Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) (7 page)

She glanced up, smiling at him.

He smiled back. He had no choice.

“Mistress?” a woman’s voice called from the hill above.

Ariston rose quickly, standing at the ready. But the young sprite of a girl who bounded down the rocky hill to the beach posed no threat, so Ariston returned to his resting place. He wrestled with a sense of disappointment. The fragile intimacy they’d built would be gone now. He would simply be Medusa’s guard once more.

“I’m here, Elpis,” Medusa called back.

The young woman – Elpis -- leapt onto the beach, a basket in her arms. She caught sight of Ariston and held the basket to him. “Here, hoplite, for you and your mistress.”

Ariston rose, taking the basket from the girl before she bounded into the water. She giggled as Medusa splashed her. They splashed and laughed until they were both squealing and dripping wet.

He turned away, suddenly wishing this adventure was behind him.

Though he was loyal to Athena, he was a man, young and virile. The sight of his lady, wet and lush, would be too much for even the most indifferent of men. The Gods were surely laughing down at him as he tried again to deny the hunger raging in his blood.

The air by his ear stirred suddenly, causing him to turn – alert once more. He was greeted by two yellow eyes. A regal owl sat on the rim of his shield.

It stared at him, clicked, and bobbed its head.

“Hello.” He grinned, amused by the animal’s behavior.

The owl cooed, its gaze narrowing to slits. It clicked again, then turned its attention to the women in the water. It made a series of small coos, as if pleased by the sight.

Ariston looked too. It was a lovely sight to behold. His blood warmed as he watched Medusa. The finely spun linen of her peplos clung to her curves. He turned, looking desperately for distraction.

“You were up with the sun,” Elpis spoke, still gasping from their antics.

“I slept not at all,” Medusa said.

“How could you? I’ve been haunted by their visit and I have yet to see them.”

Ariston shifted closer to hear them. Whatever troubled his lady, he would find it out.

“Tis a shame such terror is caused by those I call kin,” Medusa teased.

“What will you do?”

Ariston watched as his lady’s features changed, her earlier sadness returning. He felt the desire to go to her. Instead he leaned forward, fetching the water skin and shifting to better hear their conversation.

“There’s nothing I can do, Elpis.”

Elpis nodded. “Either choice has grievous consequences. My heart breaks for you, mistress.” The girl sounded close to tears.

Ariston watched as Medusa drew her companion to her, hugging her. “I have asked Athena. Surely the Goddess of Wisdom and Reason will know my path.”

“But to go against your parents?” Elpis gasped. “Against Poseidon? Or against Athena? Is the gravity of such decisions lost upon your good parents? If so, do they love you well enough? It is cruel, to leave such weighty matters on your delicate shoulders.”

Ariston sat frozen, the water skin gripped in his white-knuckled fists. What matter would place her at odds with not one, but two Olympians?

“Poseidon cares not. Why would he? But my father and mother…” Medusa sighed. “Titans are fearsome creatures. Their wrath is something I know, Elpis. And I fear for Athens, for her people, if my father is too displeased. I could not bear being the cause of such a disaster.” Medusa’s hands swirled in the water as she continued, “I will trust Athena’s guidance.”

Ariston stared at her, a knot of anxiety hardening his stomach.

Medusa splashed Elpis then, a gay smile chasing her gloom away. “I will swim, Elpis. Join me?”

Elpis splashed Medusa, making her mistress laugh with delight.

The owl at Ariston’s back cooed when Medusa laughed, making him smile up at the small bird. “It is the sound of joy, is it not, little one?” he whispered.

The bird’s eyes narrowed again and it clicked at him, softly, in reply.

“I may splash, but I do not swim. It’s your delight, not mine,” Elpis said.

“Will you stay and eat with us?” Medusa glanced at Ariston, her eyes growing wide as she saw the owl. “Be careful, soldier. My Thea is a fickle friend. She will woo you with her bright eyes and soft sounds, and bite you when you’d stroke her.”

Ariston assessed the delicate owl with a dubious frown. “She’ll not bite me.” He cleared his throat when his gaze settled upon Medusa, her wet form undeniably woman. But his voice belied none of his agitation as he asked, “
Your
Thea?”

Elpis nodded. “Thea was Medusa’s gift from Athena. And Thea is Medusa’s most loyal companion.”

“She rivals even you in her fierce protection of me.” Medusa smiled, teasing him again.

He did not still his smile, for his pleasure at her happiness was swift. “She is a fine specimen indeed.”
As is my Lady – my love. May the Gods forgive me.

