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“What else can you give me?” Ariston taunted.
Poseidon said nothing.
Ariston charged, embracing the fire in his chest.
A wall of water rose high above him, dropping down upon him and forcing the air from his lungs as it slammed him into the beach.
“Peace,” Poseidon said.
Ariston stood, wiping the water from his eyes. “I have none. I shall give none.” He ran at Poseidon again, so close he was almost upon him. He swung his sword, stretching to ensure the blade would strike true.
But the water rose up beneath his feet and lifted him, once again throwing him back to the sandy beach. His sword fell from his grip, but he was too enraged to notice.
“You accomplish nothing,” Poseidon said, shaking his head.
Ariston glared at him, breathing heavily. The water was Poseidon’s domain, it was a futile strategy. On land, he might manage one cut… If he could lure him from the water, bait him.
“You fight like a God,” Ariston laughed, “hiding behind your tricks and deceit. Are you too weak to fight as a man? Or too afraid?”
Poseidon’s mouth formed a small smile. “Afraid? Of you?” He turned to go, the water rippling in his wake.
“So it would seem,” Ariston retorted.
Poseidon turned back to him with narrowed eyes.
Ariston sneered back, fighting the urge to rush forth, to storm into the water once more.
The water shifted, carrying Poseidon quickly to the sand before Ariston. “I will fight you, then, Ariston of Rhodes.”
Ariston nodded, clenching his hands.
“But this fight cannot give you what you seek. Tell me, do you rage against me for using your wife? Or because she hides from you, even knowing you search for her?” Poseidon paused, watching his face closely.
“She is dead…”
“So say the Gorgons. Mayhap she wants nothing of you now.”
Ariston’s arm whipped forward, meeting the cold flesh of Poseidon’s stomach with uninhibited fury. He savored the warm burn of his knuckles, sending his other fist into his Poseidon’s side with a roar.
He drew his arm back and released his fist, crazed with bloodlust. He struck Poseidon’s haughty chin squarely, a gratifying smack filling the air.
Poseidon reacted then, throwing his elbow into Ariston’s chest and robbing him of breath.
Ariston threw his fist forward, hitting the God in the neck and swiping his leg. Poseidon fell onto the sand, lying at his feet.
He offered his hand to Poseidon. “I am not so easily satisfied.”
Poseidon stared at his hand, then stood.
Ariston stooped and rammed into Poseidon, his shoulder smashing into Poseidon’s stomach and lifting him before letting him fall to the sand again.
Poseidon stood once more, his face no longer distant and haughty.
Ariston laughed. “Come at me then.”
And he did, forcing Ariston back against one of the large boulders that dotted the beach. His hands closed about Ariston’s throat, his intent obvious. Still Ariston managed to break free, knocking the God off guard by kneeing him forcefully in the groin.
Poseidon crumpled on the beach, kneeling as he fought to regain his breath.
