The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles

Chapter 17

     Both Hyda and Mammon stare at me in silence. I can see the gears working in Hyda’s head, but Mammon is a little harder to read, I am sure with time I will be able to though.

“Who is Marcus and why would you think Lilith was at work with him?” Hyda finally asks.

“Marcus was the vampire Isabella was torturing before we came down to the Seven Kingdoms.” Matthias tells her and she looks at him funny.

“So that was the name he was using up in the mortal realm. Well then this will give Aretha here even more reason to kill Lilith. The person you know as Marcus is Lilith’s only child, Damon.” Hyda says causing Matthias to go all herculean bat and wrap his strong arms around me. I start to struggle right away from shear anger.

“I WILL KILL THOSE FUCKERS!!” I scream. Even in his ruling form, Matthias is having an extremely hard time holding on to me.

“s**t! Get Hades now!” Mammon yells, trying to help Matthias hold me down. A wave of power sends Matthias and Mammon flying in different directions from me and I bolt for the door. I may have never been here before, but I will find them and kill them. Irimaya see me coming and smiles.

“This way my Queen.” She says and starts to run. Usually I wouldn’t follow but she takes me to another door, where I can hear Hades and Persephone talking to two others. Still smiling Irimaya burst through the closed doors ahead of me and I see Lilith and Marcus standing there in front of Hades.

“Holy f**k! Hades?!?” Persephone asks looking at me shocked.

“This is what the Fates saw Persephone, let it happen.” Hades tells her.

“Well Ianna, you look deadly as a vampire. It’s a beautiful look on you.” Marcus smirks, but before he can move Lilith stops him.

“Don’t, she is more powerful than any of us.” A white Lilith says causing Marcus to look at me in fear. “Hades, I ask that you banish her from the 7 Kingdoms or strip her powers to let her stay.” Lilith demands.

“The only way for you to get either of those is to challenge her, you know that. By the way good luck on living if you do.” Persephone says smiling at her.

“Then I declare you Hades and Persephone as unfit to rule as the King and Queen of the Underworld. I challenge you for the crown and title of Queen of the Underworld … “ She says and I cut her off. I know this game and it’s a dirty tactic. With declaring Persephone unfit she loses any power she had, and it makes her weaker to attacks until a vote can be taken to keep her in power.

“I accept that challenge.” I say moving in on both Marcus and Lilith. As Matthias, Hyda, Poseidon and Mammon run through the doors, I wrap my hand around Lilith’s neck and punch the other through her chest. When I pull back, I rip both her heart and throat out. I spin out of Marcus’s grasp as he lunges for me, when I do I wrap both hands around Lilith’s head and rip it from her body.

“Mom.” Marcus says looking at the head I hold. With a dagger like fingernail, I etch a symbol I have never seen before, but it comes so naturally to me. When finished the head burst into blue flames so I throw it to the body, and both burn.

“Your turn.” I say stepping towards Marcus, only for Hades to stop me.

“Oh no my sweet girl, you are done punishing those who challenged the crown. Thank you for bringing the others with you too, I needed to speak to all of you.” Hades says, and Persephone gets up from her throne to come greet me.

“That was a very impressive display of battle skills. I loved watching you fight during the wars you were a part of. It was so beautiful and graceful.” Persephone says cupping my cheeks.

“Sorry for the mess.” I says causing her to laugh to the point she is crying.

“Oh no need child, this is Mammon’s castle, and we will have it cleaned up for him. When we visit one of the 7 Kingdoms, we take over the throne room until we leave and then it goes back to the Prince or Princess of the Kingdom.” Persephone says.

“Thank you Hades for creating the Hell fire, it will actually burn to the point there is nothing left, not even ash.” Mammon comes up beside all of us.

“Oh that wasn’t me and that was not Hell fire. That was your next Queen…” Hades says looking at me.

“Wait, what? What about Matthias and I becoming Prince and Princess of the Kingdom of Greed?” I ask confused all to hell. Literally.

“Child, you are to take our place as ruler. Hades and I would like to spend time with our family, our children have grown and started their own. I have a new granddaughter that was born 3 days ago, and I would love to visit my mother. We don’t get to spend time together like we use to, and I miss her.” Persephone says giving me a side hug.

