The Librarian

"Gone? What do you mean by gone?" Hades demanded, storming into his palace. Nico nodded to me that we should follow him.

"Just that, my lord. We've searched the entirity of the Underworld, we've even checked with Demeter, but she's no where to be found." Peisinoe said, her face red and flustered.

The Lord of the Underworld cursed under his breath. "This is Leuce, it has to be." He spun to me in a rage, "'nothing to use against us'? What do you suggest we do now, then? She has my wife! She's gone too far. That gods-damned tree wanted a fight? Then it's a fight she's going to get!"

"Dad, this isn't the right way to solve this. If she has Persephone and we attack, then who knows what she'll do to her!" Nico protested.

Hades spat out his next words, seeming to tower over us more with every syllable. "Your stepmother can protect herself, it's not her you should be worried about. Worry for Leuce, instead. When I'm done with her you'll be lucky to find a leaf of hers unharmed."

"But Father-" Nico began.

"SILENCE!" Hades boomed, his eyes glowing like coals. "Just minutes ago you were telling me to fight, and now you go back on that word? What did you think a fight would mean? You have no say in this matter now. The Underworld is now at war with Leuce." He turned to Peisinoe, his expression stony. "Spread the word, Peisinoe. We are at war. Ready all soldiers and have them report en masse to me in two hours. Prepare weapons, transport, supplies. And you," he turned to Nico and I, "I want you to visit as many gods as you can. Visit Ares, Athena, Zeus, Poseidon; plead help from anyone who will listen and call in any favours we are owed."

Nico bowed deeply to his father and I followed his example. "As you wish, dad." Nico said, anger on the edge of his tongue.

Hades turned to the empty hall, proclaiming in determination, "we will not relent until your stepmother is back here in her garden. I will not relent until my wife is safe."

Notes