Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) Read online

  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.
<
br />   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.

  Medusa set the table with care. Athena would sit in the middle, her priestesses and arrephoroi across from her, her acolytes on either side. She favored her acolytes, ever patient in their tutelage. When the time came, those who showed promise became her favored priestesses. After all, Athena loved and knew them already.

  It was a trait Athena valued, loyalty. And loyalty was built over time.

  The procession of candidates climbed the hill, illuminated by the slim torches they carried. They filed slowly into the temple to the sound of whispering linen, for twenty skirts, veils and robes stood awaiting the Goddess’ arrival.

  The youngest, no more than seven years of age, peeked from her hood. Her huge brown eyes stared around the temple in wonder, making Medusa smile.

  The atmosphere was that of excitement, of anticipation. They looked upon the Goddess with hope and longing, as was right. As she once had.

  “My, what a crowd I’m given.” Athena’s voice was playful.

  Athena presented a fine figure. With the moonlight at her back, the Goddess was illuminated by its white rays and framed between the ionic columns that held her temple straight and tall.

  Thea arrived amidst a flurry of flapping wings and sing-song calls. She circled once before perching on Medusa’s shoulder. The bird called out to the Goddess with a loving coo. Athena’s gaze swept the room.

  Medusa smiled as Athena’s eyes met hers, amused by Thea’s preening.

  But then Athena did something she’d never done before. The Goddess walked, fluid grace, across the marble floor to stand before her. She touched Medusa’s cheek, sighing as her brown eyes examined her priestess with an unsettling intensity. Then her touch was gone and the Goddess moved back to inspect the rest of the maidens offered as her servants.

  Medusa touched her cheek, the sense of foreboding returning to race up her spine and prick up the hair along her neck.

  Thea cooed at Medusa, leaning into her mistress’s shoulder. Medusa stroked her repeatedly while waiting, hoping her unease was naught but nerves.

  Athena addressed them, “I am pleased by such devotion from the families of Athens, even when the city itself faces siege. Rest easy, for you will be well protected if you’re selected. I am pleased to have Ektor, nephew of Nereus, as guardian to the priestess, and a full troop of hoplite guards to protect the temple from threat.” The ceremony was simple, witnessed only by Athena’s guards and Ektor. They would be responsible for the well-being of those Athena selected.

  It took no time, for Athena knew who to choose. Eight names were called, each pronounced by their Goddess with a reverence they would cherish long into their memories – Medusa knew.

  “Korinna, daughter of Theodoros…” Athena began, calling out name after name until only one remained.

  “Elaini, daughter of Kallitratos,” the Goddess finished.

  Medusa drew in a deep breath. Her name was not one of them.

  “Little one,” did not ring out. Athena had not chosen her.

  Had Poseidon prevailed? Did she belong to Poseidon now?

  She felt dizzy. Her fate had been decided then…

  She straightened. She would not falter, no matter what Athena told her.

  As the new priestesses gathered – for Athena would instruct them of their duties – the Goddess called to her, moving away from the rest inside her temple. Athena smiled warmly at Medusa, watching her as she came closer.

  The Goddess removed the veil from Medusa’s face, shaking her head as she did so. “So lovely, more so than when you came to me. Nine years is but a blink of an eye to me, but a lifetime for some mortals. You have pleased me greatly, little one. I set you free now. Spend two days hence with your loved ones, then return to the temple. I have one more gift for you, to honor your service to me.”

  Medusa blinked. What was this? “I need no other gift from you, Goddess,” she whispered. Athena’s words spun about in her head, filling her with hope and longing. “I have sweet Thea.”

  Thea seemed to know she was being praised, for she ruffled her neck feathers and regarded the two women with extreme satisfaction.

  It was only when Medusa’s attention returned to Athena that she noticed something amiss. Athena’s face was pinched, her arched brows knitted. Her veil, clasped tightly in Athena’s hold, trembled ever so slightly.

  Was the Goddess moved, too, to part with her? It pleased her to think so. She watched the Goddess brush her hand down the animal’s feathered back. Thea’s head turned to watch Athena’s hand, but she made no move to displace it.