“What about Matthias? Does he stay in his kingdom then until our child is old enough to rule?” I ask looking at Mammon and Matthias.

“No child, that is the reason for Matthias’s larger bat like form. He has taken on the abilities of the Ruler of the Underworld. Hades goes like that in war also, it is quite impressive when he does, he’s a lot larger than Matthias’s though.” Mammon says smiling at my confused state.

“Marcus, for your acts of treason, you are to be stripped of your title. It will be Ianna’s choosing what will happen to you from this moment on.” Hades says looking from me to Marcus.

“Ferry Man.” I say not even having to think about it. Charon has been taking souls across for as long as I can think of. If Hades needs to retire, so does Charon.

“Why that Ianna?” Matthias asks keeping his eyes trained on Marcus.

“He caused so much death, and it was because his mother wanted you. She had to of known what you were fated for. After all she only wanted me banished, or stripped of my power, making me an easy target to kill and take the throne from me.” I answer him. Matthias hisses at Marcus when he smirks.

“Of course she wanted Matthias. He was to become Prince of Greed and to take Hades’ throne once he was mated. He was never here though; he was constantly chasing you in the mortal realm. It wasn’t hard to get Hera to send Thorin your way. If you were bound to someone else then mother could take the title without a fight. You were nothing more than an easy f**k, and I knew how to play you like the weak woman you are.” Marcus says sneering. His pride in his achievement doesn’t last long, as he starts screaming, dropping down and rolls on the floor. A sudden blue flame dances across his skin, now I am the one smirking.

“You know Marcus, if I were such a weak woman, I would have a lot of problems casting you into the Kalypsean flame. A very beautifully rare gift from Hades for the children of Atlantis. No one since Kalypso has been able to summon or control it, well that is until now. A beautifully deadly gift from my grandmother, and I truly love deadly gifts.” I say kneeling beside him as he burns. The flame dies and I stomp my boot heel on his skull watching it turns to dust. A group of small goblin like creatures comes running past me with a broom and dustpan.

     As I watch the cleaning crew come in to sweep away the little ash there is, I notice the throne room is where the Prince shows his bling and the reason for the title, Prince of Greed. There are paintings lining the walls, many of which I know are missing pieces of art from the mortal realm and they are worth millions. The furniture is made of precious metals and stone. The solid jade stone table must weigh a ton and it too must come with a million dollar price tag. The fabrics are no different. The curtains are made of the finest silk, with gold embroidery, that must have taken forever! The thrones themselves are made of an ancient Oak wood, that I know died out just after the fall of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, making them the most expensive thing in here. I have to wonder, if this is the throne room of Greed, what does the throne room of Hades look like.

“Well it appears in your turning, a lot of other gifts to your bloodline have been awoken. That is great news, as now you will have to rule over the Kingdom of Greed, Lust, and all of the Underworld until each position is filled. Well until Greed and Lust have a new ruler anyways.” Hades says bringing me back from my gawking at Mammon’s throne room.

“My Lord, when would you like the coronation and transfer of titles to occur? We will need to do it for both Lust and Greed as well.” Mammon asks.

“Grandfather, why not make Irimaya, Princess of Greed? She is after all Aunt Aria’s daughter. She was always your favorite sister, and truthfully what Lilith did to her was wrong. I also know for a fact that Irimaya has proven worthy many times to rule over the kingdom.” Matthias says, and I catch Irimaya with a broad smile that is growing by the second. The surprise that Matthias would give her this gift has caught her off guard.

“I don’t see why not; she is amazingly resourceful and has quite the eye for finding the most exquisite pieces of art. Also she is a very shrewd businesswoman. The companies in the mortal realm could bank trillions with her running them. It would be a sound and strategic move.” Persephone says winking at Irimaya. Matthias agrees, I can understand his suggestion, he knows her best and if he thinks it’s a good idea, then it is. As long as I have known Matthias, he has yet to be wrong, just don’t tell him I said that.

“Mammon, what do you say about this? She was to become the Royal Advisor to Ianna.” Hades says looking at Mammon.

“Truly it is Irimaya’s choice, but no matter what I am proud of whatever she chooses.” Mammon says, pulling Irimaya in for a hug.

“I would like to rule our Kingdom Grandfather, please?” She says looking up at him with a smile.

