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“As I see. Did the wind blow you here? Or did you walk?” Athena laughed, a mesmerizing sound. “Rise, little one, and show me what treasures you have for me.”
Medusa smiled as she stood. Athena always made her smile. It was a delight when the Goddess came, each visit a rare and humbling gift. “I have many – all carried by a troublesome donkey that pulled against the wind and the efforts of my lady’s soldier.”
Athena laughed. “’Tis a shame that the sun chose to so abruptly hide itself, for it was a joyous morn. Apollo lit the sky with gold so brilliant it made many turn their eyes away.” Athena sat in her chair, carved from pink marble and placed in the center of the dais behind her altar. “Did you turn your eyes away from its brilliance, Medusa?”
Medusa smiled and shook her head. “We rose to greet the sun, Thea and I, staring out the window at its beauty. Once it woke, I felt I had to keep it company.”
Athena nodded. “But then it went away?”
Medusa paused, then whispered, “Did my company chase it away?”
“Why ever would you say such a thing? Have you done something to anger the Gods?” Athena regarded her with an affectionate smile. “I cannot imagine my little one capable of such a thing.”
Medusa spoke softly, “I know not. But I would ask for your counsel, lady, as I am struggling so.”
Athena sighed, her smile growing tolerant. “Speak, little one, so that you may show me what lovelies you have for me.”
“My father, Phorcys –”
“Foolish monster that he
is,” Athena interjected.
“He would have me…home. He has procured the Gift for me from Poseidon, by Anestheria.”
Athena rose, her finely arched brow rising. “What? And take the Priestess I have chosen to serve me?” Anger laced her every word. “What nonsense is this, child? You say my uncle aids your father in this move? Does Poseidon know who you serve?”
Medusa winced, startled by Athena’s indignation. “I know not…”
“Phorcys thinks he has repaid me? That he, a mongering Titan, shall set the terms of your service?” Her face flushed and her voice echoed throughout the temple with unsuppressed fury. “Poseidon must know that championing this...this insult will lead to strife.” Her eyes narrowed as she bitterly muttered, “A thought he relishes, of that much I am certain.”
“I know only of my father’s request, Goddess, nothing more.” Medusa’s words were a whisper.
“I will know the truth of it soon enough.” Athena stood beside Medusa, staring down at her. The Goddess smiled slightly, sighing before she spoke again. “Now, do your duty and show me my tributes before I go, little one.”
Medusa did as she was told. Athena praised the tarts and bread Medusa had made for her, sampling them as Medusa arranged the other offerings. She was pleased, and Medusa hoped that was enough.
“You shall train all of my priestesses, I think, as you please me so. I will have need of them in my new temple.”
“New temple?” Medusa waited, surprised.
Athena pulled a scroll from the tuck of her robes, spreading the parchment on her dais with care. “My temple, the Parthenon. It will be the largest in Greece.” Athena smiled broadly. “It will be a thing of beauty, a crown for my city of Athens.”
Medusa marveled at the size and scope of the structure. “All who see it will be struck by its majesty,” Medusa assured her.
“And know it is my house,” Athena said. “Once the Persians are gone, building will commence.”
“There is no hope, then? War will find Athens, Goddess?” she asked. And if there was, what did that mean for her guard? Though that question pressed on her as dearly as the first, she knew better than to ask it.
“It will.” Athena nodded. “But Athens will not fall. It is too strong a city – as Greece is too great a country. You, gentle Medusa, need not let such events cause you fear. Bear such times, and strife, as they find you. Weather them as I would, with reason and wisdom.” As she finished, she rolled up the plans and tucked them into her robes once more.
When Athena’s brown eyes turned to regard her, Medusa smiled.
“As for this other matter, I will know the answer to this riddle soon enough. Phorcys is a fool of the worst kind, and you are blessed to be free of him. My uncle…my own uncle chafes when he must yield to me, in any way. I will have Zeus set all to rights.” Athena sighed, regarding her tributes and offering as she continued, “You were wise to share this with me, little one. But do not let it weigh so heavily on you. Hold your head up and remember that you are mine.”
Medusa straightened at Athena’s words, wishing she might find comfort in them.
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