Poseidon’s grin widened, enjoying Demeter’s frustration. And Hades’ chest tightened so that his breath grew short.
“A scheme that turns you ferocious, Demeter?” Poseidon asked.
“A nymph, wasn’t it?” Hades asked with disinterest. “She spotted fair Hermes and…”
“A nymph?” Poseidon was skeptical. “You discuss the worthiness of a nymph?”
“Young and untried, so it would seem.” Hermes was quick, thank the Fates.
Demeter spoke sharply, “An innocent. One in need of protection from you.”
Hermes laughed, albeit nervously. “I am flattered, to be sure.”
“And well you should be, for she is a lovely creature.” Demeter nodded eagerly. “Sappho was struck by Hermes when he visited.”
“Sappho?” Poseidon shook his head, staring amongst the three of them with narrowed eyes. He sighed, apparently losing interest, and took a cup of nectar before sitting on his throne. “Still dallying with nymphs, Hermes?”
Hermes laughed again, shrugging.
Hades watched closely, but could find no cause for worry. It appeared that Poseidon was satisfied, for now. And then Zeus appeared, followed by the rest of the Olympians.
It began as it always did, pointless bickering and endless boasting. There was never an end to it. Why they felt the need to compete amongst themselves, Hades knew not. The Fates had designed them to serve in harmony, one complementing the next.
But the Fates had been forgotten here, blurred in a haze of indulgence, nectar and ambrosia.
When Zeus finally brought all to order, talk of the war began. It was true, Greece struggled against their foe. Even now, troops of Persians invaded Greece’s countryside.
He saw a flash of Persephone, sitting peaceably in her tree.
This was taking too long.
“What can you share, Hades?” Zeus asked him, drawing every eye in the Chamber upon him. “Are the losses so great?”
Hades stood, confirming that Greece’s losses were staggering. He continued, “Between those brought by Chiron and Hermes I fear none will be left for Greece.” He shook his head. “If I had not seen the toll I would never have considered a reprieve.”
A murmur went up. He’d never offered a reprieve, never.
“You pardoned a soul?” Zeus was as astonished as the rest.
Hades nodded.
&nbs
p; Again, a murmur filled the Council Chamber.
“Did you not feel it necessary to ask permission for such an act?” Poseidon regarded him.
He met the ice cold eyes of his brother and shook his head. “The Underworld is my realm. It is my choice.”
“Who is pardoned?” Zeus asked, waving a hand at Poseidon.
“Ariston of Rhodes. A mighty warrior, I hear. He served Athena in Athens, as well.” He continued, his voice calm. “He petitioned to return, to fight and serve. He asked only to be returned to his wife once the Persians are gone. I agreed.”
“It was a wise choice. He is an Ekdromoi. His skill will be needed at Salamis,” Ares nodded as he spoke. “If more could be returned, our odds would be greater.”
Hades shook his head at such a suggestion. He tested the Fates as it was.
Zeus mused, “A leader can make a great difference amongst men.”