He lifted the water skin, drinking deeply.

Medusa nodded. Her eyes flashed in the bright sunlight as she added, “She is.”

The water skin paused on its way back to the sand. The curve of her smile, the impish merriment of her eyes rendered him immobile. She would be the end of him, with only a smile.

Elpis splashed her mistress then, breaking the spell that held him so transfixed. She cast a wide-eyed expression upon her mistress and said, “Swim, then, mistress, so that we may eat.”

Medusa nodded, took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the waves.

Ariston braced himself as Elpis sloshed out of the water and went to the basket. She spread the linen sheet upon the sand and regarded him steadily.

“If you care for our mistress, you must be more careful,” Elpis said softly, peering over her shoulder. Medusa’s feet disappeared as she dove under the water, leaving him at the mercy of Elpis’ scolding. A scolding he knew was founded.

Ariston arched an eyebrow and took an apple, but said nothing.

Elpis returned the look, shaking her head. “I saw you this morning. And if I saw you then someone else might have, too. She’ll need you now. She needs someone to watch over her, to care for her, as they’re pulling her every which way.”

Ariston sat forward, eyes narrowing. Finally he might have his questions answered. “What is it that grieves the lady so?”

“You know who she is?” Elpis asked incredulously, kneeling on the blanket by the basket.

Thea cackled, displeased by the brittle tone of Elpis’ question.

Ariston regarded the owl with a slight smile before turning to Elpis. “She is Athena’s high priestess.”

Elpis assessed him with care. “You have much to learn about our mistress. For our lady is also the daughter of sea titans, Ceto and Phorcys. She is sister to those monstrous creatures, the Gorgons.”

Elpis’ words briefly silenced him. “How can that be? Phorcys is a…a monster, not a man.” Ariston’s voice was sharp.

Thea cackled again, ruffling her feathers.

“He is. A monster that does not deserve his sweet daughter,” Elpis choked out. Thea hooted, causing Elpis to glare at the owl. The young woman clasped her hands in her lap and lowered her voice. “Phorcys was steadfast to Zeus and the Olympians during the war with Cronus and the Titans. As reward, he kept his powers
and
Medusa was born. A mortal child, she is all that is most valued among man – loyal, gentle, and beautiful.”

“But what use can such a creature have for such a daughter?”

Elpis shook her head, her eyes drifting to the water where Medusa swam. “Phorcys has found his uses. She was bartered to Galenus as a child, offered to Athena as a youth, and she will marry now – if her father has his way. Master Galenus believes she will wed someone of value and stature. I have heard him speak of Phorcys’ hunger for more power or wealth – that he’s shameful and selfish. Our mistress is simply another means to achieve his goals.”

“I did not know,” he murmured. His head was spinning.

“And yes, she is also Athena’s priestess.”

Ariston turned towards the water. Medusa lay back, floating on the vibrant blue waves, seemingly at ease. Her hair surrounded her, as if she wore her veil. “She cannot…” He could scarce speak the words, and his mind rebelled against such thoughts.

“She will do as she is told. That is her way.” Elpis followed his eyes. “She prizes duty.”

His heart twisted sharply, both frightening and angering him. “She is suffering.” His words were the softest whisper – too soft, he hoped, for Elpis’ hearing.

He would protect her, from Poseidon himself if need be.

Thea called out then, a strange keening that drew Ariston’s attention. He stiffened as the owl flew to him, settling on his shoulder with a flurry of feathers. The owl cooed, nuzzling his ear with her delicate beak. She did not bite him, but gently sorted his curls, clicking and cooing all the while.

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.”

Ariston shrugged, unsettling the bird and making her fly to Medusa.

Thea landed in her mistress’ lap, burrowing against Medusa’s chest and cooing like a pleased infant.

“Not so much as you.” He chuckled, his brow lifting at the bird’s display.

“She knows that I love her dearly.” Medusa stroked the owl’s head, running her hand down the bird’s body in long fluid strokes.

Ariston watched, mesmerized.

Elpis shook her head. “She tried to tear my finger off when I offered her a treat. Count your blessings that she finds you more favorable.” 

Once Elpis had shared her story, he was pleased Thea had found him an acceptable companion. And that her story had distracted Medusa, for Elpis was a gifted storyteller. She started with Thea’s bite, moved on to Xenia’s fear of the animal and eventually made her way back to Medusa’s sisters while they ate their meal. He laughed, enjoying the way Elpis carried on about the Gorgons’ treacherous habits.