see the figure in the water. He was still chained and he looked desperate. His face looked clearer, like the fog was evaporating. Dad? She heard a voice. But it came from her! She was talking. Dad? Daddy, is that you? The man turned. He's looking over. Dad? The fog cleared completely. Long, black hair messily covered the eerie blue eyes. He shook his head, clearing his face of hair and a handsome face looked at her. He looked pained. Miss...HELP!
Miss jumped awake faster than she ever had. The man was her father! He was in pain! She had to get to him! Had to keep going! She stood wearily and ran. She ran until the rivers foggy shore line swam into view.
Almost...there...
The outline of her father on his knees drifted out of the fog. As Miss got closer, and her fathers face cleared, she could see the pain in his eyes. He was tired and worn out from struggling. Miss fell to her knees and called out to him.
"Father! Dad, it's me! It's Miss!" Her voice felt horse from lack of sleep. She wasn't sure he had heard her until he wearily looked up at her and smiled.
"Miss? Sweetie, is that you?" Miss smiled and crawled to the edge of the river.
"It's me, Father. I'm here to rescue you."
He shook his head. "Be careful, Miss. This river is full of holy water. It'll sap your demonic powers. You'll be defenseless." His voice cracked as he talked.
"You can't stay in there, Dad. Besides, I have more going for me than my demon blood." She stood up and put both legs calf deep in the water. The feeling was strange. For the most part she felt revitalized; like a new strength had washed over her. Then there was a piece locked far away inside herself was screaming with pain.
The child...the child was screaming in my dream...
She made her way forward, carefully sinking deeper and deeper into the water. She felt the pain working it's way forward and she knew it would soon over take her if she didn't hurry. She reached her father and looked at his wrists. The metal was rusted. He could have easily broken it if his strength was at it's normal level. The pain was starting to throb but she ignored it. She placed her palm on the cold metal and concentrated her energy. Her palm burst into flame and the metal snapped and fell deep into the water. She did the same to the other said and helped her father stand.
"Come on Dad. Lord Hades has given us permission to leave if we can get past Cerberus."
"No, you can't have the puppy, Dear. Your mother would kill me. It has three heads!" Dante replied.
He was getting worse. She had to get him out of the water. The pain was swimming between her ears as she dragged her father to the edge of the water. She heaved him over the edge and pushed his feet out so he could start to recover some before bothering with herself. It took all of her strength to pull herself out of the river and roll over onto the ground. She laid there unmoving until the world stopped spinning and then she sat up. Her father was still very weak so she helped him stand and then lead him back out of the river.
"Miss? Are you okay?" He whispered.
It was then Miss was very grateful that his demonic powers were strong enough to protect him from the forgetfulness power of the river Lethe.
"Yes, father. I'm just fine." She smiled. "I'm going to get you out of here. Your going to be okay."
She carried him for a full three days until they reached the edge of Asphodel Fields. She laid her father down to rest and then collapsed, panting heavily. She had been going strong on the positive energy left over from the river, now it was long but exhausted. She managed to lift her head and she saw Cerberus standing next to the marsh while Charon ferried people over. In her current state she was no match for the giant animal. Even at her best she would never be able to defeat him. Her father was already sleeping soundly as she collapsed flat on the ground, her mind shutting down as she drifted off in sleep.
She was back in the fog. The river was right in front of her. But the figure was gone. She looked around her. Her father stood next to her. He had a smile on his face and he was looking down at her.
"You've done well, Missy." He says. "You've done very well."
She looked back at the river. It was gone. There was grass in its place. Miles and miles of it. She turned back to her father and smiled.
This...She said. Was a good day...
Miss opened her eyes. She could feel grass under her head. She carefully sat up and looked around. She was in a grassy field. How did she get here? Was she still in Asphodel field? She looked up. The sky was bright blue and a few wisps of cloud softly floating over the sun. A flock of birds occupied a near by tree and were conversing noisily. This couldn't have been the Underworld. Then where was she?
"I know what your thinking..."
Miss turned quickly to the voice of her father.
"'How did I get here?'...Right?" He laughed softly and walked over to her. He sat next to her on the grass and ruffled her hair. "While you were asleep my strength returned. I got us safely past Cerberus. We're about 30 leagues out of Asaria. You'll be home with your mother soon."
Miss looked around. She recognized the place now. She had been here many times growing up. She turned back to her father and smiled. "I suppose I owe you my thanks then."
Dante shook his head. "No, Daughter. I am the one who should be thanking you. You rescued me from a fate worse than death. You have become a better person than I. And I could not be more proud of you." He bowed his head low to his daughter.
Miss blushed and looked down. "Thank you, Father." She looked up at the sky.
Yes...She thought, Tomorrow is another day...