AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He cleared his throat, “Your…your head…”
“Will turn the beast to stone?” She encouraged. “And your mother? There is more to your story?”
“How do you know such things?” He was clearly astounded.
“I may be trapped on this island, but I have sisters who love me, boy. They listen and learn all they can – to keep me safe,” she explained. “Your mother is being pressured to submit to this Polydectes?”
“She is.” His voice was low. “He used this quest to be rid of me, so it seems. My mother, Danae, has fled the city to hide in the temple. And still he tries to press his suit with her.”
Anger filled her stomach. “You are an honorable son -- and a devoted lover.”
There was not much he could say to her praise.
“Then I ask you again, Perseus, do you have the Gods’ favor?”
“I do.”
“And have they equipped you with the tools to complete your task?” Her calm amazed her. But she was resigned to her fate – and would hurry it on its way now.
“Zeus’ sword, Hades’ helmet and Athena’s aspis.” His words were tight.
She smiled. “Athena’s shield? Use it to aim and strike, brave Perseus, for my companions’ reflections wield no power. You will be safe…and successful.”
His words spilled out in a rush, “Why do you help me?”
“Because I know what it is to lose your love.” The anguish in her voice stopped her. She drew in a deep breath and continued with more reserve, “I would not wish such misery on you, not when I have the power to give you what was taken from me.” She paused. “I am done with this life… It is the will of the Gods.”
She ignored the slip of the snakes as they stretched forward. They would find the prey they heard, unless she succeeded.
“Set the shield, Perseus, and I will go to it. You will have but a moment, while they are distracted. Be quick,
I beg you.”
She heard him moving rapidly, no longer worried about stealth or grace.
“It’s done.” His voice was agitated.
She followed his voice and found the shield, resting at the broken base of one of the temple’s columns.
She stared at the shield, fighting a flash of memory. She’d been a child when she’d first looked upon this shield. Athena had stood straight and tall, smiling down at her. And Medusa had been overwhelmed with love for the Goddess.
She shook her head and closed her eyes, kneeling before the shield. Her hands searched the floor, grasping several rocks. She stood and took aim, but paused.
Beyond Perseus shield lay Ariston’s statue. His face, forever hardened in a tender admiration, stole her breath. But it was the gentle line of his right arm, still reaching out to cup her cheek, that captured her attention. It ended abruptly.
His arm lay on the ground, separated from the rest.
He was broken.
She swallowed her sob, and tore her eyes from the statue.
She heaved the stone at the shield, the metallic ping reverberating throughout the temple. Her companions twisted, all eyes fixed upon the shield.
Her vision went red, her neck steadied as the serpents readied for the kill.
Had they failed then? Her breath escaped, the sob slipping from her lips.
The cold kiss of steel struck the back of her neck, followed by a searing cut.