“Very well, let it be so! Irimaya is to become the new Princess of Greed. Matthias and Ianna are to become King and Queen of the Underworld!” Hades declares and the sounds of cheering can be heard from outside of the castle. “Now to find Lust a new ruler, oh that is going to be a headache.” Hades finishes wiping his hands down his face. Persephone laughs as Hades, starts babbling to himself. Rhyming off names and then cursing when he realized they wouldn’t work as a ruler.

“How about this Hades, we take over Lust until we find a new Prince or Princess, while you and Persephone enjoy retirement.” I tell him to get him to stop pacing and muttering like a crazy person.

“I think I may know a few good men to help find the next Princess of Lust. I will send them on this little adventure, until they come back though, we have two coronations to organize. We also have to get you trained in the ways of the Royal court here in the Underworld.” Hades says, causing me to groan.

“Which is the long way of saying, No more killing people.” Matthias whispers in my ear, causing me to pout and everyone else to burst out laughing at me.

“Fiiinnneee!” I say. Irimaya comes over and gives me a hug, before whispering…

“Don’t worry Wrath would love for you to visit to get a good sparring or hunt going. He has been raving about you becoming the new Princess of Greed. He’ll be even happier now that you’re the new Queen.” She smiles. I raise an eyebrow at her and smile myself, just because I am Queen doesn’t means I should let go of my Battle Warrior ways. Right?

Crimson Star Coven …

“Will Ianna and Matthias be back? I miss them.” Isabella asks a room full of people.

“No she won’t be. Matthias and Ianna were destined to become the new rulers of the Underworld. I imagine Helix and Ika will be going down also. We do need to figure out who is next in line for Coven Leader though. That is if the person I have in mind says no.” Vlad says smiling.

“Lord Dracula, your guest just landed at Pearson International Airport in Toronto and will be arriving within the next 40 minutes.” Sasquatch says over the video link.

“Thank you Sasquatch, for both helping with tech and to find my wayward child. She will make a great coven leader. I hope she will accept the position; Marcus left a f*****g mess to clean up.” He says looking out the window. A sudden blue spark flies skyward and the dead start to burn bright.

“No need to worry about the mess, I got that handled.” I say from behind Vlad sitting at the head of the table with my legs propped up.

“What the hell?” Meena says startled and spins to see me. “Ianna!!” She screams and runs over to hug me with Isabella hot on her tail.

“I miss you Ianna, I only just got you back and now you’re Queen of the Underworld!” She says starting to cry.

“You know how it is momma. No rest for the wicked.” I say hugging her to get her to stop crying. “I can’t stay long, but I thought it appropriate to clean up the mess the new Ferryman left. Speaking of which, Charon said he wants to do dinner soon Vlad. Something about a much needed ‘Boys Night’, apparently Hades and Mammon will be joining too.” I say causing Meena’s eyes to grow huge.

“Like f**k!! Do you know how much trouble the four of them caused the last time they had a ‘Boys Night’? It caused the Salem Witch trials! NO Vlad, I forbid it!” Meena shrieks as the smirk on Vlad just grows.

“Oh my love come on it wasn’t that bad.” He says laughing.

“Like hell it wasn’t!” She replies. “So why else are you here my Queen?” She asks turning back to me.

“We need a new Princess for the Kingdom of Lust. Lilith tried to have my powers stripped or have me banished. When that didn’t work, she declared Hades and Persephone unfit to rule.” I tell them and hear a room full of gasps and murmurs.

“s**t that can’t be good.” Vlad says looking worried suddenly.

“No it wasn’t good for Lilith. I accepted the challenge straight away, ripping out her heart and throat. Marcus is her only child, and he became the new Ferry Master of the River Styx. He looks worse than Charon ever did, but then again Kalypsean Fire will do that. Anyhow, Hades says there is four young men that you use to look for ‘Precious Cargo’. He would like you to have them look for the new Princess, said you would know what to do and how to do it when they find her.” I tell him and he is smiling again.

“Always knew you were a vicious b***h! I love it!” Vlad says and I chuckle shaking my head.

“So you on this little task or what?” I ask looking at the Prince of Darkness.

“Yes I have it covered. So when is this ‘Boys Night’?” He asks smirking as Meena starts telling him no and getting frantic.

“Not for another 50 years, Charon has to train Marcus on the ferry to bring souls over.” I say shrugging my shoulders.

