II

                                    

                                          
II
                          
The mist cleared to reveal the dark waters of the river Frey bringing a calm I needed. A dark wood boat adorn with silver and copper dragons rested on the water shore. Mikka’s, long dark hair swirled around her, she disembarked from the handcrafted boat. The protection tattoos that had glowed an unearthly green when we last spoke were now white. I wondered if others had changed to the white.
                          
I still didn’t know what brought me here. What I did know was that I had been selfish and taken advantage of the people I loved most. Maybe I deserved to go through the dark gates.
                          
A glow of protection marks behind me. A green jade boat with a high front massed approached the shore. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Before the boat could dock, Fallon sprang to shore. Her vibrant red hair bounced at her graceful landing. A dark intent shined in her green eyes.
                          
This was the patron god of my people. She was supposed to be the guardian of the angelic. Not by choice, of course. Her father, Ion the king of the gods, had entrusted her with the innocent and loving as punishment for her actions.
                          
The only reason that she was not now one of the cursed souls trapped behind the iron gates of the damned was Ion wanted to teach her compassion. The look on her face said she was still learning.
                          
“I have just left the girl,” she said.
                          
I gasped. “She’s not…”
                          
“Don’t be foolish. Child,” Fallon said.
                          
I sighed with relief.
                          
Fallon grabbed onto my chin, forcing me to look at her “This child is not alone” she said.
                          
“Are you sure?” Hel coughed.
                          
Fallon crossed her arms. “You know it is true.”
                          
“Boy, look at me,” Mikka said.
                          
I hesitated. What were they talking about there was no one here but me. Wouldn’t I know if I wasn’t alone? If it was true, why couldn’t I look into Mikka eyes?
                          
She grabbed my chin and forced me to look into her steel colored eyes “well.”
                          
“He’s there, is he not?” Fallon asked, the pride of a child who just proved the adults wrong plaster on her face.
                          
“Of course I am here you drafted cow.” The graveled voice came from inside me.
                          
“Drake” Hel sighed.
                          
Mikka mumbled. “Drake died a long time ago”
                          
“And dear sister, you did nothing to stop that” Drake said. “Too worried about sweet precious Helen to worry about your mortal brother”
                          
I heard Mikka’s grief ridden voice. “Your chose your own fate.”
                          
My eyes rolled. “I would have had it all if it was not for that girl. Do you know she wasn't scared of me? When she looked at me, I didn’t taste the sweet tang of fear, but the green of pity.” Drake hissed.
                          
“That girl looked like my Oleta. The silver dress, scarlet hair and green eyes. She even wore the pendent I gave her on what was to be our wedding day. Then she opened her mouth… Oleta would never speak in such a crude way.” Drake moaned.
                          
Fallon snorted. “You didn’t know my niece.
                          
Mika placed a hand on my shoulder. “I will hear them both.”
                          
“Are you sure?” Hel asked.
                          
She nodded.