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“He will not give up, Medusa. I have never seen a man more determined than yours.”
Whatever pain she felt fled at the realization that
he lived. Some faint recollection of joy found her. “He… He is well?” Her voice broke.
“He is.”
Medusa nodded, covering her mouth to catch the laughter that escaped. He lived, and loved her still. Even though he must know of her betrayal… Did he know of her curse, as well?
Nothing else mattered. “My… my heart is full.” She looked up at the Goddess, smiling through her tears.
Sadness shadowed Hera’s eyes. “I thought as much. But what will you do?”
She had little time to come to terms with Hera’s revelation. Later she might linger over this news, but not now. “He must be kept safe… I have given you my word and I will honor our bargain. Nothing changes. But knowing…knowing he lives makes all bearable.”
“Does it?”
Thea cooed at her, stepping forward, then dodging back as the serpents moved to reach her. Medusa grabbed one, forcing it behind her and wincing at the bite it gave her in response.
“Almost…” She nodded. “Yes.”
Chapter Fourteen
It was past midday when Ariston reached the cabin.
His horse was covered in a layer of sweat, exhausted from the climb. He slumped in the saddle, his body aching from the relentless jarring. As they entered the clearing, his mood lightened.
A herd of goats scattered before him, bleating as they went. His eyes surveyed the scene with care.
The small rock cottage looked deserted, and no smoke rose from the dilapidated chimney. There were no horses, or carts, no guards or dogs to alert those inside the cabin they had been found. It was peculiar, this lack of regard for discovery.
A sudden movement caught his eye, and he turned to find a young boy.
The boy froze. The bucket the boy carried sloshed, spattering his thin chest with what appeared to be goat milk. Large brown eyes stared back at him.
Ariston stopped, regarding the boy in surprise.
“Are you the soldier?” the boy asked.
“I am a soldier,” he answered. “Are you expecting one?”
“I think it’s you, sir.” The boy grasped the bucket with two hands, and moved towards him. He shrugged, smiling up at him. “Maybe.”
Ariston smiled back.
“They’re in the cabin. Kore is hungry, that’s why I was milking.”
Ariston looked at the boy, understanding nothing the child said. “Who is in the cabin?”
“Stheno and Euryale.” The boy tilted his head towards the cabin. “It’s too hot to bring the baby outside.”
Ariston followed, confused yet exhilarated. “Is it only Stheno and Euryale?”
The boy’s eyes grew round and he opened his mouth. But he seemed to change his mind and nodded vigorously in answer. The child was nervous about something.
“Boy…” Ariston began.
The shrill sound of a baby reached them.
