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Ariston relaxed, his hand settling briefly on the owl’s head as it continued its ministrations.
Elpis gasped, becoming as still as a statue. “Thea does not give her affection without cause, soldier. She must sense some worth in you.”
“I’ve never been judged by the affections of an animal before. But I assume I should be flattered by Thea’s acceptance?”
“You should.” Elpis nodded. “She is an excellent judge.”
He regarded the owl, the keenness of its stare. Could this creature sense his devotion to their mistress? If so, Thea must approve. He smiled, rubbing the animal’s head again. He wondered what Medusa would say to this alliance?
“I’ve found a conch shell,” Medusa called out to them, delighted.
He tore his gaze from her before it could linger, knowing Elpis watched his every move. He saw Medusa wave from the corner of his eye, saw her excited smile.
“Remember your place, Ariston of Rhodes. You are a soldier, a soldier serving Athena.” Elpis’ tone was low, almost apologetic. “If Medusa’s father wants her home, far west of the sea, for a beneficial marriage…”
“Athena has agreed?” the urgency of his tone was inescapable.
Elpis shook her head. “No. But somehow Phorcys has found a champion in Poseidon. The Sea God has pledged to make her immortal. To what end seems yet to be determined, but make no mistake, her father means to have her back. What or…or who Medusa might want matters not.”
Ariston felt sick. What would become of her? Would immortality make her into a true Gorgon, as hideous as one of the masks scowling from the temple pillars? Would she become a warning to those with a wavering heart? He shuddered.
“Surely Phorcys knows of Athena’s temper. How can Phorcys ask his daughter to refuse the Goddess?” Ariston asked, spinning the apple in his restless hand.
“That is our mistress’ dilemma. Either choice is…damned. If Medusa goes with her father, as a dutiful daughter, Athena may punish her for breaking faith. If Medusa goes with the Goddess, the lady’s father will punish her for her disobedience. Phorcys, it is said, also has a temper to be feared. Medusa worries he might punish Athens, and risk Olympus’ ire, to bring her to heel.” She rubbed a hand over her face, her final words a whisper, “And if Poseidon cares beyond the oath he gave to the lady’s parents, a battle between two such gods the likes of Zeus’ favorite daughter and beloved brother cannot bring—”
“Any peace.” Medusa’s voice startled them both.
Ariston looked up, devouring the sight of such perfection with hungry eyes. He did not deny himself her beauty. He looked upon her with such need and admiration that his mouth grew dry. But his desire was tempered by this new knowledge. She was in danger – and he would protect her.
“I’m sorry, mistress.” Elpis rose and wrapped Medusa in a dry cloak. “I’d not meant to go on so. Your soldier—”
“No, no, Elpis. It would serve him well to know the truth, for he might try to protect me from my sisters and end up ripped apart for his noble efforts.” Her amusement was forced. Her face revealed the truth. She needed peace and laughter this day.
And he would give it to her.
Elpis shook her head. “Your soldier would know them, mistress, and think before he used his spear.”
Ariston took a deep breath, steadying himself before asking, “Are they so fearsome?”
Medusa smiled slightly, wrinkling her nose as she considered his question. “No worse than the temple masks. But never worry over seeing their faces. For they are both two heads taller than you and cover their features with veils and cloaks, to startle their…victims even more, should they feel the need.”
“Victims?” he asked.
“It’s rumored that they’ve a fancy for children…” Elpis began nervously.
“Oh, and goats as well.” Medusa’s smile grew.
“Truly?” He felt a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
Medusa shook her head. “No. They are but nasty rumors – likely born and spread by my sisters to keep fear foremost in the minds of those that might cross them.”
“If they were true, you shouldn’t worry. You’re too big a meal for them, hoplite. You should be safe from their appetites.” Elpis giggled.
He laughed as Elpis made a frightful face. His lady laughed, too. It soothed him, the sound of her happiness. He cast a furtive glance at her, and met her fathomless blue gaze.
How he wished he could speak to her – to reassure her that all would be well. The way she looked upon him, her eyes clear and searching, made him ache to comfort her.
Then she noticed Thea and her eyes grew rounder. “She’s never…” she trailed off, shaking her head. “She fancies you.”
