Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) (11 page)

“His wife?” Xenia stared at her in shock. “He said those words, Medusa? He would have you as his wife?”

“He did,” Medusa admitted.

“His
wife
?” Her uncle’s delighted shout of laughter was undoubtedly loud enough to reach those celebrating in Athens below. “Wife? Indeed.”

Medusa understood her uncle’s pleasure. Medusa’s marriage to a God, to mother his children, would bring honor beyond anything Galenus had ever hoped for his family. His niece’s marriage would elevate him, his household, into Athens’ most elite ruling class.

Medusa cautioned, “I fear Athena may not find favor with his proposal.”

Galenus was silent, mulling the matter before he voiced his opinion. “Fear not. Your Goddess will see the wisdom in this choice, as Poseidon surely has. By taking you to wife, he strengthens his ties with your parents and ensures allies for all of Greece – and Athena’s city.” Galenus assessed his niece with an appraising eye. He nodded, clearly pleased.

Medusa sighed, casting a tired eye upon Xenia. Her aunt was regarding her with a thoughtful expression, apparently discerning the worry Galenus was too delighted to notice. Was it possible that Xenia would see more than the benefits of marrying a deity like Poseidon?

It didn’t matter, Medusa knew. Even if Xenia did object, she would never say so or go against the decision of her husband.

“Walk with me, niece?” Xenia asked, leading the way from the temple.

“For a moment, wife. Our niece must ready herself for her Goddess and whatever news Athena may bring.” Galenus smiled, his enthusiasm obvious.

Xenia nodded and tucked Medusa’s arm through hers, leading her away from her uncle and up the stairs of the temple. They walked along the top step of Athena’s temple, staying well within the candlelight and under Ariston’s watchful eyes.

Thea followed, swooping to settle on Medusa’s arm. Medusa suspected her pet sensed her mood and sought to comfort her. And that the bird had little love for her uncle. It was understandable, as Thea had sensitive ears and Galenus could only speak loudly – or very loudly. Whatever the animals’ motivation, Medusa was thankful for her solid comfort.

Thea inspected Xenia, her round yellow eyes sliding over Xenia before yawning. Medusa smiled. Apparently her aunt warranted little interest for her pet. But when Thea’s yellow eyes settled upon Medusa, the owl’s gaze grew heavy-lidded. Her pleasure was evident through light whirs and clicks that bubbled up from her chest.

Xenia glanced at the owl, then moved to Medusa’s other side. Her aunt clucked over Elpis’ deep scar regularly and took great pains to stay far from Thea’s reach.

Once assured that she was out of harm’s way, Xenia spoke carefully. “Your uncle is right, child. You will give your family honor, beyond imagining.” She paused. “While Poseidon’s favor will bring with it challenges, you will learn how to please him. Remember what Athena has taught you: loyalty, reason, and patience. For your new master – your husband – will expect no less from you. Now you must accept him, celebrate his offer as a blessing.” She regarded Medusa with sympathy. “I fear you have no choice.”

Medusa stared at the ground as her heart twisted and her lungs screamed for air. She drew in breath slowly and nodded.

“If this is the Gods’ will, child, be merry. Welcome this with an open heart and give Poseidon the pleasure you’ve blessed Athena with these many years. I beseech you.” Xenia patted her hand. “Only you can make this burden into something joyful. And truly, this is no burden at all. For you shall want for nothing and live forever. Such tidings fill my heart with joy.”

Medusa accepted her aunt’s words with a stiff nod.

“Enough of your talk, wife, I’d be in my own bed before the moon is high.” Galenus met them, tucking his wife’s arm in his. “You will send word, Medusa, as soon as you have it.”

“Rushing home will not hurry Athena’s arrival or news of Medusa’s future.” Xenia smiled at her husband.

They were interrupted by the arrival of a young soldier. He ran up the temple steps and froze, obviously uncertain how to proceed. Medusa waited, giving him time to collect himself.

His cheeks flushed, and his eyes flitted amongst them, discomfited by the small group regarding him with intense interest.

Catching sight of her priestess robes, he hurried towards Medusa and knelt. His words rushed as he caught his breath. “Mistress, I seek your Ekdromos soldier.”

Thea screeched, spreading her wings and flapping at the cloud of dust the soldier’s hasty arrival had stirred into the air. Medusa ran a hand over the owl’s back, steadying herself as she did so. Medusa stared down at the young man, her fear nearly choking her.