  “It is nothing. Nonetheless, you shall have this gift.” Athena’s eyes narrowed as she patted Medusa’s cheek. “Return at sunset, two days hence.”

  Medusa nodded, uncertain of how to proceed. She took a hesitant step toward the dais.

  Athena smiled. “Go, Medusa, you are free. Go now.”

  She glanced uncertainly at Athena before she walked, slowly, making her way to the temples entrance.

  Athena’s laugh echoed off the temple walls. “Go. Enjoy your freedom, little one.”

  Thea startled at the sound of Athena’s laughter and flew from the temple without a backward glance.

  Free?

  Medusa’s mind raced. Surely any moment Poseidon would arrive and demand she go with him.

  But mayhap her Goddess had defended her? She must have. Athena must have pleaded her case with Zeus and, somehow, challenged Poseidon’s proposal.

  Medusa’s heart filled with such love, such joy.

  Athena had given her freedom, from the Gods, from Poseidon. She cared not about the gift Athena would bestow upon her. The greatest gift Athena could ever give her was this.

  Medusa’s eyes traveled over the temple, alighting on each of the new priestesses and servants, on Ektor’s entranced face, and Elpis’ clear astonishment.

  She was free?

  She made it to the steps before she turned again. Elpis followed her.

  “My uncle will not be pleased,” Medusa whispered, smiling. Her joy did not wane.

  Elpis smiled in return. “He will carry on. But your aunt will appease him.”

  Medusa looked at Elpis, her eyes bright. Her smile grew wider and she hugged Elpis to her.

  “You’re free, mistress. The Goddess decreed it so – I heard it,” Elpis whispered in her ear.

  Medusa nodded as she released Elpis. Had there ever been a more lovely night? The moon hung low, illuminating the path to Athens, to the shore and the encampment of the Ekdromoi.

  To Ariston.

  The thundering of her heart filled her ears.

  Thea screeched, regarding Medusa with wide yellow eyes before flying towards the shoreline. She cooed, calling to her mistress as she flew.

  I’m coming. Medusa’s heart swelled.

  “I implore you, sweet Elpis, for assistance?”

  Elpis nodded quickly.

  “I need clothes, foo
d…and a witness. Will you serve as my witness?” Medusa’s eyes lingered on the road to Athens.

  ###

  Medusa ran.

  Her skirts blew about her ankles in her haste. She slipped often, the shale disturbed beneath her flying feet. But she did not fall or slow. Her excitement carried her.

  She did not pause to admire the orchids that bloomed, fragrant and purple, along the hillside. She did not linger over the shepherd’s dog that ran along with her, barking in greeting. Even the stars, glistening like dewy pearls in the fading velvet sky of night, held no fascination for her.

  She ran, with her lungs bursting and her heart racing.

  She skirted the city, following the trails Ektor had told Elpis to follow. She had no desire to be waylaid there. Time was a precious gift she would not take for granted.

  She ran on, her side aching and her breathing labored.

  As she crested the last hill, her destination was in sight. Athens’ ships, a hundred or more, rested their bows on the bone-colored sand of the beach. Tents clustered together, the makeshift homes to this legion of Athens’ brave hoplites.

  All too soon their tents would be traded for the ships. They would depart, to protect their city from invasion. Hours, days – even Ektor was uncertain.

  Her heart leapt into her throat, fear clawing at the sweet bliss she’d felt since leaving the temple. She placed her hand upon her chest, steadying herself with care.

  She would not burden him with her fear. There had been enough of that between them. Whatever time they had now would be about joy and love. She would wave and watch him sail from Athens’ shores, holding herself straight and proud for him, until he could be seen no more. She gasped for breath.

  She would not think on that now.

  Now she was here. And she must find him.

  The council convened in a large tent, Ektor had told Elpis. It was larger than the others, red, with a tall flag pole, hailing all who could bear arms, all who were Greek, or her allies, to come and fight. The tent would have to be large enough to accommodate the commanders of the Athenian hoplites, the trained Ekdromoi, and even the less skilled psiloi and peltast soldiers – all gathered together against one great enemy.