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“You’ve traveled far?” the old man asked.
Ariston nodded.
“And you fought in the wars?” The man raised a gnarled hand, indicating the jagged scar visible above Ariston’s exomie.
“I did.” Ariston took a deep drink.
“I was young and able once. I remember the feel of a sword in my hands.”
“Do you?” Ariston smiled slightly.
“Glory, boy, is everything.” The old man regarded him with raised eyebrows. “If I’d died on the battlefield, glory would have been mine. Instead I lived to see my children and grandchildren cut down.”
Ariston swallowed. “I am sorry for your loss.”
“Do you have a family, soldier?” The old man bit off a mouthful of fish, chewing carefully.
The bite of bread lodged in his throat, but Ariston forced the words out. “I have a wife.”
/> The old man nodded, smiling. “Is she fair?”
He drank deeply, but the knot in his throat remained. “She is most fair to look upon and gentle of manner.”
The old man studied him. “She waits for you?”
Ariston drew a deep breath to steady himself. “I am looking for her now. She was injured and carried away by her family.”
The old man sighed, leaning back against the tree. “I have seen no one in these parts.” He was silent. “Except for the Gorgons.” The old man shivered, tossing the pit from his olive over his shoulder.
Ariston sat forward. “When? When did you see them?”
The old man turned curious eyes upon him. “You cannot be looking for them, soldier. They are cursed by the Gods.”
“I care little for curses, old man.” He leaned forward, meeting the rheumy eyes. “When did you see them?”
“You care little for curses? And the Gods?”
Ariston stood. “I’ve lived my life in service to Olympus. As did my lady wife. And yet the Gods turned from us both. So I no longer care about their curses, their will or their spite.” He smiled sadly at the old man.
“Have you no fear?” the old man asked in hushed tones.
“None.”
“What of honor?”
“You spoke of an honorable death? I had all but made my way to Elysium, for the will of Athena and the protection of her great city. I chose to come back to her – my wife – so that I might protect and love my lady. We would have served and honored Olympus, together, in the years ahead.” He paused, swallowing his anger. “And still they took her from me.”
The old man regarded him in silence.
“I ask you again, when did you see the Gorgons?”
The old man sighed, “I will tell you. But first you must answer a question.”
Ariston could not stop his hands from clenching, or the tightening of his jaw. He had no patience for this. And yet, this old man had news he needed. “Ask quickly then.”
“Your lady wife – would she turn her back on the Gods?”
“No,” he said. “Even now, when they have used her poorly, I know she would serve them. She has a faithful and forgiving heart.” He laughed, a hard mirthless sound. “And I tell you, old man, I would honor the Gods with her, for the rest of my life, if she were returned to me.”
