The Nikeda Trilogy: The Daughter of Ares Chronicles, #3

By Shannon McRoberts

Take what you know about mythology and throw it out the window...

Athine is not your ordinary immortal-born goddess.  In The Nikeda Trilogy, you'll follow Athine as she battles her nemesis Nikeda while interacting with key figures from many mythologies.

Travel with Athine as she learns the dark secrets of her mysterious destiny, why Zeus hates her so much, where vampires come from, and what really happened to the dragons.  

Can Athine and her new friends save the world from becoming overrun by Nikeda's Cursed Bloods or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep everyone else safe? 

Scroll up and one click your copy today to read what readers are calling a mash up of Xena, Buffy, Blade Runner, and Lord of the Rings! 

This book is #3 in the series, as it should be read after #1 and #2 for the best enjoyment, but the subject matter is suitable for 18+ readers due to adult situations.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Obsidian Poet Press
• Release date: May 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386135821

Shannon McRoberts

Shannon McRoberts writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy books while living in the rolling hills of Kentucky.   Shannon is a lover of all kinds of fantasy but enjoys watching her collection of favorite shows like Xena, Buffy, Firefly, Game of Thrones, and Farscape.  When she’s not busy with taking care of her family, binge watching Netflix, or making fantasy art, she is at her computer weaving myths and magic featuring women of grit and steel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Zeus was not always the king of immortals.  In fact, he was once a very young and stubborn noble prince.  He was wild and unabashed in his impulsive behaviors.  Drink, food, women, and gambling; he enjoyed it all with no other desire than to live for the day. This greatly upset his father because he wanted his son to be the ruler of Olympus when it was time for him to pass through the N’Loron.  Yet, at this current rate he would never be ready to assume the duties needed in being the ruler of all the immortals.  Cronus was at a loss as to what to do with his misguided son until his elder son, Hades, gave him an idea.  Hades was a good ruler and was well in control of his inhibitions for some time.  Cronus thought that if he sent Zeus down to the Underworld with Hades that he could learn how to be a good ruler.  Cronus also thought that if Zeus were to be in the Underworld that it may keep him away from all the mortal temptations because the Underworld was a very peaceful place. 

Father, I do not wish to travel to the Underworld to spend time with Hades! Zeus proclaimed adamantly.

Son, I think it would do you some good to visit your brother.  You need to see what a good ruler is like.  You need to grow up. You will have responsibilities in the next few years that I do not think you are yet ready to accept. Cronus stated as he nudged his son to the portal. 

What if I don’t want to be the ruler of the immortals? What if I would rather spend my time wandering the land of the mortals, Zeus demanded.

That simply cannot be what happens.  You are my only heir without an assignment.  Poseidon and Hades are both already ruling their respective areas.  Your lot in life is to be the ruler of Olympus and the lands. I will discuss this with you no further.  You will go and observe your brother Hades and if necessary you will also visit your brother Poseidon in Atlantis. Go!  Cronus commanded authoritatively as he pointed to the portal.

Fine.  I will go to the Underworld and maybe even Atlantis, but it won’t do any good at all.  I do not want to be ruler of the immortals. Zeus bellowed as he was walking through the portal. 

The Underworld was dark and dank.  The only bright spot was the Elysian Fields, but immortals were banned from entering there, even Hades himself.  Zeus wasn’t sure what he was going to do down here, but he didn’t intend to completely give up his impulsive ways if he could at all help it.  He had hoped beyond all hope that his brother would not be as uptight as his father had portrayed him in recent years since taking the throne of the Underworld.

The path to the lair of Hades was one that was long and boring.  Even the few souls he did pass along the way were boring and lifeless looking.  It was as if the entire place was made of grey boredom.  Of course, this was one of the many forms of punishment for a life of poor choices in the mortal realm.  Yet, that was nothing Zeus, an immortal born, would have to worry about.  When the time came for him to pass through the N’Loron he would be granted admittance to the realm of the immortals. 

