Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) (21 page)

He’d pulled it from her neck.

The crescent moon was high, but its slight light did nothing to aid in her search. Instead, it cast long shadows across the ground –as if even Selene was scorning her.

She could not stop shivering, or catch the soft moan that slipped from her throat as her search became frantic. Every part of her throbbed, her body and soul ached.

“Medusa?” Stheno stood, a wraith-like visage illuminated by the glow of the lamp she held aloft. “We’ve searched these two days, to bring you home.”

She couldn’t speak, so she nodded.

“What ails you, sister?” Euryale moved closer, holding her lantern high above them.

The two stood, regarding her from the depths of their veils.

Medusa stared back, swallowing convulsively as she sought the words to explain. None came. Even if she had the words, she would never speak them.

“What has he done to you?” Stheno asked in a voice so full of despair that Medusa closed her eyes.

“What Poseidon always does, I fear.” Even Euryale spoke gently. “He is a beast.”

Their pity chafed her, forcing her to stand straight. But the effort cost her, making her sway on unsteady feet.

“Come with us, sister. Come home,” Stheno implored. “It is done. Father will welcome you back.”

“Life will go on,” Euryale added, not unkindly. “And you may…heal at home.”

Medusa shook her head. “I will wait for my husband.” She would not leave.

“Will he want you now?” Stheno spoke so softly that Medusa wondered if her sister had said the words or if she’d asked herself such a question.

“If he is alive,” Euryale said. “Many lives were lost to the storm and the battle…”

“He is alive.” Medusa’s voice rasped from her throat.

“Will he still want you?” Stheno repeated. She moved closer and draped her arm carefully about Medusa’s shoulders. “Come away. Let us find you a bed. Galenus has been searching for you, worried and fearful.”

Medusa shook her head. “Look at me. Will seeing me make all right for them once more?” Her voice hitched as she held tightly to what little control she still had.

“You look as you always do.” Stheno hugged her.

“Whatever injury Poseidon has inflicted, it is visible only to you. Galenus and Xenia will be pleased, in their own way.” Euryale shook her head, making the long veils sway. “Your suffering has brought joy to all else, sweet sister. You have fulfilled the will of Olympus.”

Medusa stared at her sister.

“Poseidon is appeased. Father will be appeased. An alliance will be forged. It is done,” Euryale shrugged.

“Come, Medusa, let us go…”

Medusa wrenched from Stheno’s grasp, horrified by the truth of her sister’s words. She’d done her duty once more. And, in betraying her husband, she’d likely once more earned favor with her father, her family and the Gods. It galled her, making a knot tighten and twist in her stomach.

None of them mattered.

Ariston was all now.

And she would wait for him.

Until he came home, she would have his gift. “I must find my necklace.” She stumbled once, but continued to peer into the darkness. “I will not go until I have it.”

“We will help.” Stheno moved forward, holding the lantern high for Medusa.

###

Zeus leveled a hard look upon Poseidon. “You are satisfied?”

Poseidon nodded. His brother need never know the truth.

Zeus sat back in his throne, a smile upon his face. “And was the bedding worthy of such a hunger?”

“She was lovely.” His words were curt.

More lovely than he’d expected. When she’d taken his hand, his delight knew no bounds. Yet she’d refused to look on him, refused to move beneath him – as she’d done on the beach with her man. No matter how soft his lips or how gentle his touch, she was unmoved. And his delight vanished.

Zeus laughed. “Would you still have her as wife?”

Poseidon felt anger rise within him.

Her body was undeniably soft and inviting. And his need had consumed him as he’d touched her. But the memory of her gasping and mewling beneath her husband had twisted his desire, had mocked him. His lust had turned to anger – an anger that overwhelmed him. No matter what caresses or strokes he bestowed upon her, she’d refused pleasure at his hand.

And if she would not sigh with pleasure, he would have her cry out for mercy. He had used her badly. But her tears, when they came, had been silent. She’d robbed him of satisfaction even then.

The things he’d done, he could never take back.

He should have killed her beloved husband. He should have drowned them both in their cove, and wiped away his longing. Instead she’d stirred his heart and made him want.

Not her. He knew the truth of that now. Such love, to know the depth of real love for another and have it returned, was beyond his understanding. And yet, someday, he might deign to consider such a partnership. Someday.

