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Ariston stood over him, wanting this over.
“Is my suffering akin to yours? When you learned…that I had her. Were you crippled so?” Poseidon’s words were muttered in choking breaths.
“Your suffering cannot be compared to mine,” Ariston assured him. “I would put an end to it for you.”
Poseidon rose quickly, Ariston’s sword clasped in his hand. “No, Ariston, I think not.” He lifted the blade, pressing it against Ariston’s neck.
Ariston smiled again, lifting his chin and exposing his neck. Was it wrong that he wanted this?
Poseidon’s brow rose. “You doubt my intent? You have no fear of death?”
“None.” He meant it. “Kill me.” End my pain.
Poseidon’s face twisted. “You seek death?”
“It is better than what waits for me now.” He cursed himself, cursed his words and the desperation that filled them.
“For a woman? All for a woman?” Poseidon tossed the sword aside. “You are no man to let a woman rule you so. No woman alive is worth…”
“But she is not alive. She is dead!” Ariston’s words ripped from him with such anguish that even he was surprised.
Poseidon shook his head wearily. “If you are so eager for death, let me help you on your way. Your lady wife lives, hiding amongst the caves off Crete.”
Ariston froze, stunned by Poseidon’s statement, but Poseidon only watched him.
“You lie,” he raged, moving to strike Poseidon again, but the God grabbed his fist.
“I have nothing to gain, Ariston of Rhodes. I am done with…this. I would help you on your way, if this is truly what you want?”
Ariston stared at him, ripping his fist from Poseidon’s grip.
“I warn you, Perseus of Seriphos has been sent to kill her,” Poseidon added.
“Why?” Why would she be sentenced to death?
“To end the curse. With her death, those cast in stone are free.”
Ariston was shaking his head. “The Gorgons’ curse?”
“It is Medusa’s curse.”
“Medusa?” Ariston could hardly speak the words, his mind was so addled. “It matters not, I will find her.”
Poseidon fell silent, his pale eyes traveling over the sea before he said, “If you go, you will find her. And no good will come of it.” He paused, turning back to Ariston with something akin to sympathy on his face. “Hear me, soldier. She will not thank you for going after her. And you will not live through the reunion.”
Ariston pushed himself away from the boulder, his ire forgotten. “I would rather face death at her side tomorrow than live without her.”
Poseidon’s look of surprise almost made Ariston pity him. He was immortal, ruler of the sea, but he knew nothing of love.
Ariston picked up the sword and set off. He had a long journey ahead of him. But this time he knew where was going and what he would find.
###
Poseidon slammed his cup onto the table. No wine eased his irritation.
If he’d killed the man would he feel better?
His dinner companions quieted somewhat, casting curious glances and whispers his way. Athena seemed most pleased with his foul mood.
