Liathny wandered along the bank of the river Styx, her sword trailing in the dirt behind her. She could see Charon’s black gondola in the distance, its lantern lighting up the gloom. Cerberus’ three heads were all focused across to the underworld, his serpent tail curled around his motionless body. Liathny shrugged her lyre back onto her shoulder, its reassuring weight reminding her of the threat. While Charon may be mildly friendly with her, the last time she had met with Cerberus he had left a long scar down her side. The lyre had been used once before to send the three headed dog to sleep, so Liathny had decided to take one with her, just in case.
Charon held out a hand for his payment and Liathny deposited a few coins into his bony palm before climbing aboard. Charon began paddling across to the underworld, his thin body completely shrouded in his black cloak, his face hidden in the cowl.
“So, how’s work been recently?” Liathny asked.
Charon was silent.
“That’s good,” she continued. “Glad you’ve been busy. I’m sure it can get boring otherwise,” she said, pulling a book and pencil from her pocket. “Here’s a book of Sudoku for when you have some free time.”
Charon didn’t reply as she sat the present on the floor beside him. The gondola bumped against the far shore and Liathny jumped out.
“Thanks for the ride,” she said. “Have fun with the Sudoku!”
Charon gave her a nod as she walked off, waving her sword to a catchy tune.
The land of the dead, or the underworld was not as bleak and desolate as it sounded. From the other side it appeared to be veiled in mist, but now she was there Liathny could see the luscious green grass and rolling hills, ghostly spirits lounging in the pale light that radiated from no visible source. She followed the pebbled path through the hills, never once straying from it. There could be untold dangers stepping from the path, and Liathny didn’t want to try her luck.
She reached the top of the hill where she had agreed to meet, pushing open the orchard gate and stepping inside. The apple trees were in bloom, their flowers gorgeous pink and white. She walked among the trees, the wind gently ruffling the leaves, until she came to a white bench seat where a young girl sat.
The girl’s chestnut hair curled down her back, her deep, lusciously brown eyes on the twirling flower in her hand. Her outline shimmered in the way that all ghosts do, adding to the beauty of her flowing white dress. She looked up as Liathny approached.
“Sister,” the girl said quietly. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Orara,” Liathny replied, slipping onto the seat beside her. “How’s death been treating you?”
Orara smiled.
YOU ARE READING
Underworld - ON HOLD
AdventureLiathny is not your average young woman. As well as happily visiting her dead sister who lives in the Greek Underworld, she's also fought Achilles and won, and has horrible scars from the three headed dog Cerberus. But for Liathny that's a pretty no...
