Seeds (19 page)

     “And what of Hermes?” Demeter demanded.

     “What of him? He had no part in what his brother did.”

     Even now, Hermes was trying to inch back, using Apollo's tall and muscular build as cover. Surely pretty little Kora hadn't tattled to her mother about what he had shown her in the glade?

     “He found her while he was snooping around and revealed her existence to the other gods. I wanted to raise Kora in peace and she ends up being almost raped!”

     “Was that my fault?” Zeus asked in a firm but reasoning tone. “I cannot keep an eye on my children all of the time --”

     “That is painfully obvious to everyone here,” she replied acidly. The audience, of course had no way of knowing that Kora was also one of Zeus's offspring or they would have enjoyed the irony of this comment.

     “What can I do?” he asked with a shrug. The gods glanced at her, many of them now curious to meet that mysterious daughter and see what she was like. Gods always liked to know when one joined their ranks, or to know what offspring – bastard or not – was born to anyone on Olympus. Demeter certainly wasn't the first one to try to hide the existence of her offspring, but as had always happened in the past, these kind of secrets came to the light.

     “The same as I have always wanted. And I will do to others what I have done to Ares should they set foot on my island.” Zeus assumed that it was Demeter herself who had done this, and she decided to not correct him. Kora didn't seem to be aware of what she had done, much to her mother's relief. Better to have her daughter's powers activate in when she was in danger than have her use them on her own.

     “May we talk inside?” he asked. She glared at him stonily.

     “I have made it clear that violation from anybody is entirely unacceptable. Ares has received his punishment, and it is in your hands. It was a good thing you were there to catch Ares.” Ares's shouts filled the air as the thorny vines continued to flog him. “When do you intend to let him down?” he asked.

     “I will need to think about that,” she replied coldly.

     “Sounds good,” he replied dryly. Ares's punishment was more than fitting;
strike where it hurts most
was a saying Ares liked, and it had been used against him. It was hard to not appreciate the turnabout. How often had he scolded his errant son, trying to teach Ares that even when a god had human qualities, there were certain qualities to be avoided by deity and mortal alike. Being imperfect – and how he understood being imperfect all too well – was no excuse for evil.

     Only then did Demeter let him lead her back inside while the other gods enjoyed the spectacle of Ares struggling against the vines which alternated between whipping him and merely shaking or thrashing him around.

     “Perhaps now is the time to introduce Kora to Olympus?” Zeus asked mildly. “After all, she would be what...” he counted his fingers, “seventeen or eighteen?”

     “No!” Demeter shot back.

     “Kora is practically an adult now. Doubtless you have raised her well. I am eager to introduce her.” He did not forget her curious and intent gaze. He looked forward to getting to know his daughter better.

     “I said no!” Demeter growled.

     “Do you intend to hide her forever?” he asked.

     “Why not?” Kora was a delight to have around. She loved her daughter, and would not lose her.

     “Demeter, I have been patient enough. I honored your wishes to raise her alone. I have the fullest confidence in your parenting skills. If you are so concerned about the company she's in, there's suitable role models here. Athene, Artemis, Hestia. Mnemosyne. And our mother, of course.” His compliment and list of candidates – and he
had
named good ones – did nothing to soothe her.

     “It's not time,” she countered firmly before she turned away.

o0o

     Kora had nearly told her mother about the naughty thing Hermes had done, but held her tongue since the playful god had backed off. She also held her tongue when her mother asked her what she had done to Ares, replying with simply saying “I don't know, Mother, I was just so afraid!” This was sufficient enough to quell her mother's demand on the usage of her power, and Kora let out her breath in a quiet huff as she rose from her seat at the window.

     Demigods wouldn't have that power, she thought as she tapped her chin.
At least I think so
. It was one thing to make plants grow, but she had... stopped Ares in his tracks, just like that. She had done to him what every man was afraid of. And there was the fact that her body hadn't grown in the last five years. Was Demeter somehow keeping her frozen in time so she wouldn't age? Had her mother also somehow channeled some of her power into her daughter for cases like this?

     Her head snapped up when she heard her mother's heavy footsteps.
Oh, wonderful, Mother's home,
she thought bitterly. Mother hadn't even asked her if she wanted to come with her to Olympus. No, she had left her daughter behind, without a second thought! Okay, not a second thought exactly – after all, her mother had an excellent reason for going up there – but Kora was the one whom Ares had tried to assault. She wanted to face her attacker, and see the other gods as well.

     Her mother quickly emerged through the doorway to her room. Kora glanced up at her silently, still miffed about being left behind in the supervision of the nymphs. With a wave of her hand, the Goddess quickly excused the Dryads, and the trio of nymphs slid out of the room, leaving a faint scent of trees and flowers behind.

