The Last Oracle (46 page)

“Alex, that information would have only precipitated the current tragedy. At the time of our discussions, it appeared that the curse had been eliminated—and it has been! If it had not been eliminated, then there was nothing for any of us to do.”

Tightening his jaw Alex got up and paced. “Paolo, just tell us the truth!”

“I am telling you the truth now,” he said quietly.

“Is this your way of being the hero?”

“No. I will abide by your decision about what should be done. However, I can accompany you into the underworld and provide you details about how we were able to get by Cerberus.”

“Tranquilizers,” Alex said. “I did read Virgil’s
Aenied
.”

“That would work.” Paolo nodded.

“Valerian root?” Ava asked.

“Poppy extract,” Paolo said.

“An opiate,” Alex added.

Lars nodded to Mani. “Alright—we need a monster-sized tranquilizer.”

“I can help you with that,” Mani said.

“Good! Now we need to discover some way to summon an immediate council meeting.”

Jonah lifted a finger. “I have a thought,” he said, glancing at Alex. “What was it that Jeremiah charged you with?”

“A frivolous abuse of council,” Alex said. “Why?”

“I believe I know how we can summon a council meeting.” Jonah turned toward Paolo. “We’ll need your help!”

“But I must guide Alex to Valeria and then into Delos,” Paolo said.

“Can you draw a map?” Jonah asked.

“Perhaps,” Paolo responded.

“Jonah, can you develop that plan,” Lars asked.

“Yes,” Jonah said with a nod.

Lars paused, momentarily stretching his arms. “Okay, so let’s assume that Alex can find his way through the underworld to Valeria, and then into Delos without harm. And, let’s say we find a way to hold a council meeting. Our only other obstacle is Hades! Any ideas on how to distract Hades without any of us becoming victims of his rage?” Lars asked.

“Impossible!” Paolo said. “We don’t have Hecate to help us!”

Genni stirred in her cradle and Lita picked her up.

Caleb glanced up from his computer briefly and said, distractedly, “Genni wants Myrdd to hold her.” Then he lowered his head again, concentrating on his laptop.

Lita glanced at Myrdd who was crouched in a ball on the floor and rocking. Lita made eye contact with Alex and then glanced at Myrdd. Alex narrowed an eye and then, with a doubtful glance, shook his head.

“The child,” Myrdd muttered. “She...she...”

“Caleb, I don’t think Myrdd is quite ready to hold Genni—she’s awfully small right now. Perhaps Myrdd would like to
see
Genni, while I hold her.” Lita knelt by Myrdd. “Myrdd, would you like to see the baby?” she asked.

Myrdd stopped rocking as his eyes began to dart toward the child and then away. Alex and Lars leaned forward in their seats, ready to spring on Myrdd should the need arise. Myrdd drew a deep breath and then noticed
Genni’s tiny hand reaching out for him. He chuckled softly. When he held out his finger, she wrapped her hand around it. Myrdd’s smile widened.

“I do not repel her,” he said.

“Of course not,” Lita said in a sweet motherly voice.

“Still, I do believe she would prefer her father,” Myrdd said, still smiling at the tiny infant.

Lita stood and handed Genni to Alex, whose face lit as he wrapped her in his arms and stared adoringly into her face.

“Where were we?” Myrdd asked.

“When?” Ava asked.

Myrdd stood and glanced at Alex. “Oh, yes—Hades! It will not be necessary to distract Hades.”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “Why not, Myrdd?”

“He will only require an exchange.”

Paolo stood again and rolled his eyes. “
Only
an exchange! Who did you have in mind? Any mortal could be substituted for me. But Alex is an oracle. That would require another oracle. And Valeria... Who would Hades consider a fair exchange for the last oracle? Shall we kidnap some potential prospects?” Paolo asked sarcastically.

Turning slowly to Paolo, Myrdd lifted a finger, narrowed his eyes, and in a booming voice said, “
You...
you shall set things right.” Then Myrdd glanced around the room and his eyes focused on Alex. “Cassandra knows those whose fate it is to go in your place.”

