The Son of Hades

By K. Dupree

In Greek mythology and modern literature, there are stories about sons of Zeus and sons of Poseidon, but in school one day, I wondered, "What about a son of Hades?" My highly imaginative mind went to work. The Son of Hades is my answer to my own question. The tale is told by Euphemia, the storyteller, and she recounts the tale of Keegan Odysseus Donahue in vivid detail, from how his parents meet to how he became—well, I won't spoil that for you. The story begins many ages ago, with the heinous act of a desperate deity, the death of the youngest of the Graces at the hand of Hades. This act leads Zeus to make an edict that condemns any child of Hades to death. Sometime later, Angelia, daughter of Hermes, visits Keegan's mother, Lady Donahue, and whisks her and the small child away to live hidden from all who would carry out Zeus's edict. Years later, having grown up in his father's shadow, Keegan is hated and shunned by many, save for his own mother and the daughter of Hermes, until he meets a beautiful demigoddess, Helen Adonia, that takes a liking to him. But this is no Greek comedy, and happiness cannot find our hero so easily. Helen is a descendant of the Graces and is therefore an heir of Hades' curse, and now Keegan must set out to confront his father in order to save his friend. But the journey will not be an easy one. With the heat of Zeus's edict bearing down on his neck, Keegan will need all the help he can get to make it to the Underworld alive. Fortunately, Angelia and her companion, Delma Chantal, have decided to accompany him on his quest. What perils does The Son of Hades hold for our heroes? Find out inside.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646280711

Book preview

1

The Messenger

Many ages later, goaded by his displeasure in Persephone’s continued adulterous behavior, Hades once again went up to the surface world. At a gathering to herald a new year, in a city whose buildings touch the sky, disguised as an attractive young man, he sought for a woman. Finally, he met one and spoke with the beautiful young woman of dark skin and fair temperament. The woman found the god most enchanting and afterwards took him back to her dwelling, where they spent the night together. The following morning, Hades was nowhere to be found. Then months later, despite the injuries sustained by Hades the night of his past infidelity, the woman bore a son.

Shortly after the night of the child’s birth, the woman was visited by a messenger. She entered the third-floor apartment through the open window.

With one foot inside and one foot on the windowsill, the messenger gasped clutching her chest, startled to see the occupant up and about.

Who are you? said the woman, unafraid, for no dangerous criminal would gasp and clutch her chest.

I am Angelia, daughter of Hermes. I have come to warn you, she said, entering completely.

Warn me about what?

About a decree that endangers your son and a prophecy that may frighten you.

The messenger appeared to be in her right mind, so the woman remained quiet in anticipation as the messenger spoke.

Long ago, Zeus made a decree against your son, demanding that he be crushed underfoot upon birth, for your son is the child of Hades.

But wouldn’t that make him his nephew? Why would Zeus wanna kill his nephew?

Hades killed his daughter.

And how do you know for sure his father’s Hades?

The prophecy I spoke of. It foretold that a mortal woman would be beguiled by Hades to consent and bear his child, and I can sense the god within your son. Now we must act quickly. Give me the boy. I will protect him. Angelia began to move toward the child’s crib.

The woman drew back, stepping in between Angelia and the crib.

Whoa, hold up now, said the woman with one hand pointed at the messenger and the other guarding the child’s crib. "What can I do to protect him?"

Angelia’s face displayed her confusion at the woman’s response.

I had thought you would want nothing more to do with the child once you knew of his father’s true identity.

It doesn’t matter who his father is. This is my baby. I’d love him no matter what.

Angelia smiled and said, As surprised as I am, it pleases me to hear you say this.

She then took the bag she carried with her from off her back and sat it on the table. Then from it she took out a large blanket and placed it over the child as he lay awake in his crib.

What’s that for? asked the woman.

It will keep the gods and other creatures from sensing his godly essence. Now gather your belongings. We must go.

Go? Go where?

A remote place where your son can live and grow safe from harm.

But we have to go now? Right now?

Yes, it is for your own safety. The blanket is merely temporary until we arrive at the Hidden City.

Hidden City?

Yes. Please hurry. All shall be explained in time, but now we must make haste.

Okay, just give me a few minutes.

Very well but be quick. The proxies of Zeus may soon be upon us.

The woman packed everything she could think to bring; then Angelia helped carry her belongings to her vehicle. The woman placed the child in the backseat as Angelia stood watch. Then once the child was secure, the women got in and began their journey.

After taking to the highway, the woman said, Where is the Hidden City exactly?

Oh, my apologies. Continue in this direction. I shall instruct you further when the time comes, said Angelia.