Zeus was almost to his brother’s castle when he came upon the river named after the goddess Styx.  He watched in awe as boats of different colors came to the shore and picked up immortal souls to take them to their appointed hereafters.  Although Hades was ruler of the undead realms, Styx was actually the goddess that passed judgment on the mortal souls.  The good souls would be ferried off to the Elysian Fields.  The not so good souls would be ferried to Hades for assignment of punishments fit for their evil deeds.  The truly heinous souls were turned away and not allowed to cross the river.  Zeus watched as one unruly soul tried to force his way onto a nearby boat.  On it a small cloaked figure thwarted the spirit’s attempts with ease. 

You are a very evil soul.  This boat is not for you. The cloaked figure commanded with ease and threw the soul back to the shore.  The soul got up and attempted again.  This time the cloaked figure brought out a large staff and sliced at the soul. It screamed in agony and finally stopped trying to board the ferry.  Then the figure turned towards Zeus.  In the dim lights he could make out that the person was actually a very young girl.  The girl waved Zeus over to her boat as she lowered her hood.  Tons of coal black waves fell out.  Her skin was as pale as death.  Her eyes were as blue as the mortal sky.  She blew out a sigh and began to speak.

Your brother Hades has instructed me to ferry you to his castle.  Hurry up before more rogue souls come at me.  I don’t feel like fighting them all night.

Zeus was taken aback by her beauty and he was surprised she knew who he was.  Instantly his impulses took over.

Ah, so you have heard of me fair lass? Zeus said as he winked and puffed out his chest.  He was a very chiseled and handsome figure even for an immortal born.

No, I have not heard of you.  However, you brother said you would be the dumb looking immortal watching me in awe as I tried to coax you into the boat, she retorted with a smile. 

Zeus was not used to his charms not winning out.  He was a little stunned.  He climbed into the boat without another word and off they went towards the castle of his kin. 

Zeus sat in silence watching the waters with the floating dead rather than look at the girl that had just handed him his ego on a platter.  Finally, they reached the destination.  Hades was out front waiting with his entourage of servants and concubines. He practically pulled the boat out of the water in excitement. 

Little brother! It has been too long.  I have so many things to show you, Hades exclaimed as he grasped Zeus in the immortal handshake of kin. 

Zeus, although reluctant to be here, did miss talking with his elder brother.  Brother, I have missed that smile of yours.  Do show me what you will, but please tell me you are not as stuffy as father makes you out to be?

A grand laugh echoed through the courtyard as Hades looked at his brother.  Look around little brother.  I have twenty-five mistresses.  I may appear to be boring like father wants, but that is only when he comes to visit.  No, the truth is I am the same as I have always been and I think I can show you how to be a good ruler but keep true to yourself.

Chapter 2

After a leisurely night of rest and grand feasts Zeus awoke in higher spirits than when he first arrived in the Underworld.  His brother was indeed every bit of the playboy he was before he became a ruler.  The future didn’t seem so dim to Zeus anymore. 

Good morning little brother.  How did you find your first official night here in the Underworld?

Refreshing to say the least; I feel like a great weight has been lifted from me.  I think with your help I could be the ruler father wants and still be me.  That makes my life much easier.

Splendid! I was hoping you would be in better spirits.  For tonight I have the summer festival to show you!

Summer festival? What is that?

Why, little brother, it’s simply one of the four grand balls I hold during the year.  The summer festival happens to be my favorite because I often end up with a new mistress or two if you know what I mean. Hades winked at Zeus.

You mean the entire time that I’ve heard father talk about your diplomatic parties you were actually throwing balls to find new women?

Well, they do have some political use.  You see, many mortals send their most beautiful women here in homage to me and my greatness.  They think if they please me they will gain favor when their time comes.  It is quite common among the mortals to send the best and brightest here during the summer festival.

And do you often help these mortals?

Some I do.  Others I do not.  It really just depends on the mood I am in when they arrive!

So, why exactly did they think sending young girls down here would make you happy?

Because, little brother, they all think I am extremely saddened when Persephone leaves me to go back to the realm of the living. Truth is I started having the ball because I was so glad that she was leaving for six months.  It was a mistake to ever marry an immortal born.  She can be a real pain.