She knew why this soldier was here. She’d seen the distant ships on the horizon. Each day they sailed closer to Athens, bringing a mortal foe like none Athens – nay, Greece – had ever faced. She knew it would not be long before Ariston left her, and she would be alone.

Ariston was her soldier, yes, but only in times of peace. His first duty was to Athena and her city. He was a mighty Ekdromos.

Galenus had said so himself, and he rarely praised another. “It appears your soldier is somewhat of a hero, Medusa. I’ve heard the generals praise him. Why even Themistocles knows of him. He is known for being fleet of foot and lethal with his doru, wielding the nine-foot-long spear with lethal accuracy.”

Ariston was an asset to Athens, her hoplites and allied soldiers. And Athens needed him now. She would not stand in the way of his honor or his duty.

She found her voice, soft and wavering. “He is here, soldier. Calm yourself.”

The young soldier looked up at her, his eyes growing wide and his mouth falling open. He said nothing, but nodded.

“What news have you?” Galenus moved to his niece’s side, his tone demanding.

“None, sir. I was been sent to replace Ariston while the Ekdromoi have council.” The young soldier seemed unable to tear his gaze from Medusa.

“
You
will replace him?” Galenus stepped in front of Medusa, his brows furrowed in ill-disguised displeasure. “Do you serve Athena, boy? Have you vowed to uphold her order?”

Thea screeched again and stared at Galenus, snapping her beak in irritation. Medusa stroked her back, hoping to soothe them both.

The soldier swallowed, intimidated by the older man’s anger. He nodded, his skin draining of color.

“Peace, husband. Medusa’s soldier will not be gone long. He will return to her as soon as he is able. This youth will serve. For Thea is here, as well – even if she is only an owl.” Xenia placed a hand on her husband’s arm, speaking in a soft, placating tone. “And the Goddess Athena will soon arrive. She will provide Medusa with the greatest protection. What say you?”

Galenus grunted at his wife, but continued to stare pointedly at the young soldier. The soldier swallowed again and looked down, seemingly entranced by Medusa’s feet.

“Come to us when you are able, niece. Or send word to us, by and by. I would have your news as soon as able.” Galenus glared once more at the young soldier before turning and leading his wife toward the gates of Athena’s temple.

Medusa watched them go. They seemed fragile in the fading light, almost as if they were fading with it. She wanted to call out to them… but for what purpose?

A desperate foreboding closed her throat and held her silent. She drew in a deep breath, gasping as her lungs relaxed.

Thea bobbed her head, hooting sweetly, until Medusa smiled at her.

“I’m sorry, little friend. You are with me still and I am thankful for you.”

She must be brave now and send him away with Athena’s blessing – as was her duty.

###

Ariston stepped forward, pleased to see Galenus and Xenia leave. Their ideas of honor and duty were tainted by the knowledge that they would profit from such a marriage.

A marriage to
Poseidon
.

This was Poseidon, who knew nothing of loyalty. He was a God, yes, so he demanded fealty. But he was not known for displaying such a trait, as much as he expected it from his subjugates. His code of honor was dictated by his mood – a mortal trait most of the Olympians shared. She should not be bartered to the likes of Poseidon, no matter who he might be.

And now Ariston had been summoned.

Mayhap it was best if he were gone. But if he left, who would keep her safe? His hands fisted before he stepped forward to address the waiting youth.

Standing beside his lady, he did not resist a glance from the corner of his eyes. Her sadness twisted his stomach, for he could do nothing to aid her.

The young soldier cleared his throat, attempting to gain control of his wandering gaze. Ariston felt for him. “You are Ektor?” he asked. He knew the boy, he was familiar. Ektor was nephew to one of the commanders, Nereus of Athens. He was a lively youth, full of wit and easy banter. And, Ariston thought, he would one day be a fine man and Ekdromoi.

The young man nodded.

“You may stand, Ektor. The priestess does not require you to grovel at her feet.” Ariston spoke brusquely, growing irritated by the youth’s fawning manner.

Ektor stood. Tearing his attention from Medusa took obvious effort. Thea cocked her head, cawed loudly at the young man, and flew into the dusk. Ariston smiled. Her owl was his only ally, it seemed.