     “What happened? Tell me everything,” Kora demanded, feeling that it was her right. “I wanted to go to Olympus with you.”

     “Nonsense.” Demeter shook her head.

     “I was the one Ares tried to hurt, not you! I should have been the one to offer testimony.”

     “Oh darling, but you had just been through a horrid experience, and...”

     “Mother, Ares did not get to finish his deed. And I would have been with you. I could have handled it.” Why couldn't Mother see that she was handling this situation just fine?

     “As it was, there is no need to worry. Ares remains punished, and Zeus decreed that any god who ever hurt a woman would face much worse punishment. But perhaps I should take you from here...”

     “No, Mother.” Kora's heart thudded, knowing just what her mother meant. She would be even more secluded, more sheltered and smothered... No. She managed to rein in her tone and posture, not wishing to seem too overanxious. “Mother, if the King of the Gods has made such a decree, then surely no god would be so foolish enough to try what Ares did.” Of course with men like Ares, a decree would not always be a determent, but Kora wisely chose to not broadcast her thoughts.

     “Would you not be losing to Ares if you banished yourself from this place? It would please him, and then without you here, he would go after the nymphs.” Contemplation and inquisitiveness had sharpened her logic, giving her insights or arguments that benefited her. Such as now, when she saw her mother stare at her contemplatively.

     “Why did you not tell me about Hermes before?” Mother asked, placing her hands on her hips.
Okay.
She had known this question was coming. Kora nodded slowly and swallowed.

     “He did not try to hurt me. We merely chatted a bit. And then he flew away, like I already told you.”

     “Why did you tell him who you were?” Demeter rebuked.

     “You never told me not to,” she countered evenly. She had considered all the questions her mother might or would have, being left here with the nymphs has given her the time to build a solid defense. “He was friendly, and you never said that I could not speak to anyone. Am I to be blamed for his inability to keep a secret?”

     “No,” her mother offered grudgingly. “Nonetheless, your safety remains an issue. You are confined to this valley until further notice.”

    
NO!
Kora wanted to scream. No wandering into the forest alone, to explore and play for herself.
Until further notice...
that just sounded so ominous.

     “Mother, you know I am a responsible person, and I managed to fend off the most violent of the gods. What am I to do all day here?” she asked. Oh gods, the boredom... hell, she'd rather put up with Hermes than sit around under her mother's watchful eyes! Damn it all to Hades!

     “Oh, I am sure we will find things to do. Good night.” She pulled Kora to herself, wrapping the girl in warmth and placing a kiss on her forehead before drawing back, giving her daughter an affectionate pat on her cheek.

     “Sleep well, darling. Mother is here to keep you safe.”

Chapter X

o0o

     Kora lay there in the darkness, the light of a full moon shining in through the window and glinting off her newest acquisition. She didn't know the names of most of the stones in her collection – Mother was far more interested in the plants than the minerals of the earth, and jewelry and gold was of virtually no value to the goddess who counted her wealth in the bounty that fed an entire civilization.

     Not only that, but most of these stones couldn't have be mined on this island. The first time she had seen such a stone – the ruby that was the start of her collection – she did not recognize the rough form of the stones that were mined from deep within the earth. She also had amethyst and citrine – these her mother did know – as well as pebbly green stones that she didn't know were called emeralds, a bright-blue piece of lapis lazuli, and diamonds in several different colors. But the rainbow flecks of the much-treasured black opal in her hand captivated her, and she turned it slowly, seeing the iridescent flashes. She found these stones in various places – on the beach, near where she bathed in the forest streams or springs with the nymphs, or in her path as she did one of her solitary walks. The nymphs had never found such stones, so Kora could almost swear they had been left for her to find.

     Even though it was chilly outside due to the late winter night, she left the window open, enjoying the fresh air that came in. Besides, she could produce warmth under her blankets if she needed to, so she would be comfortable. This power she shared with her mother ensured that they didn't need fires at night like the mortals did, but Kora enjoyed the sight and feel of the flame and would make them on her own with dead pieces of wood she had gathered. It reminded her of the comfortable winter nights in her father or uncle's house, surrounded by family and having a good time. There would be warm pita bread and cheese, preserved fruit, or baklavas around the fire and washing it down with ice-cold but refreshing water gathered from the snows outside, or in the case of the adults, wine or ale. Once in a while she and Phemos might be allowed to have a bit of alcohol. She missed these days, for often she wished she had someone to take her walks with – not Demeter or a nymph, but a person who would regard her as an equal. After what had happened with the gods, did such a man really exist?

     Perhaps such a man existed among the mortals; after all, her father had been a wonderful man. But Mother wouldn't let her have any suitors.