“Would you, brother?” Zeus interrupted his musing.

Poseidon regarded his brother, noting the impatience on Zeus’ face. “No. Medusa belongs with the man she calls husband. Her heart is true and there is no room for another.” Though he thought her husband was a foolish man, leaving her behind to fight Athena’s battle.

“Then peace,” Zeus sighed. “Your lustful nature is most worrisome. Let us hope you will find a partner to calm the fire in your blood.” Zeus led him into the Council Chamber.

“You believe such a woman exists for me?” Poseidon laughed. He doubted one woman would be able to love him, and he her, with such true devotion.

Zeus regarded him with amused eyes, shrugging. “And Athena? Have you made peace with her?”

“Was there need to make peace?” Exasperation tinged his voice. “I cannot bed a woman, raise a storm or send an earthquake without needing to apologize to your daughter.” And yet, he would be forced to apologize to Athena if she discovered his latest exploit. Athena, chaste virgin Goddess that she was, would likely turn her spear on him if she learned that he’d found his pleasure with Medusa on the dais of her temple.

It was more than an insult, but his fury had been beyond control. He’d dragged her to the temple, intending to throw her at Athena, to expose her as a trollop. But watching her shiver upon the cold marble had stirred his blood again.

“Find a way to end this feud between you. It is unseemly.” Zeus spoke with authority, scowling at him in subtle warning. “She is a Goddess and worthy of your respect.”

“I will try, brother. I will.” He resented his brother’s superiority at times such as this. If he, Hera, and Athena had been successful in their attempt to overthrow Zeus – would Poseidon himself have become so insufferable and self-righteous?

But then he wouldn’t enjoy haranguing his niece. Controlling her was a chore he would never attempt. If their conquest had been successful, he would have been forced to kill Athena for the right to rule Olympus.

He grudgingly admitted that Zeus managed her with a calm he would never own.

Zeus clapped him on the shoulder. “I will hold you to that. We are Gods, yes, but we are family as well. I would have you remember that.” And then his brother went to join his wife.

Poseidon’s eyes swept the chamber, a familiar sense of discontent settling over him.

###

“Is she awake?” Medusa heard her uncle’s voice, but did not acknowledge it. If they thought she slept, she would be left in peace. She’d earned that.

“She is not,” Stheno snapped.

“When she wakes tell her Elpis has arrived. She brings news,” Galenus spoke softly.

Medusa stirred. News – from Elpis? Had she brought word of Ariston? Perhaps he’d come back or was on his way… or injured. She took a deep breath and waited.

“What news?” Stheno’s voice was a whisper.

“I dare not speak the words twice,” Galenus said.

Medusa did not move, though she grew rigid with apprehension. “Send Elpis to me.”

“Are you well, niece?” Galenus asked.

“No, Uncle. I am not.” She made no attempt at pleasantries. “Please send Elpis to me.”

She heard the door shut and knew her sister had sent him away.

She lay, listening to the sounds of the early morning spilling into her bedroom. Such sounds would normally give her ease, lulling her back to sleep. But there would be no sleep, not yet.

“Has Euryale returned?”

“Not yet.” Stheno brushed a long lock from Medusa’s cheek. “She will not give up. You know that.”

Euryale had offered to stay, to search for Medusa’s missing necklace on the rocks of the cliff. Medusa had fought to stay as well, but the Gorgons would hear none of her arguments. Her mind was able but her body was not. Stheno had helped her home with the promise that Euryale would find the carved owl Ariston had made for her.

“Mistress?” Elpis’ voice was unsteady.

Medusa sat up, turning towards her companion with arms outstretched. “Elpis.”

“Oh, lady,” Elpis cried, hugging Medusa to her. “Are you ill?”

“It is plain to see that she is,” Stheno said, startling Elpis into silence.

“Stheno, be kind to my beloved Elpis. She has been a sister to me in my time with Galenus and Xenia. I ask that you treat her as such.” Medusa glanced at her sister, all the while holding Elpis to her.

Stheno straightened. “If she pleases you, then I will try.”

“And you,” Medusa smoothed the soft brown hair on Elpis’ head. “Where did you spend the night?”

“Under the dock.” Elpis shook her head. “I was too afraid to make the journey after dark.”

“That was wise,” Medusa soothed her.

