26. Ares

G etting to Vegas was the easy part, but getting into the Underworld was going to be a little harder. It wasn't impossible. I mean people are always dying to get into the place, right?

I laugh at my little joke and my sister gives me a ‘what the fuck' look.

"Nothing, just getting my game face on," I reassure her.

"That smirk tells me otherwise," she sighs. "Did Hermes tell you who to expect with Hades?"

My smile falls, "I told you that he didn't. For the messenger of the gods, he really does a piss-poor job. He is useless, honestly. I don't know why Zeus keeps him around. He is a pathetic excuse of a god."

"Well, brother, maybe after we take down Hades, it's time to set our sights higher." Her smile grows wider with each word.

"Enyo, one battle at a time. Keep your head on this fight. Don't underestimate Hades or her men. We are the superior fighters but they have a few tricks. I don't know all the powers her men possess. They are one reason I called for your aid. You and the twins can handle them, Hades is all mine."

She nods as she falls back to check on the ranks of soldiers that follow. My children were more than eager to jump at the chance to prove themselves in battle. I will collect more of my men from the Elysian Fields. Once I let loose my battle cry, they will come running to aid me.

It was a long walk to the dock, Charon was there and shaking his head no as I approached.

"What? You don't know what I need and you're already saying no?" I laugh.

"I may live in this dark and musty place, but I'm not blind. If I let you and your army pass, Lady Hades will have my head and I much like it where it is," Charon states.

"Well, I would rather you be on my side of this fight. You know that she will not stand a chance against us," I try and convince him. Words are not my strong suit, he doesn't seem to be buying it, so I nod to Enyo and she joins me.

"Lord Charon, maybe this will help you decide to take us across?" Enyo asks, jiggling a large sack of drachmas up to his ear.

"Do you really think I'd sell out for so little?" Charon scuffs. "Hades would have my head for much less."

"What can we do to win your favor?" I ask honestly.

He shrugs.

This time I nod to my sister once again and she springs into action. Her sword is at his throat in a split second, but she doesn't dare draw blood, yet.

"Tie him up and throw him in the boat. If he doesn't want to help, he can be the first hostage," I tell Enyo.

"Why not the first casualty?" she whines.

I do my best to contain my laugh as I remind her. "If I know Hades, and I do, there will be enough fighters to quench your thirst for blood. Leave him; once I rule, I will need a ferryman."

She doesn't want to relent, but after a moment, she sighs as the twins do as I ask.

It doesn't take long for them to secure him and board the boat. We will have to make a few trips to get all the troops to the gates.

"Phobos and Deimos, you two are in charge of getting everyone here. Can you do that?" I ask my sons.

"Of course, father. Just don't start the fighting without us." Deimos smiles.

"I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, Hades likes to talk. That will give you all the time you need to make all the necessary trips," I say, rolling my eyes.

I don't know what it is about the big three but they like to run their mouths more than letting their swords do all the talking. I crave the clink of steel on steel, the taste of blood on my tongue, that's what really gives me a hard-on. The bulge in my pants grows just at the thought and I have to adjust myself before my troops notice.

Moving to the head of the boat, I take my place in front, head held high and taking in the kingdom that will soon be under my rule.

Enyo makes her way up to my side. "This place is somewhat of a dump, isn't it?"