     She angled the stone again, staring at the flashes of color before she set it aside, laying down and closing her eyes. Ever since the incident with Ares, her mother had been especially vigilant and smothering. Kora was treated as more of a child than before, always in the company of some nymphs and scolded when she wandered away from them. The nymphs had only so many stories to tell and their company bored her. Any time she tried to engage her mother in a serious, womanly discussion – men, sexuality, womanhood, having children, what bad things existed in the world – Demeter always changed the subject, even after what Ares had done.

     This resulted in a stilted situation for the young goddess, one she had borne for the last few years as she tried to learn more of the world denied her. How long could she live like this? Was she condemned to spend the rest of her life in eternal girlhood?

o0o

     Springtime had always been Zeus's favorite time of the year. Hellas was lovely when it came to bloom, and the maidens would come out and celebrate, festivals would commence through villages and city-states alike, and he enjoyed the bustle of activities that came with the upswing in seasons.

     He sat in a chair next to a table that had been set on one of Olympus's balconies, the verdant fields and azure sea spread out in an impressive vista, trees and houses dotting various areas. This particular viewing point was his favorite for it faced the south and was always such a spiritually uplifting place.

     Hebe approached the table, bowing. She was plainly garbed as always – Hebe had never had much concern for decoration and accessories, and her hair was pulled back at the base of her neck, held in place with a pale peach-colored scarf that matched her dress.

     “Hades is here, and he wishes to speak to you, Father,” she announced in her pleasant and demure voice. He glanced at her curiously but nodded.

     “Bring some nectar for us,” he replied with a wave of his hand. She nodded and turned away, her steps light and quick.

     Moments later, Hades emerged onto the wide balcony, dressed in regal black and midnight blue. The ebony cloak had intricate silver stitching along the edge in an elegant design that was rather reminiscent of waves along a river. There was a subtle difference to Hades's usual method of dress, as if he had dressed up for this occasion, and then the Lord of the Dead's many rings flashed in the sun – onyx, hematite, sapphire, and diamond, matching his belt and wristbands. Now this piqued Zeus's curiosity.

     “Good morning, brother. How nice of you to come up here,” he stated with a welcoming smile while inside he wondered what it was that Hades might want. Was it a request or a grievance? He couldn't possibly guess – no one could ever really guess what was in Hades's mind.

     The dark-haired god slid into the seat opposite his brother's, leaning casually against its back. Hebe was not long in appearing, setting out a tray with a pitcher of nectar and two goblets.

     Hades did not turn down the offer, and let her pour him a goblet of the rose-golden liquid. The liquid was as fascinating as it tasted delicious, alternating between rose and amber and all the various shades between as the sunlight caught in it. He nodded thanks to her and raised the sweet juice to his lips as Hebe bowed out. Both men imbibed the beverage and Hades emptied his drink before setting the empty vessel down on the table. Sometimes he found nectar too cloying, but once in a while, if he was in a less finicky mood, he welcomed the ethereal sweetness of the drink.

     “You rarely come up here, so I think I can safely assume that you have something important on your mind,” Zeus stated. Hades did not like sweet words or vague pleasantries, so he would not bother with idle chitchat.

     “You read me correctly,” Hades flatly intoned. That was just about the only thing his brother could read, though, Zeus told himself dryly. He could not begin to guess his brother's purpose, for Hades had always been a very private person.

     “I have come here for just one thing.” The older god glanced over at the grand vista before him. “I am in need of a bride.”

     Zeus was so stunned that he could not speak for a moment. Hades had shown no interest whatsoever in any woman – if he had any lovers in the past, he never bragged – and he had never shown any indication of wanting a companion. Everyone assumed that since the Dark God showed no interest in anyone – not even Aphrodite – that he was dead inside, just like the realm he ruled over. Never had it occurred to anyone that he might be lonely. Everybody just called him 'different', and Hades never argued that title. If anything, he even seemed to embrace it.

     Zeus quickly put a stop to his wandering thoughts as he felt his brother's intent gaze. If Hades wanted a bride, let it be so! Hades's conduct was exemplary; he was a stern but fair man, and though aloof, never cruel or petty.

     “Well then! It has been a while since Olympus had a grand wedding feast!”

     “Who said I wanted a big party?” Hades growled. Zeus stared at him.

     “It is about me and the woman I have chosen as my bride. And I will arrange things as I see fit. If I want you involved, I will be sure to let you know,” he clarified. It was clear that 'if' was 'no'. Zeus bristled under this subtle dismissal, but bit back his rebuke. Nobody could force Hades to do anything.

     “And who is the lucky girl that you have chosen?” the younger brother asked, not having missed Hades's confident tone. At first, he'd thought that his brother had come here for his help in choosing a suitable bride. He should have known better – when did Hades ever ask anybody else for help? Come to think of it, why was he even here, talking to his brother about it?

