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“What is it?” Ektor peered around Ariston’s shoulder.
“A gift I gave to my lady wife before I left.” Ariston’s voice was low and controlled. He swallowed, meeting Thea’s large yellow eyes to find his sorrow reflected there. His next words were a broken whisper, too soft for Ektor to hear. “You kept it for her, didn’t you, Thea?”
Thea blinked at him.
She knew what had happened to Medusa. This mighty and loyal creature had been caged, locked away from her lady. But Thea would have fought to be free. She would have fought anyone to stay with Medusa…
Unless Medusa ordered her to stay?
Even as the thought occurred to him, he dismissed it. If that was the way of it, Thea would not have been caged.
Medusa loved Thea. She would have ensured her pet had the best care, if she’d been able.
How had they been parted then?
Whatever had happened, he knew it was not Athena’s will. While he had no doubt of Poseidon’s treachery, Athena would not turn away from one who’d loved and served the Goddess so completely.
He would not believe it.
“How fares those homes beyond Athens’ defenses?” Ariston’s eyes strayed in the direction of Galenus’ house.
Ektor’s eyes followed. “The Persians left a path of death and plague, Ariston. Galenus’ house was not spared.” His voice lowered. “Hesiodos has been instructed to burn it.”
Urgency rose within him, pushing against his fragile control. “When?” He shifted the owl, bracing her against him and wrapping his cloak about her.
“This eve, if he can manage it. They set out to find any injured or displaced citizen, to bring them inside the walls that have been repaired. But they’ve been charged with burning out those homes touched by Persian hands, with their pestilence. It was thought best to do so before Athens’ citizens returned to their country homes, but it was too great a task.” Ektor regarded him, his voice pleading as he said, “Ariston, Galenus’ home was infected… There is talk of some strange…”
“Have you been, Ektor?” Ariston asked with authority. “Have you ventured outside of Athens or from the temple since the Persians left?”
Ektor sighed but shook his head. “No, sir, but I fear your journey will lead you to nothing but more death.”
“Well then, worry not over me. I’ve bested death once. I’m sure it will go easier the second time.” Ariston clasped arms with the youth and swung up onto his horse. He turned the animal towards Galenus’ house but glanced back at Ektor. “I would ask a favor, once more?”
Ektor’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. “Ask.”
Ariston pulled a sack of coin from his cloak, tossing it to Ektor. “My lady’s companion, Elpis, and the lady Xenia have returned this day. They will stay in Athens but they have no man to care for them…”
“I will look after them. I am most relieved to know Elpis is well…the Lady Xenia as well. Will be a pleasure to serve them, though I’ve no need of this.” He held up the sack.
“Appease me, keep it. Times will be hard for some time yet.” Ariston smiled. “That it pleases you to look after Elpis pleases me more than you know. And my lady as well, I’m sure. May the Goddess bestow blessings on you.”
“Blessings to you, sir.”
Ariston nodded before turning the horse towards the country.
He made the trek quickly, appreciating the speed of the horse beneath him. If he’d been forced to travel on foot, his heart and lungs would have struggled under the pace he’d have set. Instead he nudged his mount onward, surveying the countryside with mounting sadness.
The road was littered with destruction. Livestock lay dead, shacks burned and smoking, not a
herder or herd animal in sight. It was a far cry from the peaceful country he’d left only months before. Even the sky seemed grey. No doubt the fires still burning lent their soot to the hovering gloom. But no birdsong or blooms greeted him. It was silent, cold and barren.
Galenus’ gate was open. The donkey and goats ambled about, apparently unharmed and content to roam freely.
Thea cackled, seeking escape from his robes.
“You know where we are then?” he asked.
She cooed at him, balancing unsteadily on his forearm while she assessed the grounds of her once regal home.