Quite some time had passed, and the woman’s curiosity had grown too great for her to remain silent any longer.

So what makes this city so safe?

It was created for the purpose of hiding from the gods, Angelia replied.

And why would anyone wanna hide from the gods?

To escape their wrath.

So the city’s full of fugitives. That doesn’t sound too great, she said sardonically.

I understand your concern, but rest assured, the inhabitants of the city are all innocent.

And how do you know that?

The pasts of all of the Hidden City’s inhabitants are well-known.

How?

There are certain beings that aid in that process, said Angelia hesitantly.

The woman looked at Angelia curiously.

The process of knowing everyone’s pasts?

That is something only few know.

Don’t worry. I can keep a secret, said the woman.

After a long pause, she then said, If you’re the daughter of Hermes, why aren’t we flying to the Hidden City?

You know your ancient history well. My father can indeed fly, but he is enabled by the talaria. The talaria I possess are of an older design. They merely increase my speed.

Oh… So how did you know where to find me?

I am a messenger goddess. I have the ability to locate a desired recipient.

So how did you know to come now?

You are very inquisitive. All shall be revealed in time, Lady Donahue.

Like how you know my name?

Yes. All in due time.

2

The Hidden City

They drove until the sun rose and set and continued to drive. Now behind the wheel, Angelia looked in the rearview mirror at the child, fast asleep.

We are nearly there, little one, she said quietly, placing her eyes back on the road. When it was nearly midday, Angelia turned off the main road and onto a dirt path that seemed to stretch on for miles.

Quite some time later, now halfway down the path, as Lady Donahue was waking, Angelia stopped. She put the vehicle in park and stepped out. Unsure of what Angelia was doing, Lady Donahue stepped out as well. She looked at Angelia as Angelia surveyed their surroundings.

What’s goin’ on? asked Lady Donahue.

Angelia then turned to her. They were now looking at one another from across the top of the vehicle.

I must go now. My part in your journey has come to a pause. If you continue down this path, eventually, you will reach the gates of the Hidden City. Your arrival is anticipated.

What? Wait! Why are you leaving? Why aren’t you coming with us?

As a messenger, I am always on the move, always needed elsewhere.

But what do I do when I get there?

Angelia smiled a reassuring smile and said, Live.

No, I mean, what do I do when I get to the gates?

Simply tell them your name. It is well-known within the city’s walls. And do not worry. I shall return once every year to see how you fair.

But… but I—

Take care of yourself, Lady Donahue, you and your child.

Angelia then took off, back down the path with haste.

After watching her vanish into the distance, Lady Donahue got in her vehicle, looked behind at the sleeping child, and continued on.

As she drove, she began to see large trees lining the road on either side.

I should be getting close, she thought to herself.

The trees became larger, more numerous, and clustered closer together the nearer she drew to the city until finally they were as a dense forest. Then at a distance, she could see a large brass gate and a large horned creature in front of it, coming into view.

What in the world?

Once at the gate of the city, Lady Donahue stopped the vehicle; and as she waited for the gates to open, she was greeted by the gatekeeper.

He approached her vehicle and said, State your business.

Lady Donahue remained silent, stunned by the creature’s great size.

The gatekeeper then went over to the driver’s side, bent down to look in at her, and said, in a deeper, gruffer tone than before, State your business.

Raising her voice high enough to penetrate her window, she nervously replied, I’m Shannon Donahue!

Instantly, the gatekeeper’s demeanor changed.

Oh! My apologies, Lady Donahue! Welcome to the Hidden City. Please exit your car and follow me.

Just then, the gates of the city began to open.

Still inside her vehicle, Lady Donahue apprehensively said, Why?

To which the gatekeeper replied, Things like this are not allowed within the city’s walls, milady. It will be kept elsewhere.

After a moment to consider the situation, Lady Donahue left the safety of her vehicle. She looked up in awe at the massive gatekeeper for a moment then took the child from the backseat. As she reached for her belongings, the gatekeeper said, Oh no, milady, someone will get those for you. He then reached out his hand. Lady Donahue drew back, thinking that he wanted the child. No, Lady Donahue, I need the keys, said the gatekeeper, gesturing toward the vehicle. I will have it parked for you.

Oh…right, she replied before handing him her keys.

He took them into his large hand and then said, Follow me. As they entered through the gates, the gatekeeper handed the keys to a smaller creature and said, After it’s parked, bring in her belongings. The smaller creature nodded, took the keys, and went out to the vehicle.

Holding the child, Lady Donahue now stood there by the gatekeeper as he waited just inside the gate.