Brother! I never figured you for such a harsh man.  I thought you loved Persephone? Zeus questioned Hades.

Oh, I do brother, I do! However, being married is a very tiring event.  I would not suggest following down that path if you can avoid it.  Mortals make the best lovers anyway because they are so fiery.  Yet, they do tend to wear out easier than an immortal born; which is why I have so many.

You haven’t changed a bit, have you?

No, I have not little brother.  Come let me show you the preparations for the grand party that will be partly in your honor this time around.  I may even be able to give you a noble princess or two.

Hades led Zeus down the long castle corridor to the main ball room.  It was lined with gold and heavy red drapes.  The warm smell of roses filled the air.  Hades spared no detail in attempting to attract new mates to stay with him.  He knew the things mortal girls liked.  Zeus was extremely impressed with his brother’s planning.  He was thoroughly enjoying seeing all the things mortals found attractive when he spotted her across the room.  The girl from the ferry was in the great hall arranging flowers.  Zeus stopped in his tracks and watched her.  She was elegant and graceful.  At first, he thought her to be a human in Hades’ service, but now he saw that she was an immortal born.  He was standing there dreaming when a voice awoke him.

That, my dear brother is not one to trifle with, Hades said as he pointed to her. 

Who exactly is she?

Nike, the daughter of Styx.  She is also a loyal servant to Persephone.  If I were you, I would just avoid her.  She is a no-nonsense type of girl.

So, what you are saying is she turned you down?

Hades grinned and turned a little red.  Zeus knew that look confirmed his suspicions.  He had no desire to try to win an argument with that one again.  He was still reeling with the last time he spoke to her.  He did not wish to have another session of being shot down.  Although she was intoxicatingly beautiful, her temperament was not as Zeus normally preferred his companions.  He thought it better to just leave her be and admire her from afar. 

The ballroom was looking splendid when the first group of guests arrived.  Undoubtedly, almost all of them were very beautiful women from all over the world dressed in their finest gowns.  One by one, they appeared through magical portals manned by Hades’ greatest mages. 

Zeus sat next to his brother on the guest of honor throne.  Time after time, Hades introduced Zeus as their future ruler.  Many girls were impressed at the potential to have a future ruler in their good graces.  The smartest of the group tried to make a play for both of the brothers.  Wagers were placed and promises made.  Before the night was even half over Zeus had a harem of princesses from all branches of the world.  Zeus was about to leave with his winning ladies when he saw her out of the corner of his eye.  Nike.  She stood there as eloquent as a cherry tree in the fields of the East.  Her dark hair was flowing free and she was dressed in a soft pink dress.  She was such a different looking creature in this light.  All he could do was stare at her in a trance like state; that is until one of his winning ladies became very unhappy and began yelling at him.

Zeus, what are we waiting for? Are we going to seal this deal or not? She stomped her feet making her golden curls tussle down her back.  That for the moment brought him back to the event at hand, his pleasure. 

My dear, of course.  Forgive me for my brief interruption in this soirée.  It is not every day that I am surrounded by such lavish decadence.  I found myself having to take one more look at the grandeur of this before we all retire to my chambers. Zeus gently caressed the blonde-haired woman’s cheek as he said this. 

Nike looked up in time to see Zeus flirting heavily with this mortal girl and all her resolve to speak to him left her.  Zeus looked back in Nike’s direction in time to see the back of her hair as she was turning around and walking out of the room.  He had hoped to catch her attention, but with the impatient blonde on his arm and four more ladies waiting alongside her, he decided to just let her walk away.

Chapter 3

Rune awoke in a grand bed of silver and gold.  She had slept, but she was still tired and sore.  She looked around for her young immortal but saw nothing other than a few dressing robes.  Hunger growled in her stomach so she dressed and entered the main hall way.  It was quiet except for the footsteps of a passing girl.  Rune quickly looked up and yelled at the black-haired girl as she passed.