     “Your daughter.”

     “I am happy to oblige you, but I am not a mind-reader. I have daughters aplenty. Which one do you desire?” Indeed, which one of his pretty girls had caught his brother's attention? Was it one of the Graces, or the Horae? Perhaps a Muse?

     “Kora.” his brother supplied, his stare even, his tone in all seriousness. The air itself suddenly became too thick for Zeus's liking, although realistically, he knew that was merely his own throat tightening at the implications. Demeter's daughter? The maiden who was guarded by a rabidly protective mother?

     Zeus frowned at this request, and his reluctance to give up one of his children – however little he knew her – was all too clear in the faint lines of his tanned features.

     “Do remember that you – and everyone else – owe me heavily. But I have never asked anything of you. I stood by and took the realm that nobody else wanted while you gave yourself the skies, Poseidon the seas, and Demeter the earth. Nor do I demand a city-state dedicated to me, or any favors from any of our brethren. I have already made my decision.”

     “Surely there are others whom you would desire. Goddess or mortal, they would be honored to be betrothed to such a god!”

     “My appetites are not like yours. I ask but for one girl. She is nearly five and twenty. That is a more than suitable age, especially considering some of the girls you take!” His dark eyes glittered even in the shadows that surrounded him – shadows that should not even be visible on this clear and bright day. It was only part of Hades's mysterious Gift.

     “She will be well cared for. After all, I am the God of Riches, and my realm is vast. You never need fear that she will ever be abused or neglected.”

     “But Demeter...” He swallowed as he remembered Demeter's request, and her rage at what had happened when Kora's location had been discovered.

     “Demeter has her own duties. All children grow up and leave their mothers. What would your daughter do? What would her duty be? Making plants grow? Her mother is mistress of everything that grows from the earth, and there is nothing left for her daughter to do. Demeter turned away your sons when they discovered Kora's existence. Is she to be forever a little girl, a maiden with such potential? But as Queen of the Underworld... is that not a worthy fate for the daughter of the mighty Zeus, Lord of the Heavens, and the Harvest Goddess?”

     If there was one thing Zeus knew, it was that his brother was unflinchingly honest. If he promised Kora's safety, then she would be cared for. There would still be Demeter to contend with...

     “When you want something you get it and I know it is useless to stand in your way. However, I know Demeter will object. She will let no suitors near her daughter and will doubtlessly hide the girl from us if she were to learn of this... discussion. Do what you can to woo her. My sister will surely calm down after a bit and accept. After all, she owes you as well.”

     Hades nodded slowly. Even his own siblings and parents didn't know the full extent of the power that he had tapped into in the Underworld. But they understood that something had changed him, and while he was their brother, he was also something different.

     Zeus was as dimly aware of that as anybody else. There were times when he could swear that he saw darkness itself in his brother's face, a shadowy mask that represented the unknown. A long time ago, he had tried to convince himself that this was a mere figment of his imagination, a psychological manifestation of his unease around his eldest brother's presence. And even now, he still tried. But no matter how many times he told himself...

     ...What if that happened to Kora?
Zeus stiffened for a moment. He had seen Kora but thrice; shortly after her birth when he and Demeter had taken her to the Fates, when the girl had celebrated her eleventh summer, and then when he had used Hera's scrying glass to check on her after Ares had tried to hurt her. All three times, she had been a beautiful sight. Her hair was a deep dark red, a shade darker than their mother Rhea's own, and hazel eyes that were a brilliant mixture of golds, greens, and deep blues. Her skin was a light, healthy tan from the many hours she spent playing outside in the sun. Her mother's attempt to downplay her daughter had failed. Her limbs and throat were slender, and her gaze open and inquisitive as she studied him when her mother had brought her to Olympus.

     What would become of that girl when she was taken into the Underworld? Would she be able to handle whatever it was Hades had gone through? Would she become a shade of her former brilliant self? Hades was, after all, the realm of death. His brother was god of all the mysterious secrets of the realm of death, and these secrets were not easy to bear.

     “No, no,” Zeus suddenly said, shaking his head. He couldn't condemn his daughter to a life in the shadows. “I cannot give her to you.”

     “What is it now? Surely I have given enough reason and promise for your daughter.”

     “I just worry that... it is the Underworld. My daughter has spent her entire life in the sunshine and playing around in the meadows and breathing fresh air...”

     “I assure you, she will be taken care of. There are diversions for a god down there. Otherwise I could not bear it. She will become used to her new home.” His unspoken message was clear.
I will have the girl, blessing or not
. The King of the Gods knew that even if he were to take Kora away from her mother and place her in a remote and heavily guarded place, still Hades would find her.