“I am sorry, mistress. I went to the temple…”

“Was Athena there?” Medusa asked.

Elpis shook her head.

“She would not have listened,” Stheno assured, “if she had been there. Her mind was set. Elpis was on a fool’s errand.”

“Mayhap you are right,” Medusa whispered.

“I lost my way coming back to the cave. I could see the docks and went in hopes of hearing news.” Elpis was shaking as she spoke.

“And what have you learned?” Stheno asked.

“The storm was a grave…danger,” Elpis voice wavered. “Ektor said fifteen triremes were lost to the storm alone. And more were taken in battle. Two returned to Athens while the rest went on to Salamis.”

Medusa searched Elpis’ face. “But Ariston is safe and well, is he not?”

Elpis regarded her with troubled brown eyes. “He… he was gravely injured, mistress, though his ship went on to Salamis.”

“He is well,” Medusa whispered fiercely. “He must be.”

“One of the injured soldiers that returned spoke of his bravery. He said your husband fought valiantly.” Elpis’ words were hoarse. “His sword and spear killed more men than any other on his vessel.”

Medusa grasped Elpis’ hands. “Please, please tell me everything you know.”

“He was struck many times. But he did not stop fighting… The storm bore his ship into the path of a Persian vessel and his ship was overrun. The storm tossed them, knocking more than half of their crew into the seas. But Ariston fought on.”

Medusa’s heart swelled. She was proud of him, even as she ached at the thought of his suffering. Sharing Ariston’s battles – his victories – gave him glory.

“A sword struck his chest, a fatal blow. And still, Ariston defeated his foe… He fought until no Persian stood on his decks… Only then did he fall.”

Medusa shook her head, stunned. “No.”

Elpis whispered, “I am sorry, mistress… Pamphilos was in command as they set sail for Salamis.”

“No, no.” Medusa’s voice rose, a high, agitated cry. “He was to be protected. It was part of our bargain. He promised… He promised me Ariston would be safe.”

Elpis’ brow furrowed. And then understanding dawned. “Oh, my lady,” she sobbed anew.

She shook her head, unable to accept Elpis’ words. It was not true. He lived. He must live…

“It is no matter for a God to break their word, sister. They’ve no need to answer to us,” Stheno said. “We will go home tomorrow. It will do you good to be gone from this place and all that has happened here.” She opened the door. “I will tell Galenus that we leave at first light.”

Medusa heard the door shut as Stheno left the room.

“I’m so sorry, mistress.” Elpis clasped her hand, offering support.

Medusa longed to shake off her touch, but she could not move.

“He loved you dearly,” Elpis whispered. “Ektor said he’d turned his ship towards shore to return to you…”

Medusa startled. “What?”

Elpis blushed. “I…I sent him a note. Once I’d learned what your…gift was to be, I ran to the temple. I heard Poseidon’s offer and your answer…and feared the repercussions. I asked for his guidance.”

The air drained from Medusa’s lungs.

“I ask for your forgiveness, mistress. I meant no harm…”

Her heart shattered, pulsing shards of agony through every part of her. He had died knowing her plight. He’d tried to return… She was to blame for his death, then. Such a burden would have clouded his focus, shaken his control…

A sob choked her.

“Elpis,” she gasped, clinging to her companion’s hand in desperation. She had no words, only anguish.

Had she not done everything asked of her? Had she not given everything she had, or was, in her service to Olympus? And still, they had made him suffer. Their soldier had been shown no mercy – or respect.

A peculiar numbness licked at the soles of her feet. Her toes curled as the slow rush of frost moved, traveling up the length of her legs and pricking frigid needles across her stomach. It lodged itself in her chest, turning her heart and lung to ice. She felt heavy and slow, but the pain was less. It was there, screaming at the edge of her consciousness, but she would not yield to it – not yet.

She could not stand Elpis’ touch upon her.

She could not bear to sit in this room.

She would not accept this… this punishment when she had done their will.

“Help me dress.” Medusa’s words were clipped.

“Where are you…?”

“Do not ask me questions, Elpis. Do what I ask.” Medusa did not look at Elpis as she spoke.

“Mistress?”

“Once I’m gone, find Stheno. Tell her we will depart when I return. I have no need of rest. I need only to leave this cursed place.”