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“He may have returned for his wife,” Aphrodite said, “but they cannot be together now.”
Poseidon’s pleasure paled again. Medusa had been true in all. She’d been maligned, cursed, and injured because of him. How could he reveal the truth? To slake his lust he’d promised Medusa safety for her husband, a man he’d done nothing for. To further his enjoyment, he’d pricked his niece and taken Medusa in the temple.
She’d given herself because of the love she had for her husband. A man who loved her so dearly, he gave up Elysium to return. But he’d never hold her in his arms again or look upon her adoring face – not now.
He’d not seen the wrong in it until now. He would look a villain before all, if he confessed his part. Zeus might demand justice – Athena most certainly would.
And he did not enjoy the sorrow that gripped his stomach.
“He is a hero to all of Greece and Athens,” Athena said, nodding. “He was my guard, a cunning fighter, an Ekdromos of the finest skills.”
“A hero with no wife to come home to.” Aphrodite looked at Zeus pointedly.
“What of this man…” Zeus looked at Athena in question.
“Ariston. Ariston of Rhodes,” Athena said, her voice low. “He is deserving of more from a wife, a better wife than Medusa. I did him a favor…”
“Surely he will find another willing woman to wife?” Apollo was unconcerned.
“Aphrodite, find him someone – someone pleasing to honor his heroism,” Zeus ordered.
“Brother,” Poseidon interjected. “He loved his wife. He will look for her.”
“He will give up,” Ares snorted. “Husbands tire of wives, not women.”
But Zeus watched him, his eyebrow arching in question. “Speak Poseidon, if you have something to add to this matter.”
Poseidon spoke with confidence. “Ariston will seek his wife unti
l he finds her. The man bargained with Hades for that very purpose. He may give her up – but it will take time. Time he will spend searching.”
Athena’s eyes narrowed. “Then his fate is sealed.”
Hera rose, outraged. “You cannot condemn this man! Not after all he has done for Olympus. Husband, I implore you. There must be another solution.”
Quiet filled the chamber once more. Even Poseidon mulled over this dilemma. But then, Zeus would decide the matter.
When Zeus finally spoke, there was a gleam in his eyes. “Whatever happens, no more harm must come to either of them. Until this matter is settled, I demand it.”
###
“How can I trust you?” Medusa asked Euryale in despair. “How can I?”
Euryale shook her head, shrugging. “You have no choice, Medusa.”
“It will not happen again, sister. I promise,” Stheno intervened, ever the peace-maker.
“It will not,” Medusa agreed. “I cannot bear it!” Whether Euryale had meant for Medusa to discover the man in the last village, she could not be certain. But his face, those of the fishermen, and the messenger, along with those Persians who’d fallen victim, haunted her. “I will not bear it!”
Euryale smiled. “Idle threats, to be sure.”
“Why do you torment me?” Medusa whispered.
“It brings me pleasure. Something I have very little of in this life.”
“Peace,” Stheno said. “I will go, Medusa, I will go with Euryale to scout our way.”
Medusa drew in a steadying breath, her head aching unbearably. She nodded.
