Hermes shook his head. “I’ve not seen him. Apollo swears he was not with his men.”
“What?” the soul gasped.
Hades looked at the man. “He left you once, to a less noble foe. It surprises you he would do so now?”
The soul stared at him, defeat lining his features. Hades would not grieve for it.
“Minos,” he called, thrusting the soul into his judge’s hands.
He left Hermes’ side, tracing the light to capture what few souls remained. As the roar of the flames died down, the Erinyes joined him. They spared no time plucking those that clung to the cave walls. The flap of their wings, the cackle of their delight accompanied the screams of men, men no more.
None would leave; he’d declared it. It would be so.
He drew in a steadying breath, his nostrils filled with a strange scent.
“Rain.” Hermes returned to him, smiling broadly. He clapped Hades on the shoulder.
The cave rumbled, thunder echoing inside the chamber as sheets of rain fell heavily upon the smoldering grass. He’d done it; Poseidon had kept his word. None of Greece would fall prey to today’s conflict. No mortal would ever know…
Hades drew in a deep breath, his relief overpowering him. He would see no more suffer this day.
“Erysichthon was not amongst them,” Aeacus said as he joined them.
Hades knew as much. The great king had sacrificed his men for some purpose. He had no doubt Erysichthon was far from finished with him… And Persephone. Anger faded, but his fear remained.
“I shall tell Ares.” Hermes was in a good humor. “He’ll enjoy such sport.”
Hades nodded.
Aeacus waited, his face troubled.
“Speak, Aeacus.”
He cleared his throat. “If Erysichthon is not amongst them… Is she not still in danger?”
“He will join them soon enough,” Hades answered. “And she remains on Olympus. Safe.”
He met Aeacus’ gaze, willing himself rigid. Forcing himself to believe the words that he said.
The cave rumbled again, the floor pooling with muddy water. He sighed, staring out into downpour.
“It will serve Greece well,” Aeacus murmured as he watched the rain. “’Tis a sadness, to see our country turned so brown and brittle.”
Hades held his tongue. He knew that Poseidon sought to prove a point, not to help restore Greece’s crops and fields. If, however, his actions aided their people in some small way, he would not rise to the bait Poseidon thought to taunt him with.
“Yes,” he agreed, then headed to the cave’s entrance.
Ares, Apollo and Hermes stood, their heads bent as they gathered beneath the shelter of overhanging rocks.
“A fine day,” Apollo said, flashing his golden smile.
Hades nodded. “My thanks.”
Ares shrugged. “I prefer fighting to herding, Hades.”
Hades laughed.
A silence fell. Even the storm stopped.