“Well that is sooner than the last time. We planned the night out like 200 years before it happened. Then again time moves differently for us. Anyways I will get started on that, you get your ass back home to keep warm. You’re lips are already turning blue.” He says giving me a hug. Meena and Isabella, both give me another quick hug at the same time and then I pop back down to the Underworld. He was right, my teeth are chattering, and Matthias is glaring at me. Let’s hope Vlad is successful and soon in finding the new Princess.

“So who are these four men that Hades wants you to use to find this new Princess Vlad?” Coven Leader Natasha says, while holding her son as he feeds from her.

“The Underworlds best trackers, or as the mortal world calls them…” Vlad starts but gets interrupted by another female voice.

“The Sons of Cerberus, interesting to have them look for her. Then again the new King and Queen may want them home to take over from their father.” A young woman with long blonde hair says from the door.

“Mora! My sweet daughter, we have missed you.” Meena says walking over to the young woman and giving her a hug.

“Mother, I came as soon as I heard Aretha had been awoken again. Although travelling from Port William, Chile took longer than expected. I am sorry I missed the battle.” Mora says looking at her mother.

“No worries my dear, I would have kept you away from the battle anyways. I would have worried for your safety.” Vlad says looking at his youngest daughter.

“I know father, but I would have still liked to be here to help.” She answers him.

“Well I am hoping you can help now, as long as that little rogue vampire problem is settled in Port William.” Vlad says with hope.

“Yes it’s taken care of, and to be honest I don’t want to go back. Living at the end of the world for the last hundred or so years was enough for me. What do you need of me now father?” She says and giggles when she see her father let out a puff in relaxation.

“Well because of Lilith and her son, the Crimson Star Coven is left without a leader. Ianna and Matthias are going to be crowned King and Queen of the Underworld. So I was hoping that you would take over the coven here. Please?” Vlad asks sticking his bottom lip out.

“Stick that out a bit farther dad, and a bird will land to s**t on it.” Mora says and the room erupts into laughter. “My answer is yes dad. I would like that very much. When do I come in and meet with the neighboring pack, covens, and hives? I would like to get alliance treaties up immediately.” She finishes.

“That Miss Mora Dracula, is already taken care of. We are all here, we came together to fight in the battle. The threat had troops in all of our territories, and we were trying to keep Soren Thaddeus from getting his hands on Aretha’s weapons.” Hive Leader Vakor says.

“Vakor, wow you finally got your s**t together and made leader! Impressive and congratulations.” She says causing Vakor to blush. “Are we talking Dr. Soren Thaddeus?” She asks looking to her father.

“Yes we are, but he’s dead now Hyda killed him before the mad dash to get an expecting Ianna down to the Underworld to keep her from dying of hypothermia. Why?” Vlad asks raising an eyebrow.

“Good, that stupid fucker needed to die. Especially after severing our soul bond, stupid ass. Wait who is Hyda? Another woman he f****d around with?” Mora asks.

“No, Hyda is actually General Thaddeus’s wife and adopted mother of Aretha in her first life. She was granted immortality to wipe out Thaddeus’s bloodline after Theron murdered her, Orion and Octavian.” Jason answers her. “Who all by the way have been reborn.” Mora gives Jason a look that basically says keep talking and I’m going to need to change my panties.

“Ok good to know, so I imagine Ianna is going to take make of the coven members as her advisors in the Underworld. Who am I loosing?” Mora asks trying to look away from Jason.

“Helix and his mate Ika, possibly Isabella if Ianna can swing it and maybe a few of Kane’s hunters. Oh speaking of which, we will need to take Tanner and Eli down to see her. They are the next Atlantean Battle Warriors.” Vlad says to a surprised looking Mora.

“Two? Wow that is crazy. Ok, so I will want to meet them also. Need to have all my ducks in a row right?” Mora says nodding her head thinking everything through.

“Good idea my daughter, and after dinner we will meet everyone here to get casualty numbers and repair costs for each territory this battle took place in. We will continue to help each other the same way we did during the fight.” Vlad says and all the leaders agree.

“Perfect, well ladies and gentlemen, let’s eat!” Mora says and takes her seat beside her father. She keeps glancing over at Jason and it’s when Lycaon takes his seat beside him, she realizes he’s a wolf. “s**t!”

