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past two decades, while the world was in a situation of temporary peace, were well spent, at least in Hades’ mind.
    Hades always wore a black robe, but had no crown.  His skin was completely grey, as if he had come from the ashes of death.  His head was completely bald, but his face was without wrinkles, as if his power of Godhood had preserved his physical form.  He looked no older than thirty, although he was, of course, far older than the earth itself.  In his hands he nearly always held his staff, an elegantly crafted black staff with a small, clear, mystical globe on top.
    Hades’ flying servant noticed the oculus and found that a perfect place to enter.  So he swooped downwards and into the throne room, where he found Hades’ leaning over the table looking down at a portion of his globe.
    Hades did not turn around immediately after hearing the creature.   Instead he seemed to sense who it was.
    “What is it?” snarled Hades. “Why have you left your position on watch at Mount Olympus?”
    “Master,” said the creature.  “It is Hercules. Hercules has been to Mount Olympus.”
    “Are you sure?”
    The creature smiled. “Yes Master.  No other man could have made that climb, and I heard him talking with none other than Zeus himself.  It must be him.”
    Hades smiled insidio usly and suddenly turned around.  “Consulting the great God he is! Go quickly now my servant!  Awaken the Fates and summon the dark Gods and fallen heroes to me. Together we will make our next move!”
    Hades knew that Hercules reaching Mount Olympus and talking with Zeus could only mean one thing—that he was preparing to come forth as a great hero and thwart his plan.  Of course, Hades knew, ever since the day he lost the babe Hercules from his flying chariot, that eventually this day would come.  But he would be ready for it.
    You see, amidst Hades’ ranks, or at least as allies, he had more than just fallen soldiers and ordinary citizens of Greece.  No, he had far much more power than that.  In preparation for what was to ensue he had found and offered his home to three great Fates—beings without true form, however, with knowledge of both the past, present, and future (which he, of course, felt would help him greatly).  Then he also had as allies Gods who previously fought for Zeus but now sided with Hades.  Among these Gods were a few notable Gods such as Dionysus, the God of wine, pleasure, and disorder, as well as Hephaestus, the god of fire, technology, and a great many more things.  He had even managed to persuade Ares, the God of war, bloodshed, and violence, to join his ranks.  These dark Gods were once noble and great beings, who because desire for greater power, were enticed to join him.  In addition to the Fates and Gods on his side, he also had many fallen Greek heroes, the most notable of which was Herakles himself.
    Although he had, for a long period of time, fought a war in the heavens for more than just one world, he knew that, no war in heaven could be won witho ut first having won the war on the earth, and more in particular, Greece.
    Hades knew that the time was soon at hand.
    Suddenly Hades heard a voice from behind him.
    “Now is th e time!” rasped the rough female voice.
    Hades immediately knew it was the voice of one of the Fates, who, of course, needed no summoning or awakening.  They were already awake and knew what was occurring.  They appeared to have entered immediately after the flying creature had left.  Hades was slightly startled by their appearance and turned around.  On the other side of the globe they stood.  These hooded, ghostlike figures moved in the darkness slowly towards him.
    “I always forget how much you know,” replied Hades.  “Yes, why don’ t you three sit down around my council table?”  Hades suddenly pointed his wand towards the table and caused several elegantly chairs appear around the table.  “Your presence is most appreciated at this