Betrayal (49 page)

Winston and I stood on the tracks where mule trains, basically wagons on wheels, ran in and out of the mine. The mule trains hauled silver to the refining mills to extract the precious and desperately coveted metals that had made quite a few greedy people in this town into millionaires. These people would have been considered billionaires in the future.

“Your family has many, many secrets. Many which have been purposely kept from you.” Winston whispered. “I will tell you just one bit of information that they don’t want you to know.” A ripple of fear ran through my veins as nausea made a home in my belly.

Winston didn’t seem to spare any of the horrific details. “Victor killed your parents. He ripped their hearts out while they slept. It is the only way your kind can die.” I was suddenly engulfed with sorrow for my parents, and was almost at the point of retching after hearing what had been done to them although, I still couldn't evoke any memories of knowing them. No one deserved to die that way. How could someone commit such an evil act?

“It is rumored that Cerberus, Hades’ monstrous threeheaded dog that guards the Underworld, dined on your parents’ hearts, which was a gift to Hades, thus making it virtually impossible to revive your parents. Without their hearts, their power source, they will never walk this earth again.” I couldn’t believe that this was the world that I was a part of.

My face must have looked twisted or something. Winston saw my reaction and said, “As I said, that is the rumor, but the truth is that Cerberus has not tasted your parents’ hearts. Victor has them hidden somewhere.” Winston said very matteroffact, and void of any trace of emotion. “Unfortunately, I don’t know where that is, but someone –” Suddenly there was a loud thud coming from somewhere deep in the mine. I shivered uncomfortably standing so close to Winston, but instinctively moved closer to the wintry cold out of fear.

“I will tell you more, later, but first; the Ischeros meeting is in full swing at center of this mine, between two tunnels that intersect. Follow me and watch your footing on the tracks.”

There were beams above our heads and along the mountain walls of rock. I followed Winston but distanced myself a bit, and it instantly became a lot warmer as we went further into the mine. I was careful in my steps, negotiating across the rock foundation, but almost stumbled a couple of times as I went passed the dimmer lit curves, which after passing, made what was ahead of you barely visible. The lanterns cast shadows that wouldn’t scare the average person, but after you’ve seen shadows get up and lunge at you, you’d be as jumpy as I was.

The length of this dress didn't help at all. I didn't think Winston noticed my clumsy display until he turned to look at me in an alarming way, and put one finger to his mouth, instructing me to be quiet while he stood beside a lantern. The glow of the light from the lantern illuminated his face, making it appear as if he was made up of a glittery mist.

“Are you ok back there?” Winston whispered.

“Uh… yeah… just a lot of shadows.” I whispered back.

“Don’t worry, these are the nice ones,” Winston said, chuckling lightly. “Well, let’s move it along, we don’t want to miss the whole show.”

“Winston, I don't want to be seen.” I said nearly tripping over a portion of the wooden track only to be saved by slamming my hand onto a beam and feeling the splinters rip into the flesh of my palm. Somehow I didn't make a sound as I felt the searing pain travel up my arm, and then slowly ease away.

“You won't be.” Winston assured. I nodded. “I’m afraid that you won’t be able to actually see anyone, or what is happening at the risk of being seen, only the shadows cast on these walls, but you can hear everything from here.” Winston informed easing me back between two large boulders that were attached vertically to the walls. “We can only get this close or they will detect my presence, my chill factor. But you mustn't make a sound. Every Ischeros at this meeting has the acute ability to hear over a hundred feet away.” Winston warned.

“I’m almost afraid to breathe.” I whispered.

“Well at least one of us can.” The sarcasm was hard to miss.

I stayed within a few inches of Winston because being within a foot of him felt cool, and the temperature in this mine was well over a hundred degrees, and rapidly escalating. As I tried to stay hidden between the two large boulders, I began to hear voices that echoed in the distance. Some voices were shouting as others were just above a whisper. I couldn't identify any of them. Regardless, I listened intently.

“He has asked for protection from the Empress in return for not informing Hades that the Empress killed one of his queen. He believes that she has gained her powers and but wasn’t aware of the fact when she killed the vampiress.” I recognized Evan’s crisp voice as if it were my own.

