Chapter 9
Lord of the Underworld
“You’ve come a long way,” Hades said to Orpheus who seemed adrift upon that wide, shining black floor.
Orpheus stood weakly and approached.
The Lord of the Underworld sat upon his great black throne, his cowl pushed back to reveal his long hair and thick beard of deepest black. He was timeless in appearance, neither old nor young, and he exuded an air of great strength and menace, the same as his brothers Poseidon and Zeus.
Beside Hades, on a smaller throne to match his own, Persephone, his sad queen, reached out to Orpheus and smiled. “Do not be afraid, Orpheus. Come.”
As she spoke, it seemed as if Spring bloomed in that dark hall. Blooms of brilliant narcissus erupted from vases, and jugs of water and wine, and bowls of fruit appeared.
“I thank you