You there, servant.  I am in need of something to eat and a fresh dress.  You will go and bring these things to me in my room.

Nike turned to look at the girl.  She may be a servant of Persephone, but she was an immortal born and she had no time for these wretched nobles to think she was anything for them to command. 

What makes you think that you can command me, girl? You are nothing more than a high-priced whore sent by your nation to try to gain favor from the immortals.  I do not serve your kind, Nike snapped back at the little blonde.

At no point in her life had anyone ever spoke to Rune that way.  She may not have been the highest of the noble class, but she was no whore.  She had completed the mission her king had given her.  That is all.

Who am I? I am the girl that will one day have Zeus, king of the mortal realms, in my favor.  I have saved my people from an impending doom.  Zeus will take care of us now.

Silly, misguided girl, do you not know that you are nothing more than a play thing to these immortal playboys? You will be lucky if he even remembers your name after today.

Rune began to shriek and stamp her feet at the harshness of Nike’s words.  She was such a spoiled brat that she woke the whole castle up.  Finally, Zeus himself arrived in the hallway.

Quiet! What goes on here? Zeus bellowed in the halls as Nike and Rune continued to stare one another down. 

Rune quickly ran over to Zeus’ side where he opened his arms to embrace his new toy.  She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.  I only asked this servant for something to eat.  She was very rude.  I think you should dismiss her, Rune bellyached to Zeus.

Nike stood tall and proud.  She looked at Zeus and then the girl.  The room shook when she spoke.  And again, to you I ask, who do you think you are? I am no servant.  I am an immortal born.  Do not cross me human or you may find you will not cross the river Styx when your time comes.  With that, Nike turned around and went on her way leaving Zeus and Rune along with about fifteen others greatly admiring the power that Nike had just demonstrated. 

Zeus wanted her even more from that point forward.

Chapter 4

Nike navigated the waters of the river Styx.  She was furious and the anger coursed through her veins; the water around her responded to her emotions.  It bubbled and churned with heat.  How could humans be so naïve? How could humans be so bold and brash? What made that Rune girl think she could command her around just because she had shared a bed with a possible immortal ruler? She WAS an immortal ruler.  Her mother had placed her in this duty for a reason.  She was to help the souls across.  She was to protect them against the Ang’ver; the ancient spirits that often tried to eat souls before they made it to the sacred Styx.

Nike swiftly guided her boat to the shore in preparation of ferrying souls across the sacred waters.  She arrived just in time to see an Ang’ver hiding in the shadows of the shore readying itself to pounce on the mortal souls that were trying to reach the boats.  This group of souls was destined to get on the white boat that went to the Elysian Fields.  The Ang’ver was closing in quickly.  Nike was a few hundred meters from the shore when she saw that Que’vere, a trusted disciple of her mother and leader of the Elysian Fields’ boat, was just standing there.  He lifted neither hand nor rod to help the souls he was charged with ferrying.

Que’vere! What are you doing? Do you not see the Ang’ver? Nike screamed as her boat reached the shoreline. 

Que’vere looked up and smirked.  Aye, lass, but what am I to do against an Ang’ver? I am merely a disciple.  I have no powers here.

Infuriated Nike leapt out of her boat.  She held her staff out and began chanting.  A bright white light filled the entire cavern.  The Ang’ver screamed at the magical light.  The mortal souls clamored and ran the other way to cower from the demon. 

The Ang’ver screamed at the light wielding Nike, Stop! I am allowed to be here!

This caught Nike off guard.  Who would dare tell an Ang’ver that it had permission to be in the cavern of the mortal souls? Her mother had dominion over this area. Not even Hades himself dared to question that.  Nike turned to face the creature.  She pinned it against a cavern wall with her staff.  By whose authority do you dare come here to feast on mortal souls that are in the charge of the goddess Styx for safe passage?!

Que’vere.  He brought me here.  I promised him great power.  He promised to let me hunt here.  I get to take some of the souls.

Nike could not believe what she was hearing.  Que’vere? He had been such a loyal servant of her mother’s.  How could he betray her so? She looked at the demon again.  I think you are lying and I think you end here now.