“What is it daughter?” Meena asks seeking something wrong.

“That one sitting on Lycaon’s left. He’s a wolf isn’t he?” She asks her mother in a low tone.

“Yes, why what’s wrong Mora?” Meena asks getting anxious.

“I think I could be soul bound to him, but that’s not possible right? I mean our venom kills each other.” Mora says starting to sound heart broken.

“It does if you’re enemies or one of you is not willing. Otherwise you can be soul bound. That’s the funny thing about it, its like a mixer. You throw in all your ingredients, turn it on to blend everything and get the world’s best Bloody Mary. Otherwise it’s a guessing game, especially if you do it like your father and don’t follow a recipe.” Meena says causing Mora to laugh. She catches Jason choking on his drink from laughing at the same time too, obviously he was listening to their conversation. The meal and meeting go well, new treaties are signed, and old ones strengthened. While Mora is busy signing the treaties, Lycaon pulls Jason and Alexander aside.

“The two of you have found your soul bound mates haven’t you?” Lycaon asks looking at the two nervous men.

“Well the thing is… yes, yes I have. The seer that told us Eli and Tanner were of Aretha’s bloodline. She’s the daughter of Iverus and Rumara.” Alexander says rubbing the back of his neck.

“I have as well, it’s new coven leader Mora. Vlad’s daughter.” Jason says looking at Lycaon, expect him to ask that he reject her.

“Good, now maybe that means I can finally get some peace and not have you two hovering over me like old hens!” Lycaon says causing both Jason and Alexander to look surprised. “I would never take you away from your soul bound, that is the worst pain ever. Besides, I am not staying in the mortal realm any longer. Matthias has asked me to go help his sister Irimaya, she is the new Princess of Greed. She needs to be trained, so I said yes.” He says and the guys both relax.

“So it’s ok that we are leaving the pack? You’re not mad?” Alexander asks looking hesitant still.

“If you two don’t leave to be with your soul bound, I am going to kick your asses! Now go, and I expect lots of babies to drive you two as crazy as you have me!” Lycaon says laughing at Jason’s face, because Mora walked up just as he was saying it.

“Good, I am glad you have discussed it already King Lycaon. I was just coming to ask for your permission to have your guard stay here with me.” Mora says looking at Jason with soft eyes. She intertwines her fingers with his and a smile works its way across his face.

“He’s all yours! One less pain in my ass!” He says causing Mora to laugh.

“Hey, my big bad wolf, are you ready to go?” Seer Mara asks coming over to Alexander. He wraps his arms around her waist and say yes as he buries his head in her neck. “I will let mom and dad know we will have to help find a new Alpha for the pack. As both Jason and Alexander are leaving, and you my lord are going to meet with your soul bound. So everyone is happy in the end.” She says placing her hand on Alexander’s left cheek and kissing his right.

“Perfect. Thank you Mara. I hope to see you all again someday, until then stay out of trouble Jason and don’t be so overbearing Alexander. Or you will drive these poor girls crazy, like you did me.” Lycaon says causing the girls to laugh. The mood changes as Vlad comes over to the group.

“Well Lycaon are you ready to head to the Underworld? The coronation isn’t for another month, but I know Ianna wants you down there as soon as possible to help Irimaya. As well as becoming the Combat trainer for their armies, so we best get you there quickly.” Vlad says once the girls stopped laughing.

“Yes let’s go, I imagine Ianna will be up to say hi to the new coven leader, that’s if Matthias let’s her. Congratulations Mora on becoming the Crimson Star Coven’s new leader and good luck keeping this large child out of trouble.” Lycaon says giving her a quick hug and Jason a pat on the back.

“We will see you down there your Highness, I need to see my sister as well and check on the baby she carries. I need to work the little one into my mind to know who I am seeing in visions.” Mara says before turning to leave with Alexander.

"Well damn Matthias works quickly doesn't he?" Mora says and receiving nods in response. The room changes and Vlad leads Lycaon to the throne room of Mammon's castle. There is a lot of chatter going on from the other side of the door and when it open Lycaon is hit with the most intensely gorgeous smell. Following his nose he comes in front of Ianna and Irimaya.

"Mhmmm..." He purrs as he grabs Irimaya and buries his head in her neck.