It was the next morning when the family gathered inside the temple of the Cumaen Sibyl—this time with no concern of an attack. The plan was that Alex had all day and into the evening to get himself and Valeria to Delos. Then, the rest of the family would fly to Corfu and meet that night at the emergency council meeting.

Alex stood at the entrance to the underworld and stared at the door.

“Are you frightened?” Camille asked.

“How could I ever be frightened knowing that she’s there?” Tears rimmed his eyes. “I only pray that this works.”

Mani patted Alex’s shoulder, “Once you give Cerberus the tranquilizers it will take about twenty minutes for him to sleep. But remember that he will only be out for a short while. Paolo estimates fifteen to twenty minutes.”

Paolo nodded and then said, “Alex, Daphne would like to speak to you before...I told her that I would ask you first.”

Alex shrugged grudgingly, and Daphne approached him.

“Alex, I want—”

“Daph, I’m sure that someday, after all of this is resolved...” He winced, hoping that there would be such a day. “I want to be able to trust you again. Until then...we will pretend this never—”

“Alex, I'm not asking for your forgiveness.
 I know that’s...not possible. But please, remember what happened to Orpheus.” She bit her lip and said, “You know that even if Orpheus had looked back...he wouldn’t have seen her.”

He remembered the story of Orpheus who was permitted to enter the underworld to retrieve his bride as long as he didn’t look back. After exiting the underworld, Orpheus felt so relieved that he turned to hold his wife and she vanished forever.

“What do you mean?” Alex asked.

“You will be able to see and communicate with Valeria while she is still in the Elysian Fields. But once she leaves for Delos, she will have only limited opportunities to speak or be seen. Don’t question her presence—trust your instincts! You do know that she will need to testify for the Council.”

“My guess is that she will want to testify.”

“Other than while she’s testifying or while on Charon’s ferry—”

Alex interrupted, “
Charon’s ferry?
Why would she be there?”

“She will wait on Charon’s ferry while you negotiate with Hades.” Daphne said. ”Just remember that other than those instances I’ve just mentioned
, you won’t be able to see her until she is free from the underworld.”

Alex nodded.

“One more thing—be cautious of your agreements with Hades. If he permits you to take Valeria, remember to abide by his rules—and don’t look back.” Her eyes softened and he almost pitied her. “And... someday, when this is all over with, please don’t hate me,” she said, touching his arm.

“I don't hate you, Daph,” he said, uncomfortable with her tone.

She removed her hand and then turned and left.

“Your daughter would like to tell you that she shall see you soon.” Lita looked adoringly at the infant and then handed her to Alex.

He held her tightly and walked a few steps, facing away from the others. “Genni, it might seem that I am deserting you. I hope you don’t ever believe that. Some might even tell you that’s true. What is true, is that I am heart-broken without your mother,” Alex began to choke and Lita put her hand on his shoulder. “A life without her is near unbearable.” He swallowed and bit his lip to regain control. “Still...
I adore you!
Seeing you is like seeing a mirror to my beloved...
you
are a symbol of our love.”

He kissed her forehead while the infant stared at him, as if she understood every word. Alex turned to Lita. “So, Genni, I am going to leave you with,” he drew a rough breath, “Lita and Mani,” he said, tears forming in his eyes again. “If I never come back, I know that they will love you as their own.” Lita nodded as tears spilled from her eyes. “I pray that both your mother and I see you on the other side,” he said. He squeezed the child, kissed her forehead, and then handed her to Lita. Without another word, he opened the door and in less than a moment, he was in a cold cave with no entrance or exit.

∞

Alex could feel the helplessness of his surroundings and its effects on the souls. He prayed that his beloved had not been banished to any place so cold and gray. He walked along the path for what could have been minutes, hours, or days—he had no sense of time here. When he approached a tunnel, a cloaked figure appeared and his heart began pounding nervously.

The figure moved closer and, suddenly, Alex worried that he would not reach Valeria
.
He was about to turn and run when the figure raised his arms and said in a ghostly tone, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!”