The Ang’ver chuckled at Nike and looked at her with such an odd look.  If you don’t believe me, ask Que’vere.  He is right behind you.

Nike turned around just in time to see Que’vere standing with a strange glowing orb that he thrust towards her.  She fell to the ground.

You had better hurry up.  Your powers are not strong enough to take her on.  You will have to kill her here or else we will both be destroyed. The Ang’ver instructed Que’vere as it turned towards the mortal souls. 

Que’vere was not sure what to do at this point.  He had never intended to have to kill anyone.  He only wanted powers that Styx would not give him.  He had been a loyal servant for so long but she denied him everything.  When the Ang’ver offered him powers in trade for only a few souls here and there he thought it a great idea.  Now what would he do? To kill Nike would be to sign his own death warrant.  However, if he didn’t the Ang’ver might kill him before he had enough power to escape the Underworld and become immortal.  He had no choice.  The Ang’ver was right.  He would not be able to hold off Nike with his weak powers.  He would have to dispose of her and then flee.  If he could make it to the upper world of the mortals, he would be alright.  He raised his staff and turned his head aiming for Nike’s heart as she lay stunned. 

A single tear slid down her cheek.  The orb was enough to stun her, but not to make her completely unconscious.  She heard everything.  It was not her death that saddened her, but rather the betrayal.  Que’vere had once pledged his undying love to Nike and Nike returned that love.  The only problem was that her mother would not allow their union.  Que’vere was a mortal servant and Styx found him unworthy of her daughter.  Nike was saddened by this fact, but she was loyal to her mother and her work.  Nike pledged never to love another as long as Que’vere lived.  For some time, this made Que’vere happy.  He was able to go on and perform his duties.  He could work next to Nike knowing his love was not unrequited and had he been an immortal born they would be together.  Maybe that is why he chose to believe the Ang’ver.  The Ang’ver promised him immortality.  He had asked Styx for immortality and for Nike, but she merely laughed at him.  She called it a fool’s errand to try to become immortal for the love of Nike.  Now he was beginning to think this was all a mistake as he was going to have to kill the one thing he wanted in the entire world to cover up the dirty deeds he had done to try to obtain power.

My love, I am sorry.  I can’t leave you here alive.  I was perhaps misled, but I can’t have this all be for naught.  All those souls I gave this creature to try to obtain the power.  I just wanted to be free of the realm.  To be an immortal and be with you. Que’vere explained as he stroked Nike’s hair and kissed away the tears on her face. 

The tears came faster now down her face as she struggled to talk to Que’vere.  She was able to utter out one phrase before the cavern exploded in electric light.  Behind you.

The bolt hit him square in the back as he fell next to Nike in a pile of smoldering ash.  She could not move to see who this power was coming from.  She could only lie there and pray to her mother that this was her doing.  She could hear the mortal souls cheering as the Ang’ver screamed in pain.  Another bolt and all was quiet.  Then she heard his voice.  Go to the boats quickly and wait there.  You will be safe on the sacred river while I tend to her.

She thought herself delusional at this point.  Surely, he was not out here saving mortal souls, saving her.  Surely not.  Then he bent over her.  His eyes were like crystal pools.  His hair was flowing and luxurious.  He indeed was a beautiful immortal.  Nike instantly saw what the mortals saw.  He would be a great ruler one day.  He scooped her up from the floor and carried her to the waiting boat full of the mortal souls. 

She could hear Hades in the background giving orders and then her mother’s voice. Put her on the boat and get her back to my castle. Her voice boomed in an authoritative manner. 

Nike felt the swaying of the water.  Even though she was still stunned, her heart was heavy. The only man she had ever loved had betrayed her and was now dead.  She was free of her oath, even though she did not wish to be.  The water responded to her emotions once again.  It sounded like a thousand wailing souls all at once.  Her mother waved her hands and made the waters quiet down.  Then she made her daughter sleep. 