“Where would he get that idea?” That raspy voice wasn’t recognizable at all. It was even toned, but laced with authority. It must be an elder; powerless but respected.

“It is what I told him.” Evan answered, firmly.

“Why should we trust an Apolluon undead?” A different voice asked. It was the voice of a woman, and definitely an elder by the weight of her tone. I guess Evan was giving them his proposal on his strategy.

“Former Apolluon undead. He is over two thousand years old. Hades has set him free.” Evan explained.

“Fine, for argument’s sake, is he trustworthy?” The woman asked.

“If Hades believes that everything on earth is under control, as far as his disciples, then he will allow Mathias to remain here.” Nikolas chimed in, in his usual gruff nononsense voice. “Matthias does not wish to ever return to the Underworld. He hasn’t had a taste of freedom for more than two thousand years. He will not do anything to jeopardize that.”

“Does he have any insight as to Victor’s plans or strategy?” I recognized that all business voice instantly, it was Thaddeus.

“Victor can’t seek contact with Hades without permission the help of Hermes, who has declined to interfere, therefore Victor went to Matthias. He asked Matthias to inform Hades of Driella’s death, and to notify Hades that he, Victor, promises to bring the Empress’ heart to him. Victor’s only request is that Hades let’s him rule without any further attacks from the Apolluon.” Evan explained. “He also offered Matthias protection but the vampire knows better.

Matthias turned him down for two reasons. One: Matthias knows that only the Empress is strong enough to kill him. Two: Hades will never negotiate, even for the chance of annihilating the Empress. He wants every last Ischero demigod as his eternal prisoners, including Victor.”

“Victor shows the lack of guidance that his wretched parents failed to provide. He doesn’t understand Hades’ agenda.” Thaddeus added.

“And what about his…girl?” Another elder asked. I wasn’t sure of whom he asked about.

“The girl shouldn't be trusted. She should be put to death for obviously trying to set a trap.” A male voice shouted with contempt, followed by a raspy voice.

“I agree. She is not to be trusted. Never could be.”

“I requested your attendance tonight, not because I want your opinion.” Evan's voice was raised to a low thunder. His shadow moved forward. I was almost compelled to move back a step or two, but the wall wouldn’t permit it. Evan continued, “The consequences have already been weighed, and the decision has already been made. We are here tonight to plan the ambush. Is that understood, my Knights of Ischera?” Evan spoke with an authority well beyond his eighteen years. He quieted everyone into nods of approval which shadowed bobbing heads on the walls.

“It is Lucas that we want. Lucas is the key. He knows where Victor hides. Sacha admitted that much.” Nikolas added.

“As far as we know, Lucas has gone underground.” Another voice spoke up, but younger, definitely not an elder. “Lucas is expected to return on the night before the Masquerade Ball.”

“Julius, has this been confirmed? If so, by whom?” Evan asked, directing the question to the youthful voice, a peer.

“Lucas is a creature of habit. This is his usual break. Victor had ordered him to return on the eve of the ball. They have something planned. It was confirmed by his twin sister.” Julius.

“I will send an alert once we have the location.” Nikolas said. “We expect movement soon. Sacha has informed me that Victor, and his disciples plan to attack and seize Cordelia any night now.”

“This of course may bring some very unwanted attention of the Apolluon. We must be prepared Ischeros.” Evan commanded.

“Will Cordelia attend the Ball?” My ears perked up with the mention of my name spoken by a female voice.

“Yes, Hedea.” Evan answered, confidently. What followed Evan's reply was a sea of voices. Some alarmed, others shocked.

“Sire, this sounds too dangerous. Especially since our trackers have traced Apolluon in Nickel City on two occasions.” A gruff male voice said. “Perhaps it is best to postpone the anointment.”

“I agree, The Empresses’ powers have not been fully restored, Sire.” A young woman noted in a shrilly voice.

“This could end very badly Sire.” Another voice commented.

I believe I heard Evan sigh at the words that echoed and bounced off the walls like handballs being smacked over and over again. If a cave full of powerful demigods were in fear, then how could I not be? My knees began to get weak. I feared them buckling and causing enough noise to alert the entire roster of my presence.