What are we waiting for exactly? asked Lady Donahue anxiously.

A guide. I cannot leave my post. I must watch the gate, said the gatekeeper.

Oh, she said nervously, still slightly intimidated by the gatekeeper’s size.

After a time, as they waited, Lady Donahue asked, What are you?

Maintaining his vigilance both outside the gate and for the guide, the gatekeeper replied, I am a Minotaur, milady.

Half-man, half-bull.

Yes, milady.

Wow, said Lady Donahue to herself, surprised yet beginning to take things in stride. She then said, I wouldn’t’ve guessed Minotaurs could speak as well as you do.

Thank you, milady, but the sad truth is that most of us cannot. I was fortunate enough to have been taught by a daughter of Athena. She took a liking to me when I was young and thought it would be good to teach a Minotaur to speak properly.

That was nice of her. Where is she now?

She lives here in the city. She visits me here at the gate from time to time.

Does she teach others like you to speak properly?

The gatekeeper paused.

No.

Why not?

It is tougher than it sounds, milady. Minotaurs are usually incredibly rowdy. That is why there are so few here in the city. And to be honest, most probably wouldn’t wanna learn. Just then, the guide ran up to them. You’re late, said the gatekeeper, changing his light tone to a harsh one.

My apologies, sir.

This is Lady Donahue, said the Gatekeeper. Take her to her residence.

Yes, sir. Follow me, milady.

The guide led Lady Donahue down the wide clay road through the midst of the city. As they began, the dwellings they passed were small and old; but, as they continued on to newer parts of the city, the dwellings were greater in size. Each abode of the Hidden City was bathed in the glow of flames from small porch lanterns, two at the front of every house. The city itself was illuminated by street lanterns lining the road standing meters apart from one another and large bonfires honoring the god of the forge at the center of every crossroads creating roundabouts. There were trees smaller than those leading up to the city but still quite large, scattered here and there throughout and lining the city all around. And every dwelling, no matter the size, was made the same: light wood, a single door of the same wood in between two square windows at the front, a dark-brown roof of a wide angle, and a dark-brown brick chimney in the center. Lady Donahue admired their ethereal glow in the low light of the late evening.

Along the way, Lady Donahue grew inquisitive again and asked the guide a question.

Are you a satyr?

I am, milady, the guide replied indifferently.

No offense but I’m still finding all this hard to believe.

None taken, he replied calmly.

After a lengthy walk, they finally came to a secluded residence poised on the outskirts of the city.

Here we are.

It was similar to the other houses in that it was one level and had a single door in between two rectangular windows, but that was where the similarities ended. The house was quite large, constructed of dark wood, and had a black roof with a black brick chimney on the right at the back of the house instead of at the center. And the base of the dwelling appeared to be of fine gold.

Why is it so far from any other houses? asked Lady Donahue.

I cannot say, milady, said the satyr.

Why not?

It is not my place. They went up the three steps onto the small porch of the darkly colored residence, Lady Donahue taking notice of the golden rails and doorknob. The guide took the keys from around his neck then unlocked and opened the front door. Welcome to your new home. We hope everything is to your liking.

Lady Donahue was straightway enchanted by the charming yet bleak décor of the interior.

It’s beautiful.

The guide nodded and said, Here is your key, he handed them to her, and your spare as well.

As the guide began to depart, Lady Donahue then said, When will my things get here?

They should be arriving shortly, said the guide. Then he departed.

3

The Imbuement

Lady Donahue continued to admire her new abode from where she stood in the entryway. Moments later, there was a knock on the frame of the door. She turned swiftly, not expecting anyone to be there so soon.

She now looked on as a cloaked figure stood there silently in her doorway.

Who are you? said Lady Donahue, more cautious than afraid.

I am here to aid your son, said the mysterious figure.

Show your face, Lady Donahue demanded.

Upon entering, the cloaked figure removed its hood, revealing the face of a woman.

I am Nyx, goddess of the night, and you, Lady Donahue, will demonstrate the proper respect for a primordial deity.

She stepped back in fear of the goddess as she entered.

You’re Nyx? I apologize. But how does everyone know my name? she said, taking a more humble tone.

My daughters, the Fates, gave us your name, Lady Donahue, as the name of the mortal woman of the prophecy, for it was urgent that we find you.

Lady Donahue stood there with a confused countenance. Then partly asking a question and partly making a statement, Lady Donahue replied, The prophecy that said I would give birth to Hades’ child.

"Yes. ‘A mortal, a dark woman with a warrior’s spirit, shall be beguiled by the king of the Underworld to consent and bear his child, and through his