Chapter 18 - The Judge (2/2)

And so we walked. It seemed to me like we last stopped years ago. The underworld stretched on and on. Imps and spirits screeched incessantly overhead. I saw a faceless soul wander past us, only to be quickly chained and returned to the Fields of Asphodel. Another soul, his face twisted and cruel, followed us closely.

Eventually, Thanatos stopped and turned around. ”Minos. Shouldn't you be judging souls?”

”What can a judge do without power, my Lord? This… strange business has stolen mine.”

”Is the situation truly that bad?”

”Indeed. I sent a soul to the Fields, and they wandered into Elysium. The others are distraught with fear. The underworld is collapsing around us.”

”It seems so.”

”My Lord, I think it would be wise for you to stop your present actions. The rules have been broken enough. Any more breaks… and the results would not be pleasant.”

”If the Fates have allowed it, then there should be no concern. This death was not of their doing.”

”Are you certain?”

”Yes, Minos. Do not question me further, I know what I am doing.”

”Very well.” Minos sighed. ”I shall be gone, then.”

The Judge vanished in a puff of smoke. Thanatos turned around and continued walking. The rest of the journey was silent. We zigzagged to get around pits of fire and tall rock columns. Everything carried an ominous red hue.

After another eternity of walking, the red hue lightened into a pale monotone gray and we approached a field. Tall grass covered the entire area. There was no wind, but there was rustling everywhere. Occasionally, I could see the faceless face of a soul. We had arrived at the Fields of Asphodel.