“The council will meet at dusk, Ariston. Your presence is requested immediately.” Ektor’s gaze strayed to Medusa once more.

“Go with Elpis, soldier. She will find you drink,” Ariston barked, drawing Ektor’s attention back. “Then you must prepare for Athena’s arrival.”

Ariston gave him brief instructions about the Naming Ceremony. Ektor listened carefully, asking few questions. When Ariston finished, Ektor nodded and ran to Elpis, following the companion into the temple.

Ariston stood in silence, aware only of Medusa. There were words he would say, if he could only find them. He could not leave knowing what the evening might bring with it.

“I would stay,” he murmured.

Her eyes closed and she shook her head. “No. You must go. It is your duty.”

He waited, and when she glanced up at him he let his eyes bore into hers without restraint.

She looked away, but not before he’d seen the sparkling sheen of tears.

He hesitated before he moved, standing as close to her as he could. His voice was soft, meant for her ears alone. “I care not for your aunt’s counsel, though I know it’s of great import to you. Know this. Your life has been lived for their honor. You
have
done your duty by them – all of them.” His voice softened, causing her to lean closer. “It is your honor, your loyalty…your gentle heart that makes you my lady.”

Her startled gaze flew to his. He heard the sharp intake of breath that stirred her veil. But she said nothing.

He drew in a harsh breath before he whispered, “The love I have for you gives me breath and strength. You will always hold my heart. Let it give you the strength to do what must be done. For you will be
my
lady, forever.”

###

He was gone.

And she’d said nothing.

Not because she had nothing to say, but because his sweetly spoken words had surprised her so.

He’d smiled, boyish and full of promise, before he’d left the Temple.

He’d said, “You will always hold my heart.”

But her words had come too late, after he’d gone. How she wished she’d told him, “As you hold mine.”

She wasted no time seeking out Ektor, and found him enjoying a modest meal at Elpis’ hand.

“Ektor,” Medusa addressed the young soldier. “What news have you? Tell me all what you know, I beseech you. I will pray to Athena, but I would know what to pray for.”

It was true, she would pray to Athena. More than that, though, she had to know. Was his summons to the council for talk and strategy? Or was he leaving, sailing out to battle?

The young man, scarce more than a boy, blushed. He swallowed the large mouthful of food he was chewing and wiped his face with a cloth. He stood. “The Persians will land before the next full moon. If Athens’ ships do not stop them, that is.”

Medusa nodded.

Elpis nodded, too. She’d expected as much and told Medusa. “And the priestess? Who will guard Athena’s servants?”

Medusa watched as the young man grappled with Elpis’ unintended insult.

“I will, with a troop of hoplites. We will protect Athena’s priestess and her temple. We may be young, but we are able, mistress,” his voice betrayed only a hint of irritation. “We’ve been trained by Ariston and his Ekdromoi.”

“The Persians – they are great in number?” Elpis continued.

He nodded, taking the bread she offered him. “They are. But our ships are faster and we’ve the favor of the Gods. Have no fear, we will be victorious.”

Medusa considered his words. “I pray it is so.”

As Elpis handed the young soldier the rest of the bread, she shook her head. “The sight of you might lose Athens favor with the Gods. Hurry, Ektor, prepare yourself. The Goddess Athena will arrive shortly.”

Medusa smiled, leaving Elpis to sort out their new guard. She returned to the altar, lighting more candles and kneeling on the stone floor. She prayed until the procession was about to arrive. Only then did her thoughts turn to the festival at hand.

This evening brought more than a visit from the Goddess. Tonight was a rite of passage. Some would receive the greatest honor, others would return home without.

Living so much of her life at the temple, Medusa would know none of the virtuous daughters of Athens who would soon join her at the altar. But she knew Athena would choose well from amongst them. Two priestesses, four acolytes and two young arrephoroi would be selected.

Would she be one of them? She knew not.

Medusa heard Elpis readying the chamber for their visitors. Athena would soon be with her. Her fate was to be decided, her life’s course set. And still she thought of Ariston. His words filled her heart with strength and hope. He’d told her to be strong. She would be.

It was easy to lose herself to the ritual of preparation. Athena was precise in her ceremonies. Eight long candles were arranged, four on either side of the temple’s altar. Athena’s throne sat between them and before the dais. A meal was carried up by the Goddess’ servants and a long table was set under the olive tree for the great feast that would follow the Naming Ceremony.