Involuntarily, Alex sucked in a breath. Then he realized that he recognized the voice, but, in this environment, he couldn’t quite place it. He narrowed his eyes.

“Max?” he said, peering into the darkness.

“I’d prefer it if you called me Virgil,” Max said, pulling the hood off his head.
“Great, get-up, huh? Got it from a drib.”

With sudden relief, Alex hugged Max, and although Max gladly accepted the affection, he followed it with, “Come on...let’s not get all mushy here. After all, we are currently trapped in hell. Not exactly a cause for celebration.”

“Val is...”

“I know,” Max said, the compassion returning to his voice.

“Is she in the Elysian Fields?”

Max nodded.

Alex lowered his brows. “Have you found Kristiana?”

Scratching his face, Max said, “Yes...she’s not in good shape.”

“I’m sorry, Max,”

He smiled wistfully. “I wouldn’t be any place else...even if it is hell.”

Alex nodded, “I understand.”

“All right,” Max said, taking a deep breath. “I am playing Virgil to your Dante and your Beatrice is awaiting your arrival in Paradiso! Shall we go?”

Shinsu sat in her garden. She longed to see Myrddin—it had been far too long. Perhaps years and distance had changed him, but her heart belonged to him always. Still, the ruse had to continue for a bit longer.

A boat pulled up to the dock and Shinsu watched as Jeremiah walked up her stone path between rose bushes, leaning heavily on his cane. He kissed the side of her face. She turned away from his as if something had just distracted her.

“Jeremiah, it would be appropriate to call before you appear! Good heavens,
it’s as if you believe I have nothing better to do than await your arrival! I deserted that notion long ago,” she said as she rose to go inside her white adobe home. “Tea?” she asked as she glanced over her shoulder.

“We need to discuss the emergency meeting taking place this evening. The other council members should arrive on the island shortly.” Shinsu nodded as she filled the bright red tea pot with water—nearly drowning the sound of his voice. Tolerating him was something that she had no interest in doing
anymore, especially knowing that Myrddin was alive. At least Jeremiah had enough interest in his young wives that he didn’t bother her anymore.

“Sit outside. I’ll be there in a moment,” she said tersely. Jeremiah nodded and, leaning on his cane, he hobbled outside to an Adirondack chair.

A few minutes later, Shinsu arrived with a tray of apples and cheddar, and two cups of tea, along with an elegant teapot.

“Shinsu, you know I despise apples and cheddar.”

She tilted her head ignoring the comment. “I must have forgotten!” She poured them both tea and, before he could say more, she turned away and sat down in her chair.

“Shinsu, may I have sugar in my tea?”

She turned on him with her eyes tense. “Jeremiah—I believe that you have confused me for the servant children who you take for your wives,” she said with mock sweetness. “If you wish to have sugar in your tea, you can purchase it at the store in town.”

Jeremiah sighed and set down his delicate china cup. “Shinsu, what has upset you? Does this have anything to do with the meeting this evening?”

Pull it together.
“Let’s get down to business, shall we?” she said.

“Yes! Let’s do!” Jeremiah responded sarcastically as he turned his face from hers. “So, what is this all about?”

“I received this by personal messenger yesterday. I felt it deserved our immediate attention.”

Jeremiah took the message from Shinsu and read it. He moved his lips while reading it rapidly and he suddenly stopped—in shock—and then read the remainder. And then he read it over again. Shinsu knew she should look away, but something in her needed to see Jeremiah squirm. She set her tea cup down on the table between them.

“Well? Certainly you have assimilated the finer points of the note!” Shinsu said.

Jeremiah continued to stare at it and then finding his voice said, “You should have...” He cleared his throat. “Protocol requires that you permit me to call the emergency meeting. I don’t know that this couldn’t have been investigated outside of Delos. I’ve spent so much time here in the past six months, I almost wonder if it’s worth it to go back and forth!”