“As long as this mission is executed cautiously, Hades’ disciples will not be alerted. Our position remains the same. Victor's execution is our first and last priority. Cordelia will attend the Ball as planned. ” Evan said, evenly. And with that everyone piped down, and accepted his wishes.

He commanded respect from all of the members of the empire, from the elders down to the younger demigods, and received it. But the Masquerade Ball was only two nights away. I was scared to death of the idea of seeing Victor and his disciples. I would much rather jump off of the highest peak of the Sierras than attend that Ball.

I looked at Winston who appeared to be listening intently as well. I carefully tiptoed passed him.

“Where are you –?” Winston hissed.

“Shh.” I leaned to the right passed another wooden beam. I hoped that they wouldn't see me.

“Whoa…well... I hadn't realized that some of your powers had in fact been restored. You’re invisible.” Winston noted, thoroughly amused. Again I had made myself invisible, and hadn’t realized it.

I figured I might as well take advantage of my power to vanish. I took a couple of more steps deeper into the mine. It must have been the deepest point because the space was wide, dim, and the smell of dampness lingered in the air. I was facing a room of a hundred or so members, all dressed in ivory cloaks that were draped with a sash. Each member donned a sash in one of several shades of either garnet or violet.

The male members wore their sash draped from one shoulder to the other forming a cowl under their necks. The female members wore their sash around the waists – cinched by one knot. They were all facing Evan, whose back was to me. He stood high above them levitating. His sash was bright crimson and edged in gold. Nikolas, whom stood just left of Evan, wore a sash in a deep shade of garnet as did Bethany who stood next to Evan, gazing up admiringly at her brother.

An outer circle of members, older, looking to be in their midforties to early fifties, stood wearing maroon hued sashes. Amongst them were Thaddeus and Alexandria Capius who wore deep crimson sashes. They watched their son, proudly; the highest ranking Ischero, as he governed this all powerful empire. An empire, which would soon disperse and blend right back into the mortal world.

Suddenly everyone started looking around them as if they were sensing something, like a pungent odor. Just then I heard Nikolas’ voice. “There is a powerful presence in this room, and it is not you Sire.” Nikolas thundered, alarmingly as he turned around, and looked directly at me. Everyone's eyes turned blood red, and Evan turned and seemed to look directly at me too.

Oh crap! They know that I’m here.

Winston grabbed my hand, and we flew right through the dirt wall, and magically walked right back into my bedroom.

“Ugh!” I gasped, in shock as I saw a figure in my sitting room.

It was Evan, and he was standing in front of the French doors to the balcony. How did he get here faster than Winston and I? I turned to the right of me, where I expected Winston to be, but he was gone. I had to catch my breath. Winston must have disappeared the second we went through the dirt wall. I looked at Evan whom had followed my gaze as I searched the room for Winston.

“Are you looking for someone?” Evan appraised me, and smiled. He no longer wore the cloak. He was dressed in one of his many impeccably tailored suits.

“No, uh… what are you doing here?”

“May I?” Evan asked if he could come into the bedroom portion of the two rooms, and didn’t answer me.

“Uh… sure.” I tried to act unshaken by his sudden appearance.

“Have you been in this room the entire evening?” Evan asked, as he ambled through the opened French doors that separated my two rooms. We were now standing about two feet apart. Evan started walking around my bed as if he were interested in seeing what was on my bedside table but all the while he was scanning the bottom of my dress. I followed his gaze, and noticed the dirt stains all over the hem of my emerald taffeta dress. I was busted.

I gulped as I was certain that it was obvious to him what the answer was.

“No.” I admitted in a whisper.

“The mines are almost impossible to navigate with the lamps being so dim. I would suppose that if one did not remember the route, then one would need the help of someone, or something in order to make the journey to the depth of the mine possible.” Evan looked at me as if intrigued as to how I would react, or what I might say.

“I suppose one would.” I played along knowing that Evan was on to me. He chuckled.

“How is Winston these days? Still dead?” I didn’t know if I should laugh, or be shocked at Evan's clarity on what I’d been up to. He walked over to where I still stood at the edge of my bed. The goose bumps on my arm were the evidence of my astonishment. They subsided with his warm gaze.