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Ariston stood in silence, aware only of Medusa. There were words he would say, if he could only find them. He could not leave knowing what the evening might bring with it.
“I would stay,” he murmured.
Her eyes closed and she shook her head. “No. You must go. It is your duty.”
He waited, and when she glanced up at him he let his eyes bore into hers without restraint.
She looked away, but not before he’d seen the sparkling sheen of tears.
He hesitated before he moved, standing as close to her as he could. His voice was soft, meant for her ears alone. “I care not for your aunt’s counsel, though I know it’s of great import to you. Know this. Your life has been lived for their honor. You have done your duty by them – all of them.” His voice softened, causing her to lean closer. “It is your honor, your loyalty…your gentle heart that makes you my lady.”
Her startled gaze flew to his. He heard the sharp intake of breath that stirred her veil. But she said nothing.
He drew in a harsh breath before he whispered, “The love I have for you gives me breath and strength. You will always hold my heart. Let it give you the strength to do what must be done. For you will be my lady, forever.”
###
He was gone.
And she’d said nothing.
Not because she had nothing to say, but because his sweetly spoken words had surprised her so.
He’d smiled, boyish and full of promise, before he’d left the Temple.
He’d said, “You will always hold my heart.”
But her words had come too late, after he’d gone. How she wished she’d told him, “As you hold mine.”
She wasted no time seeking out Ektor, and found him enjoying a modest meal at Elpis’ hand.
“Ektor,” Medusa addressed the young soldier. “What news have you? Tell me all what you know, I beseech you. I will pray to Athena, but I would know what to pray for.”
It was true, she would pray to Athena. More than that, though, she had to know. Was his summons to the council for talk and strategy? Or was he leaving, sailing out to battle?
The young man, scarce more than a boy, blushed. He swallowed the large mouthful of food he was chewing and wiped his face with a cloth. He stood. “The Persians will land before the next full moon. If Athens’ ships do not stop them, that is.”
Medusa nodded.
Elpis nodded, too. She’d expected as much and told Medusa. “And the priestess? Who will guard Athena’s servants?”
Medusa watched as the young man grappled with Elpis’ unintended insult.
“I will, with a troop of hoplites. We will protect Athena’s priestess and her temple. We may be young, but we are able, mistress,” his voice betrayed only a hint of irritation. “We’ve been trained by Ariston and his Ekdromoi.”
“The Persians – they are great in number?” Elpis continued.
He nodded, taking the bread she offered him. “They are. But our ships are faster and we’ve the favor of the Gods. Have no fear, we will be victorious.”
Medusa considered his words. “I pray it is so.”
As Elpis handed the young soldier the rest of the bread, she shook her head. “The sight of you might lose Athens favor with the Gods. Hurry, Ektor, prepare yourself. The Goddess Athena will arrive shortly.”
Medusa smiled, leaving Elpis to sort out their new guard. She returned to the altar, lighting more candles and kneeling on the stone floor. She prayed until the procession was about to arrive. Only then did her thoughts turn to the festival at hand.
This evening brought more than a visit from the Goddess. Tonight was a rite of passage. Some would receive the greatest honor, others would return home without.