“But then who would you bed? You know there are laws about that kind of thing here,” Shinsu said, as she rose and took his tea cup. “As far as notifying you, I did inform...what is her name? Your fourteenth wife...oh yes, Ruth, And Ruth informed me that you were busy with your twenty-third wife.” She waited for Jeremiah to nod and then took the cups inside.

“Shinsu, is that what this is about? I thought our time together these past few months had remedied your insecurities.” Shinsu cringed. “But I assure you that if that is what you wish for, I shall attempt to find more time for you.”

“When would that be Jeremiah?”

Jeremiah smiled coolly. “Have no worries, if that is what you desire—that is what you shall have.”

She glared at him for an instant which he chose to interpret as a demand for a schedule.

“Shinsu, I’m pleased to see your interest! Let me assure you that we shall work this out all in good time, my dear! Of course, back to the subject at hand...from now on, I prefer that you—”

“Jeremiah, after 500 years, I
am
aware of your preferences!” she said calmly. “However, as you can see, this letter claims that there was a ‘frivolous abuse of council’ and I
do
know how you feel about that! Certainly, if an engagement would be cause for an immediate council meeting, such an accusation as this must also be addressed immediately!”

Tapping his cane, Jeremiah held the note up toward her. “Shinsu, is there any indication of whom this note came from?” Shinsu
swooped it from his hand and glanced at it and then filed it in her bag.

“Why would that be pertinent?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking that perhaps we’ve had too much of a show of power. Perhaps it would be better if we handled this...privately.”

Shinsu rolled her head back and laughed.
“Privately? My goodness, Jeremiah, I almost believe the accusation is about you!” She patted his cheek as if she was teasing, and then said, “Don’t worry, we will simply address it tonight. If no one steps forward, then we will drop it. But my guess is that we’ll have all the details we need this evening,” she said with a cold glare, watching Jeremiah squirm.

“It’s just that with all of the trouble with the damned oracles...” Realizing his words, he glanced up at Shinsu, who nodded in irritation. “Sorry, my dear...sometimes I forget.”

“Yes, I know.” Shinsu walked to her gardening table and picked up her hedge clippers. Then stepping to her hedge, she began chopping as Jeremiah rose to follow her.

“I do hope you know that I hold you in very high regard.”

“Of course...” Shinsu slammed the hedge clippers together in a violent action, causing Jeremiah to jump back. A branch flew up in the air and landed on Jeremiah.

“Shinsu, what in the devil has gotten into you?”

Drawing a deep breath, she kept both hands on the hedge clippers but lowered them...a bit too closely to an area that Jeremiah held near and dear. He pushed the clippers aside. “Is this about Rose?”

“No, Jeremiah, I’ve lost count of your wives and I no longer see it as a personal affront. Now, I just perceive it as the efforts of an over-sexed man to regain his youth by touting falsities.”

Jeremiah began to erupt and she held up her hand to stop him. “I have tolerated the humiliation for 500 years and I do assure you that I am quite over it. I am also aware that I was a key component in your ability to take control of the council. No one would dare challenge you while I was at your side—at least while Myrddin was gone—”

“I have asked you repeatedly not to discuss your former...husband.”

“It is a fact that Myrddin was my former spouse—my symbolon. I was made an oracle and brought back from the Elysium Fields
for him
.”

“And he cheated on you!”

Shinsu’s voice became vicious as she seethed, “I do not intend to discuss Myrddin’s possible sexual misconduct
with you!”

He held his hand up as if he would slap her. Then, seeing the challenge in her eyes, he calmed himself and backed down. “Shinsu, what has come over you?”

Taking the hedge clippers back to her bench, she pulled off her gloves. “Not a thing, Jeremiah. Why?”

He wiped a few droplets of perspiration from his lip. “Because of the recent trouble with the Trento family, I do have some concerns.”

“Yes, well, we shall discover the source of the letter this evening—that I am certain.” She turned to him. “Now then, run along! I have business to attend to.”

“I’ll come by at ten tonight.”

She shook her head. “No, thank you, Jeremiah,” she said. “I’ve got...errands. I’ll get my own ride.”