Chapter 5

Nike awoke in her own bed.  Her head swam with pain.  A fire was going and she wondered how long she had been asleep.  It felt like eons had passed, but the pain she felt at her loss was still very fresh.  Tears flowed down her face.  Her body had healed, but would her heart ever love again?

A knock came at the door.  Her mother came in with a plate of grapes, cheese, and a glass of wine.  She sat down next to her daughter and gently stroked her hair as she spoke. How are you my dear one? Have your wounds healed?

Nike looked at her mother as tears streamed down her face.  My body does not hurt, but my heart feels like it has been torn apart.  I know not if I will ever mend.

My dear one.  I had felt that this love you had for Que’vere would end in your heart breaking.  That is why I never would approve your union.  I had hoped after many years that he would prove me wrong.  His flaw was his love for you.  I am sorry that it has led to this.  I am sorry that I could not prevent your heart from breaking.

The souls? The Ang’ver?

The souls are safe and happy.  The Ang’ver is destroyed, her mother answered.

How did you kill it? I saw the flash of light, but I’m not familiar with the spell you used.

Well, that’s because I did not kill the Ang’ver.  You really should thank the young immortal that found you.  In fact, he should be showing up any minute now.

Why do you say that?

Because he has come to visit you every single day since you have been asleep.

And how long has that been?

One month today, Her mother responded.

She had been catatonic for a month and yet he came every day? This made no sense whatsoever.  He had saved her, saved souls, and now was coming to visit her even though she was unresponsive? What was going on here? Before she could think another thought she heard someone enter her room.  She turned to see him standing there in the shadows.  His eyes glinted in the fire light. 

I’m glad to see that you are finally awake.  Your mother said you had just awoken a short while ago.

Aye and I suppose I should thank you for saving those souls from the Ang’ver; for saving me from Que’vere. She held her breath as she said this.  She did not want to cry anymore over Que’vere.  He had betrayed her and was no more.  Yet, no matter what she willed the tears still flowed down her face as she turned away to walk across the room.

He bowed his head.  It seemed the fire was gone from this beauty.  All over a mortal that had betrayed her in the worse way; he broke her heart. Nike, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to come here and cause you any more pain.  I just wanted to be sure that you were okay.  I vowed to come by every day until you were awake.  Now that I know you are well I won’t come back.  It must pain you to see me.  I’m sure it’s still fresh in your mind.  You know where to find me if you need me. He turned to walk out and leave her to heal when she spoke to his amazement.

Zeus, I don’t want you to leave.  I would like for you to stay, she said as she looked at him from across the room.  It took him only seconds to be by her side.  It took him even less time to pull her into his embrace.  He had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her and she knew this.  She had felt the tension there since the first moment they met.  She realized now that she wanted him just as much and it was only her love and oath to Que’vere that kept her away.  Now there was nothing stopping her.  She shoved the pain she had felt from her betrayal deep inside her and locked it up with every kiss and embrace she shared with Zeus. 

The next morning Nike was surprised to wake with Zeus lying next to her.  His arms were intertwined with hers.  He was looking into her huge blue eyes framed by her long, curly black hair.  She would have thought what he said next was fantasy on any normal day, but she felt today was not a normal day.

When I am ruler of the mortal realms, you shall be my queen.

Chapter 6

D o you need anything to make you more comfortable my Queen?

No, E’endor, I believe I am as comfortable as one can be in this condition.  However, I would like for you to catch my husband before he leaves for the festival in Uskutia.

E’endor bowed a low bow as she began to walk out the door.  Yes, my Queen. She ran to the highest point in Mount Olympus to find Zeus. 

It took her only a few moments to find him there in the sky temple, but she dreaded talking to him. E’endor was a very tall and exotic looking girl from the Eastern lands.  She was graceful and beautiful.  She was picked to be the nurse maid to Nike who was expecting her first child.  She enjoyed being servant to the Queen of the Immortals.  It was Zeus that she was not so fond of and for good reason.  For many nights since the Queen had become heavy with pregnancy Zeus had come to E’endor’s bedchambers and forced himself on her. 

It was not unexpected as her own parents