Once Scatty and I got back to the infirmary, Lilith asked me, “Who’s ass did you kick? And how bad?” Shrugging, “Some guy named Xena. Broke his right forearm, radial in two places; ulna in one place. Shattered his left fibula and tibia. Maybe some broken ribs.” Nyx busts out laughing, “Xena has always been a go-getter. Trying to get into Seraph’s and the High Council’s good graces. Speaking of which, someone is here to meet you.”
A door opens and Hades walks out. I immediately bow, left arm behind my back; right across my waist. “Father Hades, too, what do I owe the pleasure?”
Laughing, Hades opened his arms welcoming an embrace, “Give me a hug, before I have to be my stern self out there. It's good to see you again. It's been too long, son.” I smiled as I embraced Hades, “It has. But that's what happens when you fake your death to retire.”
Letting go, he stepped back and gave me a stern look. “Marethyu, we all told you there is no retiring from the life of being an Assassin. The only retirement we can afford is actual death. But you did well for ten years.” Hades held up his hand to forestall my question. “I kept tabs on you.”
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Nyx and Lilith turned towards Hades, death glares of the highest degree. One from a mother and the other from a lover. I started laughing, glad their collective glare was turned from me. Hades just shrugged, “Nyx, you knew he was alive, just not his whereabouts. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, Lilith. I wanted to, truly I did. It was for yours and Marethyu’s protection.”
Zeke walked into the room, “The High Council is requ- demanding Marethyu’s presence at once. And you are not allowed to escort him, only the Death Dealers are.”
Seven people followed Zeke into the room after he said his piece. All Death Dealers. Besides Zeke, I used to lead them all. “Who's number nine of the Dealers?” I ask. “Seraph,” Hades answered, “and the current leader of the Death Dealers, who is ironically missing in this escort.”
“Move, traitor.” A voice I recognized came from behind me followed up with a shove. “Lady Lilith and Mistress Nyx, you both are also coming with us to be questioned by and to stand trial before the Council regarding aiding Marethyu.”